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(bugs chirping)
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- [Narrator] 50 years
ago, there were more than
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half a million lions in Africa.
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Today there are fewer
than 20 thousand.
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00:00:27,467 --> 00:00:29,897
Once they lived in
freedom, now they must
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adapt to life in reserves.
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The king of the jungle,
the great predator
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is a star on the wane, hemmed in
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by urban development and
besieged by tourists.
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It is not surprising
that he's in a bad mood.
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(lion growling)
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His charge is futile.
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He has been cornered by an
extremely dangerous rival.
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(drum music)
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Africa is still the
world's greatest reserve
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of biodiversity, with
many of the planet's
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most awe-inspiring
natural habitats.
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The tropical forests,
the great lakes,
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the basins of the great
rivers, the immense valleys,
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the savannas, the deserts.
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(dramatic music)
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Extraordinary
ecosystems that are home
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to some of the most emblematic
species on planet Earth
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and a quarter of the
world's species of mammal.
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(dramatic music)
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The climate, more temperate
than that of other continents,
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meant that for millions of years
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hundreds of species
from Europe and Asia
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migrated to Africa,
creating a fabulous
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natural reserve that
remained almost untouched
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until the Colonial period.
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During the 20th
century, the spectacle
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of Africa's natural riches
enthralled the world
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as the continent
became the location
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for countless film and
television documentaries
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that explored the secret
lives of wild animals
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in incredible detail.
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(birds chirping)
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But today, not a single corner
has been left undiscovered
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or unaffected by civilization.
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The population of almost
a million inhabitants
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doubles every 20 years,
creating enormous
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pressure on wildlife as
competition for land,
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fresh water, and food increases.
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Africa has 1,200
protected areas,
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covering two million
square kilometers.
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Just nine percent of the
continent's surface area.
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These tiny islands of wilderness
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are under ever-greater
pressure from development,
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which threatens to
reduce them even further.
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00:03:47,500 --> 00:03:49,830
At the beginning of the 20th
century, few of the peoples
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of Sub-Saharan Africa
were agriculturists.
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They lived by hunting, and
the forests and the savannas
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were an endlessly
replenished food store.
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Killing an elephant, as
cruel and unnecessary
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as it seems today, would
feed a whole village
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for many weeks.
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(slow music)
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In the 20th century,
hunting as a sport,
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a leisure activity,
and a business
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changed the balance
between humans and animals.
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Killing was no longer a question
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of self defense or finding food,
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but of flattering
the hunter's ego.
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The big cats, especially
lions and leopards,
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the most feared of
Africa's predators,
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were the preferred targets.
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They were slaughtered in
every corner of the continent.
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(slow music)
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Africa quickly became a killing
ground for many species,
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the result of uncontrolled
hunting by locals
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and foreign visitors.
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Nothing was done
to check the race
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to gun down any
animal and take home
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its horn, its teeth,
skin, or head as a trophy.
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00:05:19,267 --> 00:05:22,597
(slow orchestral music)
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Today, big game hunting
is a strictly controlled,
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exclusive activity, regulated
by national governments
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which allow only a limited
number of animals to be killed
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to maintain the
right balance between
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different species on reserves.
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But these controls have
been imposed too late,
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after years of devastation.
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(gun shooting)
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Mankind is the principle rival,
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enemy, and threat to
all other species.
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The apex predator of
Africa, threatening
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the very existence of
the great carnivores
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of the animal kingdom,
the lion, the leopard,
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and the cheetah, in a
desperate fight for survival.
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(birds chirping)
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The populations of large
carnivores in Africa
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have declined alarmingly
over recent decades.
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The relentless destruction
of wilderness areas,
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the effects of poaching,
and the hunting practices
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of farmers and
herdsmen make it likely
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that big cats will
soon disappear
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from most of their
natural habitats,
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to survive only
within the confines
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of public and private
reserves as part
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of controlled breeding programs
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that supply the
tourist industry.
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(lion growling)
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This has set alarm bells ringing
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for naturalists
across the world,
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who have set up urgent campaigns
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to raise international
awareness of the problem.
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- You need the governments
of all the other countries
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to wake up quickly,
preserve some land,
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so that the wildcats
can still flourish.
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And then start settling down.
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But you will have to
do that, otherwise,
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just open free
roam, maybe 10 years
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and it will be nothing left.
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- As population growth
continues in the world
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over the long run, there
won't be space left
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for large predators I think.
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If we as a human species
continue to reproduce
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at the rate we are doing,
we will not be able
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to save enough
areas for wildlife.
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That is the sad reality.
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- The reality of it is, if
we don't do something now,
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we are going to lose them.
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- [Narrator] We are on the
trail of a leopard and her cub
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in the Erendi
Reserve in Namibia.
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She has been fitted
with a tracking collar
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that will enable us to find
her among the dense vegetation.
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The leopard is highly prized
by poachers for its skin.
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It's also the big cat
with the worst reputation
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among farmers because of
its predatory instincts
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and its elusive nature.
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(birds cawing)
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Our visit does not irritate her,
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but she pays close attention.
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(leopard yowling)
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She calls out to her cub,
warning her of our presence.
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(leopard yowling)
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The team at Erindi has named
the mother leopard Honey.
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She is not afraid of
us, but just to be sure,
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she never lets us
out of her sight,
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calling to her
cub all the while.
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(leopard yowling)
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The cub is hiding close
by, it can hear its mother,
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but for a long time will
not come any closer,
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staying well out of
sight of our cameras.
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(birds cawing)
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Mother and daughter
finally meet up behind
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a thick wall of undergrowth.
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Female leopards that
have given birth
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deliberately avoid males and
other feline competitors,
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seeking out a safe territory
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where they can
raise their young.
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Each leopard lifts and
hunts on its own home range,
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an area it knows intimately
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and which it will
defend with its life.
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- She had a territory right
next door to where we are.
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She gave birth to the
cubs, and what she did.
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She gave her daughter a
piece of the territory
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where she grew up, so
from where she was born.
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That's the piece of territory
she gave this daughter.
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Wondering how she knows
the territory so well,
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she was born here, she's been
here since the very beginning.
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She knows exactly
where to go to hide,
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she knows where to go
where the spring buck
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are hanging around or
the warthogs for food.
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She knows every
little tree, crack.
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If she needs water,
she knows where to go.
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And the reason she
knows it so well
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is she's been here since
the day she was born.
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- [Narrator] A leopard's
territory can cover
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as much as 20 square
kilometers, a large area.
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Usually coveted not
only by rival felines,
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but also farmers in search
of a plot of land to live on.
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(leopard growling)
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Honey sets out to hunt.
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She allows us to follow her,
but first she makes it clear
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that we should
keep our distance.
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The leopard is the
stealthiest, most daring,
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and independent of
all the big cats.
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Its self-sufficiency
and adaptability
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enable it to live in places
where other predators
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could never survive.
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Wherever it goes, all
its senses are alert
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to any smell, sound, or movement
that catches its attention.
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(instrumental music)
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Adult males can
weigh up to 70 kilos
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while females around 60.
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Females have a gestation
period of 90 to 105 days
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and normally give
birth to a litter
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of two or three cubs
which they will care for
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until they can fend
for themselves.
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(instrumental music)
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Leopard numbers
are falling fast,
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but despite predictions of
its imminent extinction,
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it is fairing better
than lions and cheetahs
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thanks to its finely
honed survival instinct,
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which drives it to
find habitats that
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are as far from
civilization as possible.
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On the Erindi
Reserve, the big cats
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have thousands of
hectares in which to roam
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and abundant fresh
water and prey.
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But this is a
controlled freedom.
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The rangers monitor them
to track their movements
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or to locate them for
visitors on safari.
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(birds chirping)
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Lions are the most
social of felines.
