Return of the Wild: The Bearman of Buncrana has started to stream on Netflix it follows a man building a zoo in Ireland. from the internet:- Passion drives Killian to create a unique wildlife park that will offer sanctuary to abused brown bears and other rescue animals, returning them to the forest habitats once more. Moondance Productions follow Killian through the highs and lows of his journey to return the wild animals to their rightful place in the Irish landscape. Two years in the making and filmed across multiple countries and continents, this surely will be a one-off gripping tail (tale) which will have audiences at the edge of their seats. This young lawyer will stop at nothing to make his wildlife park a reality. Never before has a project of this scale been undertaken, there is no rule book or how-to instruction manual. This character driven documentary will reveal Killian’s compelling mission to bring back Irish fauna from extinction and to transform his woodland into a world class wildlife sanctuary. By Killian’s side throughout, is his new wife Katie, a city girl and solicitor from Dublin, who has traded the rat race for the wilds of Donegal. This project has the potential to break them financially and emotionally but when they fall in love with some animals in dire need, their commitment to bringing them home becomes unshakable. Despite battling with big banks, red tape, paperwork and bureaucracy the couple remain committed to doing it anyway they can. Moondance has been at their side, documenting their dogged determination to make it happen. From managing the two year build to coming up against roadblock after roadblock Moondance has captured it all making it an honest and compelling watch. Katie and Killian will stop at nothing to realise a lifelong dream. A lawyer by day but a conservationist at heart, Killian’s ambition to build a wildlife sanctuary is on track. As construction of the lakes, islands and huge habitats begin, the enormity of the project hits home. The couple, unshaken by adversity, knuckle in using their legal minds to cut through legislation and red tape to get the animals home. Animals start to arrive before the park is complete, having nowhere to house them, the couple bring wolves, lynx and deer home to their newly renovated house. The pressure continues to mount, the park must be complete and open before the summer season ends. Wild Ireland finally opens at the end of autumn 2019, fifteen months behind schedule and three times over the original budget. Nevertheless, visitors flock to welcome back the native predators and learn of Ireland’s lost animals. Killian’s vision is finally realised, but there’s no time for sighs of relief. The Irish winter bites hard and the park is hit with 6 major storms, crippling visitor numbers. With the storms taking their toll, a global health pandemic emerges, forcing the park to close its doors indefinitely. The animals must be fed and cared for despite the global lockdown and the couple struggling with mounting costs and high emotions without an income. The arrival of spring brings some hope. A litter of 6 Wild Boar brings delight to the world as videos of the Boarlets playing goes viral online. Wild boar last having roamed Ireland 800 years ago. What’s more, with the park re-opening its gates, Katie gives birth to a beautiful baby boy, Rígan – but are they out of the woods yet? Return of the Wild is a documentary series full of heart, passion, high-stakes emotions, big dreams, big predators and even bigger risks – it’s certainly not to be missed. www.wildireland.org
Just watched the series. Not at all what I expected, it’s a very nice documentary that shows the reality of opening a zoo. Unlike any other zoo documentary I’ve ever seen. Well worth a watch!! https://www.netflix.com/title/81661768?s=i&trkid=13747225&t=wha
It doesn't look like it is available in the USA without a VPN. A search on Netflix doesn't return any results.
Killian got in contact with me a few months back, using his own footage, we are working to put together a special feature on my channel. The first time anything international related will be on my page. Based on what he's sent, what he's described, and what I've gathered talking to him, he truly is passionate about what he does. I really hope he and his park gain international fame just like any other major zoo, and I already encourage anyone to make a visit.
