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Africa is home
to three very special cats.
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00:00:15,549 --> 00:00:18,058
Apex predators equipped
with different
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00:00:18,135 --> 00:00:21,895
But equally
deadly hunting techniques.
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00:00:24,725 --> 00:00:27,401
Each cat endowed with stealth;
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00:00:29,739 --> 00:00:31,655
Speed -
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Or power.
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00:00:36,412 --> 00:00:39,079
But life
at the top of the food chain
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Isn't as easy as it seems.
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And each of africa's big cats
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Has a different story to tell.
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South africa's
kruger national park
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Is one of the largest games
reserves on the continent.
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It covers 7,722 square miles
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Of diverse habitats.
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00:02:06,243 --> 00:02:09,161
And contains hundreds of species
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00:02:09,171 --> 00:02:11,663
Of mammals,
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00:02:11,674 --> 00:02:12,831
Birds -
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And reptiles.
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00:02:19,256 --> 00:02:22,933
This abundance of animals
means many predators.
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Including africa's big cats;
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00:02:30,184 --> 00:02:31,775
Lion,
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00:02:31,852 --> 00:02:34,102
Leopard,
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And cheetah.
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00:02:38,942 --> 00:02:41,785
They exist side by side,
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Though their
specialized behavior and habitat
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Tend to keep them apart.
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00:02:48,961 --> 00:02:52,212
Within the kruger
national park's wild world
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00:02:52,339 --> 00:02:55,799
Live three special cat families:
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00:02:57,294 --> 00:03:00,545
A powerful coalition
of cheetah brothers
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00:03:00,556 --> 00:03:03,765
Who must soon
make a difficult decision.
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00:03:07,971 --> 00:03:12,608
A lioness struggling to raise
her cubs without the pride,
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00:03:15,154 --> 00:03:18,238
And a wise old leopard
whose young daughter
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00:03:18,365 --> 00:03:22,117
Now faces the challenges of life
on her own.
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00:03:31,253 --> 00:03:34,671
Together they are
a cast of big cats
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00:03:36,425 --> 00:03:40,636
In a wildlife drama
of epic proportions.
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00:03:50,013 --> 00:03:54,608
It's early morning in the south
of the kruger national park.
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The grass is tall and dry
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00:04:01,033 --> 00:04:04,034
And acts as excellent camouflage
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00:04:04,111 --> 00:04:07,162
For a successful young predator.
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00:04:10,626 --> 00:04:13,710
In the last hours of dark
this young male lion
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00:04:13,787 --> 00:04:16,213
Took down a buffalo calf.
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00:04:18,425 --> 00:04:22,594
An impressive feat
for a two year old.
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00:04:27,142 --> 00:04:29,801
And unusual too.
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00:04:29,812 --> 00:04:33,480
Lions generally hunt
as a well-organized team.
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00:04:36,735 --> 00:04:38,902
He was forced to leave his pride
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00:04:38,979 --> 00:04:41,530
And search
for a territory of his own.
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00:04:43,826 --> 00:04:48,287
Now he's proved
he has what it takes to survive.
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00:04:52,584 --> 00:04:56,128
But his success
wasn't entirely due to skill.
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00:05:00,009 --> 00:05:01,842
The winter drought
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00:05:01,918 --> 00:05:05,345
Has left the buffalo weak
and susceptible to predation,
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00:05:05,422 --> 00:05:08,056
Making them easier targets.
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00:05:15,190 --> 00:05:18,767
While his future
is secure for now,
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00:05:18,777 --> 00:05:20,277
Not far off
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00:05:20,354 --> 00:05:23,613
His mother is facing
more of a struggle.
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00:05:39,131 --> 00:05:42,341
She's raising
a new litter of cubs.
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00:05:46,555 --> 00:05:51,141
At 6 weeks old they have just
left the safety of their den
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00:05:51,218 --> 00:05:55,604
And are totally reliant on her
rich milk for sustenance.
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00:06:01,653 --> 00:06:06,898
Feeding four hungry cubs is
taxing on her energy reserves,
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00:06:06,909 --> 00:06:08,658
But if she wants to eat
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00:06:08,735 --> 00:06:13,080
She's going to have to
leave them to hunt for herself.
