Duggie Dug Dug points kids to Creator

A wildlife programme for children launched during the 200th anniversary year of Charles Darwin's birth leaves nothing to chance and gives God the credit for creation.

The hour-long DVD Duggie Dug Dug Goes Wild takes children on a tour of the animal kingdom – but directs them towards a divine source for the ‘origin of species’.

Stopping short of creationism, which promotes a literal interpretation of the biblical account, the programme unashamedly tells youngsters that a Creator was involved in making the world.

"Personally, I don't know exactly how God made the Earth and its creatures," admitted Surrey-based producer and presenter Doug Horley. "But however he did it, I believe he was involved in it all – and I want children to know that."

Annoyed with Darwin documentaries that he believes market anti-God messages, Horley felt compelled to make a programme of his own. But he lacked the resources of a professional TV company.

Horley had already established himself as a popular church worker, travelling across Britain and abroad to teach children godly values with fun music and activities. However, a full-scale wildlife show was another thing.

"I wanted to make a fun hour-long TV show featuring on-location footage at a zoo – along with a studio set with a kids’ audience, puppets, songs, comedy sketches and lots of fun stuff," he said.

Bristol-based Noah's Ark Zoo Farm gave Horley and his team full access to an impressive cast of creatures – including rhinos, giraffe, camels and tigers. Studio sections were filmed at a church production centre in Horsham.

"Through the generosity of a private sponsor I was even able to commission an animation as well," added Horley. The result is his TV-style programme full of facts, figures, music and mirth.

"I haven't seen any children's wildlife programme with such a mixture of animals, puppets, cartoons – and a live audience," he said. "I hope it will help communicate the wonder of God's creation to children."