RETURN TO THE DRAMA OF THE LUANGWA VALLEY WITH AFRICA’S HUNTERS

RETURN TO THE DRAMA OF THE LUANGWA VALLEY WITH

AFRICA’S HUNTERS

NEW EPISODES NOW STREAMING ON SMITHSONIAN EARTH™

 

NEW YORK – September 14, 2018 – Smithsonian Earth continues its epic journey through Zambia’s Luangwa Valley with all-new episodes of AFRICA’S HUNTERS. This stunning series takes viewers into the backyard of some of Africa’s greatest predators, following the lions, leopards, wild dogs and hyenas that call the region home. The second season picks up from where we left our amazing cast of characters just a year ago – checking in with the lonely lion cub Misfit of the Nsefu pride and introducing us to the new leopard queen Olimba, who’s taken over from Kamuti’s rule. Along the way, witness the triumphs of a hard-earned kill, the heartbreak of loss and the bonds of brotherhood that endure in the Luangwa Valley. Filmed with military-grade thermal cameras that allow the filmmakers to go unnoticed at night,AFRICA’S HUNTERS captures the every movement of these predators 24/7 over the course of several dedicated years. Viewers will get an unfiltered look into the lives of these amazing creatures like never seen before. New episodes are now available on Smithsonian Earth™, which is available on Apple®, Roku®, Amazon, Android™ and at SmithsonianEarthTV.com.

 

The season premiere, THE TRIALS OF OLIMBA, picks up with a new young leopard queen named Olimba taking over the wily Kamuti’s turf. Unlike her predecessor, Olimba has yet to acquire all the tricks of the trade, from hunting antelope to evading lions, hyenas and even wild dogs. But the biggest threat to Olimba comes from yet another female leopard invading her space. Can she protect what is rightfully hers? 

 

Subsequent episodes of AFRICA’S HUNTERS are:

 

Brothers in Arms

Premieres Friday, September 21

It's time to check up on the Nsefu lion pride as they welcome seven new cubs into the fold, but can these new arrivals survive the hardships ahead? One of the cubs, nicknamed The Dreamer, strikes up a friendship with the awkward, now-adolescent Misfit. Together, they forge a special bond that bodes well for their future. Do these two unlikely friends have what it takes to survive?

 

Kings of Nsefu

Premieres Friday, September 28

Twin lions Chief and Notch maintain a powerful bond, both to each other and to the famous Nsefu pride over which they preside. Enter a pair of nomadic rivals, flagrantly trespassing on pride land. Will the old allegiances hold, or will the pride females be swayed by the lure of these bold interlopers? It falls on the brothers to demonstrate that they are the true kings of Nsefu.

 

The Lost Prince

Premieres Friday, October 5

The young spotted hyena Mizumu is high-born, the son of an alpha female who leads a troop of Luangwa Valley hyenas. Despite his royal blood, he must leave the clan and set out alone once he reaches adulthood. The wilds of Luangwa are dangerous, packed with ruthless predators. He eventually makes his way toward a rival bachelor clan – but can he convince them he's a worthy addition to their ranks?

 

The Hot Springs Pack

Premieres Friday, October 12

The wild dogs of Luangwa Valley are organized, tenacious and strictly hierarchical under the leadership of an alpha pair. While cheetahs sprint and lions ambush, wild dogs rely on their stamina to wear prey out, sometimes running up to 20 miles at a time. But to maintain dominance, they'll need to train their youngest members to hunt effectively as part of thepack – and time is running out.

 

Heir to the Clan

Premieres Friday, October 19

For spotted hyenas, Luangwa Valley is full of threats, including predatory lions, furtive leopards and even resentful relatives. Meet Spotty, the youngest daughter of an alpha female hyena. She's the heir apparent to the powerful Chimbwe clan, but she'll need to assert herself if she's to assume her rightful place as matriarch-in-waiting. Will she survive to adulthood and take on the throne?

 

AFRICA’S HUNTERS is executive produced by James Smith and Martha Holmes of Plimsoll Productions. Tria Thalman and David Royle serve as executive producers for Smithsonian Earth.

 

Smithsonian Earth™ is a subscription streaming video service specializing in original nature and wildlife programming shot in stunning 4K resolution that’s available through Apple^®, Roku^®, Amazon, Android™ and atSmithsonianEarthTV.com.

 

Smithsonian Networks™ is a joint venture between Showtime Networks Inc. and the Smithsonian Institution. Smithsonian Networks operates Smithsonian Earth, through SN Digital LLC. Smithsonian Networks also operates Smithsonian Channel™, the place for awe-inspiring stories, powerful documentaries and amazing entertainment across multiple platforms. To learn more, go to https://www.smithsonianchannel.com/, or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Get Up Close and Personal with Some of Africa's Most Iconic Predators in "Africa's Hunters"

Get Up Close and Personal with Some of Africa's Most Iconic Predators in "Africa's Hunters"
New episodes will premiere on Smithsonian Earth each Friday, starting today, March 31.

