AnimalZone returns for season 16 with wildlife rescue stories

AnimalZone premieres its 16th season August 15 on Cox Television’s national network, bringing new stories of conservation, rescue and human-animal bonds from Florida to California. The season also builds on the series’ award streak and tees up filming for Season 17 in England.

Why it matters: - AnimalZone reaches a national audience with stories about wildlife conservation, animal rescue and sanctuary work. - The new season highlights organizations and people working to protect animals, restore habitats and give injured or abandoned animals another chance. - The show’s continued awards run gives the series added visibility as it expands into more locations and themes.

What happened: - AnimalZone returns for its 16th season on August 15. - The weekly TV series features a new lineup of stories about coral reef restoration, rescued sea turtles, wild mustangs, parrots, donkeys and family pets. - Season 16 includes interviews and visits with conservationists, animal advocates and rescue organizations across the U.S. - Featured guests include nature photographer and filmmaker Ian Shive, host of Discovery Channel’s Nature in Focus. - AnimalZone will share excerpts from Shive’s documentary Wild Rescue, which focuses on wildlife rehabilitation. - The season also revisits Eastwood Ranch Foundation with Alison Eastwood. - A segment from Rosewood Miramar Beach spotlights “Best in Show,” a canine event hosted by Jane Lynch and benefiting Santa Barbara Humane. - Planned interviews for that segment include Lynch, Rosewood Miramar owner Rick Caruso and Santa Barbara Humane President and CEO Kerri Burns.

The details: - Florida segments include the Florida Keys SPCA, baby sea turtle rescues, NOAA coral reef restoration efforts, Seminole Parrot Rescue and the Wild Bird Sanctuary in Florida. - California episodes feature 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 includes a look at Hawaiian honey bees. - Arthur Von Wiesenberger, creator and host of AnimalZone, said the series is meant to highlight people dedicating their lives to helping animals and ecosystems. - AnimalZone has earned 23 awards at 23 festivals around the world for storytelling, filmmaking and original music. - In 2026, the series added honors for Batty for a Cause: Guardians of the Night at Lubee and Echoes of Intelligence: Tanner and the Talking Dolphins. - The original composition “The Sounds of AnimalZone” won Best Music at the San Diego International Film Awards in 2025. - AnimalZone airs on Cox Television’s national network. - Full episodes are available at AnimalZone.org and on Plex, Tubi, Roku, Vimeo and Pluto.

Between the lines: - AnimalZone is positioning itself as both a feel-good animal series and a showcase for conservation work with measurable public interest. - The mix of rescue stories, celebrity-driven segments and festival recognition suggests the series is trying to broaden appeal while reinforcing credibility. - The Season 17 announcement signals the show is already extending its production footprint beyond the U.S.

What's next: - Filming for Season 17 is scheduled to begin September 25 in England. - That season is expected to feature animal sanctuaries and wildlife organizations in the U.K. - Viewers can continue watching full episodes on the show’s website and streaming platforms.