CAN MANKIND SURVIVE NATURE'S DEADLIEST MIGRATION?

In National Geographic Channel's New Series "Mygrations," 20 Elite Men and Women Brave Harsh Elements, Deadly Predators and Each Other as They Attempt to Endure Africa's Grueling Wildebeest Migration

New Series "Mygrations" Premieres Monday, May 23, at 9/8c on National Geographic Channel

(Washington, D.C. - April 28, 2016) Each spring, in a desperate bid for survival, 1.3 million wildebeests race hundreds of miles north from the dry southern Serengeti plains to the lush grasses of the Maasai Mara in Kenya. It's an incredibly dangerous journey through a landscape dominated by apex predators, including lions, leopards, hyenas and crocodiles. Tens of thousands of wildebeests won't make it - so how will humans fare?

Premiering Monday, May 23, at 9/8c, National Geographic Channel's new series Mygrations follows a team of 20 men and women in a feat that has never been attempted, as they set out on foot, unarmed and without a map or compass, to follow in the footsteps of the wildebeests. The human herd must cross hundreds of miles of scorched savannah - where water, food and shelter are hard to find but lethal predators roam unchecked - to reach the Mara River, the pinnacle of the wildebeests' death-defying quest for life. The series, produced by Emmy award-winning October Films, will air globally on National Geographic Channel in 171 countries and 45 languages, and on the Spanish-language network Nat Geo Mundo. For more information, visit www.natgeotv.com or our press site www.foxflash.com, or follow us on Twitter using @NGC_PR.

Join the team on their exhausting and perilous six-week journey from the birthplace of mankind in the southern Serengeti, north to the Mara River, on a path carved by billions of hooves over countless centuries. Before embarking on their journey, the human herd load their packs with rations of food and water and seek guidance from a native tribe. While wildebeests are perfectly designed for the hurdles the migration presents, the humans are vulnerable in the face of such a primal test. With hundreds of miles in front of them, preparedness will be key to survival.

As the migration progresses, the human herd of 20 - made up of ex-special operations forces, survivalists, athletes, farmers and others - will thin to a hard-core elite as individuals tap out due to exhaustion, hunger or injury. The remaining group will fight their way to the finish - encountering mountains, deep ravines, impassable bogs, scorching plains and raging rivers. Beyond these fault lines, they must avoid countless predators lurking in long grass, in the water and in the shade of darkness. Every day brings them closer to safety while testing the limits of the human spirit and capability in Africa's most unforgiving playground.

Premiere Episodes Include:

Into the Unknown Premieres Monday, May 23, at 9/8c Deep in Africa, a team of 20 prepares to join the planet's largest mammal migration across the Serengeti. It's a grueling and dangerous journey through a landscape dominated by apex predators - tens of thousands of wildebeests won't make it - so how will humans fare? With no map or compass, the humans take on their first challenge: navigating north through lethal open plains. Facing thirst, predators and each other, it becomes clear not everyone can endure.

Lion's Den Premieres Monday, May 30, at 9/8c The herd continues its trek across the Serengeti and enters challenging new terrain. They decide to risk camping for the night, but a sudden downpour threatens to extinguish their fire - the only defense against predators in the dark. Unarmed, alone and far from a hospital, two sudden tap-outs rock the herd's "safety in numbers" strategy when they need it the most. Then they face their greatest fear - a pride of lions in the pitch black.

Animal House Premieres Monday, June 6, at 9/8c The savage landscape is taking a toll and the herd struggles with extreme hunger. When one of their strongest members faints they wonder - how will the weaker ones ever survive? Later, the herd treks over a plateau and is faced with a soaring cliff face. With limited equipment, they draw on their skills to attempt a dangerous route down. The next day presents the toughest challenge yet - crossing a croc-infested river.

Valley of Death Premieres Monday, June 13, at 9/8c Recovered from their first river crossing, the human herd moves fast in an attempt to catch up with the wildebeest migration. An unexpected threat challenges their journey: poachers. The danger, exhausting terrain and hunger push tensions higher and the group begins to crack under the pressure. Later, two members are injured by a warthog, and a new river presents the daunting threat of hippos.

Falling Apart Premieres Monday, June 20, at 9/8c The herd has been stuck on the banks of a flooded river for two days; water levels fall and they attempt a crossing but must be wary of the nearby hippos and crocs. With not nearly enough food to reach the Mara River, the herd increases pace, but hunger is having a serious effect on a diabetic member and a doctor is called. Rising tensions cause the herd to split, but at this point their best defense is their size, and sticking together is vital.

Predator Alley (season finale) Premieres Monday, June 27, at 9/8c Only 32 miles - and a soaring waterfall - stand between the remaining herd and the finish line. Overcome by hunger, exhaustion and injuries, the group must fight to the end. A member with an infected leg is accused of slowing the group down, and the dysentery and dehydration of another brings the herd to a standstill - both struggle with the decision to tap out or go on. Meanwhile, lethal predators continue to pose an ever-present threat.

Mygrations is produced by October Films for National Geographic Channels. For October Films, executive producers are Jos Cushing, Matt Robins, Chris Muckle and Doug McCallie. For National Geographic Channels, Matt Renner is vice president of production and Tim Pastore is global president of original programming and production.

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