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[snarling]
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00:00:04,680 --> 00:00:07,480
[narrator] Lions: the ultimate predators.
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State-of-the-art technology shows
how the big cats really live.
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00:00:14,480 --> 00:00:18,840
Thermal-imaging cameras reveal them to be
perfect hunters in the darkness.
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00:00:24,880 --> 00:00:29,960
But even the so-called rulers
of the animal kingdom live dangerously.
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00:00:32,160 --> 00:00:35,200
The young depend on the prowess
of their mothers...
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just as much as the determination
of their fathers,
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the defenders of the pride.
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00:00:58,560 --> 00:01:02,360
Africa's open savanna
is a paradise for grazers.
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00:01:07,880 --> 00:01:12,080
At the other end of the scale,
the big cats need good cover,
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00:01:12,160 --> 00:01:13,240
just like here.
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Many rivulets rise from a swamp,
which then form a stream
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known as the Ronkai.
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00:01:21,280 --> 00:01:24,400
Its water flows for just
a few weeks in the year,
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00:01:24,480 --> 00:01:27,920
but this is enough
for lush vegetation to take hold.
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00:01:29,280 --> 00:01:33,760
The Ronkai makes its way through
the steppes to the Mara River.
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00:01:39,360 --> 00:01:42,280
The flat valley is ideal lion country.
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00:01:42,360 --> 00:01:45,840
So much so that two prides
have settled here.
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One of them rules the estuary area,
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while the other controls the upper reaches
with the expansive reed growth.
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In early August, the huge wildebeest herds
from the southern Serengeti
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come to the region.
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The dense bushes along the riverbanks
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provide the big cats
with ideal hunting conditions.
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00:02:14,680 --> 00:02:17,880
Nonetheless, mistakes are best avoided.
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Patiently, she waits for the right moment.
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This time, it's all too easy.
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A weak wildebeest
has lost contact with the herd.
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00:03:01,600 --> 00:03:05,680
The pride at the upper reaches
of the river comprises five females,
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sisters and half-sisters
born into their territory,
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which they inherited from their mothers
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and which they will never leave
as long as they live.
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00:03:16,720 --> 00:03:21,200
The lionesses are often alone, especially
when they have their young to look after.
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00:03:21,280 --> 00:03:23,840
Then they rarely meet with their siblings.
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00:03:29,920 --> 00:03:34,200
There are many excellent hiding places
for the little ones alongside the stream.
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Three babies clamour for the warmth
and nourishment their mother provides.
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In August, three of the females
on the upper reaches have offspring.
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Withdrawn, they look after them alone
for the first few months.
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00:03:57,640 --> 00:04:02,800
For almost the entire year, many animals
find a secure water supply in the valley.
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00:04:05,000 --> 00:04:07,640
Yellow-billed and colourful
saddle-billed storks
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help themselves to the generous range
of small snacks.
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Here is the end of the road
for many a good frog.
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Not all of the lion's neighbours
are harmless, though.
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This python has gobbled down a gazelle,
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but he is just as keen on a helpless
yet tasty lion baby as well.
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[elephant trumpeting]
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It's not a bad idea
to keep a safe distance
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00:04:46,480 --> 00:04:48,800
from one of these heavyweights, too.
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00:04:58,120 --> 00:05:01,680
A herd of African buffalo
makes its way through the valley.
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00:05:01,760 --> 00:05:05,640
The second mother of the pride knows
that the cubs would be in mortal danger
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should the black giants discover them.
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The huge wild cattle would not hesitate
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to crush the little ones
beneath their feet.
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As if there weren't enough
dangerous neighbours,
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the lush vegetation of the area
attracts elephants, too.
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00:05:30,920 --> 00:05:34,040
Nerves of steel are an advantage
when sandwiched like this
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between a herd of buffalo and elephants.
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00:05:45,200 --> 00:05:47,840
In the end, and in a foul mood,
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she retreats with her young
from the danger zone.
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00:06:07,880 --> 00:06:12,600
The third lioness has found dense foliage
in which to accommodate her babies.
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Her four young are as good
as invisible here.
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The thicket is like a fort, impenetrable
even for elephants or buffalos.
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Lions are born blind and helpless.
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They are looked after in hideouts
such as this for weeks on end
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and have to be suckled every few hours.
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00:06:40,120 --> 00:06:43,560
The babies can hardly be seen
as the infants of kings,
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00:06:43,640 --> 00:06:47,000
as only very few of them survive
the dangerous initial weeks,
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despite their mother's tireless efforts.
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00:06:56,480 --> 00:07:00,200
The lower course of the Ronkai
up to the estuary of the Mara River
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00:07:00,360 --> 00:07:02,560
is the territory
of the neighbouring pride.
