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These are the user uploaded subtitles that are being translated: 1 00:00:00,279 --> 00:00:01,450 (gentle instrumental music) 2 00:00:01,450 --> 00:00:04,440 - [Narrator] This is the Luangwa Valley in Zambia. 3 00:00:04,440 --> 00:00:06,140 For six months of the year, 4 00:00:06,140 --> 00:00:07,783 it's a lush flood plain. 5 00:00:08,660 --> 00:00:10,310 Then the heat's turned up, 6 00:00:10,310 --> 00:00:13,280 and it becomes a scorching death bed, 7 00:00:13,280 --> 00:00:16,206 but this dry season is going to be different from most. 8 00:00:16,206 --> 00:00:17,730 (animals growling) 9 00:00:17,730 --> 00:00:21,090 The sun will be the least of the problems. 10 00:00:21,090 --> 00:00:24,160 There's a silent killer hiding in the shadows, 11 00:00:24,160 --> 00:00:26,540 and few are safe from attack, 12 00:00:26,540 --> 00:00:28,573 least of all these heavyweights. 13 00:00:29,450 --> 00:00:32,160 One of the largest groups of hippos in the world 14 00:00:32,160 --> 00:00:33,260 are in the front line. 15 00:00:34,170 --> 00:00:38,403 They're about to face the fight of their lives. 16 00:00:38,403 --> 00:00:42,230 (gentle instrumental music) 17 00:00:42,230 --> 00:00:44,944 This story starts in early May. 18 00:00:44,944 --> 00:00:47,780 (singing) 19 00:00:47,780 --> 00:00:50,480 It's hard to believe that in just a few, short months, 20 00:00:50,480 --> 00:00:53,300 this ripe valley will be a dust bowl. 21 00:00:53,300 --> 00:00:57,360 (birds and insects chirping) 22 00:00:57,360 --> 00:01:00,570 Deep lagoons have millions of liters of fresh water, 23 00:01:00,570 --> 00:01:02,113 and the food flows freely. 24 00:01:03,862 --> 00:01:06,779 (animals snorting) 25 00:01:09,590 --> 00:01:12,950 The water's carpeted with thick lumps of Nile cabbage, 26 00:01:12,950 --> 00:01:14,722 which these locals love. 27 00:01:14,722 --> 00:01:17,472 (water sloshing) 28 00:01:18,580 --> 00:01:21,363 These are halcyon days for hippos. 29 00:01:25,590 --> 00:01:28,050 With no natural predators to worry about, 30 00:01:28,050 --> 00:01:31,490 they spend entire days in the water keeping cool, 31 00:01:31,490 --> 00:01:33,923 occasionally turning their heads to feed. 32 00:01:41,240 --> 00:01:44,240 Each hippo pod averages 15 members 33 00:01:44,240 --> 00:01:47,510 and operates as a free flowing social group. 34 00:01:47,510 --> 00:01:49,270 In times of plenty, 35 00:01:49,270 --> 00:01:51,803 rival pods respect each others' space. 36 00:01:53,074 --> 00:01:55,991 (animals grunting) 37 00:01:59,320 --> 00:02:01,640 Fights are few and far between. 38 00:02:03,001 --> 00:02:05,918 (animals growling) 39 00:02:08,350 --> 00:02:10,640 With so many pools to choose from 40 00:02:10,640 --> 00:02:12,530 and a feast of food available, 41 00:02:12,530 --> 00:02:15,033 neighboring groups can enjoy the good life, 42 00:02:17,930 --> 00:02:20,020 but not for long. 43 00:02:20,020 --> 00:02:21,913 All that's about to change. 44 00:02:25,200 --> 00:02:28,500 This lagoon is home to two young bachelor males. 45 00:02:28,500 --> 00:02:32,280 The youngest spends his days idly floating around, 46 00:02:32,280 --> 00:02:34,470 but his elder companion keeps his chin up 47 00:02:34,470 --> 00:02:36,510 and his eyes peeled. 48 00:02:36,510 --> 00:02:38,110 He's older, wiser, 49 00:02:38,110 --> 00:02:40,043 and always on the lookout for trouble. 50 00:02:41,100 --> 00:02:43,000 (water sloshing) 51 00:02:43,000 --> 00:02:46,263 Older male hippos can be far from friendly. 52 00:02:46,263 --> 00:02:48,088 (birds chirping) 53 00:02:48,088 --> 00:02:50,671 (wind blowing) 54 00:02:51,560 --> 00:02:54,763 Nearby, a young female is getting to grips with motherhood. 55 00:03:00,330 --> 00:03:01,930 Her calf's two months old, 56 00:03:01,930 --> 00:03:03,053 and he was born here. 57 00:03:04,990 --> 00:03:06,970 Hippos are one of the few land mammals 58 00:03:06,970 --> 00:03:08,603 that give birth underwater. 59 00:03:13,020 --> 00:03:14,320 Youngsters play together 60 00:03:14,320 --> 00:03:16,493 under the watchful eye of other mothers. 61 00:03:18,050 --> 00:03:19,563 Their support is vital. 62 00:03:20,990 --> 00:03:23,490 This can be a dangerous place for a younger hippo. 63 00:03:24,573 --> 00:03:28,240 (gentle instrumental music) 64 00:03:29,990 --> 00:03:33,090 These lagoons stretch for many kilometers, 65 00:03:33,090 --> 00:03:35,293 but they aren't the major source of water. 66 00:03:36,550 --> 00:03:38,533 That lies out beyond the trees. 67 00:03:40,600 --> 00:03:43,390 The Luangwa River is one of the biggest unaltered rivers 68 00:03:43,390 --> 00:03:45,182 in southern Africa. 69 00:03:45,182 --> 00:03:47,860 (birds chirping) 70 00:03:47,860 --> 00:03:51,003 Here, a large pod of hippos live in luxury. 71 00:03:52,860 --> 00:03:55,988 This is prime riverfront real estate, 72 00:03:55,988 --> 00:03:58,905 (animals grunting) 73 00:04:00,240 --> 00:04:01,823 but it's a fragile peace. 74 00:04:02,750 --> 00:04:05,320 The first rule in any hippo household 75 00:04:05,320 --> 00:04:06,898 is to know who's boss. 76 00:04:06,898 --> 00:04:09,731 (water splashing) 77 00:04:10,750 --> 00:04:13,783 Hippos are one of the most dangerous animals in Africa. 78 00:04:17,860 --> 00:04:20,653 Adult males can weigh up to three tons, 79 00:04:21,980 --> 00:04:23,830 but when the going gets tough, 80 00:04:23,830 --> 00:04:26,340 they don't just throw their weight about. 81 00:04:26,340 --> 00:04:28,880 Tusk like canines, which are razor sharp, 82 00:04:28,880 --> 00:04:30,553 can cause carnage, 83 00:04:30,553 --> 00:04:33,470 (animals growling) 84 00:04:35,943 --> 00:04:37,870 and in these bruising encounters, 85 00:04:37,870 --> 00:04:39,683 it helps to have a big mouth, 86 00:04:41,600 --> 00:04:44,083 the bigger the jaw, the higher the ranking. 87 00:04:47,320 --> 00:04:49,570 It makes sense to take the measure of an opponent 88 00:04:49,570 --> 00:04:51,023 before picking a fight. 89 00:04:52,136 --> 00:04:53,354 (animals growling) 90 00:04:53,354 --> 00:04:56,187 (water splashing) 91 00:05:05,700 --> 00:05:08,293 Most flareups are short and sharp. 92 00:05:12,720 --> 00:05:14,980 It's in the best interest of the weaker competitor 93 00:05:14,980 --> 00:05:18,023 to submit quickly and keep injuries to a minimum. 94 00:05:23,960 --> 00:05:26,850 These power struggles are constant. 95 00:05:26,850 --> 00:05:29,240 Sparring competitions between males start 96 00:05:29,240 --> 00:05:30,783 when hippos are very young. 97 00:05:40,660 --> 00:05:42,935 The ultimate prize is power, 98 00:05:42,935 --> 00:05:46,602 (gentle instrumental music) 99 00:05:47,700 --> 00:05:50,620 to be the hippo at the helm, the leader, 100 00:05:50,620 --> 00:05:53,013 a bull with territory on the river, 101 00:05:57,671 --> 00:06:00,600 and to have the mating rights with these beauties, 102 00:06:00,600 --> 00:06:02,653 a group of up to 20 females. 