10 September, 2004
NHNZ Gives Much Maligned Species an Extreme Makeover
A new television special will give a total image makeover to that much maligned animal – the scavenger.
Scavenger Hunt, a co-production between Dunedin-based NHNZ and Animal Planet in the US, will use ‘crime drama’
techniques, a murder-mystery narrative and a pierced and tattooed presenter to bust a few myths about these well known,
but poorly understood, animals.
The programme will be presented by 24-year-old Australian zoologist and scavenger expert Chris Coupland. With a tattoo
of a Tasmanian Devil etched into his chest, Chris is definitely the new breed of scientist – hip, rough around the
edges, but totally dedicated to the animals he works with. Producer of Scavenger Hunt, Judith Curran describes Chris as
“a combination of punk looks, scientific credibility and incredible passion.”
“In Chris we have someone who will act as a ‘spin doctor’ for scavenger species. He loves them and understands them,
and his knowledge and passion for scavengers will captivate the audience.”
Filmed in Australia and Southern Africa, Scavenger Hunt will examine the habits of iconic scavengers the Tasmanian
Devil, the dingo, the red fox, the hyena, the Southern Vulture and the jackal. While the programme will explore the
obvious scavenging abilities of each species, it will also show other sides of their behaviour. “Some aspects of
scavenger behaviour may be a surprise. For example, hyenas hunt as much as they scavenge; and the noble lion scavenges
as much as the hyena. Some of these scavenger species have suffered because they are associated with death but we’re
going to show there’s more to them than just popular opinion and ancient folklore.”
The style of Scavenger Hunt will be fast and contemporary. Quick-fire editing and dramatic narrative techniques such as
flashbacks puts this show on the cutting edge of the natural history genre. NHNZ is one of the world’s leading producers
of factual programming embracing the genres of nature, health, science, adventure, and people.
With over 60 programmes currently in production, its crews work in locations around the world to produce a diversity of
films for international broadcasters including Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, TLC, Discovery Health, National
Geographic Channel, France 5, NHK in Japan and NDR in Germany. Based in Dunedin, New Zealand, the company is wholly
owned by Fox Television Studios.
ENDS