Watch Saving Africa's Giants with Yao Ming

Saving Africa's Giants is an incredibly inspiring and thought-provoking documentary that follows former NBA star Yao Ming as he embarks on a mission to save some of the world's most endangered animals from extinction. In particular, the documentary focuses on the plight of Africa's giants - elephants, rhinos and giraffes - which are being hunted and poached at an alarming rate.

The documentary is divided into six episodes, each of which explores a different aspect of the crisis facing these majestic creatures. From the brutal reality of poaching and trophy hunting, to the challenges of protecting habitats and engaging local communities, the show offers a comprehensive look at the many issues involved in saving Africa's giants.

Throughout the series, Yao Ming serves as both a guide and a voice for the animals, offering his unique perspective as an animal lover and activist. He meets with park rangers, conservationists, and local people, learning about the battle to save these animals firsthand. He also participates in various conservation efforts, including tracking elephants, flying over rhino ranges, and even fitting a young giraffe with a GPS collar.

The show is beautifully shot, with stunning footage of these magnificent animals in their natural habitats. However, it doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of their situation. Viewers are shown graphic images of poached animals, as well as the damage done to habitats by human activity. This approach makes the show somewhat difficult to watch at times, but it's also what makes it so powerful.

One of the most striking aspects of Saving Africa's Giants is the way it highlights the interconnectivity of all living things. Viewers are shown how the loss of a single species can have a ripple effect throughout an entire ecosystem. For example, the death of elephants can lead to overgrowth of plants, which in turn can lead to the destruction of habitats for other animals. It's a stark reminder that the fate of these animals is inextricably linked to our own.

Despite the challenges and setbacks facing conservation efforts, there are still moments of hope and inspiration throughout the series. Viewers are introduced to some truly remarkable individuals who are making a difference in their communities. From rangers risking their lives to protect animals, to young people speaking out against poaching, these unsung heroes are the real heart of the series.

Overall, Saving Africa's Giants is a must-watch for anyone who cares about the future of our planet. It's a call to action for all of us to do our part to protect these magnificent creatures and the environments in which they live. As Yao Ming says in the show's final moments, "The wild is not something that we can have other people preserve for us. It's something that we must all preserve ourselves."

Saving Africa's Giants with Yao Ming is a series that ran for 1 seasons (1 episodes) between November 19, 2014 and on discovery+