Watch Animal Underworld

Animal Underworld is a thrilling documentary series, produced by National Geographic Wild and hosted by the iconic musician, actor, and writer Henry Rollins. The show premiered in 2012 and ran for one season, consisting of six episodes, each focusing on a different aspect of the illegal and dangerous world of the global wildlife trade.

Rollins, known for his enthusiasm and intensity, is the perfect fit for the presenter role. His love for animals is apparent in every episode, where he travels to different parts of the world to uncover the shocking realities of the animal trafficking industry, risking his own safety to bring attention to this often-overlooked issue.

The first episode of Animal Underworld sets the tone for the series, as Rollins travels to Asia, a hotspot for the illegal wildlife trade. He ventures into the seedy underground markets of Hong Kong, where endangered species such as pangolins, shark fins, and ivory are sold at exorbitant prices. Rollins speaks with some of the traders and buyers, who share their justifications for the trade, but it's clear that greed is the driving force behind it all.

In the second episode, Rollins heads to Africa, where rhinos are being poached at an alarming rate for their valuable horns. He embeds himself with rangers who are trying to stop the poachers, documenting the intense measures they take to protect these iconic animals. Rollins also visits a rhino orphanage, where he gets to feed and interact with baby rhinos who have lost their mothers to poaching.

The third episode takes Rollins to South America, where he investigates the illegal trade of exotic pets. He meets with a wildlife rescue center in Peru, where they have hundreds of animals that were confiscated from traffickers, including monkeys, parrots, and even a puma. The episode highlights the catastrophic impact that taking animals out of their natural habitat can have on both the individual animal and the ecosystem as a whole.

The fourth episode shifts focus to North America, where Rollins looks at the cruel and inhumane world of cockfighting. He attends a cockfighting event and speaks with those involved in the underground subculture, including both the breeders and the gamblers. The episode emphasizes the extent to which people will go to participate in and profit from animal cruelty.

In the fifth episode, Rollins explores one of the biggest and most controversial topics in the wildlife trade - the use of animal parts in traditional medicine. He visits a market in China that sells various animal-derived products such as tiger bones, bear gallbladders, and snake blood, which are believed to have medicinal properties. The grim reality is that these practices are causing irreparable damage to animal populations and ecosystems.

The final episode of Animal Underworld is perhaps the most harrowing of them all, as Rollins examines the illegal trade of elephant ivory. He attends an ivory auction in Africa, where he witnesses first-hand the callousness and greed of those involved in the trade. The episode highlights the plight of the majestic elephants and showcases the heroes who are risking their lives to protect them against poachers.

Throughout the series, Rollins is a passionate and charismatic guide, providing valuable insights into the wildlife trade industry and the brave individuals who are fighting to stop it. His personal convictions and emotions are evident in every episode, making the viewer feel invested in the cause.

Animal Underworld is a must-watch for anyone interested in animal welfare and global conservation. The gritty and revealing nature of the show may not be suitable for all viewers, but it's a hard-hitting and important series that shines a light on a subject that needs more attention.

Animal Underworld is a series that ran for 1 seasons (3 episodes) between May 28, 2012 and on National Geographic Wild