103 00:06:04,120 --> 00:06:06,080 The title is hard fought for. 104 00:06:06,080 --> 00:06:07,693 The battle's never ending, 105 00:06:08,580 --> 00:06:11,743 and the two bachelors will soon meet him head on, 106 00:06:12,640 --> 00:06:13,780 but this year, 107 00:06:13,780 --> 00:06:15,360 there's a far sterner test ahead 108 00:06:15,360 --> 00:06:17,433 than casting out lusty rivals. 109 00:06:18,990 --> 00:06:21,490 Even the toughest bull can't control the killer 110 00:06:21,490 --> 00:06:23,462 that's gearing up to strike. 111 00:06:23,462 --> 00:06:25,910 (dramatic instrumental music) 112 00:06:25,910 --> 00:06:29,300 This enemy's been known to kill over 4,000 hippos 113 00:06:29,300 --> 00:06:30,800 in a single year, 114 00:06:30,800 --> 00:06:33,250 yet it's invisible, silent, 115 00:06:33,250 --> 00:06:34,763 and defense is futile. 116 00:06:36,000 --> 00:06:39,710 It's anthrax, one of the oldest diseases in the world 117 00:06:39,710 --> 00:06:42,510 and one of the deadliest. 118 00:06:42,510 --> 00:06:44,710 It's hiding down on the riverbed, 119 00:06:44,710 --> 00:06:46,683 waiting for its day in the sun. 120 00:06:49,280 --> 00:06:51,780 Magnified here 10,000 times, 121 00:06:51,780 --> 00:06:54,860 anthrax can lie dormant for decades as spores, 122 00:06:54,860 --> 00:06:57,200 waiting for the right conditions to rise 123 00:06:57,200 --> 00:06:58,353 and strike again. 124 00:06:59,420 --> 00:07:01,430 When most animals swallow the spores, 125 00:07:01,430 --> 00:07:03,060 their days are numbered. 126 00:07:03,060 --> 00:07:04,860 Spores multiply rapidly, 127 00:07:04,860 --> 00:07:07,843 causing a flood of toxins which shred the immune system. 128 00:07:08,950 --> 00:07:10,433 Death soon follows. 129 00:07:11,832 --> 00:07:14,420 (birds chirping) 130 00:07:14,420 --> 00:07:17,160 Unaware of the powder keg beneath his feet, 131 00:07:17,160 --> 00:07:19,340 it's business as usual for the bull, 132 00:07:19,340 --> 00:07:21,490 guarding his neighborhood. 133 00:07:21,490 --> 00:07:24,300 He may even allow some young males to move in, 134 00:07:24,300 --> 00:07:26,483 as long as they pay their respects first. 135 00:07:29,000 --> 00:07:30,880 A drifter needs to play by the rules 136 00:07:30,880 --> 00:07:32,120 if he's to stand any chance 137 00:07:32,120 --> 00:07:33,773 of securing a place on the river. 138 00:07:35,075 --> 00:07:39,274 (gentle instrumental music) 139 00:07:39,274 --> 00:07:42,670 (water splashing) 140 00:07:42,670 --> 00:07:44,460 Lowering his head in deference 141 00:07:44,460 --> 00:07:46,440 is a good way to start, 142 00:07:46,440 --> 00:07:48,693 and champing his jaws suggest surrender, 143 00:07:52,203 --> 00:07:53,036 (animal growling) 144 00:07:53,036 --> 00:07:55,770 but the bull's gaping mouth shows he wants more, 145 00:07:55,770 --> 00:07:56,843 total submission. 146 00:07:57,800 --> 00:07:59,710 Waving its head from side to side 147 00:07:59,710 --> 00:08:01,860 and slowly paddling its tail, 148 00:08:01,860 --> 00:08:05,219 the visitor finally makes the right impression. 149 00:08:05,219 --> 00:08:07,969 (birds chirping) 150 00:08:10,260 --> 00:08:13,170 The conditions for bachelors joining the pod are simple. 151 00:08:13,170 --> 00:08:15,440 Behave submissively at all times 152 00:08:15,440 --> 00:08:17,793 and refrain from any sexual behavior. 153 00:08:21,470 --> 00:08:22,303 Once in a while, 154 00:08:22,303 --> 00:08:24,450 a young chancer might get frisky, 155 00:08:24,450 --> 00:08:26,240 forcing the bull to remind everybody 156 00:08:26,240 --> 00:08:27,635 just who's in charge. 157 00:08:27,635 --> 00:08:30,121 (water splashing) 158 00:08:30,121 --> 00:08:33,038 (animals growling) 159 00:08:45,337 --> 00:08:49,520 (gentle instrumental music) 160 00:08:49,520 --> 00:08:52,040 Not only does the river provide a life giving source 161 00:08:52,040 --> 00:08:53,650 of water for the hippos, 162 00:08:53,650 --> 00:08:56,233 it creates a rich, fertile breeding ground. 163 00:08:57,950 --> 00:09:01,200 As the flood waters spread across the plains of Luangwa, 164 00:09:01,200 --> 00:09:03,313 tributaries snake away from the river. 165 00:09:06,320 --> 00:09:09,890 Over time, these form separate oxbow lagoons, 166 00:09:09,890 --> 00:09:12,583 home to the two males and the mother and calf. 167 00:09:14,890 --> 00:09:17,630 These lakes and lagoons provide a sanctuary 168 00:09:17,630 --> 00:09:19,430 for one of the most intense concentrations 169 00:09:19,430 --> 00:09:20,833 of game in Africa, 170 00:09:27,770 --> 00:09:30,123 but the good times are coming to an end. 171 00:09:32,760 --> 00:09:34,920 The land is drying out, 172 00:09:34,920 --> 00:09:37,250 and a killer will soon emerge. 173 00:09:37,250 --> 00:09:39,331 (insects and birds chirping) 174 00:09:39,331 --> 00:09:42,998 (gentle instrumental music) 175 00:09:48,410 --> 00:09:50,940 The sun sucks the water from the valley, 176 00:09:50,940 --> 00:09:52,883 and the earth turns to dust. 177 00:09:55,090 --> 00:09:57,983 Conditions gain momentum for the anthrax to strike. 178 00:09:59,390 --> 00:10:01,150 As the lagoons stagnate, 179 00:10:01,150 --> 00:10:02,590 the disease concentrates 180 00:10:02,590 --> 00:10:04,513 in the last dregs of drinking water, 181 00:10:05,670 --> 00:10:07,540 and as the hot winds gather, 182 00:10:07,540 --> 00:10:10,290 they whip millions of spores across the valley, 183 00:10:10,290 --> 00:10:12,133 contaminating all grazing. 184 00:10:14,980 --> 00:10:17,830 The thick walls of a single spore provide armor plating 185 00:10:17,830 --> 00:10:18,960 for the disease, 186 00:10:18,960 --> 00:10:22,380 protection against cold, heat, and drought. 187 00:10:22,380 --> 00:10:25,223 All it needs is the right place to grow. 188 00:10:27,920 --> 00:10:30,450 The animals of Luangwa are about to face 189 00:10:30,450 --> 00:10:33,278 the toughest test of their lives. 190 00:10:33,278 --> 00:10:36,945 (gentle instrumental music) 191 00:10:38,500 --> 00:10:39,511 (birds calling) 192 00:10:39,511 --> 00:10:42,344 (water splashing) 193 00:10:46,110 --> 00:10:49,880 The bachelor coalition still feeds on the Nile cabbage, 194 00:10:49,880 --> 00:10:53,573 blissfully unaware of the storm brewing on the horizon. 195 00:10:53,573 --> 00:10:56,490 (animals grunting) 196 00:11:06,250 --> 00:11:08,760 Nearby in the young mother's lagoon home, 197 00:11:08,760 --> 00:11:10,233 there's a sinister sight. 198 00:11:14,610 --> 00:11:17,610 The bloated corpse of an older female attracts attention 199 00:11:21,710 --> 00:11:23,560 and provides the easiest of meals 200 00:11:23,560 --> 00:11:24,923 for a passing predator. 201 00:11:29,020 --> 00:11:31,093 Is this a taste of things to come? 202 00:11:38,930 --> 00:11:40,760 Oblivious to the danger, 203 00:11:40,760 --> 00:11:43,423 the young calf investigates the lifeless body. 204 00:11:49,857 --> 00:11:51,650 His mother joins in, 205 00:11:51,650 --> 00:11:53,563 dwarfed by the swollen carcass. 