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00:06:18,921 --> 00:06:23,256
Because, unlike most lionesses
who can rely on their pride
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00:06:23,333 --> 00:06:26,251
To bring them food
while they're nursing,
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00:06:26,261 --> 00:06:30,305
She's a single mother
and has no such help.
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00:06:34,261 --> 00:06:37,437
Her pride split up recently.
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00:06:37,514 --> 00:06:41,433
The young adult male lions
from her last litter
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00:06:41,443 --> 00:06:44,102
Were forced by their father
to move off
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00:06:44,113 --> 00:06:47,939
And find territories
of their own.
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00:06:47,950 --> 00:06:51,451
The big male then departed
to patrol his range,
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00:06:51,528 --> 00:06:56,456
Which is roughly 40 square miles
of prime hunting ground.
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00:06:56,533 --> 00:07:01,169
It will take him several days or
longer to make the round trip.
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00:07:02,548 --> 00:07:04,205
Without him around
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00:07:04,216 --> 00:07:08,427
His adult daughter
has struck out on her own,
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00:07:14,393 --> 00:07:19,855
Leaving the lioness to fend for
herself and her vulnerable cubs.
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00:07:26,488 --> 00:07:29,489
She's still producing milk
for now
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00:07:29,566 --> 00:07:34,119
And keeps her cubs within the
safety of dense bush thickets.
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00:07:44,498 --> 00:07:46,414
But she'll have to eat soon
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00:07:46,425 --> 00:07:50,343
And to do that she'll
have to leave her babies alone.
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00:07:58,845 --> 00:08:00,520
Further north,
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00:08:00,597 --> 00:08:04,441
A more successful family
of big cats is on the move.
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00:08:04,518 --> 00:08:10,021
These two cheetah brothers
have formed a powerful alliance.
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00:08:10,032 --> 00:08:12,532
One of them
is wearing a radio collar,
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00:08:12,609 --> 00:08:15,860
Which allows scientists
to study their movements.
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00:08:15,871 --> 00:08:17,537
Giving an intimate look
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00:08:17,706 --> 00:08:21,333
Into the secret lives
of these elusive animals.
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00:08:29,468 --> 00:08:32,219
The brothers grew up
as littermates
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00:08:32,295 --> 00:08:35,889
And have stayed together
after leaving their mother.
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00:08:35,966 --> 00:08:39,551
Their coalition allows them
to control a territory
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00:08:39,561 --> 00:08:42,229
Of around 23 square miles.
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00:08:43,690 --> 00:08:46,808
It includes
excellent hunting grounds
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00:08:46,818 --> 00:08:49,778
And a permanent water source.
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00:08:51,657 --> 00:08:54,824
Which is important
because although cheetahs can go
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00:08:54,901 --> 00:08:57,160
For up to four days
without water,
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00:08:57,237 --> 00:09:00,080
When it's hot
they need to drink more often.
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00:09:04,253 --> 00:09:06,160
Working as a team
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00:09:06,171 --> 00:09:09,589
They have the advantage of being
able to bring down bigger prey
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00:09:09,675 --> 00:09:12,166
And can successfully
defend their territory
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00:09:12,177 --> 00:09:13,760
From solitary males.
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00:09:17,349 --> 00:09:22,602
Everything about cheetahs
is designed for speed.
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00:09:22,679 --> 00:09:26,606
With their long limbs, sleek
build, and streamlined head,
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00:09:26,775 --> 00:09:32,612
They can reach almost 70 miles
per hour at full sprint.
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00:09:32,698 --> 00:09:35,189
But cannot
maintain that speed for long
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00:09:35,200 --> 00:09:37,409
As it takes great effort.
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00:09:52,709 --> 00:09:57,470
In return for speed
cheetahs have sacrificed power.
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00:09:57,547 --> 00:09:59,973
So the white rhino cow
and her calf
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00:10:00,050 --> 00:10:01,975
Have nothing to worry about.
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00:10:05,388 --> 00:10:09,024
Which wouldn't be the case
if a pride of lions were nearby.
107
00:10:17,984 --> 00:10:22,162
The cheetahs' territory offers
the cover of trees and bushes,
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00:10:24,166 --> 00:10:26,416
Perfect for stalking prey.
