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In the North of Botswana
there is a haven,
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where the Chobe river provides
a lifeline for wildlife.
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00:00:20,700 --> 00:00:25,467
But in the dry season
many animals face a daily battle
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00:00:25,500 --> 00:00:28,367
with the fierce heat.
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00:00:28,400 --> 00:00:33,667
Including three of Africa's
most iconic families.
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00:00:36,633 --> 00:00:39,367
Though they may be
vastly different,
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00:00:39,400 --> 00:00:45,600
they all have the same goal:
to raise their young.
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00:00:45,633 --> 00:00:50,433
Childhood in Chobe is a time
of vulnerability and learning.
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00:00:51,567 --> 00:00:53,800
And the only way to survive
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00:00:53,833 --> 00:00:57,267
is with the guidance of family.
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Chobe is Botswana's
second largest National Park.
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And for the sheer abundance
of its animals,
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it is among the greatest
on the African continent.
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Home to vast numbers of game,
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00:02:02,367 --> 00:02:06,500
its immensity is matched only
by the diversity of life found
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within its borders.
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The Chobe river is the only
permanent source of water
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all year round.
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00:02:36,433 --> 00:02:40,300
Flowing all the way from the
Angolan highlands to the east,
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it forms the northern border
of the park.
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It is a wonderland,
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unrivaled for both
its nourishment and security.
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The large aggregations of game
that continuously roam the park
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funnel to this single oasis.
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00:03:21,167 --> 00:03:22,633
In the dry season
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some animals travel up to
300 miles to reach it.
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Within this water world,
families make their home.
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00:03:42,767 --> 00:03:45,567
And though they may be
vastly different;
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the herd,
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00:03:46,800 --> 00:03:48,467
the troop
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00:03:48,500 --> 00:03:50,367
and the pride
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00:03:50,400 --> 00:03:53,767
all face the challenges
of raising young.
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This newborn elephant calf
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is dependent on the knowledge
of her herd's matriarch
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to guide her.
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00:04:14,133 --> 00:04:18,067
At this small size
she is at her most vulnerable.
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00:04:19,533 --> 00:04:21,733
During her first
few weeks of life
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00:04:21,767 --> 00:04:26,433
the herd must show the youngster
the necessary skills to survive.
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00:04:28,800 --> 00:04:32,133
She is the first
of the new generation,
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00:04:32,167 --> 00:04:36,100
so she is in line
to become the next matriarch.
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00:04:41,233 --> 00:04:44,533
A young lion cub faces
very different challenges.
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She must learn how to hunt.
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00:04:49,700 --> 00:04:52,567
She will need all of the
experience and support
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00:04:52,600 --> 00:04:54,300
of her family
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to show her what it takes
to live in the savanna.
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00:05:00,667 --> 00:05:02,600
This young baboon
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00:05:02,633 --> 00:05:05,667
is reliant on the protection
of his entire troop.
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00:05:08,233 --> 00:05:11,767
He is completely dependent
on all of those around him
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00:05:11,800 --> 00:05:14,533
to show him
how to navigate his world.
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00:05:19,600 --> 00:05:23,700
For him the river
is a sight of discovery.
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00:05:25,600 --> 00:05:29,767
He must learn how to eat,
climb, and groom
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00:05:29,800 --> 00:05:34,267
so that he can call on these
skills when he most needs them.
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00:05:37,200 --> 00:05:40,333
Leading a family
through the wilderness of Chobe
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00:05:40,367 --> 00:05:43,267
is a journey
fraught with challenges.
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00:05:52,767 --> 00:05:54,467
During the summer months
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00:05:54,500 --> 00:05:58,033
all inhabitants
feel the oppressive heat.
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00:06:00,733 --> 00:06:04,200
As temperatures
exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit,
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the Savanna becomes unforgiving.
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00:06:09,200 --> 00:06:14,133
By mid-morning everyone
is desperate to find shelter.
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00:06:24,200 --> 00:06:27,333
The pride and cub
take refuge from the sun
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00:06:27,367 --> 00:06:29,533
in the shade of a thicket.
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00:06:41,667 --> 00:06:47,567
Lions can spend up to 21 hours
of their day resting.
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00:06:47,600 --> 00:06:51,533
They are doing this to conserve
vital energy for the hunt.
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00:06:54,100 --> 00:06:55,633
When the time comes,
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00:06:55,667 --> 00:06:58,567
the youngest cub will have
to pay close attention.