206 00:12:01,150 --> 00:12:02,730 It's extraordinary for the calf 207 00:12:02,730 --> 00:12:04,913 to be so close to these reptiles. 208 00:12:15,320 --> 00:12:18,300 Crocodiles don't usually stumble across feasts like this 209 00:12:18,300 --> 00:12:19,800 so early in the dry season 210 00:12:19,800 --> 00:12:20,890 when there's still plenty 211 00:12:20,890 --> 00:12:22,563 of food and water for the hippos. 212 00:12:26,870 --> 00:12:29,500 These treats usually appear later on 213 00:12:29,500 --> 00:12:31,120 when the heat's done its worst, 214 00:12:31,120 --> 00:12:32,830 supplies have run out, 215 00:12:32,830 --> 00:12:34,593 and starvation has set in, 216 00:12:36,540 --> 00:12:39,030 but this year seems different, 217 00:12:39,030 --> 00:12:41,343 and this is just the beginning. 218 00:12:44,670 --> 00:12:46,903 The dry season tightens its grip. 219 00:12:47,940 --> 00:12:49,850 As the sun rings the last of the water 220 00:12:49,850 --> 00:12:50,950 from the lagoons 221 00:12:50,950 --> 00:12:52,860 and the pools evaporate, 222 00:12:52,860 --> 00:12:55,000 the hippos that have made their homes here 223 00:12:55,000 --> 00:12:57,680 begin the long trek to the river, 224 00:12:57,680 --> 00:12:59,450 and in so doing, 225 00:12:59,450 --> 00:13:01,133 they may seal their fate. 226 00:13:03,300 --> 00:13:05,390 The river's no sanctuary. 227 00:13:05,390 --> 00:13:06,723 It's a death zone. 228 00:13:07,670 --> 00:13:09,930 The water level is already dropping, 229 00:13:09,930 --> 00:13:11,440 creating perfect conditions 230 00:13:11,440 --> 00:13:13,150 for the anthrax to attack. 231 00:13:13,150 --> 00:13:15,880 The low levels force the hippos to wade into the middle 232 00:13:15,880 --> 00:13:18,010 where the water is deepest. 233 00:13:18,010 --> 00:13:20,110 In these congested conditions, 234 00:13:20,110 --> 00:13:23,070 their heavy stalking stirs up the riverbed 235 00:13:23,070 --> 00:13:25,900 and releases millions of deadly anthrax spores 236 00:13:25,900 --> 00:13:27,973 straight into their drinking supply. 237 00:13:32,500 --> 00:13:34,580 Spores gain access to the hippos' tissue 238 00:13:34,580 --> 00:13:37,653 through open wounds or on route to their stomachs. 239 00:13:39,126 --> 00:13:41,560 (gentle instrumental music) 240 00:13:41,560 --> 00:13:42,840 Once in the body, 241 00:13:42,840 --> 00:13:44,720 the spores soon germinate, 242 00:13:44,720 --> 00:13:46,750 forming rapidly dividing cells 243 00:13:46,750 --> 00:13:48,903 and a mass of deadly toxins. 244 00:13:56,511 --> 00:13:59,090 (birds and insects chirping) 245 00:13:59,090 --> 00:14:00,883 Zero hour has arrived. 246 00:14:03,135 --> 00:14:03,968 (animals grunting) 247 00:14:03,968 --> 00:14:05,323 The carnage has begun. 248 00:14:09,450 --> 00:14:11,970 The water the hippos are so desperate to drink 249 00:14:11,970 --> 00:14:13,053 is their downfall, 250 00:14:15,020 --> 00:14:17,823 every mouthful a potential death sentence. 251 00:14:24,060 --> 00:14:26,790 With every passing day it gets worse 252 00:14:26,790 --> 00:14:29,773 as the river fills with more swollen carcasses. 253 00:14:31,140 --> 00:14:33,790 For crocodiles, it's paradise, 254 00:14:33,790 --> 00:14:37,273 an effortless supply of meat without the hassle of hunting. 255 00:14:38,300 --> 00:14:40,390 When reptiles shred corpses 256 00:14:40,390 --> 00:14:42,920 and blowflies feast on open wounds, 257 00:14:42,920 --> 00:14:44,649 they help the disease spread. 258 00:14:44,649 --> 00:14:47,482 (insects buzzing) 259 00:14:49,220 --> 00:14:51,240 As soon as a carcass is punctured, 260 00:14:51,240 --> 00:14:53,260 exposure to the air triggers the anthrax 261 00:14:53,260 --> 00:14:55,202 to form spores. 262 00:14:55,202 --> 00:14:57,360 (dramatic instrumental music) 263 00:14:57,360 --> 00:15:00,193 The plague's now free to launch an airborne assault. 264 00:15:10,729 --> 00:15:13,550 (birds chirping) 265 00:15:13,550 --> 00:15:16,040 As the water level continues to drop, 266 00:15:16,040 --> 00:15:18,964 the anthrax becomes even more concentrated. 267 00:15:18,964 --> 00:15:19,800 (animals grunting) 268 00:15:19,800 --> 00:15:21,990 Millions of the microscopic spores, 269 00:15:21,990 --> 00:15:24,050 small enough to fit on a pinhead, 270 00:15:24,050 --> 00:15:25,630 wait to be sucked up, 271 00:15:25,630 --> 00:15:28,415 gulped down, and go to work, 272 00:15:28,415 --> 00:15:31,800 (gentle instrumental music) 273 00:15:31,800 --> 00:15:34,510 but it's not just the hippos who are affected. 274 00:15:34,510 --> 00:15:36,840 Many other inhabitants of the Luangwa Valley 275 00:15:36,840 --> 00:15:38,047 will lose the war. 276 00:15:52,490 --> 00:15:55,180 Natural instincts are put to one side 277 00:15:55,180 --> 00:15:57,033 in the desperation to drink. 278 00:15:59,490 --> 00:16:02,400 The shrinking river forces predator and prey 279 00:16:02,400 --> 00:16:04,493 into uncomfortably close contact. 280 00:16:05,370 --> 00:16:07,153 The situation's getting worse. 281 00:16:13,630 --> 00:16:16,030 In the height of the Zambian dry season, 282 00:16:16,030 --> 00:16:17,230 some relief can be found 283 00:16:17,230 --> 00:16:19,550 from the aptly named sausage trees, 284 00:16:19,550 --> 00:16:21,203 which dominate the river banks. 285 00:16:23,810 --> 00:16:25,410 Many of the valley's animals feed 286 00:16:25,410 --> 00:16:28,723 on their distinctive fruit, leaves, and flowers. 287 00:16:31,120 --> 00:16:33,713 The fleshy fruits are crammed with nutrients. 288 00:16:35,950 --> 00:16:37,433 It's manna from heaven. 289 00:16:39,430 --> 00:16:40,970 In a severe drought year, 290 00:16:40,970 --> 00:16:44,400 they can make the difference between life and death, 291 00:16:44,400 --> 00:16:47,093 but this year, they won't be enough. 292 00:16:48,301 --> 00:16:49,385 (gentle instrumental music) 293 00:16:49,385 --> 00:16:51,968 (wind blowing) 294 00:16:53,253 --> 00:16:55,380 As the dry season advances, 295 00:16:55,380 --> 00:16:58,373 the lagoons either side of the river are transformed. 296 00:16:59,410 --> 00:17:02,010 Scrappy clumps of river cabbage remain, 297 00:17:02,010 --> 00:17:04,140 but water is at a premium, 298 00:17:04,140 --> 00:17:07,021 and the hippos are suffering more than most. 299 00:17:07,021 --> 00:17:09,257 (birds and insects chirping) 300 00:17:09,257 --> 00:17:11,990 Antelopes can nimbly negotiate the mud. 301 00:17:11,990 --> 00:17:15,350 Baboons can flit across the hippos' leftovers, 302 00:17:15,350 --> 00:17:17,500 but for heavier animals, 303 00:17:17,500 --> 00:17:19,293 the going is painfully slow. 304 00:17:27,760 --> 00:17:29,940 Desperately searching for water, 305 00:17:29,940 --> 00:17:32,770 a buffalo is up to its neck in trouble. 