It’s a real zoo over at NatGeo Wild this summer.
NatGeo Wild unveiled its summer slate on Wednesday, revealing a schedule that includes the return of “Monster Fish” and “The Incredible Dr. Pol,” as well as new series “Pond Stars” and “Animals Gone Wild” and specials about apes, cats and pandas.
Also read: Nat Geo Wild Goes Ape With New Jane Goodall Special
“Animals Gone Wild,” which will air Fridays at 9 p.m., explores the question, “How outrageous can the animal kingdom get?” Running from the depths of the sea to the jungle, the series will look at how rough, rowdy and lawless nature’s creatures can be.
“Pond Stars,” meanwhile, will star backyard pond builder Greg Wittstock and his team as he tries to completely transform boring backyards and plain public spaces into inspiring natural habitats and wonderful oases for local critters. The series premieres Sept. 5 at 10 p.m.
Also read: Nat Geo Wild Announces Fish Bowl — Stand Down, Puppies
Also on tap for NatGeo Wild’s summer slate: The special “Wonder of Dogs,” “Kingdom of the Apes” (which will feature primatologist Jane Goodall), “Secret Life of Cats” and “Giant Pandas.”
Read NatGeo Wild’s summer slate below.
NEW SERIES
POND STARS
Premieres Friday, Sept. 5, 2014, at 10 p.m. ET/PT
Dive into the wild world of ponds with Greg Wittstock, one of the most experienced backyard pond builders we’ve ever seen. The goal: to completely transform boring backyards and plain public spaces into inspiring natural habitats and wonderful oases for local critters. Greg and his expert team — Brian, Ed and Chris — tackle entire backyard remodels and rehab malfunctioning ponds. Together the Pond Stars transform people’s yards and lives by reconnecting both of them to the natural world.
ANIMALS GONE WILD
Premieres Fridays at 9 p.m. ET/PT
How outrageous can the animal kingdom get? Whether it’s out-of-bounds behavior or savage instincts run amok, when animals act out, they’re forces to be reckoned with. From the mysterious depths of the deep blue sea to the jungle’s untamed edge, see just how rough, rowdy and lawless Mother Nature’s most unruly creatures can be. A deer crashes into a bus’s windshield only to walk out alive. A rabbit dodges cars on a highway to escape a fire. When your number’s up, it’s up. Or is it?
RETURNING SERIES
MONSTER FISH
Premieres Monday, July 7, 2014, at 9 p.m. ET/PT
Passed down from generation to generation, tales of epic battles between man and megafish — underwater goliaths the size of cars and man-eating killers lurking in the murky depths — may seem unbelievable. Inspired by these local legends, fish biologist and National Geographic Fellow Zeb Hogan embarks on his biggest fishing adventure yet: a mission to distinguish fact from fiction in some of the most remote regions of the planet.
THE INCREDIBLE DR. POL
Premieres Saturday, Aug. 23, 2014, at 9 p.m. ET/PT
The lovable, house-call-making Dr. Pol is back — and up to his elbows in animals needing his care. WILD’s No. 1 series returns for another season as everyone’s favorite veterinarian wields his knowledge to deliver oversized calves and diagnose lethargic llamas. Dr. Pol comes to the rescue for more unstoppable emergencies, taking no bull from anyone … except for maybe an actual bull.
SPECIALS
WONDER OF DOGS
Premieres Saturday, June 14, 2014, at 10 p.m. ET/PT
DOGS! One of America’s favorite pets. No other species in history has found its way into our hearts and homes like the domestic dog. This is perhaps their greatest achievement, but how have they done it? Cooperation or cunning, design or default? In this three-part special, we will chart the remarkable journey of the domestic dog from one common ancestor to the more than 300 breeds we see today. Along the way we’ll unearth the extraordinary stories behind some of the world’s most iconic breeds and discover that hidden in their DNA are reflections of our own human history.
KINGDOM OF THE APES with Jane Goodall (Two-Part Special)
Premieres Sunday, July 13, 2014, at 9 p.m. ET/PT
Primatologist Jane Goodall introduces Kingdom of the Apes, taking us into Tanzania’s famed Gombe Stream National Park — where Jane began her pioneering work more than 50 years ago — to get a close look at the chimpanzee characters residing in this park. We witness the trials and tribulations of the animal kingdom. Who will dominate? Who is the smartest? Who has the courage to fight? Our cameras unveil not only the intricate personalities of the apes, but also the very distinct culture of a group.
SECRET LIFE OF CATS
Premieres Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, at 10 p.m. ET/PT
CATS! They are always there for us, rain or shine. Nat Geo WILD takes an intimate and revealing look into the world of our closest feline friends. We’ll follow the incredible story of a newborn kitten as it grows into a nimble, athletic neighborhood cat. Cutting-edge natural-history filming techniques reveal how its incredible supersenses develop and how its amazing body takes shape. We’ll also meet other cats of all shapes and sizes, from a slinky Siamese — bred for its graceful looks — to trusty Tabbies — bred to hunt vermin.
GIANT PANDAS
Premieres Sunday, Sept. 28, 2014, at 9 p.m. ET/PT
The giant panda is one of the world’s most iconic bears. They are known for their black and white markings and loved for their doleful, bespectacled eyes, but they are also critically endangered. Now the race is on to save them from extinction. In the world-premiere special, Giant Pandas, Nat Geo WILD takes you on the incredible journey of breeding a panda in captivity, to its dramatic release into the wild. We will witness firsthand the groundbreaking initiative to increase the panda population and raise awareness about this endangered species.