NAT GEO WILD INVITES MOMS EVERYWHERE TO BRING THE ENTIRE FAMILY ON A LIVE AFRICAN SAFARI THIS MOTHER'S DAY WEEKEND!

By Popular Demand, Safari Live, the Online and On-Air Event from Big Cat Week is Back!

Mother's Day Weekend Event Safari Live Premieres Live From South Africa on Saturday, May 9, and Sunday, May 10, From 9 AM to 12 PM ET on Nat Geo WILD and WILDSafariLive.com

Viewers Are Bananas for Safari Live: @lindaveglahn - "I could watch this all day. #SafariLive" @HeartGiraffes - "How in the world did Pieter see that leopard? Amazing! #SafariLive"

(WASHINGTON, D.C. - May 7, 2015) Need a Mother's Day gift? Nat Geo WILD has you covered. We are bringing back our popular Safari Live event. A special Mother's Day weekend treat the whole family can share and enjoy, Safari Live premieres Saturday, May 9, and Sunday, May 10, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. ET on Nat Geo WILD and online at WILDSafariLive.com. Grab your mom and the family for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go on a live safari to see lions roar, hyenas fight for food and giraffes run wild - and, if you're lucky, maybe even some mother-child bonding, wild style - in real time.

"Our viewers have spoken. They LOVE Safari Live! We're bringing it back for a special Mother's Day weekend event so families can experience the thrill of a safari without leaving their living rooms," said Geoff Daniels, EVP and general manager, Nat Geo WILD. "Not many people get to see African wildlife in its natural habitat, but we're delivering this amazing experience to you raw and as real as it gets."

No passport required for this one! Spend some time with Mom and witness stunning wildlife, with two expert guides leading the way. All you need is an appetite for adventure and a love for our wild friends in the African bush. Tracker Stefan Winterboer will be taking us on a bush walk, where he will be tracking big game, as our safari guides Pieter Pretorius and Hayden Turner take us deep into South Africa's Sabi Sands Park to bring us face to face with Africa's wildlife, including lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo and even some mom-and-baby pairings in the animal kingdom. See below for clips.

During the safari between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. ET, guides Pieter and Hayden will also answer questions from viewers live via Twitter (#SafariLive) and email through our website (WILDSafariLive.com). The guides will also host a "campfire chat" at the end of each broadcast to answer viewer questions and talk about highlights from the day's safari.

About Pieter Pretorius

Pieter has been a game drive guide since 1997, when he started working as a guide in Pilanesberg National Park at the exclusive lodge Tshukudu, focusing on finding Africa's big five. He has guided over 1,500 hours of walking trails, has become involved with various research projects and has nearly 20 years of field experience with tracking wildlife in the African bush.

About Hayden Turner

Hayden is a wildlife expert who reports from some of the wildest and most scenic places on earth. He has worked and traveled throughout the world, filming across the African continent and in more than 35 other countries. Hayden is known for his private safaris, exclusive escapes and expeditions throughout Africa, Asia, Australia and the Middle East. Hayden's philosophy is that the most effective approach to conservation is through education, technology and inspiring people to care for the planet, coupled with understanding people's different perceptions of wildlife.

About Stefan Winterboer

Stefan is often described as one of the best in the business when it comes to trails guiding. Born in Pretoria, South Africa, from a young age Stefan would spend much of his time in the bush with his father. This left him with many "feel-good" memories, spurring him on to become a professional in the safari and tourism industry. Once Stefan started, he knew that was what he was born to do.

Safari Live is produced by WildEarth for Nat Geo WILD. For WildEarth, executive producer is Graham Wallington. For Nat Geo WILD, executive producer is Susie Ryan; SVP, programming and planning, is Brad Dancer; vice president of scheduling is Dan Salerno; and executive vice president and general manager is Geoff Daniels.

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About Nat Geo WILD

Experience the best, most intimate encounters with wildlife ever seen on television. Backed by its unparalleled reputation for quality and blue-chip programming, Nat Geo WILD is dedicated to providing a unique insight into the natural world, the environment and the amazing creatures that inhabit it. From the most remote environments, to the forbidding depths of our oceans, to the protected parks on our doorsteps, Nat Geo WILD will use spectacular cinematography and compelling storytelling to take viewers on unforgettable journeys into the wild world. Launched in 2006, Nat Geo WILD is part of National Geographic Channels International (NGCI) and is available in more than 90 countries and 100 million homes. Nat Geo WILD HD launched in the U.K. in March 2009, and is also available in Greece, Latin America, Poland, Spain and Russia. Further expansion is expected globally. For more information, please visit www.natgeotv.com.