306 00:17:32,770 --> 00:17:35,030 It might have escaped the anthrax, 307 00:17:35,030 --> 00:17:36,100 but caught in the grip 308 00:17:36,100 --> 00:17:38,370 of the thick, cloying mud, 309 00:17:38,370 --> 00:17:41,083 it faces a slow and agonizing death. 310 00:17:42,960 --> 00:17:44,170 The majority of the hippos 311 00:17:44,170 --> 00:17:46,140 have already left for the river. 312 00:17:46,140 --> 00:17:47,810 Most marched on less, 313 00:17:47,810 --> 00:17:50,823 but some struggled to keep up with the rank and file. 314 00:17:53,120 --> 00:17:54,560 Amongst the stragglers, 315 00:17:54,560 --> 00:17:57,350 now hours behind the rest of their pod, 316 00:17:57,350 --> 00:17:58,623 are the mother and calf. 317 00:18:00,630 --> 00:18:02,200 Still young and weak, 318 00:18:02,200 --> 00:18:04,030 the calf is much slower than its mother, 319 00:18:04,030 --> 00:18:07,060 but she lets her son set the pace 320 00:18:07,060 --> 00:18:09,251 and follows dutifully behind. 321 00:18:09,251 --> 00:18:11,070 (birds chirping) 322 00:18:11,070 --> 00:18:13,330 Water is their only hope of respite 323 00:18:13,330 --> 00:18:15,353 from the relentless heat of the sun. 324 00:18:17,150 --> 00:18:19,580 They have some natural protection. 325 00:18:19,580 --> 00:18:22,120 Their skin secretes a viscous red fluid 326 00:18:22,120 --> 00:18:24,230 which blocks ultraviolet light, 327 00:18:24,230 --> 00:18:26,350 acting like a sunscreen, 328 00:18:26,350 --> 00:18:28,490 but it won't last forever. 329 00:18:28,490 --> 00:18:32,191 They must find water or shade as soon as possible. 330 00:18:32,191 --> 00:18:35,858 (gentle instrumental music) 331 00:18:38,540 --> 00:18:40,770 Despite the appalling conditions, 332 00:18:40,770 --> 00:18:42,910 not all the hippos have left. 333 00:18:42,910 --> 00:18:45,143 The youngest male is staying put. 334 00:18:47,570 --> 00:18:49,350 All the cabbage has gone. 335 00:18:49,350 --> 00:18:51,220 He hasn't eaten in days, 336 00:18:51,220 --> 00:18:53,433 but still he seems reluctant to leave. 337 00:19:00,480 --> 00:19:02,713 His older companion waits nearby. 338 00:19:04,490 --> 00:19:06,820 With three dry seasons under his belt, 339 00:19:06,820 --> 00:19:08,963 his instincts are to leave for the river, 340 00:19:11,420 --> 00:19:12,253 but he seems determined 341 00:19:12,253 --> 00:19:14,293 that they will make the journey together. 342 00:19:21,860 --> 00:19:24,310 The situation can only get worse. 343 00:19:24,310 --> 00:19:25,450 Like the elephants, 344 00:19:25,450 --> 00:19:27,050 they need to head for the river. 345 00:19:30,870 --> 00:19:33,710 Eventually, either his perseverance 346 00:19:33,710 --> 00:19:37,130 or his friend's hunger reaps rewards. 347 00:19:37,130 --> 00:19:39,563 They begin their journey side by side. 348 00:19:41,468 --> 00:19:44,301 (animals calling) 349 00:19:47,030 --> 00:19:50,100 It's day 22 of the anthrax outbreak, 350 00:19:50,100 --> 00:19:53,653 and today the mother and calf finally arrive at the river. 351 00:19:54,713 --> 00:19:57,563 Their presence attract a lot of curious glances. 352 00:20:01,305 --> 00:20:03,060 (animals grunting) 353 00:20:03,060 --> 00:20:05,690 The river bull watches nonchalantly. 354 00:20:05,690 --> 00:20:07,070 He seems unconcerned. 355 00:20:07,070 --> 00:20:09,970 A young mother and calf returning to his territory 356 00:20:09,970 --> 00:20:11,673 are no threat. 357 00:20:11,673 --> 00:20:14,423 (birds chirping) 358 00:20:16,715 --> 00:20:19,465 (water sloshing) 359 00:20:21,210 --> 00:20:23,440 As the youngster tests the water, 360 00:20:23,440 --> 00:20:24,913 his peers size him up. 361 00:20:27,230 --> 00:20:30,960 Both mother and calf are desperately dehydrated. 362 00:20:30,960 --> 00:20:34,016 Now at last they can drink, 363 00:20:34,016 --> 00:20:36,849 (animal grunting) 364 00:20:38,700 --> 00:20:41,203 and it might be one of the last things they do. 365 00:20:55,446 --> 00:20:59,260 (gentle instrumental music) 366 00:20:59,260 --> 00:21:00,750 For the resident bull, 367 00:21:00,750 --> 00:21:02,870 the mass exodus of hippos from the lagoons 368 00:21:02,870 --> 00:21:05,573 to his stretch of river is a mixed blessing. 369 00:21:08,560 --> 00:21:11,650 The procession of new females trudging through his territory 370 00:21:11,650 --> 00:21:13,260 is a good thing, 371 00:21:13,260 --> 00:21:15,690 but the stream of males who travel in their wake 372 00:21:15,690 --> 00:21:17,448 are far from it. 373 00:21:17,448 --> 00:21:20,422 (animals grunting) 374 00:21:20,422 --> 00:21:22,589 (singing) 375 00:21:25,270 --> 00:21:26,820 More males would normally mean 376 00:21:26,820 --> 00:21:28,741 more challengers to his throne, 377 00:21:28,741 --> 00:21:31,610 (water sloshing) 378 00:21:31,610 --> 00:21:33,573 but this year is no normal year. 379 00:21:42,720 --> 00:21:44,700 The hippos are dying, 380 00:21:44,700 --> 00:21:46,833 newcomers and pod members alike. 381 00:21:47,734 --> 00:21:50,484 (birds chirping) 382 00:21:55,810 --> 00:21:57,653 The epidemic is spreading. 383 00:22:03,260 --> 00:22:05,680 The lifeless body of another anthrax victim 384 00:22:05,680 --> 00:22:07,110 attract attention, 385 00:22:07,110 --> 00:22:08,760 and not just from the crocodiles. 386 00:22:11,564 --> 00:22:14,481 (animals grunting) 387 00:22:15,980 --> 00:22:18,120 Despite the presence of predators, 388 00:22:18,120 --> 00:22:19,340 the death of one of their own 389 00:22:19,340 --> 00:22:21,430 seems to be an irresistible draw 390 00:22:21,430 --> 00:22:23,872 and a source of fascination to other hippos. 391 00:22:23,872 --> 00:22:27,539 (gentle instrumental music) 392 00:22:35,210 --> 00:22:36,890 Most mammals show little interest 393 00:22:36,890 --> 00:22:38,600 in the death of their kind, 394 00:22:38,600 --> 00:22:40,550 but elephants and chimps have both been shown 395 00:22:40,550 --> 00:22:42,450 to have an understanding of mortality. 396 00:22:45,480 --> 00:22:48,510 The reason for this young male's strange behavior 397 00:22:48,510 --> 00:22:49,773 remains a mystery. 398 00:22:51,458 --> 00:22:52,420 (insects buzzing) 399 00:22:52,420 --> 00:22:55,160 (animals grunting) 400 00:22:55,160 --> 00:22:58,560 The river bull doesn't seem interested in the corpse. 401 00:22:58,560 --> 00:23:00,360 He's more interested in the mourner. 402 00:23:02,750 --> 00:23:06,070 The inquisitive young male has aroused his suspicion 403 00:23:06,070 --> 00:23:07,623 and his hackles. 404 00:23:08,960 --> 00:23:12,480 The new arrival is no match for the reigning leader. 405 00:23:12,480 --> 00:23:16,273 The best he can muster is one feeble gesture of defiance. 406 00:23:18,800 --> 00:23:21,480 The bull's reply is short, sweet, 407 00:23:21,480 --> 00:23:23,413 and rammed home with gaping jaws, 408 00:23:24,541 --> 00:23:27,458 (animals growling) 409 00:23:29,131 --> 00:23:32,464 and the battle's over before it's begun. 