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Normally they live
in large prides
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formed of related adult
females, with several cubs
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of up to three years of age.
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One, two, or often
three adult males,
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one of them the dominant leader.
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While the males are
mainly concerned
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00:14:06,233 --> 00:14:08,803
with protecting their territory
from possible intruders,
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the females take care of
the cubs and also hunt.
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A task to which the
smaller, more agile females
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are better suited
than the males.
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Whether hunting or
caring for their cubs,
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the lionesses display a
marked spirit of cooperation.
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Watching the tenderness
they show their cubs,
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you'd never suspect
the aggression
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with which lionesses
will fight to claim
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their share of a kill or
to defend their pride.
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(lion growling)
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Not far from mother
and cub as they play,
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a male prepares to
finish the remains
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of an oryx, caught
some hours earlier.
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He allows us to approach and
watch him eat from a distance.
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He settles down to enjoy his
feast as if we were not there.
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Lions will avoid
conflict with humans
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as long as they have
a habitat large enough
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to meet their needs
for water, prey,
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00:16:04,067 --> 00:16:07,497
and contact with others
of their species.
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00:16:07,500 --> 00:16:10,100
(bugs buzzing)
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Visitors to game reserves
tend to see lions
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either as ruthless
killing machines
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that must be kept
at a safe distance
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or as high maintenance
pets that exist
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00:16:40,600 --> 00:16:43,670
as attractions for
our own amusement.
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Neither is an accurate
picture of an animal
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that is well able to
decide what it dislikes
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00:16:47,967 --> 00:16:50,297
and what will make it happy.
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Especially, what
will make it happy.
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00:16:53,200 --> 00:16:55,930
(birds chirping)
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00:17:06,267 --> 00:17:08,067
They want to live in freedom
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00:17:08,067 --> 00:17:11,567
in a pristine environment
with abundant hunting.
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00:17:11,567 --> 00:17:15,727
A habitat in which they can
survive without pressure.
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00:17:20,700 --> 00:17:23,230
Unfortunately for the
lion, sprawling cities
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00:17:23,233 --> 00:17:25,073
and the loss of wilderness areas
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00:17:25,067 --> 00:17:27,527
mean pressure is inevitable.
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00:17:27,533 --> 00:17:29,673
In the future, lion
numbers may be reduced
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to 10 thousand and confined
to wildlife reserves.
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00:17:34,167 --> 00:17:36,967
(birds chirping)
253
00:17:51,367 --> 00:17:55,527
He is blissfully unaware of
it, but his reign is over.
254
00:17:56,967 --> 00:17:59,397
(drum music)
255
00:18:15,933 --> 00:18:19,473
Africa still has wildlife havens
that up until 50 years ago,
256
00:18:19,467 --> 00:18:23,067
were home to vast
numbers of animals.
257
00:18:23,067 --> 00:18:26,097
Habitat destruction,
the effects of pollution
258
00:18:26,100 --> 00:18:30,070
and hunting, have devastated
the populations of these areas.
259
00:18:30,067 --> 00:18:31,597
And what were once
whole colonies
260
00:18:31,600 --> 00:18:35,430
may have been reduced
to a few breeding pairs.
261
00:18:40,067 --> 00:18:41,967
An extended drought,
an epidemic,
262
00:18:41,967 --> 00:18:44,667
or unexpected migration
can wreak havoc
263
00:18:44,667 --> 00:18:48,297
on the delicate balance
between species.
264
00:18:48,300 --> 00:18:52,500
When this happens, competition
for prey can become intense.
265
00:18:55,933 --> 00:18:57,673
The advantage of
life on a reserve
266
00:18:57,667 --> 00:18:59,427
is that a balance
can be maintained
267
00:18:59,433 --> 00:19:04,133
between many different species,
ensuring their survival.
268
00:19:04,133 --> 00:19:07,073
This is especially true for
lions, leopards, and cheetahs,
269
00:19:07,067 --> 00:19:10,067
which face such an
uncertain future.
270
00:19:10,067 --> 00:19:13,097
(instrumental music)
271
00:19:25,067 --> 00:19:27,067
Wildlife also has
incredible potential
272
00:19:27,067 --> 00:19:30,167
to attract visitors
and generate income.
273
00:19:30,167 --> 00:19:32,297
It is not surprising
that many farms
274
00:19:32,300 --> 00:19:34,370
that once struggled to
make a living raising
275
00:19:34,367 --> 00:19:36,767
livestock now operate
as guest ranches,
276
00:19:36,767 --> 00:19:40,367
with wild animals as
their main attraction.
277
00:19:44,967 --> 00:19:47,597
The Na'ankuse Foundation
has established
278
00:19:47,600 --> 00:19:49,570
agreements with farmers
to create sanctuaries
279
00:19:49,567 --> 00:19:54,267
open to tourists, where rescued
big cats are rehabilitated.
280
00:19:54,267 --> 00:19:58,427
A positive initiative
that brings benefits to all concerned.
281
00:20:00,067 --> 00:20:01,667
One of these sanctuaries
is home to a cheetah
282
00:20:01,667 --> 00:20:04,667
famous for having killed
30 head of livestock
283
00:20:04,667 --> 00:20:06,167
in only three years.
284
00:20:06,167 --> 00:20:07,867
He is a large male
that was the terror
285
00:20:07,867 --> 00:20:10,697
of local farms before
he was taken alive.
286
00:20:10,700 --> 00:20:13,100
Named Spartacus after
the legendary gladiator,
287
00:20:13,100 --> 00:20:15,630
he is the main attraction
at the Solitaire Sanctuary
288
00:20:15,633 --> 00:20:17,233
in central Namibia.
289
00:20:19,900 --> 00:20:21,930
- When we get a cat
that we want to release
290
00:20:21,933 --> 00:20:25,133
into the wild, we
introduce it here first.
291
00:20:25,133 --> 00:20:28,973
It's called a soft
release, and what that does
292
00:20:28,967 --> 00:20:31,097
is it allows the animal a chance
293
00:20:31,100 --> 00:20:32,970
to adapt to this environment
294
00:20:32,967 --> 00:20:35,397
before we release
it into the wild.
295
00:20:35,400 --> 00:20:37,530
It's just like when
you buy a little fish.
296
00:20:37,533 --> 00:20:39,103
You don't put it in the tank,
297
00:20:39,100 --> 00:20:41,300
you put it in a little bag
and you allow it to adapt
298
00:20:41,300 --> 00:20:44,030
before you release
it into the tank.
299
00:20:44,033 --> 00:20:46,133
We're doing the same thing here.
300
00:20:46,133 --> 00:20:48,173
With other species like leopard,
301
00:20:48,167 --> 00:20:51,367
they're very hardy animals,
you don't need to do this.
302
00:20:51,367 --> 00:20:53,727
With cheetahs we found
there was more successful
303
00:20:53,733 --> 00:20:56,003
releases when we introduced them
304
00:20:56,000 --> 00:20:59,100
into this boma before
releasing them.
305
00:21:00,367 --> 00:21:03,327
It's an amazing
job, I love this.
306
00:21:03,333 --> 00:21:06,073
This is called radio telemetry.
307
00:21:06,067 --> 00:21:07,727
With my antenna and my receiver,
308
00:21:07,733 --> 00:21:10,503
I'm gonna see
where Spartacus is.
309
00:21:11,933 --> 00:21:14,473
He's one of our more
aggressive cats.
310
00:21:14,467 --> 00:21:18,197
(beeping)
You hear that beep?
311
00:21:23,100 --> 00:21:25,400
So Spartacus is quite close.
312
00:21:39,067 --> 00:21:40,567
He's very close.
313
00:21:40,567 --> 00:21:42,697
(beeping)
314
00:21:57,067 --> 00:21:57,897
Spartacus.
