Plot Synopsis

KINGDOM OF THE WHITE WOLF is a three-part docuseries that follows photographer Ronan Donovan's journey through the desolate Arctic to become accepted by a white wolfpack. Today, most wolves have grown skittish and wary of humans -- apart from the Arctic wolves located so far north, which have escaped human interaction. Untouched within the remote Canadian Arctic Archipelago in Ellesmere Island, the white wolves freely hunt, howl and raise their matriarchal-led families as they have since the Ice Age -- unaware, unfettered and unafraid of any danger posed by humans. After multiple weeks of searching in vain, Donovan finds himself suddenly nose to nose with a 10-member pack. It's a rare opportunity to become accepted, but the wolves inspect and playfully feel out Donovan as he self-films the extraordinary raw interaction. With the matriarch and wider pack's blessing, Donovan is accepted by the pack and spends his remaining four weeks with the pack observing its extraordinary hunts and daily fight for survival as well as its playful romps and deep family connections. Perpetually on the brink of life-threatening events, the wolves are caught between the challenge of hunting musk oxen -- spanning up to 10 times the wolves' size -- and the harsh winters of the Arctic, which grow ever more perilous due to climate change. KINGDOM OF THE WHITE WOLF premiered on Sunday, August 25, 2019 from 8-11pm ET/PT, as Nat Geo Wild debuted all three episodes back to back.

In addition to this three-part special, the September 2019 issue of "National Geographic" magazine will also highlight Donovan's unique encounters with the Arctic wolves. The issue will take a special, in-depth look at the state of the Arctic and include a feature that takes a close look at a large population of Arctic wolves as scientists are beginning to uncover behaviors. Donovan's photographs, accompanying a piece written by National Geographic writer Neil Shea, will convey how the latest insights and behaviors are drastically different from those of the southern gray wolf.