410 00:23:39,331 --> 00:23:40,857 (gentle instrumental music) 411 00:23:40,857 --> 00:23:43,607 (water sloshing) 412 00:23:48,290 --> 00:23:50,710 Despite having ringside seats, 413 00:23:50,710 --> 00:23:54,503 this audience is otherwise engaged and engorged. 414 00:23:56,570 --> 00:24:00,140 Day 31, and the dead are now as big a feature 415 00:24:00,140 --> 00:24:02,330 of the riverbanks as the living. 416 00:24:02,330 --> 00:24:04,513 Over 50 have already perished. 417 00:24:06,100 --> 00:24:08,860 Anthrax works at breathtaking speed. 418 00:24:08,860 --> 00:24:10,650 Every day more members of the pod 419 00:24:10,650 --> 00:24:11,650 are found dead, 420 00:24:11,650 --> 00:24:14,914 many without having shown any outward signs of sickness. 421 00:24:14,914 --> 00:24:18,050 (birds cawing) 422 00:24:18,050 --> 00:24:19,820 Whether it enters through open cuts 423 00:24:19,820 --> 00:24:21,030 or is ingested, 424 00:24:21,030 --> 00:24:23,140 the disease races through the body, 425 00:24:23,140 --> 00:24:24,920 penetrating, paralyzing, 426 00:24:24,920 --> 00:24:26,520 and killing cells, 427 00:24:26,520 --> 00:24:28,460 decimating defense systems, 428 00:24:28,460 --> 00:24:30,649 and causing fatal hemorrhaging. 429 00:24:30,649 --> 00:24:34,316 (gentle instrumental music) 430 00:24:38,600 --> 00:24:41,090 (animals grunting) 431 00:24:41,090 --> 00:24:44,460 As the sun sets on another gruesome day, 432 00:24:44,460 --> 00:24:47,600 the survivors settle down for the evening. 433 00:24:47,600 --> 00:24:50,433 (water splashing) 434 00:24:54,016 --> 00:24:56,183 (singing) 435 00:24:59,058 --> 00:25:02,140 After a day of fending off aggressive young males, 436 00:25:02,140 --> 00:25:04,750 the river bull can finally turn his attention 437 00:25:04,750 --> 00:25:06,433 to the females in his territory. 438 00:25:09,980 --> 00:25:12,080 Mating takes place underwater 439 00:25:12,080 --> 00:25:14,373 where the bull will mount a female in estrus. 440 00:25:21,200 --> 00:25:23,210 A short way downstream, 441 00:25:23,210 --> 00:25:25,230 the mother and calf relax, 442 00:25:25,230 --> 00:25:28,437 strengthening their bond with some gentle nuzzling. 443 00:25:28,437 --> 00:25:32,104 (gentle instrumental music) 444 00:25:42,147 --> 00:25:45,384 (birds chirping) 445 00:25:45,384 --> 00:25:49,838 As night falls, the hippos leave the river to graze. 446 00:25:49,838 --> 00:25:52,588 (water sloshing) 447 00:25:53,440 --> 00:25:57,310 Ideally, hippos remain in the river most of the day. 448 00:25:57,310 --> 00:25:59,100 Excessive water lost through their skin 449 00:25:59,100 --> 00:26:01,453 means they can easily dehydrate in the heat, 450 00:26:03,350 --> 00:26:04,760 so they normally leave the river 451 00:26:04,760 --> 00:26:09,042 to feed on land during the cooler hours after dark. 452 00:26:09,042 --> 00:26:11,750 (insects chirping) 453 00:26:11,750 --> 00:26:14,980 They can travel up to 10 kilometers in search of food, 454 00:26:14,980 --> 00:26:16,930 and when they find it may graze 455 00:26:16,930 --> 00:26:19,250 for as long as five hours. 456 00:26:19,250 --> 00:26:21,440 Feeding is fast and furious. 457 00:26:21,440 --> 00:26:25,150 Hippos can consume about 40 kilograms of grass per night, 458 00:26:25,150 --> 00:26:28,173 though that's a mere 1.5% of their body weight, 459 00:26:29,660 --> 00:26:31,580 but being away from the water 460 00:26:31,580 --> 00:26:34,793 doesn't mean they've escaped the dangers of anthrax. 461 00:26:35,910 --> 00:26:37,580 Cropping the grass very low 462 00:26:37,580 --> 00:26:40,902 means they ingest anthrax spores from the soil. 463 00:26:40,902 --> 00:26:42,021 (insects chirping) 464 00:26:42,021 --> 00:26:45,688 (gentle instrumental music) 465 00:26:49,210 --> 00:26:52,200 The two bachelor companions are still searching 466 00:26:52,200 --> 00:26:53,373 for a safe haven. 467 00:26:57,100 --> 00:26:59,270 They've spent another long day tramping 468 00:26:59,270 --> 00:27:00,690 in the blistering heat 469 00:27:00,690 --> 00:27:02,483 with barely a drop of water. 470 00:27:03,760 --> 00:27:06,850 The fruits of a sausage tree offer some respite, 471 00:27:06,850 --> 00:27:08,483 but is it too little too late? 472 00:27:17,080 --> 00:27:19,360 Desperate for more food and water, 473 00:27:19,360 --> 00:27:21,113 they are fraught and frail. 474 00:27:34,380 --> 00:27:36,800 It hasn't gone unnoticed. 475 00:27:36,800 --> 00:27:38,610 Lions and hyenas would think twice 476 00:27:38,610 --> 00:27:41,110 about attacking a healthy adult hippo, 477 00:27:41,110 --> 00:27:44,423 but they might take a chance on a weak one or two. 478 00:27:46,670 --> 00:27:48,490 Another day without water 479 00:27:48,490 --> 00:27:51,287 could spell disaster for the two hippos. 480 00:27:51,287 --> 00:27:54,120 (animals calling) 481 00:27:58,699 --> 00:28:00,370 (gentle instrumental music) 482 00:28:00,370 --> 00:28:02,750 It's day 40 of the outbreak. 483 00:28:02,750 --> 00:28:05,863 At last the two comrades appear to have found a new home, 484 00:28:08,420 --> 00:28:11,080 but the dominant bull is watching them. 485 00:28:11,080 --> 00:28:13,833 Can they survive where so many others have perished? 486 00:28:15,422 --> 00:28:18,950 (animals grunting) 487 00:28:18,950 --> 00:28:21,590 The prospect of water and food propels them 488 00:28:21,590 --> 00:28:22,860 towards the river 489 00:28:22,860 --> 00:28:24,878 and straight into danger. 490 00:28:24,878 --> 00:28:27,795 (animals grunting) 491 00:28:29,450 --> 00:28:31,570 If they're rumbled by the river bull, 492 00:28:31,570 --> 00:28:33,210 they're in big trouble. 493 00:28:33,210 --> 00:28:34,300 They're far too weak 494 00:28:34,300 --> 00:28:36,363 to get dragged into a leadership contest. 495 00:28:38,360 --> 00:28:40,310 Gingerly approaching the water, 496 00:28:40,310 --> 00:28:42,980 their only hope is to try and slip in unnoticed 497 00:28:42,980 --> 00:28:44,503 at the side of the river, 498 00:28:44,503 --> 00:28:47,420 (birds chirping) 499 00:28:47,420 --> 00:28:49,320 but covert moves can prove tricky 500 00:28:49,320 --> 00:28:51,533 with a three ton frame to disguise. 501 00:28:54,032 --> 00:28:57,000 (water sloshing) 502 00:28:57,000 --> 00:29:00,040 The older male plays a skillful game of bluff, 503 00:29:00,040 --> 00:29:01,460 settling into the water 504 00:29:01,460 --> 00:29:04,350 like he's an existing member of the pod. 505 00:29:04,350 --> 00:29:06,207 The bull seems to accept him, 506 00:29:07,700 --> 00:29:11,955 but his younger companion is far less convincing an actor. 507 00:29:11,955 --> 00:29:13,210 (dramatic instrumental music) 508 00:29:13,210 --> 00:29:14,570 With their cover blown, 509 00:29:14,570 --> 00:29:16,350 the youngster tries to remedy matters 510 00:29:16,350 --> 00:29:18,213 with a desperate show of submission, 511 00:29:23,760 --> 00:29:25,380 but the bull's already committed 512 00:29:25,380 --> 00:29:27,090 to his course of action, 513 00:29:27,090 --> 00:29:28,483 instant expulsion. 