315
00:22:02,233 --> 00:22:05,103
So you can see, he's
a very slim animal.
316
00:22:05,100 --> 00:22:06,970
That's how these guys are built.
317
00:22:06,967 --> 00:22:09,327
Spartacus is especially big.
318
00:22:09,333 --> 00:22:13,203
You'll notice he has
a very large head.
319
00:22:13,200 --> 00:22:15,230
- [Narrator] Today,
Spartacus is a star.
320
00:22:15,233 --> 00:22:16,773
But he was a nightmare
for ranchers,
321
00:22:16,767 --> 00:22:18,297
who hunted him night and day
322
00:22:18,300 --> 00:22:19,870
and would have shot him on sight
323
00:22:19,867 --> 00:22:22,767
like so many other predators
that threaten livestock,
324
00:22:22,767 --> 00:22:26,367
or simply get too close
to inhabited areas.
325
00:22:31,633 --> 00:22:33,073
- Here we have some
terrible traps.
326
00:22:33,067 --> 00:22:36,067
This is the classic gym trap.
327
00:22:36,067 --> 00:22:37,167
Whether it's a small
one for a jackal,
328
00:22:37,167 --> 00:22:39,327
or a big one for maybe a leopard
329
00:22:39,333 --> 00:22:40,873
and the lion's are even bigger.
330
00:22:40,867 --> 00:22:44,167
You basically tie
it to a big tree,
331
00:22:44,167 --> 00:22:46,497
or wherever you can anchor it.
332
00:22:46,500 --> 00:22:49,400
You set it like this
close to the meat.
333
00:22:49,400 --> 00:22:52,900
So there it's closed, so you
open it up next to the meat.
334
00:22:52,900 --> 00:22:55,170
When the animal comes
to eat this meat,
335
00:22:55,167 --> 00:22:58,267
they trip in it and
they get caught.
336
00:22:58,267 --> 00:23:01,927
The biggest problem, like
for instance this cheetah,
337
00:23:01,933 --> 00:23:03,373
the toe was cut off.
338
00:23:03,367 --> 00:23:06,367
So the toe came off
and it survived,
339
00:23:07,933 --> 00:23:10,073
but it actually died
of hunger long term.
340
00:23:10,067 --> 00:23:13,567
It even healed, because he
couldn't catch food so well.
341
00:23:13,567 --> 00:23:17,897
This is a very typical
one, the hand maid.
342
00:23:17,900 --> 00:23:20,930
You connect with
with a bar strip
343
00:23:20,933 --> 00:23:23,533
to the spring, the meat.
344
00:23:23,533 --> 00:23:25,673
You put a shotgun
bullet in there.
345
00:23:25,667 --> 00:23:27,867
The animal pulls the
meat and it sets off
346
00:23:27,867 --> 00:23:29,597
and the shotgun bullet goes off
347
00:23:29,600 --> 00:23:32,130
and blows the animal,
and sometimes misses him
348
00:23:32,133 --> 00:23:33,803
and also wounds him.
349
00:23:34,967 --> 00:23:36,527
- [Narrator] In its
20 years of existence,
350
00:23:36,533 --> 00:23:38,573
the Africat
Foundation has rescued
351
00:23:38,567 --> 00:23:41,467
and rehabilitated
a thousand felines.
352
00:23:41,467 --> 00:23:44,467
- Where the teeth
and general health
353
00:23:44,467 --> 00:23:48,427
of the animals in
captivity are done here.
354
00:23:48,433 --> 00:23:51,273
This belongs to one of the
vets that help Africat.
355
00:23:51,267 --> 00:23:53,567
This is where they
will basically come
356
00:23:53,567 --> 00:23:55,327
and try and deal
with an emergency
357
00:23:55,333 --> 00:23:57,833
like a broken leg or a general
358
00:24:00,900 --> 00:24:02,400
health check is
done in this clinic.
359
00:24:02,400 --> 00:24:05,430
So it's a very small clinic,
it's a very basic clinic.
360
00:24:05,433 --> 00:24:07,403
It's got the basic stuff,
it's a clean place.
361
00:24:07,400 --> 00:24:09,570
It's where vets can really work.
362
00:24:09,567 --> 00:24:13,227
Most of this radio collaring
is done in the bush
363
00:24:13,233 --> 00:24:16,373
so that you can get
these collars on.
364
00:24:18,067 --> 00:24:19,897
- [Narrator] After their
rescue, most of the felines
365
00:24:19,900 --> 00:24:21,670
released into the
park are monitored
366
00:24:21,667 --> 00:24:23,797
with radio transmitters.
367
00:24:23,800 --> 00:24:25,430
Biologists can follow
their movements,
368
00:24:25,433 --> 00:24:27,533
and give advanced warning
if they come too close
369
00:24:27,533 --> 00:24:30,233
to a farm, a village, or a town.
370
00:24:35,367 --> 00:24:37,397
The sight of felines
and other wild animals
371
00:24:37,400 --> 00:24:41,070
wearing radio collars is
becoming more and more common.
372
00:24:41,067 --> 00:24:43,367
They're monitoring
tools, but they also
373
00:24:43,367 --> 00:24:46,327
serve as protection
against attacks by humans.
374
00:24:46,333 --> 00:24:47,933
Until recently, the
collars were fitted
375
00:24:47,933 --> 00:24:50,073
with a simple VHS transmitter,
376
00:24:50,067 --> 00:24:52,627
but now they incorporate
satellite GPS
377
00:24:52,633 --> 00:24:56,473
so the animals whereabouts
can be tracked by computer.
378
00:24:56,467 --> 00:24:58,267
- That's the type of
collar we're looking at
379
00:24:58,267 --> 00:24:59,567
with our program.
380
00:24:59,567 --> 00:25:02,097
They have what is
called a VHF unit,
381
00:25:03,533 --> 00:25:06,073
which you use to localize
the animal in the field.
382
00:25:06,067 --> 00:25:07,897
Where you take out an
antenna and receiver
383
00:25:07,900 --> 00:25:12,170
to be able to find that
animal on the ground.
384
00:25:12,167 --> 00:25:15,567
On the backside, you
have the GPS unit.
385
00:25:15,567 --> 00:25:18,127
Every collar has
this GPS unit, which
386
00:25:18,133 --> 00:25:22,303
at a preset schedule
communicates with the satellites.
387
00:25:23,800 --> 00:25:26,170
For us, we do that
on a daily basis
388
00:25:26,167 --> 00:25:28,327
so that we can
locate pretty much
389
00:25:28,333 --> 00:25:31,703
every released animal
on any given day.
390
00:25:31,700 --> 00:25:33,330
That we can follow them closely
391
00:25:33,333 --> 00:25:35,733
to see do they go
into hostile farmland,
392
00:25:35,733 --> 00:25:37,233
do they stay on nature reserves,
393
00:25:37,233 --> 00:25:38,973
what precisely do they do?
394
00:25:38,967 --> 00:25:41,497
As you said, monitoring
their activity
395
00:25:41,500 --> 00:25:43,330
as good as we can.
396
00:25:43,333 --> 00:25:45,603
Most of the downloads
are here in Namibia,
397
00:25:45,600 --> 00:25:47,270
where the animal is.
398
00:25:49,833 --> 00:25:53,703
And then you'll see the whole
path that the animal covered
399
00:25:53,700 --> 00:25:55,570
since we've released it.
400
00:25:55,567 --> 00:25:57,867
That's one of the fantastic
things about the collars.
401
00:25:57,867 --> 00:26:00,927
You would find it very
hard to follow that animal
402
00:26:00,933 --> 00:26:05,703
on the ground, to document
that type of behavior.
