Premiering August 15, the award-winning series returns to celebrate global animal heroes and conservation champions.
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (August 2026) — AnimalZone®, the weekly national television show that celebrates animals and the people who love them, returns for its 16th season on August 15 with a new lineup of uplifting stories spanning wildlife conservation, animal rescue and inspiring human-animal connections.
From coral reef restoration and rescued sea turtles to wild mustangs, parrots, donkeys and beloved family pets, Season 16 introduces viewers to the organizations, conservationists and animal advocates working to protect animals and give them a second chance.
“Every season reminds us that there are incredible people dedicating their lives to making the world a better place for animals,” said Arthur Von Wiesenberger, creator and host of AnimalZone. “Whether it’s rescuing wildlife, restoring fragile ecosystems or giving abandoned animals a second chance, these stories inspire hope and remind us that compassion has the power to create meaningful change.”
Among this season’s featured guests is award-winning nature photographer, documentary filmmaker and conservationist Ian Shive, host of Discovery Channel’s Nature in Focus. AnimalZone will share excerpts from his latest documentary, Wild Rescue, highlighting wildlife rehabilitation efforts.
The series also returns to Eastwood Ranch Foundation for an update with Alison Eastwood and heads to Rosewood Miramar Beach for “Best in Show,” a canine celebration hosted by Jane Lynch and benefiting Santa Barbara Humane. Planned interviews include Lynch, Rosewood Miramar owner Rick Caruso and Santa Barbara Humane President and CEO Kerri Burns.
Season 16 takes viewers from coast to coast, with visits to the Florida Keys SPCA and recent rescues including baby sea turtles; NOAA coral reef restoration efforts in Florida; Seminole Parrot Rescue; and the Wild Bird Sanctuary in Florida.
In California, episodes spotlight California Wildlife Center in Malibu, Pasadena Humane, Donkeyland in San Bernardino, Return to Freedom’s wild mustang sanctuary in Lompoc and Rancho Burro Donkey Sanctuary in San Luis Obispo. The season also features a look at Hawaiian honey bees.
The premiere comes as AnimalZone continues to make its mark on the film festival circuit, earning 23 awards at 23 festivals around the world for its storytelling, filmmaking and original music.
The series added to that recognition in 2026 with multiple honors for Batty for a Cause: Guardians of the Night at Lubee and Echoes of Intelligence: Tanner and the Talking Dolphins. Its original composition, “The Sounds of AnimalZone,” was also named Best Music at the San Diego International Film Awards in 2025, underscoring the creativity behind the series both on screen and beyond.
Looking ahead, Season 17 will take AnimalZone to England, with filming scheduled to begin September 25 and plans to feature some of the country’s remarkable animal sanctuaries and wildlife organizations.
AnimalZone airs on Cox Television’s national network. Full episodes are available at AnimalZone.org and on Plex, Tubi, Roku, Vimeo and Pluto.
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Leigh-Anne Anderson
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