Photos: See the Animal 'Olympics of the Natural World'

In real time

natgeo olympics of the natural world

(Image credit: Michael Nolan/National Geographic; Robert Harding/National Geographic)

National Geographic invites you to fly with Mexican free-tailed bats, swim with bull sharks and roost with leaf-eating monkeys, all from the comfort of your couch. The show, deemed the "Olympics of the natural world" by National Geographic, features amazing views of the animal kingdom from around the world in real time as hosts Jane Lynch and Phil Keoghan consult with zoologist and naturalist Chris Packham.

The two-hour show, Earth Live, premiers at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on Sunday (July 9) on the National Geographic, Nat Geo Wild and Nat Geo Mundo networks in 171 countries and 45 languages. Until then, here is a sneak peak of the incredible animals filmed in the show. [Read the Full Story about Earth Live]

Freshwater Croc

natgeo olympics of the natural world

(Image credit: Annie Griffiths/National Geographic Creative)

A freshwater crocodile plies the waters at his home at the Cairns Tropical Zoo in Queensland, Australia.

Playing in a sprinkle

natgeo olympics of the natural world

(Image credit: Sergio Pitamitz/National Geographic)

A wolverine runs in Oulu, Finland.

Sudden changes

natgeo olympics of the natural world

(Image credit: Stocktrek Images)

In Fiji, a bull shark turns sharply to avoid a photographer.

Love and cuddles

natgeo olympics of the natural world

(Image credit: Robert Harding/Robert Harding Productions; National Geographic)

In East Africa, a lioness and her cub spread the love at Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve.

Working for a living

natgeo olympics of the natural world

(Image credit: Luca Tettoni/National Geographic; Robert Harding/National Geographic)

In Southeast Asia, a trained macaque monkey collects coconuts in Ko Samui, Thailand.

Majestic and regal

natgeo olympics of the natural world

(Image credit: James Hager/National Geographic; Robert Harding/National Geographic)

In Boulder County, Colorado, a captive golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) sits solemnly in the rain.

Awesome sight

natgeo olympics of the natural world

(Image credit: Michael Nolan/National Geographic; Robert Harding/National Geographic)

Off the coast of Cabo Pulmo, Baja California Sur, Mexico, an adult humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) breaches in the shallow waters.

Leap and run

natgeo olympics of the natural world

(Image credit: Hanuman Langur_Thorsten Milse/National Geographic; Robert Harding/National Geographic)

In Asia, a Hanuman langur (Presbytis entellus) runs playfully across the road in Bandhavgarh National Park of Madhya Pradesh state, India.

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