U.S. net Nat Geo Wild has set premiere dates for new series Pond Stars and Animals Gone Wild (pictured) as well as a number of specials and returning series.

The previously announced Warm Springs Productions-made Pond Stars - which transforms plain backyards into inspiring natural habitats - will debut on September 5 at 10 p.m. EST/PST, while Animals Gone Wild, from Michael Hoff Productions, Inc., will air on Fridays at 9 p.m. EST/PST.

Meanwhile, the network’s upcoming specials include the Windfall Films Limited-produced three-part program Wonder of Dogs (June 14 at 10 p.m. EST/PST), which follows the evolution of dogs from one common ancestor to more than 300 breeds; the National Geographic Television (NGT)-produced two-part special Kingdom of the Apes with Jane Goodall (July 13 at 9 p.m. EST/PST), in which the primatologist takes viewers to Tanzania;  BBC Worldwide Americas’ Secret Life of Cats (September 21 at 10 p.m. EST/PST), on the various cats of the feline world; and BSkyB’s Giant Pandas (September 28 at 9 p.m. EST/PST), on a panda breeding initiative in Asia.

Finally, returning series on Nat Geo Wild include NGT-made natural history series Monster Fish, which comes back on July 7 at 9 p.m. EST/PST, and NGT’s veterinarian series The Incredible Dr. Pol, which returns on August 23 at 9 p.m. EST/PST.