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00:06:58,600 --> 00:07:03,200
She will need to learn
from her mother how to kill.
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00:07:05,567 --> 00:07:09,200
Soon the pride will have to
leave the shelter of the thicket
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00:07:09,233 --> 00:07:10,533
to find food.
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00:07:13,467 --> 00:07:17,367
The survival of their
young family depends on this.
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00:07:20,300 --> 00:07:23,033
The lions must make a kill
every few days
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00:07:23,067 --> 00:07:25,533
to support all pride members.
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00:07:29,767 --> 00:07:32,500
They do this
through cooperation,
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working as a unit
to take down prey.
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00:07:37,067 --> 00:07:40,367
But hunting must wait
until the cover of night,
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00:07:40,400 --> 00:07:41,600
when it's cooler.
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00:07:48,367 --> 00:07:53,800
Chobe is home to over
120,000 Elephants.
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It is the highest concentration
on the planet.
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00:08:01,133 --> 00:08:05,467
And they too need to deal with
the harsh temperatures
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00:08:05,500 --> 00:08:09,167
Over the 55 million years
that they have been around,
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00:08:09,200 --> 00:08:11,700
they have developed
age-old tricks
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to cope with their landscape.
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And it is through the family
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00:08:19,300 --> 00:08:23,067
that these are passed
from generation to generation.
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00:08:25,833 --> 00:08:28,433
As the smallest member
of the herd,
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00:08:28,467 --> 00:08:31,000
the youngest
has much to discover.
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00:08:31,767 --> 00:08:35,200
She is a Kalahari elephant
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00:08:35,233 --> 00:08:39,267
though she is vulnerable now, if
she survives these early years
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00:08:39,300 --> 00:08:44,267
she will one day tower above all
other animals in the park.
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00:08:51,833 --> 00:08:53,667
To support their mass,
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00:08:53,700 --> 00:08:57,467
adults need at least
20 gallons of water a day.
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00:08:59,067 --> 00:09:02,733
So the herd breaks cover
and heads to the river.
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00:09:11,500 --> 00:09:13,233
Despite its thickness,
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00:09:13,267 --> 00:09:15,800
an elephant's skin
is very sensitive
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00:09:15,833 --> 00:09:18,467
and requires frequent bathing.
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00:09:28,233 --> 00:09:30,200
But instead of water,
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the family has chosen
an unexpected substitute:
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00:09:46,733 --> 00:09:50,633
These impressive showers
help to keep them cool.
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00:09:58,533 --> 00:10:02,500
Dust and sand not only
protects them from UV radiation,
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00:10:02,533 --> 00:10:04,633
but from parasites too.
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00:10:08,700 --> 00:10:12,567
It is an important lesson
for the young calf to learn
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00:10:12,600 --> 00:10:15,233
and one she seems to enjoy.
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For the baboons, refuge
is also found at the river.
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00:10:54,067 --> 00:10:56,533
And for the boisterous
young male
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00:10:56,567 --> 00:11:00,233
it is a training ground
full of learning and play.
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00:11:04,167 --> 00:11:06,633
He will learn everything
he needs to know
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00:11:06,667 --> 00:11:10,133
by watching
and respecting his elders.
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00:11:14,767 --> 00:11:17,767
And he is in the company
of other youngsters,
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00:11:17,800 --> 00:11:22,000
all discovering the world
around them at the same time.
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00:11:24,367 --> 00:11:27,333
They are always active;
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00:11:27,367 --> 00:11:29,333
their antics start before,
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00:11:29,367 --> 00:11:34,767
and end after,
the other baboons have stirred.
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00:11:34,800 --> 00:11:39,200
But raising a child
is not the mother's job alone.
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00:11:42,633 --> 00:11:45,500
She has a lot of help
from the males.
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00:11:48,267 --> 00:11:51,600
Unrelated males
play "Godfather" to youngsters
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from birth
until their second year.
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00:11:55,333 --> 00:11:58,633
Almost all friendly contact
between males and infants
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00:11:58,667 --> 00:12:01,033
stems from this relationship.
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00:12:09,567 --> 00:12:14,267
This includes holding, grooming,
and even sharing food.
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00:12:18,333 --> 00:12:20,200
Females benefit from this
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00:12:20,233 --> 00:12:22,733
because it offers
their babies protection.
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00:12:29,400 --> 00:12:34,100
What the male gains
is the good favor of the mother,
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00:12:34,133 --> 00:12:36,700
Increasing his chance to mate.
