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      The Conservation Game

      Released Aug 27, 2021 1h 47m Documentary TRAILER for The Conservation Game: Trailer 1 List The Conservation Game: Trailer 1 The Conservation Game: Trailer 1 2:05 View more videos
      Reviews Set against the backdrop of a heated national debate on captive big cats in America, THE CONSERVATION GAME follows the story of Tim Harrison, a retired cop who makes a bombshell discovery while undercover at an exotic animal auction. He starts to suspect that America's top television celebrity conservationists may be secretly connected to the exotic pet trade. What follows is a high-stakes game of cat and mouse, filled with lies, deception, and coverups. As his investigation leads deeper into the secret world of the big cat trade, Tim and his team take their fight to the halls of Congress, pressing lawmakers to pass federal legislation that would end the private breeding and exploitation of these endangered and majestic animals. But when opposition comes from an unexpected source, Tim is forced to face the demons of his own past, while wrestling with the consequences of exposing his childhood hero. Read More Read Less

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      Critics Reviews

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      Brad Newsome Sydney Morning Herald Fans of Netflix's Tiger King will be all over this disturbing feature-length documentary in which retired cop turned animal advocate Tim Harrison exposes the squalid world of big-cat breeding and trafficking in the US. Sep 9, 2021 Full Review Scott Marks San Diego Reader Harrison's approach to getting answers would make the late Mike Wallace proud. Aug 12, 2021 Full Review Andy Howell Film Threat While the animals are ostensibly the subject matter of The Conservation Game, the film elucidates the extremes of humanity - from the depraved to the heroic - that will stick with you long after the credits roll. Rated: 8/10 Aug 12, 2021 Full Review Read all reviews

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      Ann M Such an eye opener to the frustration and threats faced by real conservation ambassadors and the abuse of wild animals with no accountability. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/18/23 Full Review brent m We've all no doubt seen (and likely adored) those TV talk show segments and cable programs featuring wild animals with expert handlers promoting the need to protect these magnificent and cuddly creatures, many of which are endangered and dependent on zoos and sanctuaries for safety. But, as director Michael Webber's damning new documentary reveals, those allegedly well-meaning media appearances by "ambassador animals" are a sham. Indeed, most of them are little more than a front for a clandestine network of deceit in the trade, auctioning, sale, and private ownership and exhibition of exotic wild animals, many of which make their debut on these television shows and then vanish into this murky underworld, where they receive questionable care and protection, jeopardizing their well-being and that of their owners and the public at large. This troubling investigation follows the efforts of animal welfare professional Tim Harrison into the whereabouts of disappeared ambassador animals (primarily big cats) through a series of probes into, and encounters with, the likes of well-known handlers and wildlife conservationists Jack Hanna, Dave Salmoni, Boone Smith and Jarod Miller, all of whom have carefully cultivated glowing reputations far different from the nature of the actions in which they routinely engage. It also follows the efforts of Harrison and colleagues to secure the passage of federal legislation prohibiting the private ownership of exotic wild animals, a campaign in which powerful opponents have fought against its enactment, even by nefarious and illegal means. The result is an eye-opening, revelatory exposé, one that will undoubtedly shatter many cherished illusions held by fans and followers of these supposed animal advocates. While some of the material in the film could have been a little better organized, especially in light of the complicated and disturbing web of deception involved, the message nevertheless comes through loud and clear, one that should positively infuriate anyone who claims to be a committed and concerned animal lover. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review greg r This is simple. It's not believable. Nothing they put on film was believable. Sinister music doesn't make a case. Specific in regards to Jack Hanna and the Columbus Zoo. This movie was ridiculous. I can't believe that anyone would watch all of this and conclude that the makers of this film were in any way legit. All emotion. Zero facts. Zero. Rated 1 out of 5 stars 10/11/23 Full Review Audience Member Disturbing. Real insight into wildlife trade and exhibition. Animal rights need a platform and this is it. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/16/23 Full Review Read all reviews Post a rating

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      The Conservation Game

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      Movie Info

      Synopsis Set against the backdrop of a heated national debate on captive big cats in America, THE CONSERVATION GAME follows the story of Tim Harrison, a retired cop who makes a bombshell discovery while undercover at an exotic animal auction. He starts to suspect that America's top television celebrity conservationists may be secretly connected to the exotic pet trade. What follows is a high-stakes game of cat and mouse, filled with lies, deception, and coverups. As his investigation leads deeper into the secret world of the big cat trade, Tim and his team take their fight to the halls of Congress, pressing lawmakers to pass federal legislation that would end the private breeding and exploitation of these endangered and majestic animals. But when opposition comes from an unexpected source, Tim is forced to face the demons of his own past, while wrestling with the consequences of exposing his childhood hero.
      Director
      Michael Webber
      Producer
      Michael Webber
      Distributor
      Cargo Film & Releasing
      Production Co
      NightFly Entertainment
      Genre
      Documentary
      Original Language
      English
      Release Date (Theaters)
      Aug 27, 2021, Limited
      Runtime
      1h 47m
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