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The Conservation Game

Play trailer 2:05 Poster for The Conservation Game 2021 1h 47m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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Tomatometer 3 Reviews 71% Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
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.
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The Conservation Game

Critics Reviews

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Brad Newsome Sydney Morning Herald Sep 9, 2021
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. Go to Full Review Scott Marks San Diego Reader Aug 12, 2021
Harrison's approach to getting answers would make the late Mike Wallace proud. Go to Full Review Andy Howell Film Threat Aug 12, 2021
8/10
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. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Francois d @RT66232578 Oct 16, 2024 This movie seems to have had the desired effect on the (mis)use of exotic animals on TV talk shows. It's been a long time since I've seen any animal 'trainers' on the circuit. That's great! It seems that the various 'conservation' spokespeople are no longer putting on their acts on television. I admire Seth Meyers for being one of the first hosts to essentially ban animals from appearing on his Late Night show. I presume the other hosts have quietly followed. These documentaries do have an impact. See more greg r @itsgregsworld Sep 8, 2021 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. See more Aug 29, 2021 Disturbing. Real insight into wildlife trade and exhibition. Animal rights need a platform and this is it. See more Read all reviews
The Conservation Game

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Cast & Crew

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Michael Webber

Director

Carole Baskin

Self

Howard Baskin

Self

Keith Gad

Self

Jack Hanna

Self

Jarod Miller

Self
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The Conservation Game

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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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