Behind the scenes of Animals of Asia with Dr Scott and This Morning

Our Head of Digital Marketing, Rachel, recently embarked on an unforgettable trip to Sri Lanka with Dr Scott and the This Morning crew to film the upcoming wildlife series, Animals of Asia. The journey was filled with breathtaking wildlife encounters, rich cultural experiences, and a deep dive into conservation efforts.

Here's a day-by-day account of the incredible adventure that brought us closer to nature and gave us the opportunity to capture the heart of Sri Lanka’s stunning biodiversity. We’ve also created a tailormade itinerary based on our trip called Animals of Sri Lanka Tour, for if you’re inspired to follow Dr Scott’s footsteps!

When Dr Scott approached us about his vision for the Animals of Asia series, the idea was to do more than simply showcase wildlife—we wanted to highlight the rich biodiversity of Sri Lanka and offer viewers a glimpse into this stunning part of the world.

The trip was designed with one clear objective: to film four short, impactful segments about the wildlife in Sri Lanka. We wanted to show not only the animals but also the natural beauty and warmth of this incredible island nation. With the help of Jetwing and our Sri Lanka Product Manager Amadea, an itinerary was crafted that promised an extraordinary experience for us and, more importantly, for the viewers back home.

Day 1 – The journey begins

After a smooth flight through Doha on British Airways and Qatar, we landed in Colombo, ready to hit the ground running. Our first stop was Udawalawe, a four-hour drive via the scenic new expressway.

Checking into Waraka Udawalawe was a delight—this boutique eco-friendly hotel, nestled in nature, offered us a warm welcome. We even had time for birdwatching with the resident naturalist, before enjoying an afternoon tea that Dr Scott captured on film to share the wonders of Sri Lankan tea with the viewers.

Day 2 – Up close with elephants

The highlight of the second day was our visit to the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home. This sanctuary for orphaned elephants helps them transition back into the wild. Watching the feeding sessions was heartwarming, and we were privileged to get closer to the elephants - a truly unforgettable experience. The day continued with a safari at Udawalawe National Park, where we filmed large herds of elephants and mischievous monkeys in their natural habitat.

Day 3 – Yala’s wild side

Our adventure took us to Yala National Park, where the wildlife encounters continued to amaze. Upgraded to luxurious villas at Jetwing Jungle Lodge, we couldn’t believe our luck when a wild elephant wandered through the hotel grounds! The safari at Yala was a standout moment—famed for its leopards, Yala delivered three sightings, including a breathtakingly close encounter. Filming in such a remarkable location was exhilarating.

Day 4 – Supporting local causes

On our way to Galle, we made a stop at WECare Worldwide, a local veterinary project dedicated to providing healthcare for Sri Lanka's street dogs. Founded by Dr Janey Lowes, this initiative is an example of compassionate tourism in action. It was touching to see how street dogs are integrated into local communities, loved and cared for, despite lacking access to proper healthcare.

Afterwards, we headed to Weligama, where we tried our hand at stilt fishing—an iconic and challenging tradition unique to this region. The day ended at the beautiful Jetwing Lighthouse hotel, where we celebrated our final night with delicious local cocktails and a feast of Sri Lankan cuisine.

Day 5 – Turtle hatchlings and historic Galle

The final day brought us to the Sea Turtle Farm & Hatchery at Koggala. Watching Dr Scott release baby turtles into the ocean was a magical moment, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts. Later, we explored Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its fusion of Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial history makes it a must-see. Galle’s vibrant streets, rich history, and beautiful architecture were the perfect end to our journey.

What’s next: Tune in to ‘Animals of Asia’ on This Morning

Starting from October 28th 2024, "This Morning" will be airing the four films we created during this incredible trip. Each episode will feature a unique aspect of Sri Lanka’s wildlife, from elephants to leopards, and birds to marine life. Be sure to tune in and experience the wonders of Sri Lanka’s wildlife, captured by Dr Scott and the This Morning team.

We hope these films inspire viewers to appreciate the beauty and importance of wildlife conservation, just as much as we did during our time there.