Big Cat Diary

Synopsis

Big Cat Diary, also known as Big Cat Week or Big Cat Live, is a long-running nature documentary series on BBC television which follows the lives of African big cats in Kenya's Maasai Mara. The first series, broadcast on BBC One in 1996, was developed and jointly produced by Keith Scholey, who would go on to become Head of the BBC's Natural History Unit. Eight further series have followed, most recently Big Cat Live, a live broadcast from the Mara in 2008. The original presenters, Jonathan Scott and Simon King, were joined by Saba Douglas-Hamilton from 2002 onwards. Kate Silverton and Jackson Looseyia were added to the presenting team for Big Cat Live.

First Air Date: 1996-09-11

Last Air Date: 2008-10-12

Number of Seasons: 5

Number of Episodes: 36

Networks: BBC One

View Technical Specifications on IMDb

Seasons

Specials (2008) - (4 Episodes)

Season 1 (1996) - (6 Episodes)

Season 2 (1998) - (10 Episodes)

Season 3 (Unknown Year) - (7 Episodes)

Season 4 (2007) - (5 Episodes)

Season 5 (2008) - (8 Episodes)

Specials (2008)

No overview available for this season.

Episodes:

Ep. 1: What Happened Next (2008-12-24)

The Big Cat team revisit some of the most spell-binding scenes and breathtaking action from the programmes broadcast from Kenya's Masai Mara earlier in the year. Simon King, Jonathan Scott and Jackson Looseyia reveal more of the behind-the-scenes secrets of the series, and provide updates on some of the Big Cat characters, including feisty lioness Red and the rest of the Marsh Pride. There is also a look at how the Jackson Five leopards and their brave cheetah mum are getting on.
Ep. 2: The Lion's Tale (1998-04-12)

The lion is the biggest of Africa's big cats. But sometimes even the King of the Beasts can fall on hard times. We follow the fortunes of the Marsh pride and the Big pride.
Ep. 3: The Cheetah's Tale (1998-04-19)

Over six weeks we follow the fortunes of two adult female cheetahs, Kidogo and Fundi. Cheetahs are high-specification hunters designed for performance, unrivalled for elegance and sheer speed.
Ep. 4: The Leopard's Tale (1998-04-22)

The leopard is Africa's shyest and and most elusive big cat. Simon King narrates the story of Half-Tail and her cub, leopards in the Masai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya. The programme follows them as they stalk prey and are stalked by larger predators such as lions.