514 00:29:34,180 --> 00:29:36,870 Every supportive, the older hippo rushes in 515 00:29:36,870 --> 00:29:38,162 to help his young comrade, 516 00:29:38,162 --> 00:29:40,995 (water splashing) 517 00:29:43,930 --> 00:29:46,480 but the bull's taking on all comers. 518 00:29:46,480 --> 00:29:47,720 He makes it crystal clear 519 00:29:47,720 --> 00:29:49,720 they need to leave his stretch of river. 520 00:29:51,250 --> 00:29:54,167 (animals grunting) 521 00:29:56,641 --> 00:29:58,538 (birds chirping) 522 00:29:58,538 --> 00:30:00,750 (gentle instrumental music) 523 00:30:00,750 --> 00:30:03,470 The older hippo has no stomach for a fight, 524 00:30:03,470 --> 00:30:06,060 and the battle's over before it's begun 525 00:30:06,060 --> 00:30:08,323 without a single drop of blood spilt. 526 00:30:09,584 --> 00:30:12,501 (animals growling) 527 00:30:15,640 --> 00:30:18,473 (water splashing) 528 00:30:25,900 --> 00:30:27,300 For the resident bull, 529 00:30:27,300 --> 00:30:29,233 it's another successful eviction, 530 00:30:32,360 --> 00:30:33,900 but for the bachelors, 531 00:30:33,900 --> 00:30:35,363 it's back to wandering. 532 00:30:42,300 --> 00:30:45,540 These hobbling hobos still have no home, 533 00:30:45,540 --> 00:30:47,960 but being banished from this part of the river 534 00:30:47,960 --> 00:30:50,223 might prove to be a blessing in disguise. 535 00:30:51,117 --> 00:30:54,784 (gentle instrumental music) 536 00:31:00,270 --> 00:31:03,290 The river is still teeming with anthrax spores, 537 00:31:03,290 --> 00:31:05,923 ready and waiting to attack the next victims, 538 00:31:10,640 --> 00:31:14,300 but the two hippos are still in dire straits. 539 00:31:14,300 --> 00:31:17,750 Their only hope now is to find any available water, 540 00:31:17,750 --> 00:31:20,453 hunker down, and wait for the rainy season. 541 00:31:22,166 --> 00:31:24,916 (birds chirping) 542 00:31:27,370 --> 00:31:30,650 It's now day 45 of the anthrax outbreak, 543 00:31:30,650 --> 00:31:32,260 and with each passing day, 544 00:31:32,260 --> 00:31:33,763 the fatalities mount up. 545 00:31:35,720 --> 00:31:37,610 Space is at a premium. 546 00:31:37,610 --> 00:31:39,150 Tempers are strained, 547 00:31:39,150 --> 00:31:42,363 and fights open more wounds to welcome the anthrax. 548 00:31:43,870 --> 00:31:46,440 It's the final factor making this dry season 549 00:31:46,440 --> 00:31:48,223 especially dire for the hippos. 550 00:31:49,060 --> 00:31:51,250 A combination of limited resources 551 00:31:51,250 --> 00:31:53,740 and the resulting stress from overcrowding 552 00:31:53,740 --> 00:31:56,340 seriously hampers the hippo's immune system, 553 00:31:56,340 --> 00:31:58,890 making them less able to fend off infection 554 00:31:58,890 --> 00:32:01,083 and ever more susceptible to disease, 555 00:32:03,010 --> 00:32:04,990 but not everyone's suffering, 556 00:32:04,990 --> 00:32:05,973 far from it. 557 00:32:06,830 --> 00:32:09,073 Hippo hell is crocodile heaven. 558 00:32:10,140 --> 00:32:11,640 For these writhing reptiles, 559 00:32:11,640 --> 00:32:13,363 it's been a season to die for. 560 00:32:15,260 --> 00:32:17,710 The food just keeps on coming, 561 00:32:17,710 --> 00:32:20,770 and they've no need to waste their energy killing it. 562 00:32:20,770 --> 00:32:22,643 Just paddle up and eat. 563 00:32:23,620 --> 00:32:25,260 Grisly it may be, 564 00:32:25,260 --> 00:32:27,460 but as they devour the latest victim, 565 00:32:27,460 --> 00:32:30,460 their performing a vital role in the ecosystem, 566 00:32:30,460 --> 00:32:32,540 keeping the riverbanks clean. 567 00:32:32,540 --> 00:32:34,920 Crocodiles have been around for millennia 568 00:32:34,920 --> 00:32:36,763 and are immune to the disease. 569 00:32:37,750 --> 00:32:39,810 They have the most acidic digestive system 570 00:32:39,810 --> 00:32:41,110 of any animal 571 00:32:41,110 --> 00:32:43,160 and are coldblooded to the core, 572 00:32:43,160 --> 00:32:45,073 which tips the scales in their favor. 573 00:32:45,980 --> 00:32:49,384 The anthrax might have met its match in the crocodiles. 574 00:32:49,384 --> 00:32:51,404 (birds chirping) 575 00:32:51,404 --> 00:32:53,670 (gentle instrumental music) 576 00:32:53,670 --> 00:32:55,740 Despite the wave of deaths, 577 00:32:55,740 --> 00:32:58,783 the river bull still maintains control of his patch. 578 00:33:03,300 --> 00:33:05,410 The mother and her calf may have found 579 00:33:05,410 --> 00:33:07,290 a new home with his pod, 580 00:33:07,290 --> 00:33:08,983 but it's a poisoned chalice. 581 00:33:09,950 --> 00:33:11,730 The luckiest ones may be those 582 00:33:11,730 --> 00:33:13,330 the river bull sent packing 583 00:33:13,330 --> 00:33:15,153 away from this part of the river. 584 00:33:18,980 --> 00:33:21,820 The two males may have avoided contamination, 585 00:33:21,820 --> 00:33:23,913 but life is a grueling struggle. 586 00:33:25,170 --> 00:33:27,420 Theirs is a punishing quest to find somewhere 587 00:33:27,420 --> 00:33:30,073 to cool their desperately overheating bodies, 588 00:33:31,600 --> 00:33:33,780 but they search in vain. 589 00:33:33,780 --> 00:33:35,530 Most of the pools have evaporated. 590 00:33:35,530 --> 00:33:37,380 There's not a drop of water in sight. 591 00:33:38,770 --> 00:33:40,490 It's exhausting, 592 00:33:40,490 --> 00:33:43,030 and eventually in the searing heat 593 00:33:43,030 --> 00:33:44,573 they reach breaking point. 594 00:33:45,790 --> 00:33:49,129 Tempers fray and finally snap. 595 00:33:49,129 --> 00:33:52,046 (animals growling) 596 00:34:00,675 --> 00:34:02,550 Their bond is broken. 597 00:34:02,550 --> 00:34:04,813 From now on, it's every hippo for himself. 598 00:34:09,227 --> 00:34:12,679 (birds and insects chirping) 599 00:34:12,679 --> 00:34:15,180 (gentle instrumental music) 600 00:34:15,180 --> 00:34:17,550 It's now 50 days since the anthrax 601 00:34:17,550 --> 00:34:19,103 claimed its first victim. 602 00:34:21,200 --> 00:34:23,903 Its latest leaves an orphan in its wake. 603 00:34:30,660 --> 00:34:33,483 The calf waits patiently by his mother's corpse. 604 00:34:35,765 --> 00:34:38,140 (singing) 605 00:34:38,140 --> 00:34:38,973 (water sloshing) 606 00:34:38,973 --> 00:34:40,640 Only five months old, 607 00:34:40,640 --> 00:34:42,673 he's young to be without her guidance. 608 00:34:47,610 --> 00:34:50,010 A mother and calf would normally stay together 609 00:34:50,010 --> 00:34:51,900 for up to eight years, 610 00:34:51,900 --> 00:34:53,800 but at least the youngster is weaned, 611 00:34:53,800 --> 00:34:55,453 which gives him a fighting chance, 612 00:34:55,453 --> 00:34:57,410 (animals grunting) 613 00:34:57,410 --> 00:34:59,870 and she found him a support network, 614 00:34:59,870 --> 00:35:02,620 a place in a creche where there are other females 615 00:35:02,620 --> 00:35:03,453 to care for him. 616 00:35:10,340 --> 00:35:12,240 The pod may be depleted, 617 00:35:12,240 --> 00:35:13,580 but the community of mothers 618 00:35:13,580 --> 00:35:15,520 caring for an extended family 619 00:35:15,520 --> 00:35:16,903 is still its backbone. 