BBC NHU, DHX open The Zoo for CBBC

UK kids channel CBBC has commissioned a ob-doc series in which the animals of Paignton Zoo will star.

The Zoo comes from CBBC’s BBC sister division BBC Natural History Unit and Canada’s DHX Media. It will air on UK public broadcast television next year, with DHX taking international sales rights.

The 30-part series began shooting at Paignton Zoo this month after CBBC controller Cheryl Taylor commissioned it. Jonny Keeling is the executive producer.

The Zoo is billed as an ob-doc “with a comedy spin”. Using animation techniques, it will see the gorillas, penguins and giraffes at the zoo given human voices and computer-generated moving mouths.

“This new series promises our young audience a fact-filled and fun packed series cantered around the fascinating characters and everyday adventures at the zoo,” said Taylor.

“This show will blend animal science and conservation information with engaging character-driven comedy,” said Paignton Zoo executive director Simon Tonge. “It will reach a really important audience for us and do it in a way that is appealing and memorable.”