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00:10:30,589 --> 00:10:32,631
And they spot something -
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00:10:34,676 --> 00:10:36,384
Waterbuck.
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00:10:44,853 --> 00:10:47,687
But they must get
within 165 feet
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00:10:47,764 --> 00:10:50,023
Before launching their attack.
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Together the brothers pull down
the powerful antelope.
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00:11:52,421 --> 00:11:57,340
And one secures a vice like grip
on the victim's windpipe.
115
00:12:07,677 --> 00:12:10,261
But the struggle isn't over.
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00:12:10,272 --> 00:12:13,022
The waterbuck
puts up a brave fight
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00:12:13,099 --> 00:12:15,775
And it takes the combined
efforts of both brothers
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To keep it down.
119
00:12:45,298 --> 00:12:49,058
The cheetah start feeding
quickly, out of necessity.
120
00:12:51,813 --> 00:12:55,315
At least one in ten
cheetah kills are stolen
121
00:12:55,391 --> 00:12:58,777
By the likes of lion,
leopard and hyena.
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00:13:27,340 --> 00:13:30,809
But today
their prize is uncontested.
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00:14:05,211 --> 00:14:09,463
With appetites sated
they can relax as the sun sets,
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00:14:09,474 --> 00:14:11,391
Secure in their coalition,
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00:14:11,467 --> 00:14:12,967
For now at least.
126
00:14:15,722 --> 00:14:21,568
While two big cats settle down
for the night with full bellies,
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00:14:21,644 --> 00:14:24,737
The next morning
another wakes up hungry.
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00:14:26,733 --> 00:14:31,569
At 12 years old, this leopard
knows how to look after herself.
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00:14:31,580 --> 00:14:34,488
She's been living in the
savannas and woodlands
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00:14:34,499 --> 00:14:37,542
Of the kruger all her life.
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00:14:39,087 --> 00:14:40,912
Solitary by nature,
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00:14:40,922 --> 00:14:45,925
She shares her territory
with her sub-adult female cub.
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00:14:46,052 --> 00:14:48,803
Who has recently
become independent.
134
00:15:01,601 --> 00:15:04,435
Leopards are normally
active at night,
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00:15:04,446 --> 00:15:06,946
But the older leopard
hasn't eaten in days
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00:15:07,032 --> 00:15:08,948
And is on the lookout
for breakfast
137
00:15:09,117 --> 00:15:11,159
From her favorite
vantage point.
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00:15:36,561 --> 00:15:38,728
Weighing only 130 pounds,
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00:15:38,805 --> 00:15:41,898
She is small
but incredibly powerful.
140
00:15:49,991 --> 00:15:52,992
While not nearly
as fast as the cheetahs,
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00:15:53,069 --> 00:15:57,580
She can still reach
40 miles per hour in moments.
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00:16:03,079 --> 00:16:08,007
She is a master stalker and
stealth is her greatest weapon,
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00:16:08,134 --> 00:16:12,303
Moving silent and unseen
through the undergrowth.
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00:16:18,937 --> 00:16:21,562
The impala hardly saw it coming.
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00:16:39,624 --> 00:16:43,459
Using her great strength,
she drags it out of sight.
146
00:16:48,958 --> 00:16:51,801
Impala are one of the most
numerous antelope
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On the savanna of south africa
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00:16:53,638 --> 00:16:56,723
And can make up
as much as 85 percent
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00:16:56,799 --> 00:16:59,767
Of the diet
of leopard and cheetah.
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00:17:02,555 --> 00:17:06,482
This young lioness
also has impala in her sights.
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00:17:10,739 --> 00:17:13,481
Typically
lions hunt bigger game,
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00:17:13,491 --> 00:17:15,616
Because they hunt together.
153
00:17:19,831 --> 00:17:22,081
But with her father
patrolling his territory
154
00:17:22,158 --> 00:17:24,325
And her mother
busy raising cubs,
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00:17:24,335 --> 00:17:27,253
She's forced to hunt alone.
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00:17:30,416 --> 00:17:33,417
She's only half as fast
as the cheetah,
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00:17:33,428 --> 00:17:37,055
Reaching nearly
40 miles per hour at full speed.