403
00:26:05,700 --> 00:26:07,530
Whereas the collar
gives you those data
404
00:26:07,533 --> 00:26:09,733
pretty much automatically.
405
00:26:09,733 --> 00:26:13,073
That's the area just
north of Sossusvlei,
406
00:26:13,067 --> 00:26:16,427
the Namib Desert,
red sand dunes,
407
00:26:16,433 --> 00:26:19,173
and here would be the
Naukluft Mountains.
408
00:26:19,167 --> 00:26:22,267
(instrumental music)
409
00:26:23,967 --> 00:26:25,427
- [Narrator] GPS
technology has enabled
410
00:26:25,433 --> 00:26:28,233
amazing discoveries,
such as the cheetah
411
00:26:28,233 --> 00:26:30,103
that entered the Namib Desert,
412
00:26:30,100 --> 00:26:32,800
an area considered too
arid for large predators,
413
00:26:32,800 --> 00:26:36,800
but which survived due
to a lack of competition.
414
00:26:42,733 --> 00:26:46,103
Not far away, the biologists
from the Na'ankuse Foundation
415
00:26:46,100 --> 00:26:49,070
want to replace another
cheetah's old radio collar
416
00:26:49,067 --> 00:26:50,727
with a new GPS system.
417
00:26:50,733 --> 00:26:52,573
They want to know
whether this individual
418
00:26:52,567 --> 00:26:55,967
also goes into the
desert and for how long.
419
00:26:55,967 --> 00:26:59,167
To change collars they
need to immobilize her
420
00:26:59,167 --> 00:27:01,627
with a tranquilizer.
421
00:27:01,633 --> 00:27:03,203
The dart must deliver
the correct dose
422
00:27:03,200 --> 00:27:06,400
to avoid unwanted side effects.
423
00:27:06,400 --> 00:27:09,700
- We know we're going
to immobilize her.
424
00:27:16,067 --> 00:27:20,897
The previous time that I
immobilized this cheetah,
425
00:27:20,900 --> 00:27:24,070
the dose wasn't high enough.
426
00:27:24,067 --> 00:27:26,097
I underestimated her weight.
427
00:27:26,100 --> 00:27:29,130
So now I'm going to give
her a little bit higher dose
428
00:27:29,133 --> 00:27:31,073
'cause we have only one shot.
429
00:27:31,067 --> 00:27:33,727
If we miss, we are in trouble.
430
00:27:33,733 --> 00:27:35,633
So we can't miss today.
431
00:28:38,767 --> 00:28:41,127
Perfect, absolutely perfect.
432
00:28:47,667 --> 00:28:49,467
- [Narrator] After
being hit by the dart,
433
00:28:49,467 --> 00:28:52,697
the cheetah begins
to feel the effects.
434
00:28:55,067 --> 00:28:57,927
(people murmuring)
435
00:29:00,100 --> 00:29:01,600
The biologists wait
for a few minutes
436
00:29:01,600 --> 00:29:04,200
to ensure the animal is
completely immobilized
437
00:29:04,200 --> 00:29:08,370
so they can safely approach
and replace the old collar.
438
00:29:16,600 --> 00:29:19,530
(people murmuring)
439
00:29:24,767 --> 00:29:27,167
From now on, her every
movement will be tracked
440
00:29:27,167 --> 00:29:30,767
by satellite and logged
on to the computer.
441
00:29:31,667 --> 00:29:34,597
(people murmuring)
442
00:29:47,133 --> 00:29:48,873
Once the GPS collar is fitted,
443
00:29:48,867 --> 00:29:51,067
it's time to wake her up.
444
00:29:51,067 --> 00:29:54,197
Dr. Rudie Van Vuuren
administers another injection,
445
00:29:54,200 --> 00:29:56,800
but this time to bring her out.
446
00:30:09,667 --> 00:30:10,867
Although the
effects of the drugs
447
00:30:10,867 --> 00:30:13,327
will gradually wear
off, a stunned cheetah,
448
00:30:13,333 --> 00:30:16,333
her eyes glazed,
is a pitiful sight.
449
00:30:29,900 --> 00:30:33,500
The biologists stay close
by to check all is well.
450
00:30:33,500 --> 00:30:34,700
They're worried that
the tranquilizer
451
00:30:34,700 --> 00:30:37,030
could have adverse
effects, as has happened
452
00:30:37,033 --> 00:30:38,703
previously when animals have
453
00:30:38,700 --> 00:30:41,530
had unexpected
negative reactions.
454
00:30:44,833 --> 00:30:46,433
Seeing a cheetah in this state
455
00:30:46,433 --> 00:30:49,673
is a stark reminder of
their vulnerability.
456
00:30:49,667 --> 00:30:52,567
They are animals
with extraordinary physical capacities,
457
00:30:52,567 --> 00:30:55,227
powerful teeth and
claws, but all of this
458
00:30:55,233 --> 00:30:59,303
is no defense against the
threat we pose to them.
459
00:31:11,933 --> 00:31:14,333
Farmers on land neighboring
the Etosha National Park
460
00:31:14,333 --> 00:31:17,203
have notified the authorities
and the Africat Foundation
461
00:31:17,200 --> 00:31:19,800
that three male lions
have escaped the park
462
00:31:19,800 --> 00:31:23,970
and entered their land and
killed one of their cows.
463
00:31:25,333 --> 00:31:28,073
Dr. Ortwin Aschenborn,
veterinarian at Etosha,
464
00:31:28,067 --> 00:31:31,727
and Tammy Hoth of Africat
have agreed to work together.
465
00:31:31,733 --> 00:31:33,873
They need to find the
lions, immobilize them,
466
00:31:33,867 --> 00:31:37,767
and return them to
the park immediately.
467
00:31:37,767 --> 00:31:41,067
Dr. Aschenborn prepares
the dart rifle.
468
00:31:42,833 --> 00:31:45,233
The three lions
are a real danger.
469
00:31:45,233 --> 00:31:47,133
Once they've got a
taste for cow meat,
470
00:31:47,133 --> 00:31:48,433
it's unlikely they'll leave
471
00:31:48,433 --> 00:31:51,303
the restaurant of
their own volition.
472
00:31:54,667 --> 00:31:56,597
It's going to be a long night.
473
00:31:56,600 --> 00:31:59,270
- Don't know, let's have a look.
474
00:32:01,433 --> 00:32:02,703
- [Narrator] The farmers
have given the conservation
475
00:32:02,700 --> 00:32:06,170
groups 24 hours to
remove the escapees.
476
00:32:06,167 --> 00:32:09,267
When this time is up,
they will shoot the lions.
477
00:32:09,267 --> 00:32:11,797
They cannot risk having the
lions kill more livestock
478
00:32:11,800 --> 00:32:14,070
or attack the farm workers.
479
00:32:15,333 --> 00:32:18,103
- If there's any movement,
shoot the target.
480
00:32:18,100 --> 00:32:20,270
- Dr. Aschenborn goes
ahead of the other vehicles
481
00:32:20,267 --> 00:32:22,327
to locate the lions
and attempt to hit them
482
00:32:22,333 --> 00:32:24,873
with the darts on his
own, without distractions
483
00:32:24,867 --> 00:32:27,867
that might jeopardize
the operation.
484
00:32:43,700 --> 00:32:45,100
Once he has
successfully immobilized
485
00:32:45,100 --> 00:32:47,500
all three lions, he
lets the other vehicles
486
00:32:47,500 --> 00:32:50,070
know they can approach safely.
487
00:32:58,467 --> 00:33:02,627
The tranquilizer darts have put
the lions into a deep sleep.
