A closer look at animal behavior

MANILA, Philippines - Zoologist, filmmaker and host Nigel Marven (photo) is most at home when he is with animals, observing their behavior in their natural habitat. This month, Animal Planet brings viewers closer to the natural world with Nigel Specials, a selection of four wildlife programs in which Nigel encounters some of the world’s most interesting and sometimes misunderstood creatures. Nigel Specials premieres on March 9 at 11 p.m.

Join Nigel as he journeys into the animal kingdom to track down and interact with some of its most fascinating stars. From the slithery serpents and brazen bullsharks to ferocious fish and mischievous meerkats, Nigel gets up close and personal with these animals to better understand their behavior.

Kicking off the line-up is Anacondas With Nigel Marven, which sees the intrepid zoologist searching for the world’s most massive snake in the jungles of South America. Nigel comes face to face with one of the ocean’s most feared predators in Bullshark: World’s Deadliest Shark With Nigel Marven. In Meerkats With Nigel Marven features never-seen-before footage on meerkat behavior. Nigel observes these darlings of the animal kingdom for a year and discovers there is a different — perhaps darker — side to these cuddly creatures. Finally, traveling through the scenic waterways of South America, Nigel goes on a Piranha Adventure and uncovers the truth behind the infamous fish’s fearsome reputation.