Animal Planet and Jane Goodall's Conservation-Focused Roots & Shoots Aim to Inspire Viewers to Take Action and Make a Difference

Animal Planet and Jane Goodall's Conservation-Focused Roots & Shoots Aim to Inspire Viewers to Take Action and Make a Difference

On-air Vignettes Turn Spotlight on Roots & Shoots Program, Beginning November 14

SILVER SPRING, Md., Nov. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Animal Planet expands on its partnership with the Jane Goodall Institute by driving awareness for Roots & Shoots, a worldwide community-based grassroots program that calls young people to engage in action, making a difference for people, animals and the environment. Specially created Roots & Shoots on-air vignettes or "Roots & Shoots Minutes" are designed to run every weekday, Monday through Friday in the 5 PM (ET) time slot on Animal Planet, beginning Monday, November 14.

Founded by renowned conservationist Jane Goodall, the Roots & Shoots program inspires youth to make a difference by becoming involved in their communities. With a mission to foster respect and compassion for all living things, promote understanding of all cultures and beliefs, and inspire each individual to take action, each Roots & Shoots group plans and implements service-learning projects that promote care and concern, making the world a better place for animals, the environment and the human community.

"We have a choice to use the gift of our lives to make the world a better place," said Goodall. "Every action, big or small, makes a difference."

Roots & Shoots began in 1991 on Jane Goodall's front porch in Dar es Salaam. Sixteen concerned Tanzanian students had approached Jane about wildlife and conservation issues. They left with a mandate to connect with their peers and take action on behalf of people, animals and the environment. Today the Roots & Shoots global network connects thousands of determined young people worldwide, through more than 7,500 groups in 91 countries -- and still growing. It includes students of all ages in schools, neighborhoods and community groups -- all working to build a better world for all living things.

Animal Planet's Roots & Shoots Minutes are designed to be a call to action. Vignettes showcase inspiring kids who are involved with animal- focused projects, from building bluebird houses for the species to thrive to helping feed injured flying squirrels at a rehab center, from crafting toys for a visit to the local animal shelter to raising funds for a wildlife sanctuary.

"Our relationship with Dr. Goodall goes beyond programming. We share Jane's passion and commitment to animals," says Maureen Smith, general manager of Animal Planet. "We want to showcase the incredible things Roots & Shoots kids are doing across America to benefit animals and inspire our viewers to get involved."

Viewers can go to http://www.animalplanet.com/ to find out about Roots & Shoots and start making a difference.

Animal Planet's Roots & Shoots Minutes are sponsored by V-Tech Innovation Beyond Technology. V-Tech, the creator of Electronic Learning Products (ELP), is a world leader of age-appropriate toys.

Roots & Shoots is the Jane Goodall Institute's (JGI) worldwide environmental and humanitarian education program, supporting youth in projects that benefit people, animals and the environment. Students analyze problems in their communities and then take action to address those problems. Projects range from beach clean-ups to international campaigns on behalf of endangered species.

Animal Planet, available in 87 million homes nationwide, is the only television network dedicated exclusively to the connection between humans and animals. The network brings people of all ages together by tapping into a fundamental fascination with animals through an array of fresh programming that includes humor, competition, drama and spectacle from the animal kingdom. Animal Planet is a property of Discovery Communications, the leading global real-world media and entertainment company. Discovery has grown from its core property, the Discovery Channel, first launched in the United States in 1985, to current global operations in more than 160 countries and territories with 1.3 billion cumulative subscribers. DCI's over 90 networks of distinctive programming represent 25 network entertainment brands. DCI's other properties consist of Discovery Education and Discovery Commerce, which operates 120 Discovery Channel Stores. DCI also distributes BBC America in the United States. DCI's ownership consists of four shareholders: Discovery Holding Company (Nasdaq: DISCA; DISCB), Cox Communications, Inc., Advance/Newhouse Communications and John S. Hendricks, the Company's Founder and Chairman.

Source: Animal Planet

CONTACT: Alice K. Rao of Animal Planet, +1-240-662-2953 or
alice_rao@discovery.com

Web site: http://www.discovery.com/
http://www.animalplanet.com/

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