Protected only by a stick with a miniature camera, zoologist and big cat trainer Dave Salmoni is on a mission to prove that humans can live in harmony with wild lions. He is pioneering a new research project that has never been attempted before — removing the barrier between man and beast by walking on a pride of lions to observe, learn the language and gain social acceptance. INTO THE LION'S DEN brings viewers to the edge of human-animal interaction on Sunday, Dec. 4, at 10 p.m. ET/PT.

"More than ever, humans are spreading into nature, taking over land where wild animals roam free," says Salmoni. "Inevitably human-animal conflict erupts, and it's the animal that usually ends up losing. There needs to be a paradigm shift in how humans interact with the wild, so I'm going straight to the top, right to the king, to make the point that with a bit of respect and understanding humans and wild animals can live together, share the same space."

Salmoni's unique combination of big cat trainer skills, formal zoological expertise and passion for animals puts him in a position to make a special contribution to the body of scientific knowledge about lions. He follows in the footsteps of Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey and Lewis Leakey, pioneering scientists and researchers who put their lives at risk in pursuit of better understanding animals.

INTO THE LION'S DEN follows Salmoni through his rigorous training with captive big cats leading up to his time in Africa, working with jaguars, tigers and lions to hone his communication skills and immerse himself in cat behavior patterns. Salmoni recalls his history with big cats, including the time a lion turned on him, along with compelling footage of the incident. Finally, it is time to confront the lions at the Thornybush Private Game Reserve in South Africa, where every precaution is taken to ensure Salmoni's safety. His team of paramedics, Thornybush rangers and camera people detail safety guidelines and anticipate every possible emergency situation.

In Salmoni's experience, every sound and movement a cat makes tells him how it's going to behave. If he responds appropriately, the cat will respond appropriately, too. He will be successful when the lions consistently allow him to remain on foot in their close proximity, regarding him as neither a threat nor a potential meal. Salmoni knows the risks are enormous, but he is more concerned with the future of wild animals in our world.

Salmoni is a graduate of Laurentian University's four-year biology program, and he apprenticed as an animal trainer at Bowman Zoological Park, Canada's oldest private zoological park, established in 1919. Salmoni prides himself on his safety record, emphasizing strict precautions and a strong respect for the wild instinct in all animals.