Lions and cheetahs and chimps, oh my: a spotlight on Africa's diverse wildlife

Africa: Earth's Wild Home is a new documentary series from National Geographic, marking the beginning of a franchise that will explore the wildlife and ecosystems of all seven continents. The seven-episode series took four years to create, with filming taking place in nearly 30 African countries. Each episode focuses on a specific ecosystem, from the jungle and desert to the plains, mountains, and islands of Africa.

The series culminates in the final episode, which highlights the local conservation leaders and researchers dedicated to preserving Africa's rich biodiversity for future generations.

The series features a diverse array of animals, including chimpanzees fishing for algae, an African black panther hunting for prey, an orphaned pangolin learning to climb on its own, and a green turtle struggling to return to the ocean after laying eggs on a remote island, where it was rescued by local humans. The series aims to celebrate the incredible diversity and beauty of Africa's wildlife, as well as the resilience and peace that characterizes life on the continent.

Wunmi Mosaku, the series' narrator, brings a personal connection to the project. Born in Nigeria and raised in England, Mosaku expresses her deep appreciation for the continent and her desire to reconnect with and celebrate its unique wonders. She describes the opportunity to narrate the series as a significant honor and a proud part of her identity.