Through his books, which have been translated into nearly forty languages, he created an awareness and love of nature in millions of people. Despite his death in January 1995, his life's work of saving endangered animals from following the Dodo into extinction continues through the DWCT.

Gerald Durrell's story is told by himself, HRH The Princess Royal, who is patron of the trust, and actor and writer John Cleese.

The programme is introduced by broadcaster and naturalist Sir David Attenborough.