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[via press release from Smithsonian Channel]

    

GET UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH SOME OF AFRICA'S MOST ICONIC PREDATORS IN
"AFRICA'S HUNTERS"
UNPRECEDENTED MILITARY-GRADE NIGHTVISION FILMING BRINGS VIEWERS INSIDE THE SECRET NOCTURNAL WORLD OF AFRICA'S MOST PROFICIENT HUNTERS
NOW STREAMING EXCLUSIVELY ON SMITHSONIAN EARTH

NEW YORK - March 31, 2017 - In Zambia's Luangwa Valley, lions, leopards and hyenas roam the national park's vast untouched wilderness, living in constant competition for their next meal. Smithsonian Earth invites viewers into this world-renowned wildlife haven to witness the around-the-clock challenges for survival of some of Africa's fiercest predators - often manifesting into stolen kills, intimidation and even cub snatching. The series, shot in 4K, goes beyond the kills, offering an extraordinary glimpse into the family dramas of these wild animals as they build allegiances, fight for family, suffer the loss of offspring and search for mates. New episodes of AFRICA'S HUNTERS will premiere on Smithsonian Earth each Friday, starting today, March 31. Smithsonian Earth is available on Apple(R), Roku(R), Amazon, and at SmithsonianEarthTV.com.

Using rare state-of-the-art, military-grade thermal cameras, AFRICA'S HUNTERS tracks every movement of wildlife in Luangwa National Park, through the long, harsh dry seasons, when prey are easy pickings, and the washed-out wet seasons that blanket the valley in green. This is a predator's world, home to multiple prides of rival lions and the highest density of leopards in the world. Stationed on location for two years, using cameras equipped with long lenses and no lights, the team is able to virtually go unnoticed, giving viewers an authentic look into the natural activities of Africa's iconic predators. These practiced hunters are filmed 24/7 as they search for their next meal and struggle to raise their young. New technology allows the filmmakers to document rarely seen behaviors as the carnivores stalk their prey, fight for their territory and intimidate their rivals in the battleground that is Luangwa Valley.

The premiere episode, AFRICA'S HUNTERS: THE HUNGRY LEOPARD, follows the journey of Kamuti who, at 13, is one of the oldest leopards in Africa. Old age brings many challenges, including hunting antelope and keeping a watchful eye on the lion pride nearby. With new technology and producers camped in close proximity for months at a time, the veil is lifted on the secret world of this enigmatic nocturnal predator for the first time, highlighting her search for prey and her powers of protection. The episode will stream for free online at https://smithsonianearthtv.com/programs/africas-hunters/.

Subsequent episodes of AFRICA'S HUNTERS are:
A LEOPARD'S LAST STAND Premieres Friday, April 7 For 10 years, Kamuti the leopard has reigned supreme over her corner of Zambia's Luangwa Valley. She's defended her territory, hunted antelope for food, and even kept the nearby pride of lions at bay, but a younger leopard is determined to replace her. Can she survive one more challenge, or will this be her last stand?

BOUND BY BLOOD Premieres Friday, April 14 Three powerful and aggressive lions have their sights set on the Nsefu pride. They intend to oust the males, kill the cubs and take over the females. If the pride has any chance of staying together and saving its cubs from certain death, it will have to rely on the ancient bonds: family and blood.

THE MISFIT Premieres Friday, April 21 A 3-month old lion cub becomes separated from his pride and has to face the nighttime terrors of the African bush alone. From cub-hungry predators and dehydration, to rival lions instinctively primed to kill, can this intrepid little misfit find his way back to safety?

TEENAGE PRIDE Premieres Friday, April 28 The Nsefu pride of Zambia is in an enviable position: new cubs, the best territory on the Luangwa River and strong males to protect them. But as the cubs grow into teenagers, the stakes are raised as they begin to learn their roles - where every mistake can threaten the very existence of their family.

SURVIVORS OF THE PLAINS Premieres Friday, May 5 In hyena society, the females call the shots, and they're the ones charged with making difficult decisions. When drought pushes a spotted hyena clan to the brink of starvation, the matriarch has a call to make. Should the clan stay near the den and wait for rain, or set out in search of a nourishing kill?

AFRICA'S HUNTERS is executive produced by James Smith and Martha Holmes of Plimsoll Productions. Tria Thalman and David Royle serve as executive producers for Smithsonian Earth.
Smithsonian Earth is a subscription streaming video service specializing in original nature and wildlife programming shot in stunning 4K Ultra HD resolution that's available through Apple(R), Roku(R), Amazon, and at SmithsonianEarthTV.com.

Smithsonian Networks(TM) is a joint venture between Showtime Networks Inc. and the Smithsonian Institution. Smithsonian Networks operates Smithsonian Earth, through SN Digital LLC. Smithsonian Networks also operates Smithsonian Channel, the place for awe-inspiring stories, powerful documentaries and amazing entertainment across multiple platforms. To learn more, go to www.smithsonianchannel.com, or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram