For some animal owners, a cat or dog could never offer the same adrenaline-pumping experience you get from owning an exotic pet like an alligator, zebra, tiger, snake, wolf, eagle, or elephant. But have some of these unconventional pet owners crossed the line by trying to domesticate their animals and raise them in their homes or private zoos? Predator Pets meets these extreme pet lovers and comes face-to-face with their creatures to investigate if they can make appropriate companions.

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Episode 1: Bears, Bison, Big Cats
From cowboys to Hollywood legends, this episode has it all, and that’s just the owners. We meet Bonnie and her bears, RC the cowboy and his pet Wildthing, the world’s only tame bison, and venture into Tippi Hedron’s big cat sanctuary Shambala. It’s a dangerous world out there, especially for these exotic animal lovers!

Episode 2: Zebras, Baby Crocs, Chimpanzees
When you’ve raised cattle and horses for decades, running a herd of zebra is almost like raising any other livestock. Duane Gilbert shows us around his picturesque Utah ranch and introduces us to his aggressive herd that packs a kick capable of killing a lion. In California, we learn just how brutal Chimpanzees can be and two experts explain just what makes them such dangerous pets. And we finish up the show across the ocean in Lincolnshire at a wildlife park that’s home to some unique animals not normally found in an English backyard.

Episode 3: King Cats, Snakes
From animal conservationist and rescuers to a daring Australian snake man, this episode is packed with action! We meet Jill and her animal family at Valley of the Kings, a sanctuary and home to a large variety of exotic animals. We meet Gary, a daring reptile owner who has a collection of venomous and non venomous snakes and we venture to The Cats Survival Trust, where we meet Dr. Terry Moore who cares for a number of wild cats species. Join us for an episode of facts and action about exotic animals and their owners.

Episode 4: Bobcats, Alligators, Tarantulas
From expert animal handler to bobcat specialist, this new episode of Predator Pets is informative and engaging! We learn about Mark’s exotic animals including his alligator and tarantula. We see how Mark is an expert handler and cares for many different species of exotic animals. We then venture to visit Joe Taft at the Exotic Feline Rescue Center, which has rescued just under 200 big cats where staff and volunteers are trained in caring for these magnificent creatures. We visit Val and her energetic bobcats and learn that although they may seem domesticated, bobcats are in no way a normal pet. Join us for an episode where we showcase the relationship between exotic animal and their keepers.

Episode 5: Exotics, Capuchin Monkeys, Zanesville Massacre
One man’s drastic action to set loose his vast collection of exotic animals opened up a chaotic animal massacre that made global headlines over night. After exploring the tragedy of Zanesville, this episode of Predator Pets travels to Las Vegas to get up close and personal with the Monkey Whisperer Lisa Whitaker and her long time capuchin companion Mugwhy. We then adventure on to the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park to visit Joe, the exotic animal conservationist and country musician. This episode takes you on a rollercoaster ride showcasing very different exotic animal owners.

Episode 6: Bears, Lions, Wolves
This episode of Predator Pets deals with some of the most ferocious predators on the planet. Wolves may be the ancestors of our most beloved house pet, the dog, but they’re far from being an animal you can cuddle up with on the couch. The circus is now a controversial environment for exotic animals, but Australia’s longest running family circus know that the Lion Tamer is still guaranteed to draw gasps from the crowd. In the 1980s, Randy Miller was known as an animal stuntman with a unique talent and a unique connection to some very special animals. Since 2008 he’s better known as the owner of Rocky, the 400-pound bear who killed his cousin during a photoshoot.

Episode 7: Dingos, Exotics
On the outskirts of a rural Nevada town, Scott and Zuzana live behind 10-foot chain fences; not to protect themselves from intruders, but to protect intruders from their surprising pets. Dave and his dog Alice have an incredible bond, but Alice is no ordinary dog; she’s a dingo, Australia’s largest apex predator. Join us in Ken Foose’s Exotic Pets Store, Las Vegas, where you can find everything from ferrets and hedgehogs, through to snakes, giant spiders, scorpions and venomous lizards.

Episode 8: Lions, Snakes, Tasmanian Devils
Getting a 500-pound lion to do what you want is no mean feat; getting that lion to do what you want repeatedly and on-cue requires a very special talent. In this episode we’ll learn the tricks of the trade from respected animal trainer, Steve Martin. We’ll also meet the Snake Man. His family has been treating visitors to an amazing snake show for more than 100 years. Did you know that the mysterious and extinct Tasmanian Tiger was once kept as a pet? It’s closest living relative, the Tasmanian Devil is now highly endangered, is domestication the answer for this snarling whirlwind of teeth and muscle?

Episode 9: Big Cats, Elephants, Watusi Bulls
Join our crew up close with elephants! This episode takes you inside the elephant enclosure at Charlie Sammut’s Monterey Zoo. The largest horn circumference on record belonged to Woody, a Watusi bull from Bar G ranch in Utah. His left horn measured 40 inches around – that’s a waist measurement! The Watusis’ impressive horns are highly prized and highly dangerous. Seeing the aftermath of exotic pet owners who don’t properly care for their predator pets inspired Bobbi Brink to open a wildlife sanctuary and bring Lions, Tigers and Bears to Alpine California.

Episode 10: Wildlife Sanctuary, Chimpanzees, Alligator
The daughter of a Belgian diplomat and avid naturalist, Martine Colette grew up traveling the world. In this episode, we talk to Martine about how she went from Hollywood socialite to founding her own wildlife sanctuary. We learn about Bob Ingersoll, a Primatologist who forged very special bonds with Chimpanzees. We also hear the remarkable story of Jaxson the Alligator, who lived in the backyard of a North Hollywood home for 38-years.

Episode 11:  Reptiles, Exotics Officers
Australia has a reputation for being home to some of the most dangerous animals on the planet; Gane Doyle Jr. from the WA Reptile Park has been bitten by almost all of them, but he still enjoys an extraordinary relationship with his Predator Pets. We’ll also meet the officers whose job it is to capture stray exotics in Riverside County and we talk to the team at a sanctuary for former performing animals who have some very clear opinions about keeping exotics in captivity.

Episode 12: Zebras, Birds of Prey, Compact Critters
In this episode we meet the young woman happy to be known as the “crazy zebra lady” along with her pet zebras, camels and water buffalo. We also meet some majestic birds of prey and their equally extraordinary human. And, while small and furry may not seem frightening, we’ll meet some compact critters that many forget are predator pets that can pack a powerful bite; a bite they’re not shy about inflicting. There are some real surprises!

Episode 13: Monterey Zoo, Elephant Sanctuary
It’s difficult for anyone not to get attached to a cute baby animal, and it turns out that when you own a zoo, it can be even harder not to blur the line between exhibit and pet – especially when the animal babies live in your house. Charlie Sammut shows us around Monterey Zoo and takes us closer than we’ve ever been to some truly incredible animals. Actress Dawn Wells is famous for her role on Gilligan’s Island, and as a passionate animal advocate, she tells us about her role as ambassador for The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee.