ANIMAL PLANET HIGHLIGHTS ONE ORGANIZATION'S MISSION TO PROTECT AND RESCUE ANIMALS IN NEW SERIES "THE GUARDIANS"

-- THE GUARDIANS Premieres Saturday, January 7, 2017 at 10PM ET/PT --

(New York - December 2, 2016) - What happens when animals are in distress and can't advocate for themselves? Guardians of Rescue step in. In this all-new series, Animal Planet introduces this volunteer-run organization called Guardians of Rescue and follows its quest to help any animal in need - anywhere, anytime. THE GUARDIANS premieres Saturday, January 7, 2017 at 10 PM ET/PT on Animal Planet.

THE GUARDIANS features Guardians of Rescue founder and President Rob Misseri and his dynamic team: Dori, Moose, Brian, Face, Marceline, Miss Elle, Amanda and Bill. Though they may be an eclectic team - ex-military personnel, retired police detectives, former FBI investigators, carpenters, electricians and even former convicts and gang members - they unite in their passion and dedication for animal advocacy. With this group, first impressions are not always what they seem. When an animal is in need, their tough facade washes away and clients see their true love and compassion come forth.

"Guardians of Rescue are everyday heroes. Their passion for helping and protecting animals makes us proud to share their rescue stories with our audiences," said Patrice Andrews, General Manager of Animal Planet.

From neutering feral cats and removing puppies from violent situations, to renovating an RV for a veteran and his dogs and building new enclosures for animals in need, there is no task the Guardians of Rescue won't do. In partnership with Save-A-Pet Rescue in Long Island and a network of volunteers from all over the world, Guardians of Rescue work to educate and motivate pet lovers to better the lives of their animals, no matter how big or small the change may be.

THE GUARDIANS is produced for Animal Planet by Earth Touch USA. For Earth Touch USA, Brian V. O'Toole is executive producer, Phil Fairclough is managing director, Christopher Voos is co-executive producer and Nate Scripture is vice president of production. For Animal Planet, Dawn Sinsel is executive producer, and Meredith Russell is associate producer.