488
00:33:09,767 --> 00:33:11,067
All three were gathered
around the carcass
489
00:33:11,067 --> 00:33:13,397
and entrails of the
victim, a cow weighing
490
00:33:13,400 --> 00:33:15,670
over 600 kilograms,
which gives off
491
00:33:15,667 --> 00:33:17,827
an intense smell of decay.
492
00:33:17,833 --> 00:33:20,733
(people murmuring)
493
00:33:26,867 --> 00:33:28,967
The lions are
completely unconscious,
494
00:33:28,967 --> 00:33:32,197
oblivious of the activity
that surrounds them.
495
00:33:32,200 --> 00:33:36,370
Their stomachs are swollen
with the meat they have eaten.
496
00:33:40,733 --> 00:33:42,933
Aschenborn makes the most
of the lion's immobility
497
00:33:42,933 --> 00:33:46,373
to examine them and
take blood samples.
498
00:33:46,367 --> 00:33:47,767
He will return them to the park,
499
00:33:47,767 --> 00:33:49,627
but thinks that if
they've escaped once,
500
00:33:49,633 --> 00:33:51,573
they will try it again.
501
00:33:53,833 --> 00:33:55,333
He fits them with radio collars
502
00:33:55,333 --> 00:33:58,133
so that they can
be easily located.
503
00:33:58,133 --> 00:34:00,903
- [Ortwin] Yeah, we're
gonna put the collar on.
504
00:34:00,900 --> 00:34:02,170
- [Man] I think so.
505
00:34:02,167 --> 00:34:03,127
- [Ortwin] Where are
we gonna drop them?
506
00:34:03,133 --> 00:34:05,303
- [Man] I think the Namib.
507
00:34:06,433 --> 00:34:07,633
- [Narrator] The
process is repeated
508
00:34:07,633 --> 00:34:09,803
with the other two lions.
509
00:34:09,800 --> 00:34:12,730
(people murmuring)
510
00:34:20,767 --> 00:34:22,497
They must work fast.
511
00:34:22,500 --> 00:34:23,730
The dose of
tranquilizer will keep
512
00:34:23,733 --> 00:34:26,103
the lions under for
around two hours.
513
00:34:26,100 --> 00:34:28,100
But this is too short
a time for everything
514
00:34:28,100 --> 00:34:30,830
that must be done tonight.
515
00:34:30,833 --> 00:34:33,773
(people murmuring)
516
00:34:41,067 --> 00:34:43,497
Lions have a highly
developed sense of direction
517
00:34:43,500 --> 00:34:46,300
and ability to
recognize landmarks.
518
00:34:46,300 --> 00:34:48,930
They roam great distances
without getting lost.
519
00:34:48,933 --> 00:34:50,873
When they're on the
move, they take in
520
00:34:50,867 --> 00:34:52,927
visual and sensory
data and store it
521
00:34:52,933 --> 00:34:54,933
in their memory forever.
522
00:34:56,300 --> 00:34:58,070
To stop them finding their
way back to the farm,
523
00:34:58,067 --> 00:34:59,367
they will be dropped in the park
524
00:34:59,367 --> 00:35:01,727
but as far from here as possible
525
00:35:01,733 --> 00:35:05,473
to make it harder for them
to find their way back.
526
00:35:05,467 --> 00:35:07,467
- [Man] One, two, three.
527
00:35:07,467 --> 00:35:10,067
(men groaning)
528
00:35:17,867 --> 00:35:20,527
- [Man] Three, two, one.
529
00:35:20,533 --> 00:35:21,873
Three, two, one.
530
00:35:23,067 --> 00:35:24,297
- [Narrator] These
three adult lions
531
00:35:24,300 --> 00:35:26,170
from the Etosha National
Park are lucky enough
532
00:35:26,167 --> 00:35:29,497
to be located in time
by the conservationists.
533
00:35:29,500 --> 00:35:31,470
A few hours later,
the farmers' deadline
534
00:35:31,467 --> 00:35:35,627
would have elapsed, and they
would have all been shot.
535
00:35:36,933 --> 00:35:39,633
(men murmuring)
536
00:35:50,400 --> 00:35:51,900
- [Ortwin] Sleeping.
537
00:35:51,900 --> 00:35:54,930
- Can we reach the limit then?
- We can reach the limit.
538
00:35:54,933 --> 00:35:58,533
- [Man] Okay, let's
see the one behind you.
539
00:36:12,700 --> 00:36:14,300
- [Narrator] When you reach
the double line of fences
540
00:36:14,300 --> 00:36:16,300
that separates the
farm from the park,
541
00:36:16,300 --> 00:36:20,970
the lions must have broken out
through a hole or a tunnel.
542
00:36:20,967 --> 00:36:23,067
All wild animals try to
break through barriers
543
00:36:23,067 --> 00:36:25,397
that limit their freedom.
544
00:36:25,400 --> 00:36:26,830
Elephants usually
knock them over
545
00:36:26,833 --> 00:36:29,073
by charging at them,
and many other species
546
00:36:29,067 --> 00:36:31,897
dig tunnels to get
underneath them.
547
00:36:39,600 --> 00:36:41,400
The convoy stops
from time to time
548
00:36:41,400 --> 00:36:44,100
to ensure the lions
are still unconscious
549
00:36:44,100 --> 00:36:47,930
and administer more
tranquilizer if necessary.
550
00:37:00,667 --> 00:37:04,827
Four hours later, we
reach our destination.
551
00:37:04,833 --> 00:37:07,103
Loading the lions and
unloading them again
552
00:37:07,100 --> 00:37:09,870
are a labor
intensive operations.
553
00:37:11,567 --> 00:37:13,967
- [Woman] Got him,
have you got him?
554
00:37:13,967 --> 00:37:17,467
- [Man] Here we go,
here we go, very nice.
555
00:37:21,367 --> 00:37:22,397
Is this your car?
556
00:37:22,400 --> 00:37:25,170
- Yeah.
- Just turn it around.
557
00:37:25,167 --> 00:37:28,067
- [Narrator] We are more than
250 kilometers from the farm,
558
00:37:28,067 --> 00:37:29,727
deep inside the park.
559
00:37:33,233 --> 00:37:36,273
Dr. Aschenborn prepares
the reversal dose
560
00:37:36,267 --> 00:37:38,067
to bring them around.
561
00:37:41,567 --> 00:37:43,427
10 minutes later, they
will open their eyes
562
00:37:43,433 --> 00:37:47,603
to find themselves in a place
they have never seen before.
563
00:37:54,900 --> 00:37:56,900
Their adventure
began four days ago,
564
00:37:56,900 --> 00:37:58,570
when they crossed
the park boundary
565
00:37:58,567 --> 00:38:03,097
to find a taste of freedom
and a succulent banquet.
566
00:38:03,100 --> 00:38:07,270
We do not know how they'll
react when they come around.
567
00:38:33,200 --> 00:38:36,370
The scene that unfolds
is fascinating.
568
00:38:37,800 --> 00:38:40,130
We see proof of these animals'
high levels of intelligence
569
00:38:40,133 --> 00:38:41,273
and awareness.
570
00:38:42,633 --> 00:38:44,373
They seem fully conscious
of their condition,
571
00:38:44,367 --> 00:38:46,597
the new place they
find themselves in,
572
00:38:46,600 --> 00:38:49,400
and of what has
happened to them.
573
00:38:50,800 --> 00:38:53,070
As soon as they find
their feet, each lion
574
00:38:53,067 --> 00:38:55,827
looks for its companions,
communicating with them
575
00:38:55,833 --> 00:38:57,833
and checking up on them.
576
00:39:02,333 --> 00:39:05,933
They behave just as humans
would in a similar situation.
577
00:39:05,933 --> 00:39:07,473
They ask the others
how they feel,
578
00:39:07,467 --> 00:39:10,467
then encourage them
to get up again.
