Discovery searches for lion king

Discovery Networks International (DNI) has commissioned a two-hour special about South Africa’s legendary Mapogo lion pride.

Set in South Africa’s Sabi Sands, To Be King documents the rise of the Mapogos as they grow from a litter of five cubs into fearsome young males, capable of killing more than 100 other lions over the course of a year and taking control of a vast territory.

Produced for DNI by Aquavision Television Productions (ATP), the special will air on Discovery Channel in 2015 in more than 220 countries and territories around the world, including the US.

As well as eyewitness accounts and blue-chip natural history footage, To Be King will also feature insight from lion experts such as Dave Salmoni to offer an inside look at the social dynamics of the Mapogos.

Liz Brach is the executive producer and Rob Holloway is the producer for DNI, while Peter Lamberti is the executive producer and Dan Huertas is the producer/director for ATP.

DNI this month reorganised its operations in Europe, with Nordic president Henrik Ravn exiting the company.