Big Cats 24/7 | Preview (BBC Two)

The Big Cats 24/7 team begins a six-month expedition tracking lions, leopards and cheetahs in the Okavango Delta.

In this new raw, unfiltered observational wildlife series, an elite camera team capture the dramatic lives of African big cats in the breath-taking Okavango Delta, Botswana. Wildlife Cinematographers Gordon Buchanan, Vianet Djenguet and Anna Dimitriadis join forces with the Natural History Film Unit, Botswana led by Brad Bestelink and his local camera team.

Following individual lions, cheetahs and leopards for six months, over two extreme seasons, this documentary shows their battle to survive in an increasingly challenging world.

From unprecedented wildfire to flood and extreme drought, the cats and camera crew are tested to their limits. With extraordinary, unparalleled access, in an area unvisited by tourists, and the opportunity to film from the ground, the air and through the night, the Big Cat 24/7 team work together to follow the cats’ lives around the clock.

A linear story across six crucial months, the camera team form unique bonds with the cats, and each other. Each episode follows a pivotal point in our cats’ lives…ending on a cliff-hanger.

A revolution in low light camera technology means the series showcases previously unseen behaviour at night; cutting-edge drones keep track of the big cat’s movements like never before, and combining the raw endeavour of an expedition with premium natural history footage gives the show a contemporary new approach.

The Big Cats 24/7 team begins a six-month expedition tracking lions, leopards and cheetahs in the Okavango Delta. Wildlife cinematographer Gordon Buchanan follows one of the largest lion prides in Africa as they hunt to feed 28 hungry mouths, including tiny cubs.

Anna Dimitriadis tracks down the Okavango’s most elusive big cat, the cheetah; and local wildlife filmmaker Brad Bestelink reunites with his favourite leopardess, Xudum. A huge wildfire threatens the resident big cats, and the team.

Big Cats 24/7 begins w/c 23rd August on BBC Two.