579
00:39:14,567 --> 00:39:17,697
Who knows whether they'll
try to return to the farm.
580
00:39:17,700 --> 00:39:20,430
The scene of such an
incredible adventure.
581
00:39:20,433 --> 00:39:23,433
For them, it must seem
like a beautiful dream.
582
00:39:23,433 --> 00:39:26,533
For the farmers,
it was a nightmare.
583
00:39:26,533 --> 00:39:28,703
The fact remains that
wherever a lion goes,
584
00:39:28,700 --> 00:39:31,370
it is a dangerous predator.
585
00:39:31,367 --> 00:39:32,967
- The other big
misconception I think,
586
00:39:32,967 --> 00:39:36,297
is people always think lions
are pretty cute animals.
587
00:39:36,300 --> 00:39:39,800
They look at things
like The Lion King movie
588
00:39:39,800 --> 00:39:42,070
and think they are cute.
589
00:39:42,067 --> 00:39:43,627
I mean, they are
killing machines
590
00:39:43,633 --> 00:39:48,373
if they go out and kill
livestock or even humans.
591
00:39:48,367 --> 00:39:50,367
They are really
dangerous animals,
592
00:39:50,367 --> 00:39:54,067
and that's what makes it really
difficult to live with them.
593
00:39:54,067 --> 00:39:56,267
In the Western world,
you've got this conception
594
00:39:56,267 --> 00:39:59,497
of pretty animals,
and a lot of these
595
00:39:59,500 --> 00:40:01,030
captive facilities
where you can go
596
00:40:01,033 --> 00:40:03,533
and pet one and cuddle one.
597
00:40:03,533 --> 00:40:06,133
But the truth is, they are
really dangerous animals
598
00:40:06,133 --> 00:40:08,433
that are made to eat meat,
599
00:40:08,433 --> 00:40:11,273
and they can't do
other than that.
600
00:40:15,300 --> 00:40:17,100
- [Narrator] For farmers,
the presence of big cats
601
00:40:17,100 --> 00:40:20,970
on their property is a problem
with no obvious solution.
602
00:40:20,967 --> 00:40:23,767
Loss of livestock translates
into financial losses
603
00:40:23,767 --> 00:40:25,527
for which governments
and insurers
604
00:40:25,533 --> 00:40:27,733
refuse to compensate them.
605
00:40:29,000 --> 00:40:32,670
- We as commercial
farmers, we see our animals
606
00:40:34,067 --> 00:40:36,197
domesticated animals,
cattle and dogs and sheep,
607
00:40:36,200 --> 00:40:38,870
as a moneymaking business.
608
00:40:38,867 --> 00:40:40,497
We have to make
money out of them,
609
00:40:40,500 --> 00:40:43,670
put it onto the bank, and
do the business out of it.
610
00:40:43,667 --> 00:40:47,427
They is that (mumbles).
611
00:40:47,433 --> 00:40:49,133
If a lion or any other predator
612
00:40:49,133 --> 00:40:52,133
comes into the community,
it's like they're
613
00:40:52,133 --> 00:40:54,103
robbing their bank account.
614
00:40:54,100 --> 00:40:59,000
For us, it's a loss of
business or loss of income,
615
00:40:59,000 --> 00:41:02,430
as a commercial farmer,
that's a problem.
616
00:41:06,067 --> 00:41:08,267
On communal farms shared
by several farmers,
617
00:41:08,267 --> 00:41:11,067
the situation is
even more difficult.
618
00:41:11,067 --> 00:41:12,567
These are farmers
with small herds
619
00:41:12,567 --> 00:41:14,827
and the loss of half
a dozen head of stock
620
00:41:14,833 --> 00:41:17,133
to a big cat can spell ruin.
621
00:41:24,367 --> 00:41:26,897
This is the home of a family
that was unlucky enough
622
00:41:26,900 --> 00:41:29,400
to lose their entire
herd overnight.
623
00:41:29,400 --> 00:41:33,230
(speaking a foreign language)
624
00:41:37,367 --> 00:41:40,697
One day, lions broke
into the sheep pen.
625
00:41:48,267 --> 00:41:49,827
The Africat Foundation
raised money
626
00:41:49,833 --> 00:41:51,703
for the family to buy six lambs
627
00:41:51,700 --> 00:41:54,270
and so restart their business.
628
00:41:54,267 --> 00:41:56,867
This has helped them to
get back on their feet,
629
00:41:56,867 --> 00:41:59,067
but in this area, there
seems to be no long term
630
00:41:59,067 --> 00:42:01,367
solution to big cat attacks.
631
00:42:03,267 --> 00:42:04,867
It's not surprising
that these farmers
632
00:42:04,867 --> 00:42:07,167
do not share the views
of many conservationists
633
00:42:07,167 --> 00:42:10,797
and fanatical defenders
of animal rights.
634
00:42:10,800 --> 00:42:12,600
This man knows what
he'll do next time
635
00:42:12,600 --> 00:42:14,800
he sees a lion
near his property.
636
00:42:14,800 --> 00:42:16,630
He will shoot to kill.
637
00:42:18,067 --> 00:42:20,227
- In most cases, lions
are found in groups,
638
00:42:20,233 --> 00:42:22,803
and of course that's
the fear factor.
639
00:42:22,800 --> 00:42:24,570
Because they're much bigger.
640
00:42:24,567 --> 00:42:26,297
On a one on one basis
if you were to try
641
00:42:26,300 --> 00:42:28,970
and defend yourself or
protect yourself from a lion,
642
00:42:28,967 --> 00:42:31,067
the chances are pretty slim
that you're going to survive.
643
00:42:31,067 --> 00:42:32,367
Because it's such a big animal,
644
00:42:32,367 --> 00:42:34,297
and because they're
usually in a group.
645
00:42:34,300 --> 00:42:38,270
For a farmer to have
a group of lions,
646
00:42:38,267 --> 00:42:41,067
some adult males, let's
take a small pride.
647
00:42:41,067 --> 00:42:44,097
An adult male of
about 210, 215 kilos,
648
00:42:44,100 --> 00:42:48,170
a few females of
about 120 to 160 kilos
649
00:42:48,167 --> 00:42:49,597
and some sub-adults.
650
00:42:49,600 --> 00:42:51,600
So say you have a group
about nine, 10 animals
651
00:42:51,600 --> 00:42:53,430
on your property, it's daunting.
652
00:42:53,433 --> 00:42:55,503
And in the back of
your mind, you know
653
00:42:55,500 --> 00:42:58,070
how many head of livestock
am I going to lose.
654
00:42:58,067 --> 00:42:59,527
That's the one thing.
655
00:42:59,533 --> 00:43:00,973
Now when you want to try
and protect your livestock
656
00:43:00,967 --> 00:43:03,927
from lions, most importantly
is you need strong
657
00:43:03,933 --> 00:43:06,573
and very high bummers or crawls.
658
00:43:07,667 --> 00:43:08,927
To protect your
animals inside strong
659
00:43:08,933 --> 00:43:11,703
so they can't stampede
out if they get free
660
00:43:11,700 --> 00:43:14,300
and higher so the
lions can't jump in.
661
00:43:14,300 --> 00:43:16,930
Of course, the base has to be
strong so they don't dig in.
662
00:43:16,933 --> 00:43:19,803
That's your lion, and
it's very, very difficult
663
00:43:19,800 --> 00:43:23,530
to farm livestock with
lion on your property.
664
00:43:25,167 --> 00:43:27,827
(lion growling)
665
00:43:27,833 --> 00:43:31,503
(cheetah growling)
666
00:43:31,500 --> 00:43:32,770
There is no trait
more characteristic
667
00:43:32,767 --> 00:43:35,267
of felines than the
desire for freedom.
