Deadly 60, produced by the BBC and broadcast worldwide through both BBC and Discovery Network, has become a favorite among children and families for its thrilling encounters with the natural world.
When the charismatic presenter Steve Backshall and his film crew set their sights on Sri Lanka for the first time, Jetwing Eco Holidays became the trusted local partner to make their ambitious vision a reality. For just under two weeks, our expert naturalists and field guides worked hand-in-hand with the team, ensuring access, insight, and safety while seeking out some of the island’s most fascinating and often elusive species.
The filming expedition traversed a remarkable cross-section of Sri Lanka’s diverse ecosystems. In the northwest, the team captured riveting sequences with sea snakes gliding through turquoise waters, the highly venomous Russell’s viper, and the immense Indian python. At Udawalawe National Park, they filmed the gentle giants of Asia, Sri Lankan elephants in their natural habitat. Moving to the famed Yala National Park, patience and persistence were rewarded with the breathtaking sight of a Sri Lankan leopard stealthily emerging from the forest edge.
Perhaps the most awe-inspiring moment came off the southern coast near Mirissa, where Jetwing Eco Holidays’ guides coordinated expeditions that led to unforgettable encounters with the largest creature on Earth, the blue whale. The remarkable footage captured there went on to become one of the standout sequences of the entire series.
Behind every scene was the invaluable support of Jetwing Eco Holidays: from navigating complex landscapes and tracking hard-to-find species, to offering naturalist expertise that enabled the crew to anticipate animal behavior and secure rare, world-class visuals. Our ability to merge deep local knowledge with international production requirements ensured that Deadly 60 could showcase Sri Lanka’s wild wonders to millions of viewers across the globe.