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00:17:42,178 --> 00:17:44,604
And needs to get
within under 100 feet
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00:17:44,680 --> 00:17:46,522
Before launching her attack.
160
00:18:00,371 --> 00:18:02,780
But in her haste she's spotted
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00:18:02,791 --> 00:18:05,083
And the opportunity is lost.
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00:18:07,712 --> 00:18:10,671
She's still young
and lacks patience.
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00:18:14,385 --> 00:18:18,137
Even experienced lions kill
only once in six attempts
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00:18:18,223 --> 00:18:19,931
When hunting solo.
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00:18:21,226 --> 00:18:23,142
Without help from the pride
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00:18:23,219 --> 00:18:27,063
She's going to
have to work hard to survive.
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00:18:32,487 --> 00:18:36,656
Working together allows some big
cats to improve their chances
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00:18:36,825 --> 00:18:38,950
Of killing larger prey.
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00:18:49,162 --> 00:18:52,338
These two brothers
have done just that.
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They've brought down
another female waterbuck,
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00:19:05,520 --> 00:19:09,147
Which is three times the size
of a fully grown cheetah.
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00:19:16,189 --> 00:19:19,991
It's an impressive achievement
made possible by teamwork.
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00:19:41,639 --> 00:19:43,222
The brothers are on a roll,
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00:19:43,391 --> 00:19:47,852
With two waterbuck killed
in just a few days.
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00:19:50,565 --> 00:19:52,732
They must stay vigilant though,
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00:19:52,808 --> 00:19:55,818
As there is always the threat
of bigger predators
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00:19:55,895 --> 00:19:57,028
Stealing their kill.
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00:20:00,158 --> 00:20:01,908
If undisturbed
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00:20:01,984 --> 00:20:05,536
They'll eat more than
30 pounds each in one sitting,
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00:20:10,168 --> 00:20:13,419
Enough to keep them going
for several days.
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00:20:21,170 --> 00:20:24,088
While the cheetahs can relax
after their feast,
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00:20:24,098 --> 00:20:26,682
The lioness is on the move.
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00:20:37,946 --> 00:20:40,029
She has decided to relocate
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00:20:40,106 --> 00:20:42,940
To avoid drawing attention
to her cubs
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00:20:42,951 --> 00:20:46,202
By remaining in the
same place for too long.
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00:21:13,973 --> 00:21:16,983
A small mud hole
contains just enough water
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00:21:17,059 --> 00:21:18,901
For a brief respite.
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00:21:22,573 --> 00:21:25,866
It's welcome refreshment
for the thirsty mother.
189
00:21:29,905 --> 00:21:32,915
The cubs join her
in drinking deeply,
190
00:21:32,992 --> 00:21:34,658
Although at this age
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00:21:34,669 --> 00:21:38,004
They still get most of their
moisture from milk.
192
00:21:44,846 --> 00:21:46,929
In a few months she'll wean them
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00:21:47,006 --> 00:21:51,100
And by a year and a half they'll
have to look after themselves.
194
00:21:52,437 --> 00:21:55,354
Now, in the early stages of life
195
00:21:55,431 --> 00:21:58,941
They rely on the leadership
of the lioness,
196
00:21:59,018 --> 00:22:02,903
Knowing little of the challenges
she's facing at the moment.
197
00:22:23,217 --> 00:22:26,969
The mother leopard has completed
her maternal duties,
198
00:22:27,046 --> 00:22:30,798
As her daughter is independent.
199
00:22:30,808 --> 00:22:34,352
So the impala she killed earlier
will be all hers.
200
00:22:36,222 --> 00:22:38,397
The only the problem she faces
201
00:22:38,474 --> 00:22:40,858
Is that of potential hijackers.
202
00:22:42,403 --> 00:22:44,904
But she knows how to avoid them.
203
00:22:47,233 --> 00:22:50,326
By stashing the impala carcass
high in a tree
204
00:22:50,403 --> 00:22:52,411
It's out of the reach of lions
205
00:22:52,488 --> 00:22:56,749
And she can relax
and eat as she pleases.
206
00:22:56,826 --> 00:22:59,418
She doesn't have to worry about
the cheetahs either,
207
00:22:59,495 --> 00:23:03,297
As they're poor climbers
and she easily outmuscles them.
