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Secrets of Living Among Lions

National Geographic Explorers-in-Residence Dereck and Beverly Joubert have spent decades living in the wilds of Africa, making more than 20 films and countless photos documenting amazing true stories of big cats in the wild. Having seen lion numbers drop from 450,000 to 20,000 in 50 years, they have also established the Big Cats Initiative with...

National Geographic Explorers-in-Residence Dereck and Beverly Joubert have spent decades living in the wilds of Africa, making more than 20 films and countless photos documenting amazing true stories of big cats in the wild.

Having seen lion numbers drop from 450,000 to 20,000 in 50 years, they have also established the Big Cats Initiative with National Geographic as an emergency action fund to drive the world’s attention to big cats and to develop real solutions to stop the decline. Now you can also keep up with their adventures, and stay informed about big cat conservation by following them on Twitter @dereckbeverly.

A team from “60 Minutes” recently visited the Jouberts at their home tent in Botswana, and produced the segment seen above, which aired in the U.S. on Sunday, November 25.

Your next chance to catch the Jouberts’ films will be starting Sunday December 9, 2012, during Big Cat Week on NatGeoWild. This special lineup of heart-pounding documentaries and specials highlights the rich lives lived by these animals and the extreme dangers they face in the modern world.

“We no longer have the luxury of time when it comes to big cats,” says Dereck. “They are in such a downward spiral that if we hesitate now, we will be responsible for extinctions across the globe. If there was ever a time to take action, it is now.”

 

Learn More

Tune in to Big Cat Week on NatGeoWild

On Twitter @dereckbeverly and @NatGeoExplorers

 

How You Can Help

Cause an Uproar for Big Cats

 

About National Geographic Society

The National Geographic Society is a global nonprofit organization that uses the power of science, exploration, education and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world. Since 1888, National Geographic has pushed the boundaries of exploration, investing in bold people and transformative ideas, providing more than 14,000 grants for work across all seven continents, reaching 3 million students each year through education offerings, and engaging audiences around the globe through signature experiences, stories and content. To learn more, visit www.nationalgeographic.org or follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

Meet the Author

Author Photo Andrew Howley
Andrew Howley is a longtime contributor to the National Geographic blog, with a particular focus on archaeology and paleoanthropology generally, and ancient rock art in particular. Over 11 years at the National Geographic Society, Andrew worked in various ways to share the stories of NG explorers and grantees online. He also produced the Home Page of nationalgeographic.com for several years, and helped manage the Society's Facebook page during its breakout year of 2010. He studied Anthropology with a focus on Archaeology from the College of William & Mary in Virginia. He has covered expeditions with NG Explorers-in-Residence Mike Fay, Enric Sala, and Lee Berger. His personal interests include painting, running, and reading about history. You can follow him on Twitter @anderhowl and on Instagram @andrewjhowley. Learn more at andrewjhowley.com.