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00:07:02,640 --> 00:07:05,840
Three lionesses have brought up
ten strong adolescents,
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which is an unusually successful result,
but at the same time a burden...
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[snarling]
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...because the youngsters
are permanently hungry.
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They're not much help on a hunt either
and spend the day fooling around.
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The leopard tortoise smells really tasty.
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But without the correct can opener,
what can you do?
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00:07:49,360 --> 00:07:52,880
The tortoise shell now has
a few toothmarks on display,
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00:07:53,320 --> 00:07:56,160
but the patient reptile
can live with that.
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00:07:59,440 --> 00:08:03,960
The valley and the bordering territories
are in the paws of four strong brothers.
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00:08:04,040 --> 00:08:07,640
Years ago, they drove other males
out of the entire region
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and with it took over the lionesses
of a huge territory.
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The stream is but a small section
of their kingdom,
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which they constantly patrol
from one corner to the next.
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The fourth is following a female,
who seems to be in the mating mood.
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[growls]
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Then the annoying neighbours
turn up yet again.
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The cosy get-together is over.
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Their majesties are not amused.
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Even the pasha has respect for this wall
of muscles and horns...
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and he has every reason to.
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Their reputation damaged, charging off
with their tails between their legs
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is obviously not how the royals
had imagined their day.
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Countless grazers live in the lush savanna
alongside the stream.
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This attracts a variety of predators.
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Like the rare serval, for example.
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[bird calls]
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The slender wildcat is particularly keen
on small prey.
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Its sensitive ears rarely even miss
the rustling of mice.
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00:10:04,360 --> 00:10:08,520
The open grassland above the valley
is the world of the serval.
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Birds shouldn't become
too complacent here either,
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not as long as the nimble cat
is out stalking.
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00:10:28,520 --> 00:10:32,200
This time, a small rodent
has attracted her attention.
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Carefully she tries to get closer.
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This could take several minutes.
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Locating the objective is literally
a case of playing it by ear.
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Didn't work this time.
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But not to worry, there are plenty
of snacks where that came from.
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Patience pays off.
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A short while later
and an inattentive lark
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puts a smile back on the serval's face.
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The cat searches for a cool, shadowy
resting place in the increasing heat.
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Lions don't consider servals
as competitors.
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The small wildcats
are mostly ignored by them.
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00:11:56,960 --> 00:12:01,400
This is not so for cheetahs.
They have to be wary of lions.
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00:12:01,480 --> 00:12:05,760
They're waiting for a decent opportunity
to go hunting, and in doing so,
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maintain a safe distance
from the pride near the stream.
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00:12:09,600 --> 00:12:14,040
They specialise in prey
too fast for lions, like impalas.
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For this almost adult animal
and his mother,
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the Thomson gazelles
are no easy task either.
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In the open range,
they are very difficult to surprise.
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They have noticed the impatient novice.
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The mother has no time left to dither.
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Should the opportunity arise,
cheetahs are happy to go hunting
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even in the midday heat.
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Lions are not so keen.
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The huge cats prefer to laze around
in the shadows.
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This makes a cool drink at the river bar
a relatively harmless operation.
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But lion mothers are on the move,
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as they rarely leave
their young alone at night.
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With such an abundance of prey,
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it is anything but difficult
to be successful,
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even in the daylight.
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00:14:11,000 --> 00:14:15,000
Surprising the victims
in the riverbed is a proven tactic.
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00:14:18,840 --> 00:14:22,040
Everything seems to be going
according to plan,
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when suddenly the tide turns.
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Badly injured, the lioness
trudges into the shade.
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She won't be able to hunt for weeks
and her milk supply will soon run dry.
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00:14:50,360 --> 00:14:53,720
The other mothers haven't noticed
anything about the situation.
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They often don't see one another
for weeks on end.
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While the cubs are very small,
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the mothers avoid any contact
which could put their babies at risk.
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Yet still, the simple presence
of the sisters is a life insurance policy.
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Prey is very rarely eaten in its entirety,
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so that the ill or injured can be certain
of their share,
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without having to hunt themselves.
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00:15:33,640 --> 00:15:36,840
As long as the wildebeest herds
are in the vicinity,
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the mother of the four is OK.
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She's well-nourished
and has plenty of milk on tap.
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In the late afternoon, she's off hunting,
even though she's not really hungry.
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00:15:48,840 --> 00:15:51,600
At times when food is in ample supply,
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lions fill up their reserves
whenever they can.
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The herds spend just a few months
in the valley,
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making it prudent to use
every opportunity.
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An experienced lioness
makes a hunt look like child's play.
