Common Sense Media Review
By Joly Herman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Rare footage of disappearing wildlife is valuable viewing.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Secret Lives of Big Cats
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In THE SECRET LIVES OF BIG CATS, wildlife filmmaker Martin Dohrn follows big cats the world over to better understand their habitats and their behavior. His theory is that technology can help observe wildlife so that we can be better stewards. Patiently hunkering down in remote mountains and jungles, Dohrn uses infrared and thermal cameras to capture movement and behavior of large cats at night. Since cats are largely nocturnal creatures, this technology has advantages, and viewers are treated to extremely rare footage of wildlife traversing their habitat as nature intends.
Is It Any Good?
Engrossing, exciting footage of wild cats pushes the limits of wildlife documentation in this series. The Secret Lives of Big Cats is suspenseful, exciting viewing because the filmmaker has gone to careful extremes to capture rare footage. Some scenes use infrared and thermal cameras, lending the footage an eerie, almost spooky quality. There are also scenes of savannahs, remote mountain ranges and flocks of elephants and wild game that are expansive and breathtaking.
At times as engaging as an action movie, kids and adults will be glued to the screen as seldom-seen snow leopards chase prey along precipitous cliffs in the remotest mountains of Nepal. Tigers silently stalking prey in the dead of night take on mythical hues. Overall, a high-quality, appealing viewing choice for wildlife lovers.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the impact of technology on nature in The Secret Lives of Big Cats. How is the use of special digital technology playing a positive role in this series? How is technology affecting your life?
It takes a lot of courage to follow and film big cats in the wild. What do you do that requires courage?
This series talks about the disappearance of wildlife and habitats. How do you feel when you hear that news? What can we do about it?
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 11, 2019
- Network : Max
- Genre : Educational
- Topics : Animals , STEM
- TV rating :
- Last updated : December 10, 2025
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