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00:12:41,767 --> 00:12:44,500
By proving that
he can care for this infant,
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00:12:44,533 --> 00:12:48,500
this male is showing that he is
fit enough to produce his own.
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00:12:54,533 --> 00:12:57,167
Males move around
from troop to troop,
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00:12:57,200 --> 00:13:00,633
so females make up
the stable core of the group.
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00:13:02,233 --> 00:13:05,367
And they exist
in a strict hierarchy.
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Higher-ranking females
and their offspring
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have the first choice of food.
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00:13:24,733 --> 00:13:29,733
And the entire group is lead
by a single dominant male.
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00:13:31,167 --> 00:13:32,567
He is the best fighter
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00:13:32,600 --> 00:13:36,467
and most successful
mating partner.
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00:13:36,500 --> 00:13:39,767
And everyone else
shows him respect.
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00:13:49,767 --> 00:13:55,100
Those that do not are harshly
reminded of who is the boss.
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00:14:07,533 --> 00:14:10,367
This hierarchy is the only way
they can survive
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in such large numbers
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00:14:12,500 --> 00:14:14,667
and has to be enforced.
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00:14:20,133 --> 00:14:22,167
The young male has much to learn
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if one day he is to rule
over a troop of his own.
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00:14:32,600 --> 00:14:35,233
These
seemingly innocuous jostles
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00:14:35,267 --> 00:14:38,067
are the beginning
of his climb to the top.
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00:14:40,567 --> 00:14:44,067
There are many others
he will have to contend with,
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00:14:45,300 --> 00:14:47,700
but if he wants
to lead the family
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00:14:47,733 --> 00:14:51,000
he must prove
that he is the strongest.
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00:14:51,733 --> 00:14:53,400
He must show everyone
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00:14:53,433 --> 00:14:55,733
that he will be able
to defend them
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00:14:55,767 --> 00:14:57,300
when the time comes.
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00:15:06,833 --> 00:15:11,300
But for now,
the mothers are still in charge.
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00:15:16,767 --> 00:15:22,067
Elephant herds also function
in a complex hierarchy,
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00:15:22,100 --> 00:15:25,600
but leadership is not sought
from the most dominant male,
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00:15:25,633 --> 00:15:30,033
but rather
from the oldest female.
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The matriarch can rule
up to the age of 65.
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She is the wisest of the group,
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drawing on all her knowledge
to guide them through Chobe.
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Elephants exist in family units,
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consisting
of closely related cows
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and their immature offspring.
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And, just like the baboons,
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the new mother has lots of help
caring for her youngster.
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00:16:06,767 --> 00:16:08,767
But unlike the baboons,
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it is not the group's males
that help care for the infant.
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Young females
called 'allmothers'
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play a key role
in raising little elephants.
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00:16:28,200 --> 00:16:31,400
And this is a role
they take on gladly.
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00:16:32,567 --> 00:16:35,033
They help
in the calf's education,
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by baby-sitting,
guiding, and protecting her.
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00:16:40,633 --> 00:16:43,067
In return they receive training
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for the day
they will become mothers.
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Because she's young,
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many of Chobe's sights,
sounds and smells are still new.
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She must learn
from every experience
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00:17:01,667 --> 00:17:06,433
so that one day she too may be
a successful member of the herd.
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00:17:23,100 --> 00:17:26,367
Family structures are in place
for a reason.
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00:17:30,133 --> 00:17:34,433
In a land as diverse,
dangerous and vast as this,
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all the wisdom and learning
of the whole group
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will be needed
to make it through.
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Chobe comprises
4,000 square miles
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of undisturbed wilderness.
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During the dry season
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00:17:59,533 --> 00:18:03,700
all animals funnel towards
the river to escape the heat.
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00:18:08,200 --> 00:18:12,467
With less than a quarter of
an inch of rain falling a month,
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it is the main source of water
in the park.
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00:18:29,633 --> 00:18:34,233
As vast numbers are forced to
share space, conflict arises.
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Throughout the park rising
temperatures raise tempers.
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00:19:15,100 --> 00:19:18,667
But soon it's too hot to fight.
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00:19:18,700 --> 00:19:23,433
By midday temperatures are
pushing 100 degrees Fahrenheit
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00:19:23,467 --> 00:19:27,300
and the herd returns
to the water for a mud bath.
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00:19:31,200 --> 00:19:36,233
For the calf the mud is not only
a way to cool off,
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it is also
a great source of fun.
