Oscar winner for best documentary, to become TV series on Animal Planet

A new television series based on the environmental film is being picked up by the Animal Planet, reports the Los Angeles Times.

Tentatively named "Dolphin Warriors," the series begins where the movie left off in detailing the controversial dolphin trade in Japan and efforts to put an end to it.

"The Cove" looks at an annual event in Taiji, Japan during which fishermen sell dolphins into captivity or kill them for meat.

Animal activist Ric O'Barry, 70, who featured prominently in the movie, will also star in the show, which is being produced by his son Lincoln. So far, two episodes have been completed.

"What has happened now is that they're not killing dolphins in the cove; they've moved offshore," O'Barry said. "They've created an artificial cove out of nets, and they drive the dolphins in there and kill them so we can't photograph it. But we have some drones and small planes and things to prove it."

Majorie Kaplan, general manager and president of Animal Planet, believes the film's message fits the channel.

"Ric and Lincoln O'Barry are fascinating men with an important mission and remarkable stories to share," she said. "We're delighted to be working with them on their next project."

No premiere date has been set for "Dolphin Warriors," but the show will most likely debut after Animal Planet shows "The Cove" this summer.


/NY Daily News/