Get the Facts on Animal Planet's WALK THE LION, Featuring Dave Salmoni

-- Series Premieres Spring 2009 --

January 9, 2009

(Los Angeles, Ca.) In Animal Planet's upcoming series WALK THE LION, large predator expert Dave Salmoni embarks on the journey of a lifetime. For six months, Dave will live among a pride of lions� alone� in the expansive African wilderness. Along the way, his experience and knowledge as a zoologist and large cat expert will be put to the test as Dave tries to help a pride of "problem lions" learn to trust human beings, so the two species can harmoniously share the land that they depend on for survival. This series is both an intense personal mission for Dave and a detailed look at a beautiful and complex creature�the African lion.

WHAT: In this six-part series, Dave returns to the African bush to interpret the complex social construct within a pride of lions as he embarks on a long-awaited personal journey. Large predators have long been his passion, but in recent months, Dave has been spending most of his time as a TV producer and host in the "urban jungle." That's all going to change in WALK THE LION when Dave goes back to basics�just him among a pride of lions and other wildlife that freely roam the African bush. He gets as close as possible to an aggressive pride of problem lions as he tries to earn their respect and understanding�things that they are slow to give to any human. Dave's personal mission is to put himself back in touch with what matters most to him�the serenity and solitude of living in the wild.

WHERE: WALK THE LION takes place on the Erindi game reserve in Namibia�an expansive reserve spanning more than 75,000 hectares (140,000 acres) of wilderness. In the native language of Herero, Erindi means "The Place of Water," which explains why the reserve is a gathering place for wildlife and the perfect place for Dave's journey. During his six months on the reserve, Dave lives side by side with thousands of Africa's most enchanting creatures as he camps out in their backyard.

WHO: Dave Salmoni is Animal Planet's apex predator expert and host of a number of Animal Planet programs including Rogue Nature, Predator vs. Prey, Into the Lion's Den and After the Attack-- all series that he hosts and produces with his own South African-based production company, Triosphere. Besides his television career, Salmoni is a zoologist and renowned animal trainer. He grew up in Ontario, Canada and studied zoology at Laurentian University in Sudbury, Ontario.

WHY (watch): WALK THE LION is a compelling personal narrative about Dave's emotional growth as he tries to forge a relationship with a pride of lions; this series is just as much about the man as it is about the beasts that he encounters. Viewers will watch as Dave comes face to face with the most aggressive lions of his career, challenging his professional knowledge as well as his mental and physical strength. If Dave fails to reach these lions, they may be destroyed because of the threat they pose to people, but if he can succeed, he will ensure peaceful lives for these creatures as they live, wild and free. For a taste of Dave's story, you can visit his blog at http://blogs.discovery.com/dave_salmoni_lions/

WHEN: Catch WALK THE LION this spring on Animal Planet.