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But in fact, the risk of being injured
is high during each attack,
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as some wildebeest know
how to defend themselves.
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In the cool evening air,
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the neighbouring pride
begins preparations.
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The teenagers can hardly wait
for night to fall.
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They are in the best of health
and are bristling with strength.
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Their hunting instinct is immediately
aroused by a passing zebra.
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What better time to practice
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what their mothers
have so diligently taught them?
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00:17:41,720 --> 00:17:45,560
But they have obviously overestimated
their abilities by far
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and appear quite confused.
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00:17:54,760 --> 00:17:58,240
The two lionesses
don't take things really seriously.
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The night will provide
more simple hunting possibilities.
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00:18:20,160 --> 00:18:24,840
For a few minutes, the savanna
is blanketed in calm and peace,
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as if all present want to draw breath
after the heat of the day
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and prior to the tension of the night.
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00:18:40,960 --> 00:18:42,960
With a thermal imaging camera,
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we can follow events
even in total darkness.
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00:18:46,560 --> 00:18:50,680
As far as elephants are concerned,
they go about their business regardless,
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whether it's day or night.
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Most herbivores are now noticeably quieter
than they are at daytime.
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00:19:02,880 --> 00:19:07,040
Almost soundlessly, the zebras refill
their water reserves.
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00:19:12,400 --> 00:19:16,080
Columns of wildebeest
make their way to a resting place.
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00:19:16,160 --> 00:19:21,960
They too are very quiet, as lions listen
in the dark for tell-tale sounds...
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00:19:22,040 --> 00:19:25,720
that is, when they are not preoccupied
with their offspring.
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00:19:28,560 --> 00:19:32,360
The injured lioness has made it back
to her little ones' lair.
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00:19:32,440 --> 00:19:34,440
She is still able to give milk.
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00:19:38,520 --> 00:19:40,400
The herds now rest.
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00:19:40,480 --> 00:19:44,080
Stoically, they ruminate
or nibble on the odd snack,
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as always-hungry buffaloes do.
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00:19:48,440 --> 00:19:52,560
Not far away, hyenas
are getting ready for the night shift.
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00:19:52,640 --> 00:19:56,440
They almost always only hunt
in the cool of the night.
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00:19:57,600 --> 00:20:00,400
Without moonlight, both hunter and hunted
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00:20:00,480 --> 00:20:03,280
have to rely primarily
on their sense of hearing.
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00:20:07,280 --> 00:20:09,680
The buffalos can hardly be overheard,
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00:20:09,760 --> 00:20:13,600
but the hyenas' behaviour
shouldn't be taken that seriously.
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00:20:19,520 --> 00:20:23,200
Two lionesses from the pride
on the upper reaches
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00:20:23,280 --> 00:20:25,280
also have their sights set
on the buffalo herd,
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00:20:25,360 --> 00:20:28,160
hoping for sick or young animals.
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00:20:34,840 --> 00:20:36,880
They have to give up quickly this time.
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00:20:36,960 --> 00:20:42,760
The herd has picked up their scent and is
not exactly amused with being shadowed.
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00:20:52,480 --> 00:20:55,600
Her sister,
the female with four young cubs,
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00:20:55,680 --> 00:20:57,640
is also out and about.
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00:20:57,720 --> 00:21:00,840
It's one of the first nightly excursions
for her little ones
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00:21:00,920 --> 00:21:02,360
and she is nervous.
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00:21:02,440 --> 00:21:05,520
She keeps stopping and listens intently.
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00:21:10,280 --> 00:21:13,360
A serval is also a nocturnal hunter.
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00:21:13,440 --> 00:21:16,160
As he only hunts by ear, so to speak,
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00:21:16,240 --> 00:21:18,640
the darkness is
of little consequence to him.
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00:21:33,000 --> 00:21:37,840
He seems to prefer birds to mice
and quickly forgets Mickey.
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00:21:40,160 --> 00:21:43,160
Just maybe the mouse in the grass
207
00:21:43,240 --> 00:21:46,440
would have been a trifle better
than the bird in the air.
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00:21:50,440 --> 00:21:53,920
Relaxed, the lioness continues on her way.
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00:21:54,000 --> 00:21:57,440
She knows that her children
are not in danger here.
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00:21:57,520 --> 00:22:00,160
The destination
of this nocturnal excursion
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00:22:00,240 --> 00:22:03,920
is the wildebeest that the mother killed
late in the evening.
212
00:22:07,800 --> 00:22:10,920
The babies don't quite know
what to do with the prey,
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00:22:11,000 --> 00:22:14,600
but still nibble here and there
enthusiastically.
