Human interactions with nature reveal contradictions and misunderstandings based upon
anthropocentric colonising behaviours. Cultural forms such as film and media have played a key role in
creating and perpetuating negative affect towards nonhuman species, particularly apex species, shark,
crocodile, bear, and snake. From early Hollywood films through to contemporary online series, these
majestic species have been subjected to vilification and denigration onscreen, resulting in speciesism,
subjugation and colonisation of animals, whilst simultaneously extending human ‘authority’ over nature
and perpetuating fear – particularly of apex species. A range of hybrid genre textual examples from
screen and media, from fictional (feature) and factual (documentary) film and television (docu-nature
series) will illustrate these paradigms. An ongoing issue is the anthropomorphising of species onscreen.
Drawing upon extensive work since 2009 with international classifications (ratings) systems, this paper
will also examine the positionality of the American Humane Association in monitoring the role and
treatment of ‘animal actors’ in film; developing a compelling empirical case for the necessity for reform in
classifications (ratings) systems, expanding classification Codes to include non-anthropocentric
perspectives and the rights of nature with regard to nonhuman actors in public awareness. The necessity
for a nuanced understanding of ontological damage to species is currently not a classifiable theme under
any existing classification (ratings) systems. An outcome of this article is the proposed development and
implementation of a new classification symbol designated as ‘Animal Shield’. This interdisciplinary article
will be presented from the perspectives of an environmental ecologist and cultural film studies
scholarship, building upon research into decolonising nature.