FOUR PAWS proudly announces the streaming release of DETHRONED

Award-Winning Documentary On Big Cat Exploitation Now Streaming On Curiosity Stream

CAPE TOWN, 13 March 2026 — FOUR PAWS has announced that DETHRONED, the internationally acclaimed documentary exposing the urgent realities facing big cats today, is now available to stream on Curiosity Stream.

Created by TERRA MATER STUDIOS and FOUR CORNERS FILM & PHOTOGRAPHY, in association with FOUR PAWS International, DETHRONED investigates humanity’s evolving relationship with big cats and the consequences of their exploitation across multiple continents.

The film was recently honoured with a Gold Award at the 2025 International Tourism Film Festival Africa (ITFFA) in the Wildlife & Conservation category, recognising its depth, impact and contribution to global conversations on animal welfare.

A Global Journey Into Big Cat Exploitation

DETHRONED follows award-winning environmental photojournalist Aaron Gekoski as he investigates some of the most pressing threats facing big cats today.

Once revered as symbols of power, wonder and fear, big cats are now widely exploited through commercial demand, wildlife trafficking and insufficient legal protection.

Gekoski’s investigation spans several regions, each revealing a different dimension of the global industry:

• Peru: Jaguar poaching and the illegal wildlife trade
• South Africa: Commercial breeding of lions and tigers, cub-petting experiences, “walk-with” tourism and live trade
• Pakistan: The growing trend of big cats kept as exotic pets
• Southeast Asia: Wildlife markets, entertainment attractions and trafficking networks

Throughout the film, a powerful question emerges:“What becomes of us when we destroy what is sacred?”

Behind The Scenes

Producing DETHRONED required years of research, access and collaboration in challenging environments. The filmmakers documented practices rarely seen by the public but representing the daily reality for many big cats around the world.

“Dethroned is a film that I actually wish I had never had to make,” says Aaron Gekoski. “But given the threat that big cats are now facing, it is perhaps the most important film I have ever worked on. We spent three years filming in six countries; the result is a journey into the depths of the inhumane treatment of these animals and what becomes of us when we destroy all that is sacred.”

A Milestone For FOUR PAWS’ Mission

As a global animal welfare organisation, FOUR PAWS continues to advocate for:

• Ending captive breeding of all big cats for commercial purposes
• Stronger legal protections across regions
• Ending public handling, cub-petting and exploitative tourism practices

“With this documentary, we want to show that our relationship with big cats is at a very critical point,” says Fiona Miles, Director at FOUR PAWS.

“Little remains of the former reverence. On the contrary, we lock these animals up, trade in them and their body parts, and keep them as pets — in short, we systematically exploit them and take away their dignity. Our aim was to show how things got to this point and what consequences this has for animals, people and the environment.”

Through DETHRONED, FOUR PAWS hopes to provide an accessible and compelling educational tool that helps audiences understand the urgency of protecting big cats — both in South Africa and globally.

Watch And Share

With its streaming release on Curiosity Stream, and additional viewing platforms planned, DETHRONED aims to reach new audiences, spark conversation and inspire action.

FOUR PAWS encourages viewers to:

• Watch the film
• Share it with friends, family and communities
• Use it to raise awareness about the exploitation of big cats

Where To Watch

Curiosity Stream:https://curiositystream.com/video/12661

Trailer:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKQSZh8wYm4

Additional viewing platforms will be announced soon.

Film Awards And Recognition

DETHRONED has received international recognition, including:

• 2024 – Cannes Corporate Media & TV Awards (France): Silver Dolphin – Nature & Wildlife
• 2024 – Impact DOCS Awards (USA): Best of Show
• 2025 – New York Festivals TV & Film Awards (USA): Finalist – Investigative Journalism
• 2025 – International Tourism Film Festival Africa (South Africa): Gold Award – Wildlife & Conservation
• 2025 – Deauville Green Awards (France): Silver Trophy – Preserving Biodiversity
• 2025 – US International Awards (USA): Grand Award – Documentaries & Reports
• 2025 – US International Awards (USA): Gold Award – Investigative Report & Special Report
• 2025 – WCSFP Buzzies Awards: Nomination – Best Host/Presenter (Science/History/Wildlife)
• 2025 – IFF Ekotopfilm Envirofilm Festival (Slovakia): Official Selection
• 2025 – Green Screen International Nature Film Festival (Germany): Nomination – Green Report

DETHRONED stands as a powerful example of what can happen when filmmakers, conservationists and animal-welfare advocates work together to expose issues often hidden from public view.

Its streaming release marks an important milestone for FOUR PAWS, reflecting both the progress made and the critical work still required to protect the world’s most iconic big cats. 🐅🌍

For more information, visit: www.four-paws.org.