214
00:22:14,680 --> 00:22:18,840
The sooner they get used to meat,
the better the mother can feed them.
215
00:22:18,920 --> 00:22:22,280
However, momentarily,
they still need her milk.
216
00:22:27,200 --> 00:22:30,640
At least their interest in meat
has now been aroused.
217
00:22:38,640 --> 00:22:40,960
The teenagers of the neighbouring pride
218
00:22:41,040 --> 00:22:45,240
are served the finest their mothers
can provide almost every night.
219
00:22:50,200 --> 00:22:53,240
But they hardly do anything
themselves to help out.
220
00:22:53,320 --> 00:22:57,880
Instead, they often frustrate
the two adults with their constant pranks.
221
00:23:08,440 --> 00:23:13,280
It's often too enticing to practice
creeping up on the unsuspecting elephants.
222
00:23:14,160 --> 00:23:17,440
And, indeed, the gentle giant
is completely unaware
223
00:23:17,520 --> 00:23:20,320
of the curious teenager
right next to him.
224
00:23:27,960 --> 00:23:32,680
That he remained unnoticed by the elephant
is possibly a triumph of sorts,
225
00:23:32,760 --> 00:23:36,320
but it didn't have the desired effect
for the youngster.
226
00:23:37,520 --> 00:23:41,360
The females stop at intervals
and just listen.
227
00:23:41,440 --> 00:23:45,520
Without moon or starlight,
they can hardly see anything.
228
00:23:49,240 --> 00:23:50,360
At last.
229
00:23:50,440 --> 00:23:55,520
In the pitch darkness, one can just
make out the sounds of a large herd.
230
00:24:01,680 --> 00:24:04,880
The lions behave
completely differently at night.
231
00:24:04,960 --> 00:24:07,480
There is no more reason to hide.
232
00:24:07,560 --> 00:24:11,440
Openly, they approach
the tell-tale sounds.
233
00:24:25,280 --> 00:24:29,440
The antelopes don't react until
the lioness is very close to them.
234
00:24:44,200 --> 00:24:47,120
The lionesses take turns in the attack
235
00:24:47,200 --> 00:24:51,560
and attempt to locate individual animals
that have lost contact with the herd.
236
00:25:02,880 --> 00:25:06,200
Finally, everything seems to go to plan.
237
00:25:06,280 --> 00:25:09,080
But in the dark, they didn't notice
238
00:25:09,160 --> 00:25:12,360
that the end of the column
had already passed them by.
239
00:25:12,440 --> 00:25:14,320
They waited too long.
240
00:25:17,480 --> 00:25:20,600
The two huntresses
won't slacken the reins.
241
00:25:20,680 --> 00:25:24,360
Success is just a question
of perseverance.
242
00:25:32,600 --> 00:25:34,360
After such hard graft,
243
00:25:34,440 --> 00:25:37,920
it's the two lionesses
that get the least of the prey.
244
00:25:41,000 --> 00:25:44,200
Nobly, they wait
for their young to eat first.
245
00:25:44,280 --> 00:25:50,680
Every ounce of food secures their chances
of survival, reserves for harder times.
246
00:25:50,760 --> 00:25:55,840
The wildebeest is hardly
a mammoth feast for 12 hungry mouths.
247
00:25:57,000 --> 00:26:00,600
As yet, the hyenas
haven't had much luck tonight.
248
00:26:00,680 --> 00:26:03,960
But it's cool enough
to give it one last try.
249
00:26:05,560 --> 00:26:08,880
Their hunting tactics
are ostensibly simple:
250
00:26:08,960 --> 00:26:12,320
they approach a herd openly
and bring them up to speed.
251
00:26:12,400 --> 00:26:14,200
They chase the animals around
252
00:26:14,280 --> 00:26:16,440
without actually following
specific antelopes.
253
00:26:27,280 --> 00:26:30,440
But then the serious business starts.
254
00:26:30,520 --> 00:26:34,880
They increase the speed
and follow an individual wildebeest.
255
00:26:38,960 --> 00:26:41,640
Hyenas are unusually tenacious.
256
00:26:41,720 --> 00:26:44,920
They have the largest hearts
of all African predators.
257
00:26:45,000 --> 00:26:50,200
They can easily run for several minutes
at speeds of around 50 kilometres an hour.
258
00:26:50,280 --> 00:26:53,360
Very few ungulates can outstrip that.
259
00:26:53,440 --> 00:26:56,960
This time, too,
the hunters are successful.
260
00:26:57,840 --> 00:27:01,960
In the early morning light,
the clean-up brigades go to work.
261
00:27:02,040 --> 00:27:05,720
But the pride has left
very little behind this time.