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00:19:44,433 --> 00:19:48,667
She discovers her dexterity
by tumbling around.
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00:19:59,533 --> 00:20:03,200
Her new environment
is a site of discovery.
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00:20:09,567 --> 00:20:11,500
As she explores
her surroundings,
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00:20:11,533 --> 00:20:16,367
she learns vital lessons
about how to endure Chobe.
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00:20:16,400 --> 00:20:21,400
One day she will have to pass
them onto her own young in turn.
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00:20:34,300 --> 00:20:37,433
With many residents seeking
nourishment at the river,
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it is at its most crowded.
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00:20:51,700 --> 00:20:54,133
Buffalo are ruminants.
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00:20:54,167 --> 00:20:57,567
This means they must ferment
their food in a special stomach
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00:20:57,600 --> 00:20:59,467
before they can digest it.
200
00:21:00,800 --> 00:21:03,667
It is then regurgitated
and chewed again
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00:21:03,700 --> 00:21:06,133
before it can be consumed.
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00:21:09,767 --> 00:21:12,700
This process requires
great amounts of liquid.
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00:21:13,767 --> 00:21:15,400
So they need to spend
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00:21:15,433 --> 00:21:18,667
a large portion of their day
around water.
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00:21:23,533 --> 00:21:27,033
But mud is just as important
for the buffalo
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00:21:27,067 --> 00:21:29,567
especially when it's hot.
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00:21:41,400 --> 00:21:44,767
Mud helps the animal
regulate its temperature.
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00:21:52,400 --> 00:21:55,600
It traps water
close to the skin,
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00:21:55,633 --> 00:21:58,633
slowing down the rate
at which it evaporates.
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00:22:01,567 --> 00:22:03,367
By caking itself in mud
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00:22:03,400 --> 00:22:06,500
the animal can keep cool
throughout the day.
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00:22:19,600 --> 00:22:22,467
Being able to control
your body temperature
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00:22:22,500 --> 00:22:26,100
is vital at this time of year.
214
00:22:26,133 --> 00:22:29,267
Hippos are bound to the river
for this very reason.
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00:22:32,567 --> 00:22:36,100
Though they do leave the water
to bask in the sun,
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00:22:36,133 --> 00:22:41,167
if they are exposed for too long
their skin dries and cracks.
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00:22:44,500 --> 00:22:46,333
When they do venture out,
218
00:22:46,367 --> 00:22:49,467
it is only ever
for brief periods to forage,
219
00:22:54,100 --> 00:22:57,233
before they head back
to the shelter of the water.
220
00:23:09,167 --> 00:23:11,767
With so much life
drawn to the river,
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00:23:11,800 --> 00:23:14,433
opportunities
present themselves.
222
00:23:16,567 --> 00:23:20,533
Cattle Egrets have developed
an innovative hunting technique.
223
00:23:22,567 --> 00:23:26,500
By hitching rides on
the backs of far larger animals,
224
00:23:26,533 --> 00:23:30,400
they can eat the small creatures
that are disturbed in the grass.
225
00:23:34,767 --> 00:23:37,133
This has allowed
the Cattle Egret
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00:23:37,167 --> 00:23:39,767
to form
some unlikely friendships.
227
00:23:41,733 --> 00:23:43,700
This unorthodox relationship
228
00:23:43,733 --> 00:23:46,567
highlights the benefits
of cooperation.
229
00:23:49,167 --> 00:23:51,067
By accommodating the birds,
230
00:23:51,100 --> 00:23:54,100
the buffalo gets an
on-board insect repellent.
231
00:24:08,433 --> 00:24:13,167
Many species rely on the river
and what it provides.
232
00:24:13,200 --> 00:24:17,033
But some have to travel
massive distances to reach it.
233
00:24:20,333 --> 00:24:23,667
Plains zebra hold the record
for the longest migration
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00:24:23,700 --> 00:24:25,900
of any mammal in Africa.
235
00:24:29,767 --> 00:24:33,700
They sometimes travel
nearly 300 miles
236
00:24:33,733 --> 00:24:38,200
across Namibia and Botswana
as they follow the rains.
237
00:24:40,067 --> 00:24:44,133
The Chobe river is
a common stop along the journey.
238
00:24:44,167 --> 00:24:47,667
Providing a vital rest
for the young foal.
239
00:24:54,333 --> 00:24:58,533
But the river
is also full of dangers.
