Animal Planet (DStv Channel 264) has the following programming highlights for June 2010: Gorilla School and Pit Bulls and Parolees.

Gorilla School premieres on Sunday, 13 June at 12:40. It follows the remarkable story of the release of captive-born gorillas back into the wild. Some of these gorillas were abandoned by their mothers and have been rescued and hand-reared at Howletts Wild Animal Park in Kent, England, from a very young age. Now, they are ready to travel to Gabon in Africa to join the world’s most successful gorilla re-introduction programme. In each episode, meet the scientists and park rangers who are completely devoted to the protection and welfare of this endangered species. Also, witness the preparation under way in Africa which will ensure the transition is as stress-free as possible.

Pit bulls and Parolees premieres on Tuesday, 1 June at 21:00. On this show, you will meet top pit bull trainer, Tia Maria Torres, and witness her quest to fight the widely held perception that these animals are a risk to the public. Tia runs a dog rescue centre which rehabilitates this breed, saving them from abusive and dangerous situations. She also hires ex-convicts who are trying to re-establish themselves in society. The men work together to tackle the misconceptions associated with pit bulls, demonstrating that they are often misunderstood, misjudged and under-appreciated. Watch as the team restores the hope that people have lost for this dog – demonstrating that they make fantastic pets.