620 00:35:18,310 --> 00:35:20,670 His mother did all she could. 621 00:35:20,670 --> 00:35:22,880 Now he must take his chances in the battle 622 00:35:22,880 --> 00:35:25,803 against the deadly disease raging in the river. 623 00:35:26,654 --> 00:35:29,210 (birds cawing) 624 00:35:29,210 --> 00:35:30,730 A scavenger swoops, 625 00:35:30,730 --> 00:35:32,353 signaling another death. 626 00:35:35,890 --> 00:35:37,976 The epidemic is spreading. 627 00:35:37,976 --> 00:35:42,090 (dramatic instrumental music) 628 00:35:42,090 --> 00:35:44,733 This time, it's not a hippo festering in the mud. 629 00:35:48,470 --> 00:35:52,070 Anthrax is now affecting almost everything in its path, 630 00:35:52,070 --> 00:35:54,547 bar the cleaners who mop up the dead. 631 00:35:54,547 --> 00:35:57,380 (birds squawking) 632 00:36:04,530 --> 00:36:08,393 Like hippos, buffaloes are more susceptible to anthrax. 633 00:36:09,590 --> 00:36:11,150 They wade into danger, 634 00:36:11,150 --> 00:36:12,780 heading deep into the river 635 00:36:12,780 --> 00:36:14,900 and stirring up trouble, 636 00:36:14,900 --> 00:36:17,143 the disease rich sediment beneath them. 637 00:36:19,570 --> 00:36:22,423 The feathered clean up crew are still on duty. 638 00:36:23,380 --> 00:36:24,880 They're specialists, 639 00:36:24,880 --> 00:36:27,830 slicing bodies open, removing entrails, 640 00:36:27,830 --> 00:36:31,040 and shoveling down flesh at great speed. 641 00:36:31,040 --> 00:36:33,030 They're also unwitting experts 642 00:36:33,030 --> 00:36:34,593 at spreading disease. 643 00:36:35,450 --> 00:36:38,670 This freshly butchered carcass is riddled with anthrax 644 00:36:38,670 --> 00:36:40,123 and highly contagious. 645 00:36:41,900 --> 00:36:45,700 Like crocodiles, vultures have got the guts for this job. 646 00:36:45,700 --> 00:36:47,453 They're resistant to the disease. 647 00:36:49,270 --> 00:36:51,180 Infected meat passes straight through 648 00:36:51,180 --> 00:36:52,973 their highly acidic stomachs, 649 00:36:55,620 --> 00:36:58,830 but after supper when they drink and bathe, 650 00:36:58,830 --> 00:37:00,640 they contaminate the surrounding water 651 00:37:00,640 --> 00:37:01,893 for the other animals. 652 00:37:03,945 --> 00:37:08,100 (gentle instrumental music) 653 00:37:08,100 --> 00:37:11,143 Vultures aren't the only creatures peddling pestilence. 654 00:37:12,220 --> 00:37:15,434 Blowflies perform a similar disservice. 655 00:37:15,434 --> 00:37:16,540 (insects buzzing) 656 00:37:16,540 --> 00:37:18,650 They swarm on carcasses to gorge 657 00:37:18,650 --> 00:37:21,053 on the bodily fluids and rotting flesh, 658 00:37:22,780 --> 00:37:25,143 all of which is riddled with disease. 659 00:37:29,080 --> 00:37:32,190 When they fly off and land on nearby vegetation, 660 00:37:32,190 --> 00:37:34,540 they vomit and defecate droplets laced 661 00:37:34,540 --> 00:37:35,963 with the lethal bacteria, 662 00:37:36,830 --> 00:37:38,260 making the disease accessible 663 00:37:38,260 --> 00:37:40,270 to a far loftier audience 664 00:37:40,270 --> 00:37:42,210 and many other grazers besides 665 00:37:47,540 --> 00:37:49,903 with lethal consequences. 666 00:37:49,903 --> 00:37:53,570 (gentle instrumental music) 667 00:37:57,120 --> 00:37:58,243 Day 80, 668 00:38:00,090 --> 00:38:02,600 the vultures guzzle another victim, 669 00:38:02,600 --> 00:38:05,016 and this time, they've got an audience. 670 00:38:05,016 --> 00:38:07,849 (birds squawking) 671 00:38:09,810 --> 00:38:12,820 The younger bachelor has stumbled across the carnage, 672 00:38:12,820 --> 00:38:13,970 and he seems intrigued. 673 00:38:19,070 --> 00:38:20,780 As long as he watches from a distance, 674 00:38:20,780 --> 00:38:24,053 he's safer, but curiosity drives him closer. 675 00:38:30,070 --> 00:38:31,620 He ignores the vultures 676 00:38:31,620 --> 00:38:33,750 and investigates the grim scene 677 00:38:33,750 --> 00:38:35,993 up close and very personal. 678 00:38:43,260 --> 00:38:45,730 The reasons behind this strange fascination 679 00:38:45,730 --> 00:38:47,580 with the death of another species 680 00:38:47,580 --> 00:38:48,993 are shrouded in mystery, 681 00:38:52,270 --> 00:38:53,830 but the effects of getting so close 682 00:38:53,830 --> 00:38:55,720 to the corpse of an anthrax victim 683 00:38:55,720 --> 00:38:57,283 may soon become crystal clear. 684 00:39:08,430 --> 00:39:09,980 Three hours later, 685 00:39:09,980 --> 00:39:11,680 despite their squabble, 686 00:39:11,680 --> 00:39:13,580 the companions have reunited 687 00:39:13,580 --> 00:39:16,043 and stumbled across a sanctuary of sorts. 688 00:39:17,252 --> 00:39:21,400 (gentle instrumental music) 689 00:39:21,400 --> 00:39:23,410 It's a far from sumptuous pool, 690 00:39:23,410 --> 00:39:24,960 but this parched mud hole 691 00:39:24,960 --> 00:39:26,793 would at least bring some relief, 692 00:39:28,870 --> 00:39:30,430 but a wallow in the sludge 693 00:39:30,430 --> 00:39:32,475 is as good as it's going to get. 694 00:39:32,475 --> 00:39:34,550 (mud sloshing) 695 00:39:34,550 --> 00:39:35,900 For one of them, 696 00:39:35,900 --> 00:39:37,553 the tide's about to turn. 697 00:39:39,460 --> 00:39:41,183 Anthrax is an enigma. 698 00:39:42,640 --> 00:39:45,243 Resistance is different for each and every animal. 699 00:39:46,650 --> 00:39:50,490 Death can take a few days or a few hours, 700 00:39:50,490 --> 00:39:53,450 and some can even survive the disease, 701 00:39:53,450 --> 00:39:55,431 (insects and birds chirping) 702 00:39:55,431 --> 00:39:59,098 (gentle instrumental music) 703 00:40:11,250 --> 00:40:14,000 but not in the younger hippo's case. 704 00:40:14,000 --> 00:40:16,000 He lasted mere hours, 705 00:40:16,000 --> 00:40:19,063 his crumpled body now easy pickings for night prowlers. 706 00:40:23,050 --> 00:40:25,050 With their cast iron stomachs, 707 00:40:25,050 --> 00:40:28,003 the hyenas appear to be impervious to infection, 708 00:40:28,003 --> 00:40:30,836 (animals chewing) 709 00:40:33,370 --> 00:40:34,833 but the older hippo isn't. 710 00:40:36,620 --> 00:40:38,310 Helpless in the background, 711 00:40:38,310 --> 00:40:40,150 he can only watch, 712 00:40:40,150 --> 00:40:42,173 but it's a dangerous preoccupation. 713 00:40:44,810 --> 00:40:46,570 Every minute the young hippo's body 714 00:40:46,570 --> 00:40:48,200 lies open to the elements, 715 00:40:48,200 --> 00:40:50,290 the more anthrax seeps from his wounds 716 00:40:50,290 --> 00:40:51,540 into the watery silt 717 00:40:52,770 --> 00:40:54,380 and slowly weaves its way 718 00:40:54,380 --> 00:40:57,041 towards his elder companion. 