208
00:23:05,676 --> 00:23:07,426
Leopards are by far
209
00:23:07,553 --> 00:23:10,930
The most proficient climbers
of africa's large carnivores,
210
00:23:11,006 --> 00:23:16,060
And can haul kills of more than
110 pounds up vertical trunks.
211
00:23:29,775 --> 00:23:32,451
Her cheek teeth,
called carnassials,
212
00:23:32,578 --> 00:23:35,413
Are evolved for slicing.
213
00:23:37,450 --> 00:23:40,784
Combined with a heavy,
powerful lower jaw
214
00:23:40,795 --> 00:23:43,462
They help to tear off
chunks of meat,
215
00:23:43,539 --> 00:23:45,423
Which she swallows whole.
216
00:24:03,651 --> 00:24:05,976
Impala are her staple diet,
217
00:24:05,987 --> 00:24:10,406
But like all leopards she'll eat
almost any source of protein.
218
00:24:13,244 --> 00:24:16,745
Leopards prey
on more than ninety species
219
00:24:16,822 --> 00:24:20,791
Including insects,
reptiles and even fish.
220
00:24:27,917 --> 00:24:31,251
Their ability to subsist
on such a varied diet,
221
00:24:31,262 --> 00:24:34,513
As well as their adaptability
to different habitats,
222
00:24:34,682 --> 00:24:37,174
Has made leopards
the most widespread
223
00:24:37,185 --> 00:24:40,186
Of all the world's wild cats.
224
00:24:46,861 --> 00:24:48,527
Self-sufficiency
225
00:24:48,604 --> 00:24:51,280
Is not something leopards
are born with though.
226
00:24:59,624 --> 00:25:01,457
The old leopard's daughter
227
00:25:01,534 --> 00:25:04,293
Was recently left
to fend for herself.
228
00:25:07,882 --> 00:25:10,791
She's nowhere near the hunter
her mother is
229
00:25:10,801 --> 00:25:13,886
And needs to learn
quickly how to kill.
230
00:25:15,973 --> 00:25:18,807
Or face potential starvation.
231
00:25:20,895 --> 00:25:23,187
There are other threats
around too.
232
00:25:26,651 --> 00:25:29,318
Lions recognize leopards
as competition
233
00:25:29,395 --> 00:25:31,570
And they will attack
and even kill them
234
00:25:31,739 --> 00:25:34,907
If they get the chance.
235
00:25:52,343 --> 00:25:56,345
The young leopard knows this
and moves cautiously.
236
00:26:01,010 --> 00:26:04,228
The rosettes
of her gleaming coat are unique.
237
00:26:05,681 --> 00:26:08,566
No two leopard's spots
are the same.
238
00:26:31,206 --> 00:26:34,541
And they're particularly
effective at camouflaging her
239
00:26:34,552 --> 00:26:36,468
In the dappled light.
240
00:26:41,383 --> 00:26:44,643
The bright white underside
of her tail will one day
241
00:26:44,720 --> 00:26:49,306
Act as a so-called 'follow me'
signal to her cubs.
242
00:26:49,358 --> 00:26:51,483
Helping them
to stay in close contact
243
00:26:51,560 --> 00:26:54,153
While following her
through thick brush.
244
00:26:56,782 --> 00:27:00,409
But before that can happen
she'll have to find a meal,
245
00:27:00,486 --> 00:27:02,569
And then a territory of her own,
246
00:27:02,580 --> 00:27:05,497
Which are both
difficult to come by.
247
00:27:16,344 --> 00:27:18,001
In the lions' territory,
248
00:27:18,012 --> 00:27:21,472
The cubs' father
arrives back from his sojourn.
249
00:27:27,605 --> 00:27:31,264
He announces his presence
with a bellowing roar,
250
00:27:31,275 --> 00:27:34,276
Which can be heard
for up to 5 miles.
251
00:27:46,115 --> 00:27:49,616
His return bodes well
for the lioness and her cubs,
252
00:27:49,627 --> 00:27:53,545
Who have struggled without
the support of a strong leader.
253
00:28:00,713 --> 00:28:05,057
The lioness hears his call from
a distance and heads towards it.
254
00:28:18,647 --> 00:28:22,658
After a moment, the cubs realize
they had better catch up.