240
00:25:00,700 --> 00:25:03,333
Those seeking to get
to the other side
241
00:25:03,367 --> 00:25:06,300
have no option
but to go through it.
242
00:25:27,133 --> 00:25:30,400
This is where their foal
is most vulnerable.
243
00:25:33,367 --> 00:25:36,767
Seizing their chance,
they make it across.
244
00:25:42,467 --> 00:25:44,533
But they are not the only family
245
00:25:44,567 --> 00:25:47,100
wanting to get
to the other side.
246
00:25:49,700 --> 00:25:53,433
The calf has to make
the same hazardous trip.
247
00:25:59,400 --> 00:26:02,733
This is the biggest test
that she has had to face.
248
00:26:04,367 --> 00:26:07,333
She will need to draw
on all of the skills
249
00:26:07,367 --> 00:26:09,533
she has learned from her family.
250
00:26:13,433 --> 00:26:16,733
A large crocodile
is easily capable
251
00:26:16,767 --> 00:26:18,433
of taking a young elephant.
252
00:26:22,567 --> 00:26:24,300
As the river deepens,
253
00:26:24,333 --> 00:26:26,700
the crossing
becomes more dangerous.
254
00:26:31,700 --> 00:26:34,333
If the calf gets swept away now,
255
00:26:34,367 --> 00:26:38,033
the herd will be powerless
and unable to save her.
256
00:26:45,300 --> 00:26:50,533
This is the first time ever
she has been fully submerged,
257
00:26:50,567 --> 00:26:53,300
drowning is a serious risk.
258
00:26:54,767 --> 00:26:58,433
She must trust in the leadership
of all those around her
259
00:26:58,467 --> 00:27:00,533
if she is going to survive.
260
00:27:11,567 --> 00:27:15,200
With the help of her family
she makes it across.
261
00:27:24,267 --> 00:27:26,767
Working hand-in-hand is vital
262
00:27:26,800 --> 00:27:29,567
in a land as varied as Chobe.
263
00:27:36,600 --> 00:27:39,600
Cooperation is one of
the most important aspects
264
00:27:39,633 --> 00:27:42,733
of family life
across all species.
265
00:27:45,200 --> 00:27:47,267
Close personal relationships
266
00:27:47,300 --> 00:27:50,600
are the building blocks
of a successful group.
267
00:27:57,433 --> 00:28:00,167
It's now late afternoon,
268
00:28:00,200 --> 00:28:04,267
and as temperatures cool
the pride begins to stir.
269
00:28:06,533 --> 00:28:09,400
Forming a bond
with dominant pride members,
270
00:28:09,433 --> 00:28:11,267
especially the females,
271
00:28:11,300 --> 00:28:14,300
is of utmost importance
for the young cub.
272
00:28:18,533 --> 00:28:24,333
Female relationships are
the very basis of lion society.
273
00:28:24,367 --> 00:28:27,433
Prides are almost
entirely made up of lionesses
274
00:28:27,467 --> 00:28:29,133
and their offspring.
275
00:28:31,100 --> 00:28:35,033
Competition for food
and mates can be fierce
276
00:28:35,067 --> 00:28:37,167
so members form partnerships
277
00:28:37,200 --> 00:28:41,033
to help them navigate
the hierarchies of group living.
278
00:28:42,433 --> 00:28:45,633
It is something the cub
needs to learn quickly.
279
00:28:47,500 --> 00:28:50,600
There is more to this affection
than meets the eye.
280
00:28:58,467 --> 00:29:00,333
She has much to gain
281
00:29:00,367 --> 00:29:03,767
from being on the good side
of a stronger pride member.
282
00:29:07,700 --> 00:29:11,067
It has been a while
since they last ate.
283
00:29:12,400 --> 00:29:14,033
When times are tough,
284
00:29:14,067 --> 00:29:15,500
having a dominant friend
285
00:29:15,533 --> 00:29:18,233
will help her
in the competition for food.
286
00:29:24,200 --> 00:29:26,700
When the females
are successful in the hunt,
287
00:29:26,733 --> 00:29:29,200
their favorites get first pick.
288
00:29:33,500 --> 00:29:38,167
This bonding is as much tactical
as it is tactile.
289
00:29:49,133 --> 00:29:51,567
These two
are forming a coalition,
290
00:29:51,600 --> 00:29:53,200
one that could come back
291
00:29:53,233 --> 00:29:56,067
to help the cub
when she most needs it.
