Lupita Nyong'o Takes us Back to Serengeti

By: Discovery

A multi-talented artist, Nyong'o gives voice to the incredible world of the Discovery series that breaks the mold of what a documentary can be.

July 03, 2020

Loading Video...

SERENGETI is not your average nature documentary, so naturally a very special voice was needed to tell the story. Academy Award-winner Lupita Nyong'o sat down with Discovery (via Zoom) to look back on her experience as the narrator of these truly amazing animal tales.

Q: What did you enjoy most while working on Serengeti?

I find that this six-part series is quite special. And I enjoyed the entire experience. I enjoyed the intimacy that it afforded me with these animals.

Q: How did you develop your voice as the storyteller of the series?

When I think of nature documentaries, the first sound and accent that comes to my mind is a British male voice. And so, the fact that I had this opportunity and that they wanted me to be as natural as possible was very exciting.

Q: What was your favorite scene or moment to narrate?

I really loved the moments with the children. One of my favorite moments was with the baby elephant when he was learning to walk.

He keeps stumbling and there’s a levity in that, and it was an interesting moment to try and strike that—the right chord.

Q: What will you always remember about Serengeti?

The value of documentaries like the Serengeti is to remind us how close we are to the rest of nature.

This world is so big and so beautiful and worth fighting for.

Editor's Note 7/28/20

Lupita Nyong’o has been recognized with an Emmy® nomination in the Outstanding Narrator Category for her work on SERENGETI.

Next Up

Make Room for the Lion Queen with the Return of Serengeti

The epic adventure continues this summer on Discovery with Academy Award winner and Emmy nominated storyteller Lupita Nyong'o. Stream all past episodes on discovery+ before the new season begins.

Lupita Nyong'o Set to Narrate Upcoming Series Serengeti

The Academy Award-winning actress will narrate the six-part series which tells the heartwarming stories of a cast of African wildlife over the course of a year.

There’s a Lot You Don’t Know About Sharks

But in the meantime, here are some fin-tastic facts you probably didn’t know about sharks.

Caves to Condors: Uncovering Pinnacles National Park

Photographer and conservationist Ian Shive explores one of the lesser known National Parks, Pinnacles National Park, finding rare wildlife and extraordinary landscapes along the way.

New High Seas Treaty is a Game-Changer for Oceans

Nations are coming together to negotiate the world’s first ever high seas conservation treaty, which is expected to be signed later this year.

California’s Ocean is Neon - and It’s All Natural!

The California coastline is glowing and it’s not a trick of the imagination. Nature is putting on a show and it’s all thanks to some of the smallest organisms on the planet.

Climate Week 2021 Shines a Light on the Climate Crisis

Every September since 2009, Climate Week coincides with the UN General Assembly in New York City. Action is required to halt and attempt to reverse the rapid and catastrophic deterioration of the world's climate. The planet is in crisis and this year The Explorers Club is spotlighting experts in the field to bring awareness to how we can create the change we need to improve the future of the planet.

Live Now