255
00:28:37,591 --> 00:28:39,425
Mom leads the way,
256
00:28:39,501 --> 00:28:41,593
Joined by her adult daughter
257
00:28:41,670 --> 00:28:44,430
Who has also returned
for the reunion.
258
00:28:49,511 --> 00:28:52,771
For the cubs it feels
like any other afternoon,
259
00:28:52,848 --> 00:28:55,691
To be filled with raucous
rough and tumble.
260
00:29:09,039 --> 00:29:12,374
But their father
is still several miles away.
261
00:29:12,451 --> 00:29:15,669
Mom keeps the train moving.
262
00:29:38,235 --> 00:29:39,818
They don't know it yet
263
00:29:39,904 --> 00:29:43,155
But this is a significant moment
in their young lives
264
00:29:43,232 --> 00:29:45,398
As they have never
met their father,
265
00:29:45,409 --> 00:29:48,368
Who left
when they were still in the den.
266
00:30:20,945 --> 00:30:25,438
On arrival the cubs wait
cautiously at a distance.
267
00:30:28,277 --> 00:30:30,110
For mother and daughter
268
00:30:30,120 --> 00:30:32,362
The meeting
is an affectionate moment
269
00:30:32,373 --> 00:30:35,749
And a long awaited revival
of their pride.
270
00:30:44,877 --> 00:30:48,303
The cubs
are intrigued by their father.
271
00:31:03,654 --> 00:31:07,564
They've not yet learnt
how to act around the big male.
272
00:31:07,575 --> 00:31:11,618
And his rebuke
is as gentle as he can manage.
273
00:31:49,450 --> 00:31:50,949
For the first time
274
00:31:51,026 --> 00:31:53,619
Since the cubs were born
almost 2 months ago,
275
00:31:53,695 --> 00:31:56,371
The pride
is together again.
276
00:32:15,717 --> 00:32:17,467
Things are looking up
277
00:32:17,478 --> 00:32:20,896
For this family of africa's
most powerful predators.
278
00:32:39,574 --> 00:32:44,577
It's natural for lions to live
in prides for their whole lives.
279
00:32:44,588 --> 00:32:48,632
Cheetah coalitions however,
sometimes break apart.
280
00:32:53,180 --> 00:32:56,765
In a bid to find a territory
and mate of his own
281
00:32:56,842 --> 00:32:59,434
One of the brothers has left,
282
00:32:59,511 --> 00:33:01,979
Splitting up
the sibling alliance.
283
00:33:15,452 --> 00:33:17,861
Lone cheetah males have been
known to wander
284
00:33:17,871 --> 00:33:22,615
More than 125 miles
in search of new territories
285
00:33:22,626 --> 00:33:27,537
And he's travelled some distance
to find a promising new range.
286
00:33:27,548 --> 00:33:30,799
It will be a good home
with an abundance of prey
287
00:33:30,876 --> 00:33:35,295
And with enough space
to run them down.
288
00:33:35,305 --> 00:33:38,306
He wastes no time
in starting to hunt.
289
00:33:55,200 --> 00:33:57,075
Unlike most cats,
290
00:33:57,152 --> 00:34:00,746
The cheetah's claws
are permanently exposed.
291
00:34:02,416 --> 00:34:06,501
Useful for extra grip while
running at high speeds.
292
00:34:22,519 --> 00:34:26,813
But he needs to get closer
before he can launch an attack.
293
00:34:29,276 --> 00:34:33,737
He's been too hasty, and loses
the element of surprise.
294
00:34:36,024 --> 00:34:38,950
After the relative success he
enjoyed with his brother,
295
00:34:39,027 --> 00:34:43,705
He's unaccustomed to
the challenges of hunting alone.
296
00:34:47,878 --> 00:34:51,037
Adult kudu
are large and powerful.
297
00:34:51,048 --> 00:34:53,873
While he could
easily outpace them,
298
00:34:53,884 --> 00:34:57,094
They are too big for him
to bring down by himself.
299
00:35:00,390 --> 00:35:04,142
Without his brother he will need
to learn how to catch smaller,
300
00:35:04,228 --> 00:35:06,895
Yet faster antelope.
