Nat Geo WILD kicks off March 29, grizzly bears, monkeys and apes video previews

By April MacIntyre Mar 17, 2010, 3:10 GMT

Republic of Congo: Mireya Mayor, primatologist, and a juvenile Western Lowland gorilla in Mondika in the Republic of Congo (Photo credit: (c) NGT) Video “Gorilla Machismo” – Mireya is nearly attacked by a silverback while studying gorilla behavior at the Mondika Research Center.

Nat Geo WILD kicks off soon, the end of March will see Expedition Wild with Casey Anderson, Mystery Gorillas with Mireya Mayor, and the Rebel Monkeys blaze onto the smallscreen.

Monsters and Critics readers already know about Brutus, the 900 lb grizzly bear, and former best man to Casey Anderson.  Brutus is captured trying to learn how to swim in a swimming pool, complete with underwater shots.

Also check out Mireya's close call with a silverback gorilla.

EXPEDITION WILD with Casey Anderson

Premieres Monday, April 5 at 9PM ET/PT Airs Weekly – Mondays at 9 PM ET/PT

Talking Hot Dog Ranch, Livingston, Montana: Casey Anderson tosses Brutus the grizzly bears a fish at homemade "falls." (Photo Credit: © Grizzly Creek Films) The premiere episode of Expedition Wild is a multipart look at North America’s mightiest carnivores, featuring naturalist Casey Anderson and his 900-pound grizzly bear.

Talking Hot Dog Ranch, Livingston, Montana: Casey Anderson tosses Brutus the grizzly bears a fish at homemade "falls." (Photo Credit: © Grizzly Creek Films) The premiere episode of Expedition Wild is a multipart look at North America’s mightiest carnivores, featuring naturalist Casey Anderson and his 900-pound grizzly bear.

Trek to Alaska’s Kodiak Island, where Casey gets knee-deep in grizzly life in order to teach Brutus the ways of his wild relatives.

This population of more than 3,500 bears offers Casey a chance to witness how they catch wild salmon and feed their young. Casey then returns to Montana to see if he can teach a bear raised in captivity to fish for himself, in an aquarium designed for that purpose.

Future episodes of Expedition Wild will focus on the wild wolves of Yellowstone; a journey with Casey trekking through Yellowstone during two key seasons — winter and spring — documenting every living thing he encounters; and a one-hour special with the complete history of his relationship with Brutus.

Video “Brutus Takes the Plunge” – If Brutus is ever going to learn how to fish like a bear, he’ll have to learn how to swim first!

Video “Catchin’ Sockey Bear Style” – Casey tries catching salmon the way the Kodiaks do it – ‘bear’ handed! Then he tries to show Brutus a trick or two.

Video “The Real Fisher King” – Casey and Missi enjoy a friendly fishing competition – but it’s not long before the bears take interest in their delicious catch.

MYSTERY GORILLAS with Mireya Mayor

Premieres Monday, April 5 at 10PM ET/PT

National Geographic Emerging Explorer Mireya Mayor immerses herself in the secret lives of wild gorillas, learning about new behaviors and group dynamics, such as the role of female choice and limited tool use.

Travel to the forests of northern Congo, where record numbers of western lowland gorillas live unseen in the dense foliage. Mireya’s quest to see them up close gives her the chance to get to know the intimate details of one family — a big male named Kingo and his clan of females and young.

She also travels to a gorilla gathering spot to witness their group dynamics and study their larger social structure.

Republic of Congo: Mireya Mayor, primatologist, and a juvenile Western Lowland gorilla in Mondika in the Republic of Congo (Photo credit: (c) NGT) Video “Gorilla Machismo” – Mireya is nearly attacked by a silverback while studying gorilla behavior at the Mondika Research Center.

Video “Mating Gorillas” – Is it for love, pleasure, or competition? Mireya observes the mating practices of the Western Lowland Gorilla.

REBEL MONKEYS

Premieres Wednesday, March 31 at 8 PM ET/PT Airs Weekly – Wednesdays at 8 PM ET/PT

Four macaques playing on a temple roof where they are allowed to roam freely. (photo credit: (c) Richard Kirby) Video “The Monkey Catcher” – A group of Rhesus Macaques are captured and banished to the outskirts of Jaipur.

They’re a diabolical nuisance, yet considered sacred. But for a gang of monkeys making their home at the Galta Temple in the Indian city of Jaipur, it’s an easy life — lounge by the sacred pool, groom your friends and accept handouts from worshippers paying respect to the Hindu Monkey God Hanuman.

But their happy days may be numbered. When a lingering drought threatens local food supplies, the monkeys face an end to their easy gravy train.

Join this charismatic fuzzy-haired crew as they search for food and find trouble on the chaotic streets of Jaipur. Jaipur, India: Four macaques playing on a temple roof where they are allowed to roam freely. (photo credit: (c) Richard Kirby) Video “The Monkey Catcher” – A group of Rhesus Macaques are captured and banished to the outskirts of Jaipur.