Visit some of the world’s most exotic locales and discover little-known facts about some of nature’s wildest animals when new episodes of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom premiere Tues., October 10 at 10 p.m. ET/11 p.m. PT on Animal Planet.
Each episode of this eight-part genre-defining series features unique filmmaking techniques to reveal an intimate portrait of a wide range of striking reptiles, amphibians and mammals. From the Russian Arctic to the heart of the Kalahari Desert, meet the daring filmmakers and experts who often put their lives at risk to enlighten others about the challenges faced by both beloved and unknown species the world over.
Episodes featured in the series include:
Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom: “A Man Among Orcas”
Tues., Oct. 10 at 10 p.m. ET/11 p.m. PT
The Crozet Islands are located almost 2,000 kilometres off the coast of South Africa and are often battered by wind, rain and sea. The storm-ravaged shores are patrolled by killer whales, scouring the surf for the islands’ wild inhabitants: elephant seals and king penguins. Join filmmaker David Reichert as he explores the relationships that exist between these three species and witness his attempt to begin a reversal of the prey’s descent into extinction.
Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom: “Kalahari Supercats”
Tues., Oct. 17 at 10 p.m. ET/11 p.m. PT
Once the animal kingdom rulers of Europe, Asia and Africa, leopards have lost their elite status and often cling to survival in Africa’s Kalahari Desert. Follow the exploits and adventures of Montrosse, a female leopard who struggles to bear, raise and prepare her cubs for the unpredictability of the wild amidst the ever-watchful eyes of jackals, lions and cheetahs.
Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom: “Polar Bear Alcatraz”
Tues., Oct. 24 at 10 p.m. ET/11 p.m. PT
Join filmmaker Arne Naevra and polar bear expert Dr. Nikita Ovsyanikov as they document the struggles of orphaned polar bears in the wild. Travel to Wrangel Island in the Russian Arctic where the highest density of the 25,000 polar bears left in the world are located. When the frozen Arctic Ocean melts for a period of months in the summer, the native polar bears become stranded with a diminishing food supply. As the polar bears battle against starvation, watch as these two women risk their lives to document the bears’ struggle up close and personal.
Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom: “King Cobra and I”
Tues., Oct. 31 at 10 p.m. ET/11 p.m. PT
Travel to southwest India and witness American herpetologist Romulus Whitaker as he tries to save and protect the largest venomous snake known to humans- the King Cobra. As pressures mount on the King Cobra’s fragmented kingdom, watch as Whitaker sets out to capture and release these snakes into safe havens. Follow the herpetologist to Pilikula Zoo where a breeding program has been set up for other deadly snakes in captivity. Then, witness Whitaker risk his own life to capture Elvis, the largest King Cobra in India and relocate him to a safe location along with his mate Priscilla.
Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom: “Amazon Claws”
Tues., Nov. 7 at 10 p.m. ET/11 p.m. PT
In the Amazon forest of South America, a group of animals is related by a single, extraordinary feature – their claws. Travel into the wild to discover the fascinating survival secrets of armadillos, sloths and anteaters. How do they navigate their way through their exotic environments? In this fascinating episode, come face to face with the giant anteater; witness two armadillos battle it out in the dangerous treetops of the Amazon; and follow the sluggish movements of a young sloth. When a bush fire presents the ultimate threat to the claw family, watch as each member struggles for life in its own unique way.
Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom: “Butaan – The Lost Dragon”
Tues., Nov. 14 at 10 p.m. ET/11 p.m. PT
The elusive Butaan Monitor Lizard is one of the most endangered species on the planet. Until recently, these reptiles have never been filmed in the wild. Studying the lizard without injuring it is virtually impossible: it has an uncanny ability to evade pursuers.
This episode follows the challenging quest to collect footage of the Butaan Monitor Lizard to better understand the lizard’s habits, communication and behaviour and shed light on ways to protect this diminishing group of reptiles.
Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom: “Global Wolf”
Tues., Nov. 21 at 10 p.m. ET/11 p.m. PT
The common fear of wolves has elevated the species to an almost mythical status but it has also contributed to its growing endangerment. Though a companion of humans for more than 12,000 years, the wolf has been considered both a pest and a liability to livestock farmers. From the snow-capped mountains of Alaska to the remarkable Indian desert, watch as the dynamic relationship between hunters and wolves has evolved over time. This episode presents the little-known facts about the adaptable virtues of the maligned global wolf and why it is often feared.
Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom: “Gorilla Encounters”
Tues., Nov. 28 at 10 p.m. ET/11 p.m. PT
The soaring mountains of the Central African Republic are home to rare and majestic gorillas who have grown hostile towards humans, refusing to allow people to approach them. Now, in an effort to develop ecotourism in the area and save the gorillas from extinction, watch as young Italian scientist Chloe Chipoletta creates a means of acclimating the massive apes to the presence of people. Join Chipoletta as she works to save these critically endangered animals from extinction and reacquaint them with their human admirers.