292
00:30:00,133 --> 00:30:04,267
It's not only the pride
that exhibits this behavior,
293
00:30:04,300 --> 00:30:07,667
it's an age-old trick
of the troop as well.
294
00:30:12,467 --> 00:30:16,033
And it is a result
of similar circumstances.
295
00:30:19,733 --> 00:30:23,233
To survive the predators
and perils of Chobe,
296
00:30:23,267 --> 00:30:25,633
the baboons have formed
a giant group
297
00:30:25,667 --> 00:30:29,100
that sometimes numbers
over a hundred.
298
00:30:30,333 --> 00:30:32,367
With their combined strength
299
00:30:32,400 --> 00:30:36,233
they are a match for even their
most dangerous adversaries.
300
00:30:48,400 --> 00:30:52,233
Living in large groups
has many advantages,
301
00:30:52,267 --> 00:30:55,733
but it also
has one major drawback -
302
00:30:55,767 --> 00:30:59,500
the need to compete for food
and for mates.
303
00:31:09,433 --> 00:31:13,500
The hierarchy of females bears
the brunt of this pressure.
304
00:31:18,100 --> 00:31:22,333
They are both the source of
cooperation and of competition.
305
00:31:23,433 --> 00:31:25,533
This double bind is solved
306
00:31:25,567 --> 00:31:28,167
by the most basic
of baboon instincts.
307
00:31:32,433 --> 00:31:36,700
Grooming removes dirt,
flakes of skin, and lice.
308
00:31:38,833 --> 00:31:41,567
But there is more to it
than hygiene.
309
00:31:43,833 --> 00:31:46,367
When the baboons
groom each other,
310
00:31:46,400 --> 00:31:49,367
they begin to form
individual relationships.
311
00:31:54,733 --> 00:31:57,500
Those lower down
on the hierarchy
312
00:31:57,533 --> 00:32:01,500
are willing to give more
attention than they receive.
313
00:32:01,533 --> 00:32:03,300
What they get in return
314
00:32:03,333 --> 00:32:06,533
is tolerance
at choice feeding sites.
315
00:32:08,367 --> 00:32:10,767
For this strategy to work,
316
00:32:10,800 --> 00:32:13,300
a baboon will focus
its grooming efforts
317
00:32:13,333 --> 00:32:17,500
on someone that will be able
to support it in a fight.
318
00:32:19,600 --> 00:32:22,100
Weaker, lower ranking members
319
00:32:22,133 --> 00:32:27,633
will spend much of their time
grooming more dominant baboons.
320
00:32:27,667 --> 00:32:32,100
These partnerships are born from
the necessity for protection.
321
00:32:36,633 --> 00:32:38,500
To survive,
322
00:32:38,533 --> 00:32:41,267
the young male will need to
choose his partners wisely.
323
00:32:42,600 --> 00:32:45,100
He must learn
that grooming is the glue
324
00:32:45,133 --> 00:32:47,167
that holds the troop together.
325
00:32:49,200 --> 00:32:52,400
It is a vital skill:
the better he is at it,
326
00:32:52,433 --> 00:32:56,033
the quicker he will be able
to rise through the ranks.
327
00:33:00,367 --> 00:33:01,767
But there's another reason
328
00:33:01,800 --> 00:33:04,367
it's so important
to the group dynamic.
329
00:33:14,167 --> 00:33:17,100
Grooming releases endorphins.
330
00:33:17,133 --> 00:33:21,067
These lower stress levels.
331
00:33:21,100 --> 00:33:24,667
This, in turn,
aids conception success.
332
00:33:26,467 --> 00:33:29,400
The more successfully
a female conceives,
333
00:33:29,433 --> 00:33:32,633
the higher her rank
in the baboon society.
334
00:33:34,300 --> 00:33:36,733
So it not only
makes them feel better,
335
00:33:36,767 --> 00:33:39,533
but it can improve
their standing too.
336
00:33:42,233 --> 00:33:47,167
This is both a physical
and a political activity.
337
00:33:47,200 --> 00:33:51,000
And one all young members
of the troop must learn.
338
00:34:02,067 --> 00:34:05,033
Elephants rely
on close contact too.
339
00:34:09,100 --> 00:34:13,067
The young calf
is rarely out of trunks reach.
340
00:34:15,800 --> 00:34:19,433
And it is largely through touch
that her mother will guide her
341
00:34:19,467 --> 00:34:21,500
through the
early stages of life.