668
00:43:35,267 --> 00:43:38,297
They can be very aggressive
in the pursuit of it.
669
00:43:38,300 --> 00:43:41,230
(cheetah snarling)
670
00:43:46,967 --> 00:43:50,597
The cost of freedom is
often their own life.
671
00:43:50,600 --> 00:43:54,100
Conflict with humans
has no other outcome.
672
00:43:57,267 --> 00:43:59,297
Though the size of
the cage may vary,
673
00:43:59,300 --> 00:44:01,670
the only future on the
horizon for these animals
674
00:44:01,667 --> 00:44:02,697
is captivity.
675
00:44:06,600 --> 00:44:10,470
- The question is how to
handle predators in captivity.
676
00:44:10,467 --> 00:44:15,227
It starts with the size of the
enclosure you provide them.
677
00:44:15,233 --> 00:44:17,433
The larger the
enclosure obviously,
678
00:44:17,433 --> 00:44:19,873
the less contact you will
have with that predator,
679
00:44:19,867 --> 00:44:23,727
because they're naturally
avoiding human contact.
680
00:44:23,733 --> 00:44:27,073
For ambassador animals that
are orphaned for example,
681
00:44:27,067 --> 00:44:29,827
or injured, human
contact is often
682
00:44:31,467 --> 00:44:36,267
maintained to keep them in
a tame or semi-tame state.
683
00:44:36,267 --> 00:44:38,797
That will reduce stress
because the animal
684
00:44:38,800 --> 00:44:42,500
will get habituated to
that type of contact.
685
00:44:43,833 --> 00:44:47,303
In cases for releasable
animals, you want to minimize
686
00:44:47,300 --> 00:44:51,130
human contact to a
point where you don't
687
00:44:51,133 --> 00:44:53,273
actually have any
contact with that animal.
688
00:44:53,267 --> 00:44:55,867
You wanna provide them with
the largest possible area
689
00:44:55,867 --> 00:44:59,797
in captivity so they can
still exercise their ecology
690
00:44:59,800 --> 00:45:04,370
as much as possible,
though in a limited area.
691
00:45:04,367 --> 00:45:08,527
But also to not get habituated
and to not experience stress.
692
00:45:10,733 --> 00:45:12,173
- [Narrator] An animal
deprived of its freedom
693
00:45:12,167 --> 00:45:14,827
is always susceptible to stress.
694
00:45:19,733 --> 00:45:24,503
This leopard scrabbles
compulsively behind the bars.
695
00:45:24,500 --> 00:45:27,500
And this lion hurls
itself at them.
696
00:45:27,500 --> 00:45:30,100
(lion roaring)
697
00:45:46,067 --> 00:45:47,927
In these circumstances,
getting too close
698
00:45:47,933 --> 00:45:51,333
to a lion is highly unadvisable.
699
00:45:51,333 --> 00:45:54,073
(lion growling)
700
00:46:06,667 --> 00:46:08,827
(hissing)
701
00:46:10,933 --> 00:46:13,703
Any feline, even a
caracal yearns to be free
702
00:46:13,700 --> 00:46:15,700
and feels incredibly frustrated
703
00:46:15,700 --> 00:46:18,300
when it discovers its
territory is limited,
704
00:46:18,300 --> 00:46:20,230
and that it depends
not on itself,
705
00:46:20,233 --> 00:46:22,573
but on its captors for food.
706
00:46:26,933 --> 00:46:30,373
(caracal hissing)
707
00:46:30,367 --> 00:46:32,197
- I think it's very
important and one of the keys
708
00:46:32,200 --> 00:46:35,270
to conservation,
is adding more land
709
00:46:35,267 --> 00:46:37,297
to the conservation
areas that are existing.
710
00:46:37,300 --> 00:46:40,100
One of the most important
factors, I really believe
711
00:46:40,100 --> 00:46:41,800
is that people must
be incorporated.
712
00:46:41,800 --> 00:46:45,070
Farms must be incorporated,
livestock must be incorporated.
713
00:46:45,067 --> 00:46:47,297
We all need to learn
to live together.
714
00:46:47,300 --> 00:46:50,300
The key is, as we were
talking previously,
715
00:46:50,300 --> 00:46:53,570
is conservation,
which is connecting up
716
00:46:55,067 --> 00:46:59,297
all the aspects of Africa,
every single piece of it.
717
00:46:59,300 --> 00:47:03,070
And helping it to
function together.
718
00:47:03,067 --> 00:47:04,827
- [Narrator] The main challenge
for conservation groups
719
00:47:04,833 --> 00:47:06,903
is to help people understand
that it's possible
720
00:47:06,900 --> 00:47:09,970
to live alongside the big
cats if we give them space
721
00:47:09,967 --> 00:47:13,427
and understand their
needs and instincts.
722
00:47:19,100 --> 00:47:22,530
A leopard's instinct is to
observe and examine nature
723
00:47:22,533 --> 00:47:24,303
in incredible detail.
724
00:47:26,233 --> 00:47:28,973
(birds chirping)
725
00:47:59,733 --> 00:48:01,333
Even when its taking a stroll,
726
00:48:01,333 --> 00:48:03,173
apparently relaxed and detached,
727
00:48:03,167 --> 00:48:07,167
a leopard notices everything
going on around it.
728
00:48:18,567 --> 00:48:20,697
From the tracks,
this female can tell
729
00:48:20,700 --> 00:48:22,870
that other leopards
have passed this way,
730
00:48:22,867 --> 00:48:24,597
as well as prey,
and this awakens
731
00:48:24,600 --> 00:48:27,600
her instinct to
explore and to hunt.
732
00:48:34,900 --> 00:48:37,430
She plunges into the tall grass.
733
00:48:37,433 --> 00:48:39,673
There's no way of
seeing what is up ahead,
734
00:48:39,667 --> 00:48:43,297
so she relies on her
extraordinary sense of hearing.
735
00:48:43,300 --> 00:48:46,230
She knows what's
on the other side.
736
00:48:48,300 --> 00:48:50,730
(drum music)
737
00:48:54,233 --> 00:48:55,703
The head of the
family of warthogs
738
00:48:55,700 --> 00:48:57,900
senses danger and
prepares to face it,
739
00:48:57,900 --> 00:49:00,800
but he hasn't seen the
leopard at his right,
740
00:49:00,800 --> 00:49:02,130
which turns to
attack the females
741
00:49:02,133 --> 00:49:05,873
and the piglets left
unprotected by the male.
742
00:49:16,600 --> 00:49:19,070
The leopard is an astute hunter.
743
00:49:19,067 --> 00:49:21,527
She has distracted the
male just long enough.
744
00:49:21,533 --> 00:49:23,473
He will not make it
in time to prevent her
745
00:49:23,467 --> 00:49:25,827
catching one of the piglets.
746
00:49:43,833 --> 00:49:47,533
The leopard is the star
attraction on any safari.
747
00:49:47,533 --> 00:49:48,803
Many people are prepared to pay
748
00:49:48,800 --> 00:49:52,070
large sums of money
just to photograph one.
749
00:49:52,067 --> 00:49:54,567
It's a fact the
conservationists need to exploit
750
00:49:54,567 --> 00:49:56,397
so the farmers come
to see leopards
751
00:49:56,400 --> 00:49:59,800
not as enemies but as
a source of income.
752
00:50:01,100 --> 00:50:03,300
- People learn to
tolerate predators
753
00:50:03,300 --> 00:50:05,270
if they can get a
income from them.
754
00:50:05,267 --> 00:50:07,927
So for us, it's the leopard.
