Waddell Media, one of Ireland’s largest and most successful independent production companies, has been commissioned by BBC Three and BBC Northern Ireland to follow the ups and downs of 19-year-old TikTok star Kyle Thomas as he attempts to build a zoo for his exotic animals.
Kyle Thomas is the UK’s most followed TikToker, with over 34.8 million followers. He has been named in Forbes’ 30 under 30 2024, all at just 19 years old. A rising presenter and model Kyle has a passion for everything animal and wildlife.
In We Built a Zoo, (1×60) the film digs into the social media sensation’s controversial past when he posted clips of his animals that drew criticism from animal rights activists and the media alike.
As he tries to move on and find suitable forever homes for his 39 animals, (and after a failed attempt to create his own sanctuary), Kyle teams up with Co Tyrone Builder Phil Hughes, and the duo are now planning to turn Phil’s existing modest petting farm into a world class wildlife park for Kyle’s animals and other unwanted exotics.
We Built a Zoo was commissioned by Eddie Doyle and Mary McKeagney for BBC Northern Ireland and Fiona Campbell, Controller, Youth Audience BBC iPlayer and BBC Three, with the support from Northern Ireland Screen.
Filmed and Directed by Gill Callan
Executive Producer at Waddell Media is Jannine Waddell
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