262
00:27:15,560 --> 00:27:17,680
The nightshift is over.
263
00:27:17,760 --> 00:27:21,360
A leopardess pulls her kill
from the safety of the tree.
264
00:27:25,960 --> 00:27:28,920
She has young to feed
in a thicket close by.
265
00:27:30,480 --> 00:27:31,960
There is no time to lose,
266
00:27:32,040 --> 00:27:36,720
as she should avoid being surprised
by lions in the open at all costs.
267
00:27:40,040 --> 00:27:42,520
The remains of the lions' prey.
268
00:27:42,600 --> 00:27:45,960
Here, the mood begins
to get a little heated.
269
00:27:52,880 --> 00:27:56,240
This black-backed jackal
is anything but enthusiastic
270
00:27:56,320 --> 00:27:58,840
about the uninvited brunch guests.
271
00:27:59,520 --> 00:28:02,040
[squawking]
272
00:28:03,720 --> 00:28:07,520
Doggedly, he defends the leftovers
from the gate crashers.
273
00:28:07,600 --> 00:28:12,080
Unlike plants, meat is a very energy-rich
form of nourishment.
274
00:28:12,160 --> 00:28:16,360
Just a few bites and the jackal family
are set up for the next day.
275
00:28:16,440 --> 00:28:19,800
A spot of belligerence
is worthwhile after all.
276
00:28:19,880 --> 00:28:21,880
The same applies to the vultures.
277
00:28:32,960 --> 00:28:34,840
[vultures squawking]
278
00:28:36,320 --> 00:28:39,520
This pup is noticeably impressed
by the turmoil
279
00:28:39,600 --> 00:28:42,040
and shyly keeps a safe distance.
280
00:28:46,720 --> 00:28:50,200
Especially when
a very large hyena drops by.
281
00:29:04,040 --> 00:29:06,400
The mother is clearly concerned.
282
00:29:15,880 --> 00:29:17,520
[birds squawking]
283
00:29:23,920 --> 00:29:28,600
But in fact, the hyena only has eyes
for the long bones of the legs.
284
00:29:28,680 --> 00:29:31,200
Hyenas' jaws are powerful tools,
285
00:29:31,280 --> 00:29:34,000
and it's this fact
that makes these animals
286
00:29:34,080 --> 00:29:37,280
the only ones
in the bone crushing business.
287
00:29:39,400 --> 00:29:41,840
Marrow provides refined fat.
288
00:29:50,920 --> 00:29:55,520
For almost two months, the injured lioness
was nowhere to be seen.
289
00:29:55,600 --> 00:29:58,920
Now she's back, her face disfigured.
290
00:29:59,000 --> 00:30:02,600
She only survived thanks
to leftovers from her sisters.
291
00:30:07,600 --> 00:30:09,280
She even produced enough milk
292
00:30:09,360 --> 00:30:13,600
to be able to rear two of her three cubs
despite adversity.
293
00:30:13,680 --> 00:30:16,720
They certainly look healthy
and strong enough.
294
00:30:50,120 --> 00:30:52,520
Without the solidarity of the pride,
295
00:30:52,600 --> 00:30:55,440
the entire family
would have starved to death.
296
00:31:00,040 --> 00:31:04,440
This doesn't mean that everyone
is free to help himself.
297
00:31:04,520 --> 00:31:08,840
As a matter of principle, the males
always claim the "lion's share."
298
00:31:08,920 --> 00:31:11,800
Actually, this time, they also earned it.
299
00:31:11,880 --> 00:31:15,720
The four pashas were able
to overcome a buffalo.
300
00:31:15,800 --> 00:31:20,680
For once, the ladies were also allowed
to take part in the abundant feast.
301
00:31:22,120 --> 00:31:27,240
Far behind, a solitary lioness
hungrily observes the scene.
302
00:31:27,320 --> 00:31:30,840
She is one of the lionesses
from the pride downstream.
303
00:31:30,920 --> 00:31:35,560
Here, the territories meet
and she dares go no further.
304
00:31:37,080 --> 00:31:40,600
In frustration, she helplessly
marks the grass.
305
00:31:40,960 --> 00:31:42,480
She knows the rules.
306
00:31:42,560 --> 00:31:46,360
The upper course lionesses would
attack her if she came any closer.
307
00:31:46,440 --> 00:31:49,520
Lionesses always defend their territories.
308
00:31:49,600 --> 00:31:52,600
The pashas, on the other hand,
remain relaxed.
309
00:31:52,680 --> 00:31:57,680
After all, every female in their territory
is a potential partner.
310
00:32:01,840 --> 00:32:04,840
But suddenly the pashas also react.