342
00:34:24,533 --> 00:34:27,500
It's their primary method
of communication
343
00:34:27,533 --> 00:34:30,267
and a habit that will remain
with the youngster
344
00:34:30,300 --> 00:34:31,600
throughout her life.
345
00:34:41,633 --> 00:34:45,167
The instrument used
to convey the sense of touch
346
00:34:45,200 --> 00:34:48,633
is one of the most fascinating
in the animal kingdom.
347
00:34:52,433 --> 00:34:56,367
An elephant's trunk
is extremely nimble.
348
00:34:56,400 --> 00:34:58,600
Powerful enough to uplift trees,
349
00:34:58,633 --> 00:35:01,600
it can also
pluck tufts of grass.
350
00:35:02,733 --> 00:35:06,033
Around 55,000 muscles
351
00:35:06,067 --> 00:35:09,667
allow it to bend
and contort in any direction.
352
00:35:14,600 --> 00:35:17,567
It has two
finger-like lips at the end,
353
00:35:17,600 --> 00:35:20,400
and is covered
in fine sensory hairs -
354
00:35:20,433 --> 00:35:23,033
making it acutely sensitive.
355
00:35:25,333 --> 00:35:27,233
And for this young one,
356
00:35:27,267 --> 00:35:30,700
it's a vital way of accessing
the world around her.
357
00:35:39,067 --> 00:35:42,433
Baby elephants learn to eat
by putting their trunks
358
00:35:42,467 --> 00:35:45,600
inside the mouths
of other herd members.
359
00:35:49,667 --> 00:35:51,467
And it is through imitation
360
00:35:51,500 --> 00:35:54,733
that they discover the
dimensions of their environment.
361
00:36:03,367 --> 00:36:06,567
But the trunk is not only
a useful way to feel
362
00:36:06,600 --> 00:36:08,667
its immediate surroundings;
363
00:36:09,667 --> 00:36:11,800
it is also exceedingly good
364
00:36:11,833 --> 00:36:15,267
at maintaining contact
over long distances.
365
00:36:18,367 --> 00:36:21,600
By lifting their trunks
into a prevailing breeze,
366
00:36:21,633 --> 00:36:24,567
elephants can use
their deft sense of smell
367
00:36:24,600 --> 00:36:27,633
to gain a picture
of what lies ahead.
368
00:36:33,100 --> 00:36:37,200
This again, the calf learns
through imitation.
369
00:36:47,167 --> 00:36:49,633
Elephants' trunks enable them
to gain knowledge
370
00:36:49,667 --> 00:36:53,033
not only sensually,
but vocally too.
371
00:36:59,733 --> 00:37:02,467
A large portion
of the elephant's communication
372
00:37:02,500 --> 00:37:03,700
is oral.
373
00:37:07,800 --> 00:37:10,433
The trunk
is a resonating chamber,
374
00:37:10,467 --> 00:37:14,200
able to amplify
a variety of emotions.
375
00:37:17,267 --> 00:37:23,500
An elephant's call can be heard
all across savanna.
376
00:37:26,600 --> 00:37:30,400
Communication is vital
for holding the family together
377
00:37:30,433 --> 00:37:33,400
and keeping the youngsters
out of harm's way.
378
00:37:43,100 --> 00:37:46,100
Unfortunately,
for one member of the herd
379
00:37:46,133 --> 00:37:49,500
the dry season
has proved too long.
380
00:37:56,300 --> 00:37:57,800
Weakened by the heat,
381
00:37:57,833 --> 00:38:00,700
one of the
older members has died.
382
00:38:02,200 --> 00:38:05,133
But this is important
for the land.
383
00:38:05,167 --> 00:38:08,167
The end of one life
is sometimes necessary
384
00:38:08,200 --> 00:38:09,700
for the survival of others.
385
00:38:16,400 --> 00:38:20,600
In need of food and water
the herd moves on.
386
00:38:43,233 --> 00:38:47,433
As time passes, the giant body
attracts scavengers.
387
00:38:53,567 --> 00:38:55,467
A carcass of this size
388
00:38:55,500 --> 00:38:57,067
goes a long way toward feeding
389
00:38:57,100 --> 00:38:59,967
some of the park's
smaller carnivores.
390
00:39:16,100 --> 00:39:18,633
Chobe has many predators.
391
00:39:18,667 --> 00:39:21,467
But not all of them
are carnivores.
392
00:39:24,600 --> 00:39:28,567
Little bee-eaters
are deft aerial hunters.
