Power struggles, survival, betrayal, and rebirth... BBC's nature documentary series "BBC Earth Animal Kingdom Season 2" exploring the survival of animal families' 'kingdoms' to air on Animal Planet from May 8 (Fri) at 10 PM

Discovery Japan Inc., which operates Animal Planet, one of the world's largest animal and nature channels, will broadcast the second season of the BBC nature documentary series "BBC Earth Animal Kingdom Season 2" from 10 PM on Friday, May 8th. This series explores the struggles of animals fighting for the survival of their 'kingdoms' across diverse ecosystems in Africa and South America.

Copyright: Getty Images: Angelo Cavalli/anankkml/ rschlie. BBC Studios, Nicolas Lagos, Jess Webster, Billy Clapham, Simon Blakeney, Mark McEwen

The series focuses on the family stories of wild animals, dramatically depicting their efforts to continue generations, protect their herds, and forge a future.

Set against the backdrop of diverse ecosystems in Africa and South America, it delves into the intense relationships woven by leaders at the top of the herd, their supporting companions, and the offspring entrusted with the next generation. It vividly portrays the advanced social structures and strategies of each species through immersive footage.

A young meerkat queen, who lost her family in the scorching desert, chooses new companions, grows, and builds a true dynasty.

A puma mother in the freezing mountainous regions of Patagonia, South America, risks her life to raise four cubs.

A young, inexperienced female leader struggles to protect an elephant herd with extremely rare twin calves.

A cheetah mother in the vast savanna teaches her daughters survival skills so they can become independent.

A hyena pack in Zambia's Liuwa Plain, struck by drought, engages in a fierce power struggle for the queen's throne.

A young alpha male Barbary macaque faces trials for kingship in the extreme environment of Morocco's Atlas Mountains.

The program follows the tumultuous daily dramas unfolding within these animal kingdoms—power struggles, parenting, alliances, betrayals, survival competition, succession, loss, and rebirth. Simultaneously, it sheds light on contemporary threats surrounding them, such as climate change, habitat loss, and poaching, conveying to viewers how fragile yet valuable the future of wild animals is.

This is a grand epic of the animal kingdom, where narration based on deep insights merges with stunning visuals capturing intricate behaviors. We invite you to enjoy the highly anticipated second season of the BBC nature documentary series, which follows animals fighting for the survival of their 'kingdoms' in the harsh wilderness.

<May Broadcast Episodes>

Meerkat

Broadcast Date: May 8 (Fri) 10:00 PM

Copyright: Greg Hartman

Follows a young meerkat queen living in the desolate Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. To protect her offspring born in a harsh environment, she must unite her family and confront rivals, predators, and fierce sandstorms. The bonds of family are tested.

Puma

Broadcast Date: May 15 (Fri) 10:00 PM

Copyright: BBC Studios

In the rugged mountains of Patagonia, a mother puma must contend with enemies, take down prey nearly three times her size, and endure harsh weather to raise her four cubs. With the largest litter she has ever had, she is a magnificent mother who dedicates all her strength to protecting her family.

Elephant

Broadcast Date: May 22 (Fri) 10:00 PM

Copyright: BBC Studios

In Amboseli, Kenya, an extremely rare event pushes a dying elephant family to its limits. The only way to secure the kingdom's future is for the entire family to unite and overcome this once-in-a-lifetime challenge. A dramatic survival story of elephants, where their bonds are tested in a harsh land.

Cheetah

Broadcast Date: May 29 (Fri) 10:00 PM

Copyright: BBC Studios

In the vast savannas of Zambia, a mother cheetah protects her beloved cubs while nurturing their strength to live independently. Challenges with dangerous prey, skirmishes with hyenas, and the harsh lesson that even small neighbors should not be underestimated. This depicts a journey of growth and a mother's dedication.

<Broadcast Information>

Broadcast Date: Starts May 8 (Fri) 10:00 PM

Regular Broadcast: Every Friday at 10:00 PM

Repeat Broadcast: Tuesdays at 11:30 AM, etc.

(60 minutes, 6 episodes total, new season)

Animal Planet

Animal Planet is one of the world's largest animal channel brands. With the mission of bringing people closer to animals in every way, it creates and provides high-quality animal content to ensure that everyone retains the curiosity and wonder for animals they had in childhood. Animal Planet, watched by approximately 360 million households in over 200 countries and regions worldwide, offers a rich lineup from the law of the jungle to human-animal interactions and pets like dogs and cats, showcasing the beauty of the animal world.