301
00:35:06,972 --> 00:35:10,473
For this cheetah the harsh
reality of his new life
302
00:35:10,484 --> 00:35:13,985
Is quickly becoming clear.
303
00:35:14,062 --> 00:35:17,906
It's not easy to be successful
at the top of the food chain
304
00:35:17,983 --> 00:35:19,616
When you're on your own .
305
00:35:24,156 --> 00:35:28,834
Unless you happen to both
experienced and hugely powerful.
306
00:35:31,580 --> 00:35:35,757
The big male lion is both.
307
00:35:35,834 --> 00:35:39,761
At 9 years old
and weighing around 440 pounds
308
00:35:39,838 --> 00:35:41,763
He's a seasoned buffalo hunter
309
00:35:41,840 --> 00:35:44,182
With enough power
to bring down a bull
310
00:35:44,259 --> 00:35:47,060
Four times his own weight.
311
00:35:53,360 --> 00:35:56,019
It's unusual, but not unheard of
312
00:35:56,029 --> 00:35:58,488
For a male lion to hunt alone.
313
00:36:04,454 --> 00:36:08,206
No other predator in africa
can single-handedly take down
314
00:36:08,333 --> 00:36:11,543
Such a large
and formidable adversary.
315
00:36:24,975 --> 00:36:29,436
Once he's gorged himself he
retreats to the shade to rest.
316
00:36:37,229 --> 00:36:38,978
He has no reason to fear
317
00:36:38,989 --> 00:36:41,898
Any other predators
stealing his meal.
318
00:36:41,909 --> 00:36:44,868
He's simply
too strong to be challenged.
319
00:36:56,340 --> 00:37:00,258
The jackal will have to wait a
while before he gets any scraps.
320
00:37:00,335 --> 00:37:04,671
The rest of the kill
is reserved for the lion family,
321
00:37:04,681 --> 00:37:06,848
Which is nearby.
322
00:37:39,967 --> 00:37:41,633
The big male's roar
323
00:37:41,710 --> 00:37:45,262
Reaches the lioness
as an invitation to dinner.
324
00:37:49,634 --> 00:37:53,937
As the cool of night descends,
she sets off to join him.
325
00:37:56,566 --> 00:37:59,317
The cubs are still too young
to eat meat
326
00:37:59,486 --> 00:38:00,986
And she has no choice
327
00:38:01,062 --> 00:38:03,863
But to leave them alone
while she feeds.
328
00:38:20,465 --> 00:38:23,591
They know instinctively
to stay concealed
329
00:38:23,668 --> 00:38:25,969
And wait for moms return.
330
00:38:31,601 --> 00:38:34,352
En route,
she meets her adult daughter
331
00:38:34,429 --> 00:38:37,314
Who also heard
the male lion's roars.
332
00:38:54,207 --> 00:38:58,251
The old king eats his fill
before his family arrives.
333
00:39:33,321 --> 00:39:34,904
After greeting them both
334
00:39:34,915 --> 00:39:38,375
He moves off
to let them feed in peace.
335
00:40:07,355 --> 00:40:09,030
The females are hungry
336
00:40:09,107 --> 00:40:13,284
And will eat up to
44 pounds of meat in one go.
337
00:40:24,622 --> 00:40:27,465
A meal like this
will keep them busy all night
338
00:40:27,592 --> 00:40:29,467
And replenish
the mother's reserves
339
00:40:29,594 --> 00:40:34,389
So that she can produce
rich milk for her growing cubs.
340
00:40:50,907 --> 00:40:53,483
After a big meal
the night before,
341
00:40:53,493 --> 00:40:57,787
The lions are relaxed
and back to full strength.
342
00:41:01,501 --> 00:41:04,752
With dad back
and providing ample food,
343
00:41:04,829 --> 00:41:08,831
The lioness can eat enough
to produce plenty of milk
344
00:41:08,842 --> 00:41:13,052
To satisfy the insatiable
appetites of her growing cubs.
345
00:41:19,352 --> 00:41:22,270
Under the watchful eyes
of a powerful father
346
00:41:22,355 --> 00:41:24,180
And a resilient mother
347
00:41:24,191 --> 00:41:26,766
The cubs
have the best possible chances
348
00:41:26,776 --> 00:41:28,902
Of survival to adulthood.
