MUMBAI: Animal Planet has managed to build up viewer cachet in the US through its King Of The Jungle reality themed initiative. This has seen wannabe anchors getting tailed by a 300-pound tiger, coming face-to-face with vipers and pythons.
 

The winner of the contest will be revealed on 15 December in a two hour special. An official release informs that on 13 October nearly two million viewers tuned in to the shows premiere episode. It had begun with 12 nature experts from all walks of life competing for the title and the chance to host a wildlife special of their own.

Now just three finalists remain. Come 15 December they will have to deliver a TV-ready presentation about three exotic animals -- without any preparation. The broadcaster has built the event as a true test of expertise, poise and personality.

After that their physical tenacity and animal handling skills will be tested to the limit. Each finalist must master a grueling series of sky-high obstacles and rescue a feisty alligator. This will see one person getting eliminated. Then a couple of Bengal tigers will enter the picture. The two participants will have to deliver a presentation in this dangerous situation without losing their cool.

On 22 December a winners special will air. The winner will handle and help transport alligators to a new habitat in Miami. This time nothing will keep the predator's jaws shut but the winner's own skill and agility. The new host will have to travel to the banks of the Mara River in Kenya where hungry crocodiles cleverly shadow their prey.

The special will be produced for Animal Planet by BBC Wildvision.