Watch Caught in the Act

Caught in the Act was a wildlife documentary television series that aired on National Geographic Wild in 2007. Each episode featured stunning, high-quality footage of animals in the wild engaging in various behaviors, many of which are rarely, if ever, captured on camera.

The show was hosted by three naturalists: Dan Morgan, Bill Graves, and Stuart Bassil. These experts provided insightful commentary and analysis of the animals' actions, drawing on their extensive knowledge and experience in the field.

The series covered a wide range of subjects, from the hunting and mating behavior of big cats like lions and cheetahs, to the social dynamics of primates like chimpanzees and baboons. Other episodes focused on lesser-known creatures such as pangolins, hyenas, and honey badgers.

What set Caught in the Act apart from other nature documentaries of its time was its emphasis on "first-time" footage. The production team went to great lengths to get new and unique shots of animals' behavior, utilizing innovative camera equipment and techniques. For example, they attached cameras to drones and remote-controlled buggies to capture footage of the animals without being in their direct line of sight.

The series also placed a strong focus on conservation and education, with each episode highlighting a particular issue facing the animal kingdom. Through the naturalists' commentary and interviews with experts in the field, viewers were given a better understanding of the challenges and threats facing these creatures, as well as the efforts being made to preserve their habitats and populations.

One notable episode of the series featured a rarely seen reaction from elephants to a beehive. The elephants were caught in the act of using their trunks to collect honey from the hive, a behavior that had only been witnessed a handful of times before. The naturalists explained the significance of this behavior, as it demonstrated not only the elephants' intelligence and resourcefulness but also the importance of bees in maintaining ecosystems.

Another episode focused on a group of young cheetahs who were learning to hunt for the first time. The crew used innovative camera techniques to capture the cheetahs' speed and agility as they chased down their prey. The naturalists provided fascinating insight into the cheetahs' behavior, describing everything from their hunting strategies to their social hierarchies.

Throughout the series, the production team showcased their commitment to capturing new and unique footage of animals in the wild. They went to great lengths to get close to the animals without disturbing them, often camping out for days or even weeks at a time to capture just a few seconds of footage. The result was a stunning and unforgettable portrait of the animal kingdom.

In conclusion, Caught in the Act was a groundbreaking and truly awe-inspiring wildlife documentary series that showcased the beauty and complexity of the natural world. The expert commentary, innovative camera techniques, and strong emphasis on conservation and education made it a must-watch for anyone interested in the animal kingdom.

Caught in the Act is a series that ran for 2 seasons (14 episodes) between April 2, 2010 and on National Geographic Wild