Animal Planet celebrates World Animal Day on October 4, 2011. Filled with facts and animals, Animal Planet invites viewers to participate by tuning in with 12 hours of programming dedicated to the day.

Discussing the special Animal Planet Marathon on the World Animal Day, Rahul Johri, senior vice president and general manager (South Asia), Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific said, “We dedicate this special day of the year to highlight the wonderful animal kingdom and the amazing relationship it enjoys with humans. Over the years, we have witnessed a growing sensitivity and commitment amongst viewers for Animal Planet's breathtaking and awe-inspiring content. I am most excited to present this year’s 12 hours programming marathon which will do it all - inform, entertain and connect."

Many unique species will be highlighted during the 12-hour television marathon including river dolphins in India, hyenas in East Africa, pygmy elephants in the jungles of Borneo, wild wolves in Ethiopia, bat-eared foxes in Namibia and crocodiles in Africa.

Viewers can expect to vicariously swim in the Ganges with a river dolphin, travel to Thailand for the story of two monkeys who fall in love while facing rival faction, join in to help save the pygmy elephant in Borneo’s forests, and swim along with divers as they share their knowledge and love of sharks in the islands of Polynesia.

Programming information may be found here.