311
00:32:07,160 --> 00:32:10,720
An unknown male
is gadding around the area.
312
00:32:10,800 --> 00:32:13,080
The commotion has attracted a young lion
313
00:32:13,160 --> 00:32:17,480
and perhaps he is hoping to steal
a few morsels from the females.
314
00:32:17,560 --> 00:32:21,600
Bad luck for him that
the territorial bigwigs are present.
315
00:32:46,240 --> 00:32:47,720
[snarling]
316
00:33:08,600 --> 00:33:12,200
The youngster immediately submits
to his superiors
317
00:33:12,280 --> 00:33:15,160
and discovers that it's his lucky day.
318
00:33:15,240 --> 00:33:18,920
The "district authorities"
could have killed him outright,
319
00:33:19,000 --> 00:33:22,120
but as he's so young,
they don't take him seriously.
320
00:33:23,160 --> 00:33:27,480
A few cuts and bruises
and his ordeal is over.
321
00:33:28,640 --> 00:33:32,320
The rulers ignore him and turn
their attention to their daily business.
322
00:33:35,480 --> 00:33:39,760
At the top of the agenda is
the extensive marking of their territory.
323
00:33:39,840 --> 00:33:42,480
The scent signals are a warning
to newcomers:
324
00:33:42,880 --> 00:33:44,760
"Attention, danger!"
325
00:33:45,520 --> 00:33:48,920
Pashas spend much of their time
distributing "no entry" markings
326
00:33:49,000 --> 00:33:50,280
throughout their territory.
327
00:33:50,800 --> 00:33:52,680
Other males are to be deterred
328
00:33:52,760 --> 00:33:55,880
so that ugly scuffles and fights
can be prevented.
329
00:33:59,720 --> 00:34:03,720
The same scent has
a comforting effect on the females
330
00:34:03,800 --> 00:34:08,600
and signalises that the fathers
and protectors of their young are present.
331
00:34:10,680 --> 00:34:13,840
It can only turn dangerous
when there are no fresh markings.
332
00:34:14,400 --> 00:34:17,000
This means that other males
could attempt to take over
333
00:34:17,080 --> 00:34:20,440
the ostensibly unclaimed territory.
334
00:34:20,520 --> 00:34:23,520
This would mean grave danger
for all the young animals,
335
00:34:23,600 --> 00:34:26,920
which would only be in the way
of the new rulers.
336
00:34:27,000 --> 00:34:30,280
The valley is covered
with a network of warning signals.
337
00:34:30,360 --> 00:34:33,560
But the pashas also
claim areas beyond the valley
338
00:34:33,640 --> 00:34:35,440
and cannot be everywhere at once.
339
00:34:41,040 --> 00:34:43,120
As long as males are close by,
340
00:34:43,200 --> 00:34:47,480
the lioness can feel relatively safe
with her young down by the river.
341
00:34:47,560 --> 00:34:51,080
But the little ones have to be nimble
in order to keep up with her.
342
00:34:51,160 --> 00:34:52,640
[cubs calling]
343
00:35:04,600 --> 00:35:08,440
The riverbed still provides
the best options to hide the young...
344
00:35:10,480 --> 00:35:13,120
even when it looks as though
the clumsy balls of wool
345
00:35:13,200 --> 00:35:15,800
are not always in the best of moods.
346
00:35:15,880 --> 00:35:17,000
[cub screeches]
347
00:35:24,760 --> 00:35:28,160
All four have made it to here
with no problems.
348
00:35:37,840 --> 00:35:40,040
After such a tiring hike,
349
00:35:40,120 --> 00:35:42,760
a well-earned break with a snack
is on the books,
350
00:35:43,360 --> 00:35:45,040
but the mother is nervous.
351
00:35:52,320 --> 00:35:54,320
They are being observed.
352
00:36:08,880 --> 00:36:12,080
The strange male could pose
a danger for her children.
353
00:36:16,480 --> 00:36:20,960
Understandably, the lioness
is extremely worried.
354
00:36:21,040 --> 00:36:22,800
[snarling]
355
00:36:43,680 --> 00:36:47,240
Well, that doesn't seem to have impressed
the young man very much.
356
00:36:47,320 --> 00:36:48,400
[cub screeches]
357
00:36:53,720 --> 00:36:56,560
The mother and her offspring
have barely withdrawn,
358
00:36:56,640 --> 00:37:00,080
when he decides to approach
the injured lioness's family.
359
00:37:01,040 --> 00:37:02,040
[snarls]
360
00:37:04,400 --> 00:37:07,440
The disfigured lioness
keeps her eyes on him
361
00:37:07,520 --> 00:37:11,040
while he lays down with the group
and doesn't stir.
