Watch Big Cat Week

Big Cat Week on National Geographic has been an awe-inspiring annual event since 1996, where viewers are transported into the captivating realms of the planet's most majestic predators. This thrilling week-long series intimately explores the lives and behaviors of big cats worldwide, immersing audiences in the mysterious and fascinating world of these magnificent creatures. Set against breathtaking landscapes and carefully documented through the lens of skilled filmmakers, Big Cat Week provides a unique opportunity to observe these iconic predators in their natural habitats.

Each episode of Big Cat Week presents a new chapter in the extraordinary lives of these enigmatic hunters. From the sprawling savannas of Africa to the dense forests of South America and the frigid Arctic tundra, the show takes viewers on a global journey to encounter species like lions, tigers, cheetahs, leopards, and jaguars. With a particular focus on conservation, the series sheds light on the challenges these big cats face in the modern world and the ongoing efforts to protect and preserve their populations.

One episode titled "Lions of the Serengeti" showcases the raw power and beauty of the African lion, exploring its social structure, hunting strategies, and the fascinating dynamics within a pride. Filmed on the iconic plains of the Serengeti, this episode introduces viewers to an array of individual lions, their unique personalities, and the hardships they encounter in maintaining their territories.

In another episode titled "Kingdom of the Tigers," viewers are taken on an immersive journey to the dense and mystical jungles of India. Here, the elusive Bengal tiger reigns supreme as the apex predator. Through breathtaking cinematography, viewers witness the secretive life of these majestic cats, showcasing their stealth, hunting skills, and the complex relationship they share with the surrounding ecosystem.

Big Cat Week also journeys into the Americas, delving into the mysterious world of large cats that call North and South America their home. In the episode "Jaguars: Secrets of the Amazon," the spotlight shifts to the Amazon rainforest, where the elusive and rarely-seen jaguars roam. The show provides a rare glimpse into the intimate lives of these solitary cats, shedding light on their behavior, hunting techniques, and their critical role in maintaining the biodiversity of the region.

Moreover, an episode titled "Snow Leopards: Guardians of the Himalayas" takes viewers to the frigid and treacherous slopes of the Himalayan mountains. This segment provides an insightful look into the lives of snow leopards—the rarest and most elusive of all big cats. Surviving in one of the harshest environments on Earth, the episode showcases the extraordinary adaptations and conservation challenges faced by these iconic creatures.

Throughout Big Cat Week, viewers are treated to remarkable footage captured by skilled filmmakers who venture into remote and often hostile locations in order to document these incredible animals. The show not only entertains but aims to raise awareness about the challenges that many big cat species face due to habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict. By highlighting the beauty and importance of these creatures, National Geographic hopes to inspire viewers to appreciate and actively contribute to the conservation efforts aimed at protecting these noble kings and queens of the animal kingdom.

In summary, Big Cat Week is an extraordinary and captivating television event that takes viewers on a global journey to explore the intriguing lives of big cats. Through stunning cinematography, intimate storytelling, and a deep commitment to conservation, this series awakens a sense of wonder, admiration, and concern for these remarkable creatures.

Big Cat Week is a series that ran for 7 seasons (43 episodes) between December 6, 2010 and on National Geographic