393
00:39:29,833 --> 00:39:32,633
They manipulate the wind
with ease
394
00:39:32,667 --> 00:39:35,100
overpowering their insect prey.
395
00:39:51,333 --> 00:39:55,500
They owe their name to their
proficiency at hunting bees.
396
00:39:57,800 --> 00:40:01,067
To sustain
their brilliant aerial prowess
397
00:40:01,100 --> 00:40:05,133
they need to eat
at least 250 bees a day,
398
00:40:05,167 --> 00:40:08,467
or find enough
suitable alternatives.
399
00:40:15,067 --> 00:40:18,033
And for the pride too,
patience and perseverance
400
00:40:18,067 --> 00:40:19,700
have finally paid off.
401
00:40:25,233 --> 00:40:28,200
They have killed a Warthog
in the night.
402
00:40:31,533 --> 00:40:33,367
Bonding with the dominant female
403
00:40:33,400 --> 00:40:36,200
has allowed the cub
a seat at the table.
404
00:40:46,533 --> 00:40:49,267
The cub has learned
how to get food,
405
00:40:49,300 --> 00:40:52,067
and soon she must put this
into practice.
406
00:40:54,233 --> 00:40:56,533
By the time she's 11 months old
407
00:40:56,567 --> 00:40:59,333
she'll be expected
to join on the hunts
408
00:40:59,367 --> 00:41:01,733
and start
providing for the pride.
409
00:41:15,233 --> 00:41:17,200
The young baboon
has an advantage
410
00:41:17,233 --> 00:41:19,800
over many in the park.
411
00:41:19,833 --> 00:41:24,500
He is able to evade predators
by going where they cannot.
412
00:41:25,767 --> 00:41:28,667
This is something
he must master.
413
00:41:30,767 --> 00:41:34,367
He is discovering
just what he is able to do.
414
00:41:54,233 --> 00:41:56,700
The baboon's evolution
to life in the trees
415
00:41:56,733 --> 00:42:00,400
has been driven by
their need to escape predators.
416
00:42:03,400 --> 00:42:07,567
And learning this skill
starts at the earliest stages.
417
00:42:19,700 --> 00:42:22,300
Every family that lives in Chobe
418
00:42:22,333 --> 00:42:25,433
is more vulnerable while
they have young to look after.
419
00:42:49,233 --> 00:42:51,033
They have to
survive the elements
420
00:42:51,067 --> 00:42:54,167
as well as
the other residents of the park.
421
00:43:01,733 --> 00:43:04,233
But one thing
they all have in common
422
00:43:04,267 --> 00:43:05,633
is the opportunities
423
00:43:05,667 --> 00:43:08,333
that living along the riverfront
provides.
424
00:43:23,533 --> 00:43:27,067
Hundreds of thousands of animals
rely on this water source,
425
00:43:27,100 --> 00:43:29,633
creating a spectacular mix.
426
00:43:33,633 --> 00:43:37,100
Combined with
the natural beauty of the park
427
00:43:37,133 --> 00:43:42,467
they make Chobe one of Africa's
greatest wildlife marvels.
428
00:44:39,533 --> 00:44:43,733
For the pride,
the herd and the troop
429
00:44:43,767 --> 00:44:45,800
raising young in Chobe
430
00:44:45,833 --> 00:44:48,667
is a journey
where lessons are taught
431
00:44:48,700 --> 00:44:51,567
Bonds are formed
432
00:44:51,600 --> 00:44:55,100
And enemies are encountered
433
00:44:55,133 --> 00:44:59,133
It is a place
of unrivaled abundance.
434
00:45:02,567 --> 00:45:05,167
And amongst
the vast numbers of animals
435
00:45:05,200 --> 00:45:07,133
that roam this landscape,
436
00:45:07,167 --> 00:45:10,033
the smallest
must make their home.
437
00:45:14,333 --> 00:45:16,567
Only with the guidance of family
438
00:45:16,600 --> 00:45:20,133
can they endure the park
and all of its challenges.
439
00:45:23,833 --> 00:45:26,400
It is with
the nurturing of elders
440
00:45:26,433 --> 00:45:29,633
that the young will learn
how to survive.
441
00:45:33,167 --> 00:45:36,400
Chobe is a land of learning,
442
00:45:37,767 --> 00:45:40,600
and it is
one of the most spectacular
443
00:45:40,633 --> 00:45:44,167
on the African continent.
35440
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