362
00:37:13,000 --> 00:37:15,600
The little ones seem somewhat unsettled.
363
00:37:21,840 --> 00:37:24,920
The young male with the crumpled ear
ignores the mother
364
00:37:25,000 --> 00:37:27,080
and comes closer and closer.
365
00:37:33,200 --> 00:37:35,800
The youngsters react quite warmly.
366
00:37:36,080 --> 00:37:38,800
At last, someone new to play with.
367
00:37:38,880 --> 00:37:42,400
But then again, there are
differing opinions within the family.
368
00:37:42,480 --> 00:37:44,480
[snarling]
369
00:38:01,800 --> 00:38:05,120
The lioness is not quite so sure
about the intruder.
370
00:38:05,200 --> 00:38:07,960
Her main concern
is her children's welfare.
371
00:38:08,040 --> 00:38:11,680
But the stranger is not really
a cause for anxiety.
372
00:38:11,760 --> 00:38:14,880
All he wants to do is play
with his siblings.
373
00:38:19,120 --> 00:38:22,680
The teenager with the injured ear
is an elder son of the female,
374
00:38:22,760 --> 00:38:26,480
and it seems to be no more
than a simple case of a young lad
375
00:38:26,560 --> 00:38:27,760
who misses his mother.
376
00:38:31,600 --> 00:38:34,520
He doesn't just want to play
with his siblings either.
377
00:38:34,680 --> 00:38:38,960
Out there and left to his own devices,
he would probably starve to death.
378
00:38:40,080 --> 00:38:41,200
[snarling]
379
00:38:41,280 --> 00:38:44,200
Instead, he accompanies
different females of the pride
380
00:38:44,280 --> 00:38:47,600
and manages to scavenge
the odd morsel for free.
381
00:38:49,760 --> 00:38:51,440
[snarling]
382
00:38:58,680 --> 00:39:02,720
In times of abundance,
that sort of thing is relatively harmless.
383
00:39:02,800 --> 00:39:05,120
But when prey becomes scarce,
384
00:39:05,200 --> 00:39:08,080
someone like him can become
a threat for the younger offspring.
385
00:39:08,160 --> 00:39:09,480
[snarls]
386
00:39:09,560 --> 00:39:13,240
No wonder that the mother is not
particularly overjoyed at his presence.
387
00:39:17,320 --> 00:39:21,120
His younger sisters and brothers,
on the other hand, are quite thrilled.
388
00:39:27,400 --> 00:39:30,800
Pashas appear to be incredibly
disinterested in their offspring.
389
00:39:30,880 --> 00:39:33,720
While the eldest son keeps
a respectful distance,
390
00:39:33,800 --> 00:39:37,360
she brazenly approaches the father
with her small flock.
391
00:39:37,440 --> 00:39:40,680
He seems to be entirely indifferent
to the situation.
392
00:39:42,760 --> 00:39:44,680
[roars]
393
00:39:44,760 --> 00:39:48,600
The old man is not at all sure
what to make of the agitated youngster.
394
00:39:49,080 --> 00:39:52,360
Whatever happens,
the peace and quiet is over.
395
00:39:57,640 --> 00:40:01,360
The mother of the four
still keeps her distance from the pride.
396
00:40:05,720 --> 00:40:10,280
As long as the herds are in the territory,
she needs no support from her sisters.
397
00:40:11,960 --> 00:40:17,240
The babies are in a secure hideaway
and she can thus focus on the next hunt.
398
00:40:17,320 --> 00:40:21,720
She is well nourished and her teats
correspondingly round and plump.
399
00:40:29,520 --> 00:40:32,920
The wildebeest are reluctant
to linger in unchartered terrain,
400
00:40:33,000 --> 00:40:36,360
and in the afternoon, they move out
into the open savanna.
401
00:40:43,360 --> 00:40:46,760
The lioness often follows them
for several miles
402
00:40:46,840 --> 00:40:49,840
and has no problem at all
keeping up with the antelopes.
403
00:41:04,560 --> 00:41:08,160
This time she seems
to have taken it too lightly.
404
00:41:08,240 --> 00:41:11,000
She probably hoped for an animal
to make a false move
405
00:41:11,080 --> 00:41:12,960
and lose contact with the herd.
406
00:41:18,520 --> 00:41:21,400
Sometimes she can block the way
of animals that flee
407
00:41:21,480 --> 00:41:23,520
in the hope of reaching their herds.
408
00:41:23,600 --> 00:41:27,000
She was unlucky this time
and has to give up.
409
00:41:33,600 --> 00:41:36,160
Her children wait for her
down at the stream,
410
00:41:36,240 --> 00:41:38,560
well hidden by the maze of bushes.
