5 Surprising Facts About 'Holiday In The Wild' That Prove It's More Than Just A Netflix Christmas Movie

Released in 2019, the Netflix original film Holiday in the Wild quickly became a staple for viewers looking for a festive, feel-good escape that offered more than just snow and mistletoe. As of December 18, 2025, this romantic comedy continues to draw new audiences, not only for its charming stars, Kristin Davis and Rob Lowe, but also for its stunning African backdrop and its genuinely heartfelt message about wildlife conservation. The film is a refreshing blend of holiday cheer, a second-chance romance, and a powerful look at the dedicated work of elephant sanctuaries in Africa, making it a truly unique entry in the Christmas movie genre.

The movie follows Kate Conrad (Kristin Davis), a recently separated New Yorker who embarks on a solo "second honeymoon" safari to Zambia, only to find a new purpose—and a new love—after rescuing an orphaned baby elephant with the help of a rugged pilot, Derek (Rob Lowe). What many viewers don't realize is the deep, real-world connection the film has to actual elephant conservation efforts, a detail that elevates it from a simple holiday flick to a meaningful cinematic experience.

The Star-Powered Cast and Their Real-Life Conservation Roots

The film’s central appeal lies in the chemistry between its two established leads, both of whom have had busy careers leading up to and following their collaboration on this unique project. The full cast brings a mix of Hollywood veterans and talented South African performers to the screen.

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Kristin Davis (Kate Conrad) Biography & Profile

• Full Name: Kristin Landen Davis
• Born: February 23, 1965 (Age 60 as of 2025)
• Place of Birth: Boulder, Colorado, USA
• Known For: Playing Charlotte York Goldenblatt in the HBO series Sex and the City and its sequels, And Just Like That... (2021–Present).
• Role in Film: Kate Conrad, a former veterinarian from New York who finds a new purpose in life on an African safari.
• Conservation Work: Davis is a passionate real-life advocate for elephant conservation. Her dedication to the cause was a primary inspiration for the film's screenplay, which she also executive produced.
• Recent Updates (2024/2025): She continues to star in the Sex and the City spin-off, showcasing her enduring career.

Rob Lowe (Derek) Biography & Profile

• Full Name: Robert Hepler Lowe
• Born: March 17, 1964 (Age 61 as of 2025)
• Place of Birth: Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
• Known For: A career spanning decades, including roles in The Outsiders, St. Elmo's Fire, The West Wing, and the series 9-1-1: Lone Star.
• Role in Film: Derek, a rugged, charismatic pilot working with the elephant orphanage.
• Recent Updates (2024/2025): Lowe remains a highly active actor, often appearing in other Netflix productions and major network shows. He and his son, John Owen Lowe, also starred in the Netflix comedy series Unstable.

Key Supporting Cast & Crew

• Fezile Mpela: Plays Jonathan, a key figure at the elephant sanctuary.
• John Owen Lowe: Plays Luke, Kate’s son. He is Rob Lowe's real-life son, adding a fun, meta layer to the cast.
• Director: Ernie Barbarash
• Screenwriters: Neal Dobrofsky and Tippi Dobrofsky

The Authentic African Filming Locations and Conservation Focus

One of the most striking aspects of Holiday in the Wild is its commitment to authenticity, which sets it apart from typical studio-set holiday films. The production team chose to film on location across South Africa and Zambia, ensuring the breathtaking landscapes and wildlife were genuine.

The film's safari segments were captured at stunning private game reserves, including the Jabulani Safari and the Kapama Game Reserve. These locations provided the lush, expansive backdrop for Kate's initial, ill-fated "second honeymoon" and her subsequent awakening.

1. The Real Elephant Orphanage at Lilayi, Zambia

The most significant and surprising fact about the filming is its connection to a real-world conservation center. The elephant orphanage depicted in the film is not a set; it is the actual Game Rangers International - Elephant Orphanage Project (GRI-EOP), located at the Lilayi Elephant Nursery near Lusaka, Zambia.

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The film crew was granted access to this vital facility, which is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing orphaned elephants back into the wild. This collaboration was instrumental in giving the movie its powerful, educational core. The elephants seen in the film were the real residents of the orphanage, with the production receiving support from the GRI organization.

This commitment was largely driven by Kristin Davis's personal passion. Her long-standing work as a conservationist and her role as a patron for the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust inspired the screenwriters to craft a story that highlighted the devastating reality of poaching and the "miracle" of elephant rescue.

Why 'Holiday in the Wild' Endures as a Unique Christmas Watch

While the film embraces the classic romantic comedy formula—a disillusioned city-dweller finds love and life purpose in an exotic locale—its underlying themes of conservation and self-discovery give it a lasting resonance beyond the typical holiday fare. The movie successfully weaves together several powerful narrative threads.

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2. A Focus on Poaching and Rehabilitation

Unlike many lighthearted holiday films, Holiday in the Wild does not shy away from the serious issues facing African wildlife. The plot centers on the rescue of a calf orphaned due to poaching, forcing the audience to confront the reality of elephant endangerment.

• Elephant Conservation: The film serves as a powerful piece of advocacy, bringing the work of organizations like GRI to a massive global audience on Netflix.
• Wildlife Protection: It highlights the tireless efforts of game rangers and conservationists who dedicate their lives to protecting these majestic animals.

3. The LSI of Second Chances and Finding Your Roots

The film's core message is about finding your true self and embracing second chances, a theme that resonates deeply with viewers. Kate's journey is a metaphor for reinvention, proving that a major life setback can lead to an unexpected, fulfilling new path.

• The Christmas Setting: The "holiday" element is less about snow and more about the spirit of giving, hope, and new beginnings that the season represents, even in the heat of an African Christmas.
• The Romantic Comedy Element: The slow-burn romance between Kate and Derek is a classic tale of two people from different worlds finding common ground through a shared passion.

4. The Surprising Father-Son Casting

As mentioned, the casting of Rob Lowe and his son, John Owen Lowe, as the love interest and the son, respectively, adds a fascinating layer of trivia. While their characters are not father and son in the film's narrative—John Owen plays Kate's son, Luke—their real-life relationship provided a comfortable and natural dynamic on set. This kind of behind-the-scenes detail is a favorite for fans and adds to the film's legacy.

5. The Movie's Lasting Appeal in 2025

Years after its release, Holiday in the Wild remains a top-tier choice for holiday streaming. Its unique blend of a classic romantic narrative with a genuine, educational focus on elephant conservation makes it feel more meaningful than its peers. It’s a film that leaves the viewer with a warm, fuzzy feeling not just from the romance, but from the hope it offers for the future of African wildlife. It’s a powerful reminder that sometimes, the greatest adventure is the one that takes you farthest from home.