755
00:50:07,933 --> 00:50:10,873
Leopards eat a lot of kudu
and a lot of oryx and zebra
756
00:50:10,867 --> 00:50:13,267
which cost money
theoretically to us,
757
00:50:13,267 --> 00:50:15,667
but the money they
generate from tourism
758
00:50:15,667 --> 00:50:17,927
which the guests will
actually come and see them,
759
00:50:17,933 --> 00:50:19,733
which is really rare,
that makes the balance
760
00:50:19,733 --> 00:50:21,133
equal if you know what I mean.
761
00:50:21,133 --> 00:50:24,933
For instance on a farm,
if a farmer can realize
762
00:50:24,933 --> 00:50:26,933
that he can take
a foreign tourist
763
00:50:26,933 --> 00:50:29,433
to see a leopard on his
farm, he will actually
764
00:50:29,433 --> 00:50:32,703
make a lot of money rather
than just shooting the leopard.
765
00:50:32,700 --> 00:50:34,270
He will shoot the leopard
once, and will make
766
00:50:34,267 --> 00:50:35,967
say 10 thousand US dollars,
767
00:50:35,967 --> 00:50:38,427
because that's what
he get from that.
768
00:50:38,433 --> 00:50:41,103
If that leopard lives
for 10 years on his farm,
769
00:50:41,100 --> 00:50:43,570
he will maybe take a thousand
people seeing that leopard,
770
00:50:43,567 --> 00:50:44,727
he will make a million dollars
771
00:50:44,733 --> 00:50:47,233
out of that leopard long term.
772
00:50:58,233 --> 00:51:00,203
- [Narrator] This female
climbs to the top of the tree
773
00:51:00,200 --> 00:51:02,670
to call her cub, a young male.
774
00:51:06,300 --> 00:51:09,730
The mother is unafraid of us,
but the cub is unconvinced,
775
00:51:09,733 --> 00:51:12,073
and daren't come any closer.
776
00:51:22,267 --> 00:51:24,497
The mother moves from
one side to the other,
777
00:51:24,500 --> 00:51:26,330
checking that there
are no lions, hyenas,
778
00:51:26,333 --> 00:51:28,803
or rival leopards
in this vicinity
779
00:51:28,800 --> 00:51:32,930
and reassures the cub
that there is no danger.
780
00:51:32,933 --> 00:51:36,173
But the cub prefers
to wait down below.
781
00:51:42,233 --> 00:51:43,933
The mother is used
to our presence,
782
00:51:43,933 --> 00:51:48,103
feels no anxiety, and relaxes
on her favorite branch.
783
00:52:04,067 --> 00:52:06,067
Now it's the cub that must wait
784
00:52:06,067 --> 00:52:10,197
until the mother finally
comes down from the tree.
785
00:52:19,233 --> 00:52:21,873
They walk together, the
mother leads the way,
786
00:52:21,867 --> 00:52:23,527
and the cub follows.
787
00:52:29,733 --> 00:52:31,573
Mother and cub exchange sounds,
788
00:52:31,567 --> 00:52:34,397
growls, silences and eye contact
789
00:52:34,400 --> 00:52:38,530
in a private language that
is impenetrable to us.
790
00:52:53,733 --> 00:52:55,903
Following them, but
keeping a safe distance,
791
00:52:55,900 --> 00:52:59,730
we have demonstrated that it's
possible to live with them.
792
00:52:59,733 --> 00:53:02,733
But many people
remain unconvinced.
793
00:53:05,467 --> 00:53:08,367
- Remember, we are the
biggest threat for them.
794
00:53:08,367 --> 00:53:10,627
So if they're not scared of us,
795
00:53:10,633 --> 00:53:13,303
somewhere down the line
they're gonna get shot
796
00:53:13,300 --> 00:53:16,070
because somebody will
think this animal's
797
00:53:16,067 --> 00:53:18,397
got rabies, or it's
gonna catch my cattle,
798
00:53:18,400 --> 00:53:20,100
or my sheep or my goats.
799
00:53:20,100 --> 00:53:22,470
And this animal will be killed.
800
00:53:22,467 --> 00:53:24,297
You have to keep them scared,
801
00:53:24,300 --> 00:53:26,230
they have to keep
their distance.
802
00:53:26,233 --> 00:53:29,073
They should not come too
close, for their own safety.
803
00:53:29,067 --> 00:53:32,867
They come too close to
people, they get killed.
804
00:53:32,867 --> 00:53:34,897
- [Narrator] It's depressing
to reflect that should
805
00:53:34,900 --> 00:53:37,430
this leopard ever
run into a human,
806
00:53:37,433 --> 00:53:41,603
or stray onto a farm, its
days will be numbered.
807
00:53:41,600 --> 00:53:44,670
(instrumental music)
808
00:53:54,433 --> 00:53:57,333
These two brothers were
found as orphaned cubs.
809
00:53:57,333 --> 00:54:00,333
They live in a fenced
enclosure of five hectares,
810
00:54:00,333 --> 00:54:03,503
and dream of regaining
their freedom one day.
811
00:54:03,500 --> 00:54:05,370
If they're lucky,
they will be released
812
00:54:05,367 --> 00:54:07,527
into a large reserve,
but otherwise
813
00:54:07,533 --> 00:54:09,533
they will remain confined until
814
00:54:09,533 --> 00:54:12,633
they become irritable
and aggressive.
815
00:54:15,867 --> 00:54:18,627
(lions growling)
816
00:54:28,067 --> 00:54:29,927
Over the last
century, the pressures
817
00:54:29,933 --> 00:54:34,103
exerted by humans on big cats
have been huge, even cruel.
818
00:54:35,233 --> 00:54:38,073
We have killed them
out of fear, ignorance,
819
00:54:38,067 --> 00:54:41,927
to trade in their skins,
or for sheer pleasure.
820
00:54:43,267 --> 00:54:44,927
This has brought the
cheetah to the verge
821
00:54:44,933 --> 00:54:48,173
of a second and final
extinction event.
822
00:54:49,567 --> 00:54:51,627
The first took place over
10 thousand years ago,
823
00:54:51,633 --> 00:54:54,333
and was due to competition
with other predators
824
00:54:54,333 --> 00:54:55,533
or an epidemic.
825
00:54:57,067 --> 00:54:59,767
The species were saved thanks
to a small group of survivors
826
00:54:59,767 --> 00:55:02,127
and has made it
to the present day
827
00:55:02,133 --> 00:55:04,903
as a fascinating
genetic anomaly.
828
00:55:25,633 --> 00:55:27,573
As well as being a
dangerous predator,
829
00:55:27,567 --> 00:55:31,067
a leopard can be as
playful as a cat.
830
00:55:31,067 --> 00:55:33,797
It is not always an
animal to be feared.
831
00:55:33,800 --> 00:55:36,600
Most of the time it wants
nothing to do with humans.
832
00:55:36,600 --> 00:55:38,900
All it requires is
a territory on which
833
00:55:38,900 --> 00:55:41,830
it can live, hunt,
and find a mate.
834
00:55:51,167 --> 00:55:54,297
From time to time, it
stares at us intently,
835
00:55:54,300 --> 00:55:57,130
as if it expected
something of us.
836
00:55:58,333 --> 00:56:00,503
It warns us not to
come any closer,
837
00:56:00,500 --> 00:56:02,330
not to cross the line that would
838
00:56:02,333 --> 00:56:04,473
separate it from its freedom.
839
00:56:04,467 --> 00:56:06,897
(drum music)
840
00:56:20,800 --> 00:56:23,230
The big cats need this freedom,
841
00:56:23,233 --> 00:56:27,403
but there are few wild habitats
left for them to live in.
842
00:56:35,100 --> 00:56:37,600
Looking towards the future is
843
00:56:37,600 --> 00:56:40,270
to fear the end of the big cats.
844
00:56:41,467 --> 00:56:43,897
(drum music)
845
00:56:43,947 --> 00:56:48,497
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