411
00:41:40,040 --> 00:41:44,280
While she, exhausted,
waits for new opportunities,
412
00:41:44,360 --> 00:41:47,960
the buffalo herd wanders
along the edge of the valley.
413
00:41:55,560 --> 00:41:57,440
[buffalo growls]
414
00:41:58,200 --> 00:41:59,840
[snorts]
415
00:41:59,920 --> 00:42:03,760
A gust of wind carries
the scent of mortal enemies.
416
00:42:05,240 --> 00:42:08,640
The buffalos do not hesitate for a second.
417
00:42:15,960 --> 00:42:18,280
[lioness calling]
418
00:42:23,960 --> 00:42:26,240
After an exhausting afternoon,
419
00:42:26,320 --> 00:42:29,800
the lioness returns
to her children's hideout.
420
00:42:33,920 --> 00:42:37,240
Today, her calls remain unanswered.
421
00:42:39,560 --> 00:42:41,120
[lioness calling]
422
00:42:52,000 --> 00:42:54,520
The buffalo have discovered the lair.
423
00:43:50,440 --> 00:43:53,040
Not all fell victim to the attack.
424
00:44:05,440 --> 00:44:09,160
Two of the four siblings
were able to escape the herd.
425
00:44:30,880 --> 00:44:36,120
This stroke of fate comes at a time
in which further upheavals are emerging.
426
00:44:36,200 --> 00:44:39,800
The pride now faces an uncertain future.
427
00:44:41,520 --> 00:44:45,080
The lions' main source of prey,
the wildebeest herds,
428
00:44:45,160 --> 00:44:46,560
are on the way south,
429
00:44:46,640 --> 00:44:49,800
back to the Tanzanian sector
of the Serengeti.
430
00:44:53,680 --> 00:44:57,120
But first they have to overcome
the Mara River.
431
00:44:58,480 --> 00:45:02,720
The antelopes spend a great deal of time
looking for a shallow section,
432
00:45:02,800 --> 00:45:07,800
but the Mara has almost only steep,
roughly ten-metre-high embankments.
433
00:45:07,880 --> 00:45:11,720
Before long, the first animals
muster their courage.
434
00:46:36,120 --> 00:46:39,840
During their migration to the south,
toward the end of September,
435
00:46:39,920 --> 00:46:43,640
tens of thousands of animals
force their way through the river.
436
00:46:45,680 --> 00:46:49,200
Behind them, they leave
a largely empty country.
437
00:46:49,280 --> 00:46:53,280
For the lions, chained
to their territories, it's a catastrophe,
438
00:46:53,360 --> 00:46:56,760
as they have to make do with the prey
that lives the entire year
439
00:46:56,840 --> 00:46:58,400
on the banks of the Mara.
440
00:47:02,800 --> 00:47:06,080
After the buffalo attack,
the lion mother leaves the valley
441
00:47:06,160 --> 00:47:08,320
with her two remaining cubs.
442
00:47:08,400 --> 00:47:12,960
The little ones seem glad to be putting
the fearsome environment behind them.
443
00:47:19,560 --> 00:47:22,600
She hopes to connect
with the other members of the pride,
444
00:47:22,680 --> 00:47:27,640
as the support of her siblings has now
become an essential factor for survival.
445
00:47:31,440 --> 00:47:34,920
The pride on the river
now faces hard times.
446
00:47:35,000 --> 00:47:37,000
There are many mouths to feed,
447
00:47:37,080 --> 00:47:40,800
but without wildebeest,
there is very little to eat.
448
00:47:45,080 --> 00:47:49,040
Now the pride will have to turn mainly
to warthogs to curb their hunger.
449
00:47:49,120 --> 00:47:53,080
They give birth to their young
just in time, when the herds are leaving.
450
00:47:53,480 --> 00:47:56,480
But they provide little more
than light snacks.
451
00:47:58,680 --> 00:48:03,360
Adults are not easy to kill, as the pigs
are enormously careful and nimble.
452
00:48:06,760 --> 00:48:08,400
[snarling]
453
00:48:08,480 --> 00:48:10,080
Between the starving lions,
454
00:48:10,160 --> 00:48:15,320
every oh-so-humble morsel
will very soon be bitterly fought for.
455
00:48:16,240 --> 00:48:19,840
The youngsters face some very lean weeks.
456
00:48:19,920 --> 00:48:24,160
Without regular prey,
the mothers can hardly give milk.
457
00:48:25,040 --> 00:48:28,160
The fate of the entire pride
will be decided
458
00:48:28,240 --> 00:48:30,800
during the course of the following months.
38642
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