Meryl Streep Narrates American Humane’s New Documentary ‘Escape from Extinction Rewilding’

American Humane, the United States’ first national humane organization and the world’s largest certifier of animal welfare practices, has announced three-time Oscar winner Meryl Streep will narrate the upcoming documentary, “Escape from Extinction Rewilding.” This sequel to the organization’s 2020 documentary “Escape from Extinction” showcases how rewilding, an innovative, ground-tested solution, ensures that conservation efforts are effective and sustainable.

Directed and produced by Matthew Brady through MRB Productions, the film will be released in over 100 theaters nationwide by distributor Joe Garel and his Western Film Services label on September 27, 2024.

Rewilding is an innovative conservation strategy to restore and protect natural ecosystems by allowing them to return to their wild state. This approach involves reintroducing native species, especially apex predators and keystone species, which can help restore ecological balance and biodiversity.

“This documentary, featuring the powerful narration of Meryl Streep, not only brings the significance of rewilding to light but also highlights that you can’t protect what you don’t love, and you can’t love what you don’t know,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane and executive producer of the film. “At American Humane, we are profoundly thankful to Meryl for lending her voice to this critical story of survival, inspiring countless others to become advocates for animal welfare.”

Meryl Streep is widely regarded as one of the greatest performers of her generation. Streep’s career spans over five decades, during which she has received numerous accolades, including a record 21 Academy Award nominations, winning three, and 32 Golden Globe nominations, winning eight. Streep is also a committed advocate for protecting endangered species.

She has actively participated in campaigns to save the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and has supported organizations such as the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). Additionally, Streep teamed up with New Jersey lawmakers to rally behind elephants, advocating for legislation to ban the sale, purchase, or possession of ivory and rhinoceros horn. By narrating Escape from Extinction Rewilding, Streep continues her long-standing support for initiatives that address the urgent need for biodiversity conservation and the protection of endangered species.