Paul O’Grady expressed immense joy while filming his last TV documentary, Paul O’Grady’s Great Elephant Adventure, just months before his unexpected death at age 67.
The beloved TV presenter passed away on March 28 due to sudden cardiac arrhythmia. His partner, Andre Portasio, confirmed that Paul died peacefully at home.
Paul’s final television appearance will air in a two-part series on ITV over Easter, showcasing his deep passion for animals.
The documentary, filmed in December 2022 across Thailand and Laos, highlights Paul’s work at conservation centers dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating endangered elephants. Paul’s voiceover for the series was completed just weeks before his passing.
Producer and close friend Claire Barton, who worked with Paul on the project, shared a touching moment from the shoot.
Despite being covered in mud and nearly losing his balance while working with the elephants, Paul declared he was “in heaven.”
In a preview for the series, Paul is humorously seen getting nudged by an elephant named Lotus and joking about not standing a chance with the playful animals.
Claire revealed that Paul had always been fascinated by elephants and was determined to shine a light on their plight through this project. Little did they know, this would be his last TV series.
The documentary’s production wrapped in late 2022, but the final edits were only completed shortly before Paul’s death.
Claire recounted their last meeting in mid-March 2023, when Paul, eager to finish the job, flew through his voiceover work. They completed the project on March 15; the last Claire saw Paul.
Heartbreakingly, Claire also shared that the pair had been planning future projects together, including a series on African elephants and another on wild dogs and wolves in Canada. These plans, unfortunately, will never come to fruition.
Paul O’Grady’s Great Elephant Adventure is a final nod to his lifelong love for animals, a passion he showcased in his long-running series For The Love Of Dogs, filmed at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.
The documentary will close with a heartfelt tribute: “In loving memory of Paul O’Grady MBE 1955-2023.”
Read more Elephant News.
