Ep 16. Living With Big Cats

Big Cat Week is back with an intriguing new episode named Living With Big Cats. In this episode, we would learn about the intricate dynamics of living alongside the world's biggest, deadliest predators. From the strikingly intelligent cheetahs to the elusive leopards, this episode features unexplored regions of the planet that are home to these incredible animals.

The show begins by taking the viewers to the heart of the African savanna, where we meet a family of Maasai tribesmen. These individuals are famed for their traditional practices like embracing the wildlife and living with it. We would see how they share the land and their lives with lion prides, leopards, and a host of other impressive and awe-inspiring predators.

Next, the episode takes the viewers to the remote areas of India, where humans and tigers have shared a territory for centuries. We learn a lot about the dangers of these majestic creatures and how the locals have developed ways and means to prevent tiger attacks. Through the eyes of a Forest Ranger, we see how he navigates the jungles to avoid confrontations with the tigers while protecting the human population at the same time.

Moving on, we get a glimpse of how humans can directly affect the lives of big cats with devastating effects. This is highlighted with the story of three lions in India, who were poisoned by local villagers to protect livestock. We learn that this is a common practice that can lead to the extinction of entire lion populations. However, there are groups that are working to reduce the effects of such human-wildlife conflicts and raise awareness.

In addition to these stories, the episode also covers many other aspects of living with big cats. We got to see a woman in South Africa who has dedicated her life to caring for lions. She provides them with a comfortable home after they have become too old to live in the wild. We learn how she earns their trust and affection by getting up close and personal with them as if they were her own pets.

Furthermore, the episode also addresses the issue of captive breeding and canned hunting. We visit a controversial lion breeding facility in South Africa and see how it is argued that this kind of breeding helps keep lions from going extinct. At the same time, it is evident that these lions are not living in their natural habitat, and are used to be shot by trophy hunters who pay large sums to do so.

Throughout the episode, we are constantly reminded of the challenges that come with living alongside these incredible animals. It's a complex relationship that can have dire consequences, but it's one that we cannot ignore. We witness how local communities in different parts of the world have developed innovative solutions to keep both big cats and humans safe.

Overall, Living With Big Cats is an engaging episode of Big Cat Week that highlights the different aspects of living alongside the world's most fearsome predators. It's a must-watch for anyone who has an interest in the conservation of big cats and an appreciation for the beauty and raw power that these creatures possess.