While the dodo bird is extinct, one was brought to life through animation to raise awareness about the worldwide plight of endangered species for the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, which was founded in 1959 by author and naturalist Gerald Durrell.
Bristol, U.K.-based studio Aardman Animations and London brand agency TheFrameworks collaborated on this short film, titled The Lonely Dodo (and part of an overall campaign going by the same name), which took the POV of the very last dodo on earth. We watch the title character travel across the globe in search of another of his kind, and cannot help but be moved by the flightless bird’s fruitless quest to find a mate.
Actor and comedian Stephen Fry–a supporter of Durrell–provides dry narration conveying the serious message in an amusing and memorable manner. And actor/impressionist Alistair McGowan gave voice to the last surviving dodo character.
In developing the concept for the film, TheFrameworks aimed to strike at the heart of what Durrell stands for. Most people struggle to comprehend what extinction really means; by drawing a parallel between loneliness and extinction, the creative team added emotional impact to the story.
David Alexander, sr. designer at TheFrameworks, explained, “We were moved by footage of the last Tasmanian tiger [in 1933], lonely and resigned to extinction [this last remaining creature died in 1936]. Pairing this idea with the dodo, which is central to Durrell’s brand and a symbol of extinction, led us to the concept of The Lonely Dodo.”
Staffers at Durrell have dedicated themselves to bringing The Lonely Dodo story to life for more than a year in anticipation of it hopefully being the most successful fundraising campaign in the charity’s history. The goal is for 250,000 people to view the short over the next year and that they will be inspired to support Durrell by signing up to a committed giving program.”
Voices Impressionist McGowan related, “It’s not often one is asked to become a dodo, especially given that we already know how that story ends. Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust exists to make sure that it doesn’t go the same way for other endangered species, so I became their dodo to help spread that message. Glad to say that I’m still here, and it was actually rather fun, despite the seriousness of the subject.”
Along with the dodo, the short also features a range of other critically endangered species with which Durrell works, including the Hispaniolan solenodon, pied tamarin monkey, mountain chicken frog, ploughshare tortoise, Floreana mockingbird and pink pigeon.
Fry noted, “We know that currently there are more species either in the process of becoming extinct or in grave danger of doing so, than ever before in the history of man. Stemming this otherwise inevitable flow towards the loss of nature and all that it provides requires engaging the next generation. I wholeheartedly support the work of Durrell as they aim to inspire young hearts and minds to empathize with, and thus care, for the plight of endangered species.”
Aardman director Matthew Walker said of the project, “It was a truly wonderful experience working with Durrell to create The Lonely Dodo. They gave us the freedom to produce what we hope is a funny and informative film, which is significantly enhanced by the exceptional vocal talents of Stephen Fry and Alistair McGowan. We really hope that it reaches the global audience it deserves.”
Durrell’s CEO Hugh Roberts is enthused over the film, its prospects and how it furthers the mission statement of Gerald Durrell whose “books were the gateway to discovery of the natural world for many. He was enormously aware of the effect mankind was having on other species with which we share this planet. He realized that without intervention, the loss of species would continue with a devastating effect to life on earth. Gerald sadly died in 1995, but his message continues to be extremely topical and important.”
