The Kratt Brothers 'Get Animated' when Wild Kratts Shows Kids that Animals Can Take You Anywhere in Science on PBS KIDS GO!® - January 2011

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 21, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Animals can take you anywhere in science!  Creature adventurers Chris and Martin Kratt will take 6- to 8-year olds and their families along on extraordinary animal-powered adventures in WILD KRATTS, a new series premiering on PBS KIDS GO! January 3, 2011 (check local listings).  The show transforms the Kratt Brothers, creators of the award-winning Kratts' Creatures and Emmy-winning Zoboomafoo, into animated versions of themselves, allowing the real-life zoologists to unveil amazing and rare wildlife behavior and showcase key science concepts along the way.

From elephants using the physics of suction to suck gallons of water with their trunks to a fleet of peregrine falcons that harness the force of gravity to speed through the air, each of the 40 new half-hour episodes of WILD KRATTS presents age-appropriate science inspired by the natural abilities of the animals that the Kratt brothers – and young viewers – meet.  The debut series is a co-production of The Kratt Brothers Company and Emmy-winning 9 Story Entertainment.

"We've been filming wild animals all around the world since we were in college, and no matter where we go and what amazing animals we have been lucky enough to film, there have always been those incredible things that are next to impossible to catch – like  the battle between sperm whales and giant squid," said Martin Kratt, series co-creator.  "Now we can bring these greatest animal moments to kids through animation, combined with laugh-out-loud funny adventure stories."

"One important aspect of WILD KRATTS is that we are harnessing the huge appeal of animals in this age group as a launch pad into science by introducing key concepts of  chemistry, physics, geology, biology and natural history through the actions and behaviors of the animals within our stories," added Chris Kratt, co-creator of WILD KRATTS.

"WILD KRATTS presents science with a unique combination of humor, adventure and fun," said Lesli Rotenberg, SVP, Children's Media, PBS.  "Chris and Martin Kratt have a winning history of creating wonderful shows and websites that capture kids' innate curiosity about the amazing world of animals, inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers and explorers."

Wild Kratts features Chris and Martin in a live-action segment starring actual animals as the brothers wonder what it would be like to experience a never-before-seen wildlife moment.  Then the brothers transform into animated versions of themselves and the adventure begins, giving kids a glimpse into the secret lives of extraordinary creatures inhabiting some of the world's most exotic locales such as tiger quolls from Australia, draco lizards from Indonesia, mambas of Africa and the elusive colossal squid from the depths of the ocean.

Animals don't always cooperate with the animated Chris and Martin, and things rarely go according to plan, leaving them stuck in hilarious and suspenseful predicaments that call for a clever solution.  Enter Aviva Corcovado, a brilliant young inventor who helps the sibling adventurers by developing cutting-edge animal-inspired gadgets – such as Creature Power Suits that generate real "creature features."  Rounding out team Wild Kratts are Koki, a no-nonsense electronic defense whiz, and Jimmy Z, master gamer and "Teleportation Technician."  Together, the animal-loving gang embarks on comedic explorations to learn about and help our fellow creatures, often using the abilities of their animal inspired inventions to foil the dastardly plots of bio-tech villain Zach Varmitech and other environmental evil-doers as they strive to save the planet with their Creature Powers.  The real-life Kratt brothers cap off each program as they interact with the animal encountered in the show and underscore for viewers the key concepts they've introduced on their latest expedition.

With a diverse cast of male and female characters, including two young role models for girls, Wild Kratts helps promote the message that science can be fun.  And Wild Kratts roars to life beyond the television screen, too, with its humorous inquiry-based focus on animals and science.  Interactive and immersive online activities and outreach initiatives will further extend the learning and encourage kids from coast to coast to embark on their own missions and help save the planet with Creature Power!

About The Kratt Brothers Company

Wild Kratts joins several other wildly popular children's television shows created by animal experts Chris and Martin Kratt.  Zoologists by training, the Kratt brothers have built a trusted entertainment brand based on their enthusiasm for animals.  Since founding their production company, Kratt Bros. Co, in 1993, they have developed and executive produced more than 140 episodes of three successful television series: Kratts' Creatures, Zoboomafoo with the Kratt Brothers and Kratt Bros. Be the Creature.  In addition to playing themselves, Chris and Martin serve as directors, scriptwriters, authors and wildlife cinematographers in pursuit of more "creature adventure."

About PBS KIDS GO!

PBS KIDS GO!, for early elementary school kids, offers all children the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television, online and community-based programs.  PBS is a nonprofit media enterprise owned and operated by the nation's 360 public television stations,  For more information on specific shows supporting literacy, science, math and more visit PBS.org/pressroom.

Visit pbskidsgo.org/wildkratts to learn more about this "wild" new series!

SOURCE PBS KIDS GO!