LOS ANGELES (thefutoncritic.com) -- Animal Planet will ramp up its original offerings next month with new seasons of "Whale Wars" and "Monsters Inside Me" as well as the premieres of "Last American Cowboy" and "Last Chance Highway."

"Highway," from executive producer Al Roker, tracks a network of volunteers - led by Shelly Bookwalter and Kyle Peterson - stretching across the South who attempt to find homes for thousands of stray pets. The eight-part series premieres Saturday, June 19 at 8:00/7:00c.

"Last American Cowboy," originally dubbed simply "Cowboys," follows three family-owned and operated ranches through "an entire gorgeous and grueling season, from calving and weaning to cattle drives and auction." The newcomer bows Monday, June 7 at 10:00/9:00c.

Meanwhile, "Whale Wars" kicks off season three on Friday, June 4 at 9:00/8:00c while "Monsters Inside Me" begins off its sophomore run on Wednesday, June 9 at 10:00/9:00c.

Rounding out the month are the specials "Human Spider" and "Human Bird" on Tuesday, June 8 starting at 9:00/8:00c plus the documentary "Michael Jackson and Bubbles the Chimp" on Tuesday, June 22 at 10:00/9:00c. The latter offering will feature unseen footage and stories of Jackson and Bubbles "revealed through those who witnessed their relationship."