THE LAST ALASKANS

In 1980, the US government banned new human occupation in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska, a protected area home to thousands of native animals and pristine terrain spanning roughly the size of South Carolina. Currently, only a handful of families spread across seven permitted cabins are allowed to remain in the refuge. Within less than 100 years, all remaining permits will reach expiration, and there will be no human presence left. On Monday, May 25 at 10/9c, Animal Planet premieres THE LAST ALASKANS, a new eight-part special event that documents the lives of some of the most isolated people in America - the last of their kind - as they struggle and thrive in Alaska's untouched wilderness located hundreds of miles from roads, civilization and each other. New one-hour episodes will air Sundays at 8/7c beginning May 31.

THE LAST ALASKANS chronicles the daily rituals of four families choosing to live in seclusion, vast distances from each other as they overcome harsh arctic conditions, frustrating setbacks, and aggressive wildlife while they survive in one of the last great unspoiled and unforgiving wildernesses on the planet. In the refuge, prop planes, canoes and dog sleds replace the modern luxuries that most people take for granted. Humans cohabit with the animal world and often share the same emotions and struggles while they discover that they are not necessary at the top of the food chain. Utilizing an authentic and organic approach to document the weeks leading up to and during the winter season, THE LAST ALASKANS sets a distinctive and vibrant tone unlike any other docu-series before to completely immerse the viewer into a world that would otherwise be lost in history. Complete with stunning aerial shots via drones and a pace that honestly depicts the lives of nonconformists who choose to live off the land and off the grid, the eight-episode series provides viewers with an unbiased look and deep exploration into the unique perspectives of America's last frontiersmen and their loved ones.

"This series beautifully portrays the core values of Animal Planet's Surprisingly Human brand: authenticity, great characters and the constantly changing relationship between man and the wild," says Rick Holzman, General Manager and Executive Vice President of Animal Planet. "THE LAST ALASKANS is not only a game changer for Animal Planet but for the entire off the grid genre - both visually and editorially."