Big Cat Week Google+ Hangout: A Life Among Lions

Posted by Andrew Howley of National Geographic Society in Explorers Journal on November 21, 2014

Dereck and Beverly Joubert have lived in the bush among the beasts for decades, capturing on film the big cats in all their tenderness and power. (Photo by Beverly Joubert/National Geographic Creative)

Since the 1980s, National Geographic Explorers-in-Residence Dereck and Beverly Joubert have captured some of the most eye-opening and enlightening big cat footage in the world (see photos and get stories from throughout their career).

Ever watched something about the long standing rivalry between lions and hyenas? That was them.
Ever seen a water buffalo chase down lion cubs? Them again.

Do you feel that there’s one particular leopard you know better than the rest? Her name is Lagadema, and you have the Jouberts to thank for that one too.

Their dedication to recording and sharing the lives of Africa’s big cats is matched only by their dedication to protecting them. As co-founders of the National Geographic Big Cats Initiative, they’ve started one of the most successful and results-based conservation projects around.

Now, as part of Big Cat Week on Nat Geo Wild you can meet the Jouberts online. On December 3 at 1pm ET, join Dereck, Beverly, and other big cat experts for a live video chat via Google+ Hangouts and ask your questions about watching, photographing, protecting, and living with big cats in the wild.

Now take a moment to just enjoy some of Beverly’s big cat splendor before getting the rest of the details below …

Lions and elephants. This world is big enough for the two of them, but only if we give them the space and protections they need. (Photo by Beverly Joubert/National Geographic Creative)

Incredible patience has allowed the Jouberts to witness moments few would even think ever occur. Here a young lion’s growing strength is still no match for a leopard tortoise’s shell. (Photo by Beverly Joubert/National Geographic Creative)

Some day a nip like that could help this lion take down an elephant. For now, it’s just some good-hearted fun. (Photo by Beverly Joubert/National Geographic Creative)

How to Participate in the Hangout

You can help us Cause an Uproar and answer your burning questions about big cats and their world by taking part in our Google+ Hangout. Send in your questions for these National Geographic Explorers and they may be asked on air. Submit your questions by posting a question on Google+ or Twitter with hashtag #bigcats or commenting directly on this blog post.

Follow National Geographic on Google+ or return to this blog post to watch the Google+ Hangout Wednesday, December 3rd at 1 p.m. EST (6 p.m. UTC).

To the mother, washing the ears is simply necessary. To the offspring, it appears to be unwelcome but accepted. Seem familiar? (Photo by Beverly Joubert/National Geographic Creative)

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