Magnificent hunters. Ferocious predators. Powerful felines. From lions, tigers and cheetahs to jaguars, cougars and more — incredible big cats are revered around the world. Yet today, these majestic creatures are some of the most threatened species on Earth. During BIG CAT WEEK we will come face-to-face with these iconic animals, as Nat Geo WILD shines a light on their struggle and reminds viewers of their importance in the world.
Beginning Sunday 14 February at 9.30pm Nat Geo WILD presents the sixth annual Big Cat Week, showcasing the world’s most extraordinary big cat species.
This year’s programming includes Big Cat Games with big cat tracker Boone Smith. Boone creates challenges for lions, tigers and cheetahs, with each cat confronting the same task. We have seen them confident, dominant and fearless in the wild – but they have never had to face anything like this before. Boone’s plan is to see how the big cats match up in tests of intelligence, agility, senses, and killer instinct. After four events including the hunt, the jump, the search, and the catch, one species will be crowned the big cat champions.
More than a television event, Big Cat Week is an extension of the Big Cats Initiative, a long-term commitment by the National Geographic Society to stop poaching, save habitat and sound the call that big steps are needed to save big cats around the world.
Big Cat Week programming line-up
Tiger On The Run
Sunday 14 February at 9.30pm AEDT
Forced out of his father’s territory by a rogue male, Kumal, a young Indian tiger, must find a territory of his own and a mate. Harassed by local villagers and hampered by his poor hunting skills, he’s left on the brink of starvation.
Pride - Rulers At Risk (Part 1)
Monday 15 February at 9.30pm AEDT
Lions are the ultimate predators, Africa’s symbol of bravery. Few big cats have been as intensively studied as lions. We thought we knew everything about them. Yet some parts of their lives have been kept hidden – until now.
Pride - Days Of Danger (Part 2)
Monday 15 February at 10.30pm AEDT
Lions: unbeatable as a pride. But even they have to fight for their lives daily. When hunting, the lion mothers risk their own lives. When young male lions arrive with ambitions of wresting the territory from its current rulers, the situation escalates.
Vanishing Kings: Desert Lions Of Namib
Tuesday 16 February at 9.30pm AEDT
Equipped with exceptional survival skills, desert lions roam the Namib. But, with so few remaining adult males, the small population is on the brink of extinction. A brotherhood of five hold the key to the future of their kind.
The Lakeshore Killers
Wednesday 17 February at 9.30pm AEDT
Deep in the heart of Africa, three male lions are coming into their prime with much to prove. They must forge strong bonds with a new pride and navigate the dangers of this unique wilderness to become true rulers of this land.
Animal Fight Club - Cat Fight
Thursday 18 February at 9.30pm AEDT
In Africa, the big cats of the Savannah all go head-to-head with their ultimate enemy-the hyena. Cats have an arsenal of weapons that strike terror into nearly every animal on Earth, and when they go to war, the fur always flies.
Big Cat Games
Friday 19 February at 9.30pm AEDT
Every big cat boasts extraordinary powers. From extreme speed to bone crushing bites, big cats are some of the most impressive predators on the planet.
Big Cats: An Amazing Family
Saturday 20 February at 9.30pm AEDT
This is the story of the most successful family of predators on Earth – big cats – and their epic rise to power. Zoologist Patrick Aryee journeys around the world to some of the planet’s wildest places, unearthing the big cat’s diverse family tree.