349
00:41:47,464 --> 00:41:50,540
With security
coming from working together,
350
00:41:50,550 --> 00:41:53,376
This small pride
is an excellent example
351
00:41:53,386 --> 00:41:56,846
Of how lions benefit
from group living.
352
00:42:15,316 --> 00:42:19,160
The wise old leopard
needs no help to survive.
353
00:42:24,167 --> 00:42:25,917
Being a skilled hunter
354
00:42:25,994 --> 00:42:28,828
Has allowed her
to raise her cub to adulthood
355
00:42:28,838 --> 00:42:30,997
And propagate her genes -
356
00:42:31,007 --> 00:42:34,917
The ultimate measure of success
for any animal.
357
00:42:34,928 --> 00:42:39,338
She relies on nothing but her
own intelligence and strength
358
00:42:39,349 --> 00:42:41,507
And living in total solitude,
359
00:42:41,518 --> 00:42:44,018
She exemplifies
the most adaptable
360
00:42:44,095 --> 00:42:47,146
And widespread of the big cats.
361
00:42:54,114 --> 00:42:55,855
After a bumpy start,
362
00:42:55,865 --> 00:42:58,324
Her daughter is now flourishing.
363
00:43:02,872 --> 00:43:06,124
Last night
she killed her first impala.
364
00:43:06,200 --> 00:43:09,368
Proving she inherited her
mother's hunting prowess
365
00:43:09,379 --> 00:43:13,965
And taking an important step
towards succeeding on her own.
366
00:43:27,981 --> 00:43:31,482
The cheetah brothers have
now gone their separate ways
367
00:43:31,559 --> 00:43:34,569
And each is destined
for a different fate.
368
00:43:37,991 --> 00:43:42,902
One is moving restlessly through
the park, in search of land
369
00:43:42,912 --> 00:43:46,914
But not yet confident outside
the safety of the coalition.
370
00:43:51,245 --> 00:43:53,421
The other
has proved more capable
371
00:43:53,498 --> 00:43:55,506
Of living a solitary life.
372
00:43:57,585 --> 00:44:00,595
He's found
and secured a new territory,
373
00:44:00,672 --> 00:44:03,640
Which he will defend as his own.
374
00:44:06,770 --> 00:44:10,513
Here he will surely become
a proficient hunter,
375
00:44:10,523 --> 00:44:15,610
Already showing potential by
taking down a kudu female alone.
376
00:44:29,450 --> 00:44:31,283
Africa's big cats
377
00:44:31,294 --> 00:44:35,338
Are some of the most well-known
carnivores in the world
378
00:44:40,044 --> 00:44:41,719
Famous for their beauty
379
00:44:41,805 --> 00:44:45,223
And feared
for their deadly natures.
380
00:44:48,061 --> 00:44:52,230
Whether alone
or in complex social structures,
381
00:44:52,306 --> 00:44:55,400
They must work hard
to survive in a habitat
382
00:44:55,476 --> 00:44:57,694
Fraught with challenges.
383
00:45:01,482 --> 00:45:03,574
By using clever teamwork,
384
00:45:03,651 --> 00:45:07,495
Staggering speed
and terrifying power,
385
00:45:07,572 --> 00:45:11,332
They are equipped
to exploit their environment.
386
00:45:17,415 --> 00:45:19,081
Each of the three cats
387
00:45:19,092 --> 00:45:23,177
Is different in the way it lives
and hunts.
388
00:45:26,015 --> 00:45:29,341
But all share the title
of apex predator
389
00:45:29,352 --> 00:45:35,106
In an endlessly active food
chain rivaled by few on earth.
390
00:45:38,194 --> 00:45:40,111
Lion,
391
00:45:40,188 --> 00:45:42,196
Leopard
392
00:45:42,273 --> 00:45:43,781
And cheetah
393
00:45:43,950 --> 00:45:49,787
Are indeed africa's most wild
and wonderful big cats.
394
00:45:49,956 --> 00:45:52,999
(growl)
395
00:45:53,918 --> 00:46:03,968
♪♪♪
396
00:46:04,045 --> 00:46:08,806
♪♪♪
397
00:46:08,933 --> 00:46:16,981
♪♪♪
34119
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