A groundbreaking wildlife television series has given UK viewers a closer look at the secretive lives of tigers in India.

Renowned as one of the rarest and most difficult animals to film, the BBC used specially trained elephants to help them get spectacular shots of the magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

The elephants carried the cameras using their trunks before ambling through the forest and then laying them down in locations where a tiger family had been regularly spotted.

This unique way of filming allowed the wildlife experts and film crew to learn more about the way tigers interact without disturbing them.

Series producer John Downer, from John Downer Productions, said: "Tigers are so secretive and they live in such dense jungle that it is very difficult for a human film crew to get close to them.

"But elephants are the ultimate four-by-four camera vehicle - and have allowed us to film these animals closer than we have ever been able to film them before."

The unique and imitate series, which came to a close this week, allowed viewers to follow the progress of a tigress and her cubs as she taught them how to survive in the jungle alone.

It is likely to encourage wildlife enthusiasts to opt for holidays in India where they too can help raise awareness about the plight of this endangered species.

Back to News