The recent season of Big Cats 24/7 is offering viewers a deeper, more intimate look into the lives of Africa’s most iconic predators, with the show’s creative director Brad Bestelink describing Season 2 as a dramatic leap forward in storytelling, behaviour and conservation insight.
Season 2, which recently premiered in the UK, shifts its focus toward long-term character-driven storytelling, following individual lions, leopards and cheetahs in even greater detail. Bestelink said the team invested more time in observing familiar animals across seasons, allowing the production to capture complex interactions, unexpected conflicts and significant losses among predators.
According to Bestelink, the new season features predator encounters and behavioural moments that even experienced filmmakers had never witnessed before. He described the series as “a season of surprising conflict and losses,” adding that several interactions recorded during filming challenged long-held assumptions about how big cats coexist in the wild.
Producing a 24-hour wildlife series came with demanding logistical challenges. The production relied on continuous filming rotations through day and night, requiring crews to remain active around the clock. Bestelink said maintaining energy and staffing levels during long overnight shifts proved one of the most difficult aspects of the shoot, noting that even doubling the number of teams might not have felt sufficient to capture all the unfolding action.
Unlike many modern productions that highlight cutting-edge filming technology, Bestelink emphasised that Season 2’s storytelling was driven less by new gear and more by familiarity with the animals and their environment. While camera traps, drones and long-range lenses were used, he said no major technological breakthrough gave the team an edge. Instead, deeper knowledge of the animals and patience in observing authentic behaviour were key to the season’s success.
Beyond entertainment, the series aims to reshape public perceptions of predators. Bestelink said many people assume predators lead easier lives than prey, but the show reveals how difficult survival is for big cats, even without human interference. He stressed that predators are fewer in number and often more vulnerable than audiences realise.
Filming also highlighted environmental pressures affecting wildlife. The production took place during a particularly dry year in the Okavango Delta, which forced predators into closer proximity as water and prey became scarce. While the harsh conditions created compelling wildlife behaviour on camera, Bestelink noted they also led to increased casualties and illustrated how rapid environmental changes — often influenced by human activity — ripple through entire ecosystems.
After years documenting big cats, Bestelink said the experience reinforced a simple message for the future: give wildlife space and tread lightly in natural environments. He urged audiences and travellers alike to respect wildlife encounters, noting that predators already face significant survival challenges.
The possibility of a third season remains uncertain, but the team has left the door open for future episodes as the stories of the delta’s big cats continue to unfold.
