2024 marks 30 years since Disney’s beloved THE LION KING graced cinema screens, immortalizing the story of Simba, the lion cub eager to claim his place as king. In anticipation of the highly awaited MUFASA: THE LION KING, releasing 20 December, National Geographic Wild is paying homage to Africa’s majestic big cats with a month-long programming event.
National Geographic Wild (DStv 182, StarSat 221) dedicates its December schedule to showcasing the beauty, resilience, and challenges faced by real-life lions. Featuring documentaries every Saturday at 18:00 (CAT), this event sheds light on the African lions’ battles for survival, emphasizing their critical role in the ecosystem and their fight against extinction.
Programming Highlights:
- DESERT LIONS: SURVIVING AT SKELETON COAST – 7 December, 18:00
Follow Dr. Philip Stander as he tracks three lion cubs braving Namibia’s harsh Skeleton Coast in their bid for survival. - LIONS: THE HUNT FOR SURVIVAL – 14 December, 18:00
Witness the determination of three lionesses from different habitats as they embark on a relentless hunt for food. - TREE CLIMBING LIONS – 21 December, 18:00
Join big cat biologist Alexander Braczkowski on his 90-day mission to count Uganda’s tree-climbing lions and assess their population health. - CECIL: THE LEGACY OF A KING – 28 December, 18:00
Relive the legacy of Cecil, one of Africa’s most iconic lions, whose life and tragic demise in Zimbabwe’s Hwange Game Reserve sparked global awareness.
From Namibia’s arid deserts to Uganda’s lush forests, these documentaries celebrate the awe-inspiring lives of Africa’s lions, while raising awareness of their dwindling populations. This December, National Geographic Wild invites viewers to connect with the true kings of the savannah and the urgent need to preserve their legacy.
