The return of specialty television’s biggest event is sure to make for a jaw-dropping August on Animal Planet. First up though, is the return of PETS 101 for an all-new, second season of inquisitive and cuddly cats and dogs (August 7). Then, dive into the world of sharks with the ultimate summer TV event: SHARK WEEK 2012 (August 13 – 18). Next, Paul Watson and Sea Shepherd launch a new campaign to end the clubbing of seals in Africa in the new special WHALE WARS: SEAL WARS (August 15). And then finish the summer off with a smile with the heartwarming new special PAWS FOR AUTISM (August 24) and a three-hour special sneak peak of new series WILD OBSESSION (August 26). Programming highlights for Animal Planet in August include:
MARQUEE EVENTS
SHARK WEEK 2012
Beginning Monday, August 13 at 10 p.m. ET/PT
SHARK WEEK, cable television’s longest-running programming event and the ultimate summertime ritual, returns to Animal Planet with some of the most watched shows and specials from recent years.
WILD OBSESSION – 3-HOUR SNEAK PEEK
Sunday, August 26, beginning at 8 p.m. ET/9 p.m. PT
WILD OBSESSION follows brave individuals fulfilling their lifelong dream to come face-to-face with some of the world’s most exotic and elusive animals. Paired with an expert in the field, each episode sees the just-introduced duo travel to remote areas of the world for a glimpse of an animal in its most primal state. The task will prove to be not only physically challenging but mentally arduous. Working together to find and understand the clandestine creatures will be as much a part of the journey as the sighting itself.
NEW SPECIALS
WHALE WARS: SEAL WARS
Wednesday, August 15 at 9 p.m. ET/10 p.m. PTThe world’s largest marine mammal slaughter of 85,000 still-nursing baby seal pups begins annually on July 1st in Namibia. WHALE WARS: SEAL WARS is a shocking one-hour special documenting this brutal ritual. The special follows the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society’s 2011 Mission in Namibia – known as Operation Desert Seal. In the face of heavy security and threats of violence, Sea Shepherd launches Operation Desert Seal in an attempt to end the clubbing of fur seals along Namibia’s Skeleton Coast. Viewer discretion is advised.
PAWS FOR AUTISM
Friday, August 24 at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT
PAWS FOR AUTISM follows two autistic children and their service dogs. It goes through a journey with Braydon and his family before Bogart, their new service dog, enters their home. Viewers will see the impact that the new pooch has on Braydon and his family. It is a heartwarming hour as lives are healed thanks to man’s best friend!
RETURNING SERIES
PETS 101: Season 2
Tuesday, August 7 at 9 p.m. ET/10 p.m. PTAccompanying the popular DOGS 101 and CATS 101 series, Animal Planet features furry, feathery and scaly friends in PETS 101. Millions of homes welcome a menagerie of these eclectic critters, and PETS 101 shines a light on these creatures lounging around the house, sunbathing in the pool and spinning away their days on exercise wheels.
