Watch Born To Be Wild

Born to Be Wild is a stunning documentary that transports viewers to the breathtaking landscapes of Borneo and Kenya, two regions of the world that are home to some of the most endangered and fascinating animals on the planet. Narrated by Academy Award-winning actor Morgan Freeman, the film tells the story of two extraordinary women who have dedicated their lives to saving orphaned elephants and orangutans and rehabilitating them for eventual release back into the wild.

The first half of the film focuses on Dr. Birute Galdikas, a scientist who has spent over 40 years working with orangutans in Borneo's rainforests. Through stunning footage and narration from Galdikas herself, viewers get a firsthand look at the incredible intelligence and complexity of these animals, as well as the many threats facing them in the modern world. We see young orangutans being rescued from deforested areas and brought to Galdikas' rehabilitation center, where they receive round-the-clock care and socialization with other orangutans.

Perhaps the most touching moments of this section of the film involve Galdikas' relationship with a young orangutan named Siswi, who lost her mother at a young age and was raised by Galdikas and her team. Through the power of music and singing, Galdikas demonstrates the emotional connection that exists between humans and orangutans, and how important it is for these animals to have loving caretakers to help them overcome the myriad challenges they face in their lives.

The second half of the film moves to Kenya, where we meet Daphne Sheldrick, a conservationist who has spent over 50 years working with elephants in the wild. Sheldrick's story is just as fascinating as Galdikas', as we learn about the many battles she has fought against poachers and other threats to elephant populations. However, the focus here is on Sheldrick's elephant orphanage, where young elephants who have lost their mothers to poaching are brought to be cared for and rehabilitated.

The footage of the baby elephants is nothing short of heart-melting, as we see them drink from giant bottles, play together in the mud, and learn important survival skills from their human guardians. Sheldrick's voiceover provides insight into the complex social structure of elephant herds, as well as the many challenges the young elephants face as they grow up without their mothers.

Throughout the film, Freeman's narration is a perfect complement to the stunning visuals, providing just enough context and emotional weight without overpowering the story. The film's score, composed by Mark Mothersbaugh (of Devo fame), is also a standout, adding a playful and sometimes haunting atmosphere to the footage.

One of the most impressive aspects of Born to Be Wild is the sheer amount of wildlife footage that was captured. From swooping aerial shots of Borneo's rainforests to close-ups of baby elephants nuzzling their caretakers, every shot in this film feels carefully chosen and expertly executed. The film's director, David Lickley, and his team clearly had a deep respect for the animals they were filming, and went to great lengths to capture their behavior and natural habitats in a way that feels authentic and respectful.

Overall, Born to Be Wild is a moving and inspiring film that reminds viewers of the incredible beauty and fragility of the natural world. By spotlighting the work of Galdikas and Sheldrick, the film shows that even in the face of overwhelming challenges, there are people who are dedicated to making the world a better place for all creatures great and small. Whether you're a lifelong animal lover or simply looking for a visually stunning and emotionally resonant documentary, Born to Be Wild is a must-see film that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Born To Be Wild is a series that ran for 1 seasons (10 episodes) between April 8, 2011 and on