Plot Synopsis

In this two-part series, lion whisperer Kevin Richardson and some of the world's leading behavioral zoologists pit lions and spotted hyenas against each other in a series of puzzles and trials to discover what makes them the ultimate apex predator. They identify the animals' behaviors when solving tasks and riddles, custom-tailored to the animals in question. The different trials focus on specific abilities and aspects of their behavior. Cognitive awareness and social intelligence are put to the test: how well will the animals fare when it comes to various tasks, such as puzzle boxes, rope pulling or mirror mazes? Will they share their findings with animals from their own family or clan? Smithsonian Channel aired the U.S. premiere of this two-part series on Wednesday, March 4, 2015 at 8pm ET/PT, and showed the finale one week later.