The new Channel 4 documentary series Inside Nature's Giants delves into the depths of some of nature's most formidible creatures - quite literally. The series attempts to uncover the anatomical secrets of some of the animal kingdom's different species including an autopsy carried out on a fin whale.

On Monday 6 July, millions of viewers watched experts dissect a 65-foot, 60-ton fin whale - second only in size to its "cousin" the blue whale - which died after being stranded off the coast of Ireland. It's a race against time as whale anatomist Joy Reidenberg flies in from New York before the animal's decomposition causes it to explode on the beach. Veterinary scientist Mark Evans helps investigate why the animal died and explores its extraordinary anatomy. Using whale-size machinery, Joy and the team set to work amidst gale force winds, driving rain, blood, intestines, evil smells and freezing conditions. 200 feet of guts were laid out on tarpulin sheets the size of an Olympic swimming pool. Meanwhile, advancing tides threaten to engulf the whale, as the team struggle to complete the operation.The team only had only a few hours to complete the dissection - a very messy operation!

Inside Nature's Giants is the brainchild of producer David Dugan. Collaborating with the Royal Veterinary College, Dugan recruited a team of experts including the evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins. With the series's deluge of blood and guts, the obvious question is whether viewers will prove too squeamish to endure but Dugan is confident that when viewers get inside the head of an anatomist and start looking at the work being carried out, they will become fascinated and forget about the gore. It is hoped that the series will not only educate viewers about evolution but also give them an appreciation of how special these animals are.

David Glover, Channel 4's Commissioning Editor for Science, said: "Traditional wildlife films tell you how animals behave and how they fit into their environment, but they stop short of revealing the changes that have taken place inside their bodies to allow that behaviour in the first place. This series offers an alternative take on natural history, giving viewers a unique chance to see for themselves how evolution has shaped the anatomy of some of nature's most magnificent animals."