Every year, tiny sea turtles hatch from their eggs and scramble towards the ocean, beginning a journey filled with danger. While some reach the waves safely, many fall prey to predators or struggle to find their way. Along India’s coastline, one man spent years protecting these vulnerable creatures and their nesting habitats. Now, his extraordinary journey is set to reach a wider audience through an acclaimed documentary.

Turtle Walker, directed by Taira Malaney and backed by filmmakers Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti, will premiere on Animal Planet on October 19, 2026, at 9 pm.

Meet Satish Bhaskar, the Man Who Followed Turtles

At the heart of Turtle Walker is Satish Bhaskar, a conservationist whose dedication took him to some of India’s most remote coastal stretches and islands. His work involved documenting sea turtle nesting sites and understanding the challenges these remarkable marine creatures face.

His expeditions often meant spending long periods away from the comforts of everyday life, sometimes on isolated islands where communication with the outside world was difficult. In a particularly memorable detail from his life, Bhaskar reportedly kept in touch with his wife through letters sent in bottles.

The Indian Express reports that documentary also follows his return to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands after the devastating 2004 tsunami. There, he studied the disaster’s impact on sea turtles and their nesting habitats, highlighting the importance of understanding and protecting fragile coastal ecosystems.

Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti Bring His Story to Light

For Zoya Akhtar, Bhaskar’s life is a story that deserves to be discovered by a much larger audience. She welcomed the documentary’s place in Animal Planet’s wildlife anthology, India: Epic Wild Stories, which aims to deepen viewers’ connections with the natural world.

Reema Kagti also highlighted the power of individual commitment. She reflected on how Bhaskar’s journey demonstrates what one person can achieve through dedication, care and persistence.

Having already connected with audiences around the world, the documentary now gets an opportunity to reach viewers across India, bringing an inspiring conservation story into homes.

From International Film Festivals to Indian Television

Turtle Walker first premiered at DOC NYC in 2024 and subsequently travelled to several international film festivals. These included the Raindance Film Festival, the Hamptons International Film Festival, the BANFF Mountain Film Festival and the Brisbane International Film Festival.

Its television premiere marks another milestone for the film, offering viewers an opportunity to discover Bhaskar’s remarkable work and the challenges involved in protecting sea turtles. Beyond the story of one conservationist, the documentary serves as a reminder that protecting wildlife often begins with the commitment of individuals willing to venture into the unknown.

As Turtle Walker arrives on Indian television, it brings with it a powerful message: even one person’s determination can make a lasting difference to the natural world.