Wild Wednesdays Return to Smithsonian Channel with Three New Specials

In the wild, survival of the fittest is the only strategy that prevails, proving across all species who is most fit to be on top. Smithsonian Channel's new Wild Wednesday lineup showcases the battles these animals must face to prove their dominance and protect themselves, their family and the land that they live on. Whether on the outskirts of the Ethiopian highlands or navigating through villages of India, all three predators learn how to adapt in the new environments where they are placed. Explore these incredible stories on Smithsonian Channel with the premieres of BABOON KING on Wednesday, October 18 at 8 p.m. ET/PT, LIONS UNLEASHED on Wednesday, November 8 at 8 p.m. ET/PT, and TIGER ON THE RUN on Wednesday, November 15 at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

In Ethiopia's highlands, one male's power is being challenged by a handsome young Turk. BABOON KING unveils the story of Braveheart, an old and tired baboon, who is battling to stay on top of his many responsibilities. The breeding season is coming and his harem is watching him closely - can he rise above the odds to fight off the bachelors and win his females' respect in time for the breeding season? Everything is at stake for Braveheart - his authority, his mating rights and, above all, his legacy. If he doesn't prove that he is a capable leader and protector, he will lose the throne and everything he has ever fought for.

LIONS UNLEASHED reveals a new era dawning in the heart of Africa. Twenty-five years ago, a brutal civil war stripped Rwanda of its most iconic wildlife. The Rwandan people have worked hard to restore their pride and rejuvenate the land, but there's still one piece of the puzzle missing - lions. Leaving their native home in South Africa, seven lions are being transported to Akagera National Park, covering thousands of miles to the heart of Africa, in order to revive the local lion species. To survive in this foreign land, they will have to master a barrage of challenges. For the new lions, it should be a cinch to thrive in this new habitat, but this strange new land is anything but predictable.

TIGER ON THE RUN explores the life of Kumal, a young Indian tiger who is forced out of his father's territory by a rogue male and sets out on a remarkable journey to adulthood in the wilds of central India. Time and space are running out, and to continue his legacy, he must find a territory of his own and a mate. Harassed by local villagers and hampered by his poor hunting skills, Kumal is left on the brink of starvation. He must adapt quickly to a life on his own or his very survival will be at stake.

BABOON KING is produced by Julie King and Graeme Duane for Earth Touch. John Cavanagh and David Royle serve as executive producers for Smithsonian Channel.

LIONS UNLEASHED is produced by Kira Ivanoff and Graeme Duane for Earth Touch. John Cavanagh and David Royle serve as executive producers for Smithsonian Channel.

TIGER ON THE RUN is produced by Graeme Duane for Earth Touch. Joy Galane and David Royle serve as executive producers for Smithsonian Channel.

Smithsonian Channel™, owned by Smithsonian Networks™, a joint venture between Showtime Networks Inc. and the Smithsonian Institution, is where CURIOSITY lives, inspiration strikes and wonders never cease. This is the place for awe-inspiring stories, powerful documentaries and amazing entertainment across multiple platforms. Smithsonian Channel combines the storytelling prowess of SHOWTIME® with the unmatched resources and rich traditions of the Smithsonian, to create award-winning programming that shines new light on popular genres such as air and space, history, science, nature, and pop culture. Among the network's offerings are series including Aerial America, America in Color, First Ladies Revealed, Polar Bear Town, The Lost Tapes, Amazing Monkeys, America's Secret Space Heroes, Mighty Ships, Mighty Planes and Air Disasters, as well as critically-acclaimed specials that include Titanic's Fatal Fire, The Obama Years: The Power of Words, Nightmare on Everest, Diana and the Paparazzi, Diana: The Day We Said Goodbye and Flying High with Phil Keoghan. Smithsonian Networks also operates Smithsonian Earth™, through SN Digital LLC., a new subscription video streaming service delivering spectacular original nature and wildlife content. To learn more, go to www.smithsonianchannel.com, or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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