719 00:40:57,041 --> 00:40:58,923 (water sloshing) 720 00:40:58,923 --> 00:41:00,255 (gentle instrumental music) 721 00:41:00,255 --> 00:41:04,005 (birds and insects chirping) 722 00:41:09,090 --> 00:41:13,080 By morning, the water hole is a hive of activity 723 00:41:13,080 --> 00:41:14,600 as parched residents struggle 724 00:41:14,600 --> 00:41:17,330 to find somewhere to quench their thirst, 725 00:41:17,330 --> 00:41:19,660 but the water's rank and stagnant, 726 00:41:19,660 --> 00:41:21,170 concentrating the anthrax 727 00:41:21,170 --> 00:41:23,563 and making the situation even worse. 728 00:41:24,419 --> 00:41:25,470 (hogs snorting) 729 00:41:25,470 --> 00:41:26,420 To some degree, 730 00:41:26,420 --> 00:41:28,773 most mammals are susceptible to anthrax. 731 00:41:32,990 --> 00:41:35,900 The chances of falling prey depend on specific temperature 732 00:41:35,900 --> 00:41:38,423 and humidity conditions within the host's body. 733 00:41:42,110 --> 00:41:44,803 Survival is a lottery, a numbers game, 734 00:41:47,740 --> 00:41:51,053 one which the older hippo seems to be winning so far. 735 00:41:52,630 --> 00:41:54,260 He made it through the night, 736 00:41:54,260 --> 00:41:56,090 but every hour spent in the sludge 737 00:41:56,090 --> 00:41:57,880 alongside his comrade's remains 738 00:41:57,880 --> 00:41:59,543 severely reduces his chances. 739 00:42:02,720 --> 00:42:04,720 Even if he survives the anthrax, 740 00:42:04,720 --> 00:42:06,700 the heat is relentless, 741 00:42:06,700 --> 00:42:09,503 and this meager spattering of water won't last long. 742 00:42:11,721 --> 00:42:15,341 (insects chirping) 743 00:42:15,341 --> 00:42:18,091 (water sloshing) 744 00:42:20,030 --> 00:42:21,240 At the river, 745 00:42:21,240 --> 00:42:23,103 the calf is still with his mother. 746 00:42:25,690 --> 00:42:28,050 She has been dead for two days now. 747 00:42:28,050 --> 00:42:29,460 If he's to survive, 748 00:42:29,460 --> 00:42:31,545 he must give up his vigil. 749 00:42:31,545 --> 00:42:35,212 (gentle instrumental music) 750 00:42:48,160 --> 00:42:51,033 His attempts to push the crocodiles away are futile. 751 00:42:52,760 --> 00:42:54,600 With so much food on offer, 752 00:42:54,600 --> 00:42:56,003 the reptiles ignore him. 753 00:43:10,470 --> 00:43:12,783 At least the youngster is still alive. 754 00:43:25,250 --> 00:43:27,780 He must now use whatever strength he has left 755 00:43:27,780 --> 00:43:30,380 to continue bonding with other females in the river. 756 00:43:33,563 --> 00:43:35,353 (water sloshing) 757 00:43:35,353 --> 00:43:37,243 (birds chirping) 758 00:43:37,243 --> 00:43:40,910 (gentle instrumental music) 759 00:43:43,634 --> 00:43:46,180 (insects chirping) 760 00:43:46,180 --> 00:43:47,580 Back at the mud hole, 761 00:43:47,580 --> 00:43:50,650 the older hippo is also moving on. 762 00:43:50,650 --> 00:43:53,110 He's been lucky to withstand the anthrax, 763 00:43:53,110 --> 00:43:55,810 but if he's to have any chance of longterm survival, 764 00:43:55,810 --> 00:43:57,533 he needs to return to the river, 765 00:44:01,540 --> 00:44:03,113 but he won't be welcomed back. 766 00:44:04,900 --> 00:44:07,210 The river bull will still be on patrol 767 00:44:07,210 --> 00:44:09,283 and ferociously guarding his empire. 768 00:44:10,260 --> 00:44:14,200 This frazzled giant has one more challenge to overcome, 769 00:44:14,200 --> 00:44:17,143 and it's a monumental one. 770 00:44:17,143 --> 00:44:19,976 (insects buzzing) 771 00:44:21,980 --> 00:44:23,740 The bull takes stock. 772 00:44:23,740 --> 00:44:26,350 It's been exhausting maintaining his territory, 773 00:44:26,350 --> 00:44:28,133 but his work isn't over yet. 774 00:44:29,100 --> 00:44:31,050 The wanderer returns, 775 00:44:31,050 --> 00:44:33,320 but this time, he's not trying to slip in 776 00:44:33,320 --> 00:44:35,170 through the back door, 777 00:44:35,170 --> 00:44:36,273 quite the opposite. 778 00:44:37,760 --> 00:44:40,770 His eyes seem fixed on the main prize. 779 00:44:40,770 --> 00:44:42,010 The lines are drawn, 780 00:44:42,010 --> 00:44:43,687 and there's no backing down. 781 00:44:43,687 --> 00:44:46,630 (dramatic instrumental music) 782 00:44:46,630 --> 00:44:48,850 When a fight this brutal is brewing, 783 00:44:48,850 --> 00:44:50,879 no one wants to get caught in the crossfire. 784 00:44:50,879 --> 00:44:51,978 (animals grunting) 785 00:44:51,978 --> 00:44:54,811 (water splashing) 786 00:45:12,375 --> 00:45:15,292 (animals growling) 787 00:45:16,562 --> 00:45:19,010 In a blistering brawl of clashing canines 788 00:45:19,010 --> 00:45:21,160 and bone crunching jaws, 789 00:45:21,160 --> 00:45:23,097 two Goliaths go to war. 790 00:45:32,471 --> 00:45:34,810 (birds chirping) 791 00:45:34,810 --> 00:45:36,903 The opponents are evenly matched. 792 00:45:39,080 --> 00:45:42,530 The bachelor male equals the bull kilo for kilo, 793 00:45:42,530 --> 00:45:44,760 and what he lacks in combat experience, 794 00:45:44,760 --> 00:45:46,723 he makes up for in youthful energy. 795 00:45:49,570 --> 00:45:51,490 Despite his recent ordeal, 796 00:45:51,490 --> 00:45:53,480 the young contender has the upper hand. 797 00:46:00,392 --> 00:46:02,888 (water sloshing) 798 00:46:02,888 --> 00:46:06,130 The river bull has fought one too many fights. 799 00:46:06,130 --> 00:46:08,240 His battle weary body isn't up 800 00:46:08,240 --> 00:46:10,333 to another punishing contest. 801 00:46:13,050 --> 00:46:14,903 His 10 year reign is over. 802 00:46:17,410 --> 00:46:20,493 This stretch of river has a new head honcho. 803 00:46:21,440 --> 00:46:23,250 This victor survived the heat, 804 00:46:23,250 --> 00:46:26,890 starvation, and the onslaught of anthrax. 805 00:46:26,890 --> 00:46:31,789 Now he has power and his own territory on the river. 806 00:46:31,789 --> 00:46:35,040 (gentle instrumental music) 807 00:46:35,040 --> 00:46:37,510 The vanquished leader can barely muster the energy 808 00:46:37,510 --> 00:46:39,176 to lick his wounds. 809 00:46:39,176 --> 00:46:41,450 (birds chirping) 810 00:46:41,450 --> 00:46:43,530 Bleeding and battered, 811 00:46:43,530 --> 00:46:44,983 death will come quickly. 812 00:46:46,324 --> 00:46:49,157 (insects buzzing) 813 00:46:57,080 --> 00:46:59,750 After 140 days, 814 00:46:59,750 --> 00:47:02,670 there's hope on the horizon. 815 00:47:02,670 --> 00:47:04,003 The rain clouds gather, 816 00:47:08,114 --> 00:47:08,947 (thunder rumbling) 817 00:47:08,947 --> 00:47:10,530 and the plague is gradually purged 818 00:47:10,530 --> 00:47:12,087 by the torrential downpour. 819 00:47:12,087 --> 00:47:14,670 (rain pouring) 820 00:47:15,564 --> 00:47:18,090 (water flowing) 821 00:47:18,090 --> 00:47:19,470 As the river swells, 822 00:47:19,470 --> 00:47:21,280 the spores are washed away. 823 00:47:28,600 --> 00:47:31,190 The anthrax, diluted in the deluge, 824 00:47:31,190 --> 00:47:32,593 is no longer a threat. 825 00:47:34,413 --> 00:47:37,163 (birds chirping) 826 00:47:39,630 --> 00:47:41,870 (singing) 827 00:47:41,870 --> 00:47:45,613 Hippos have two basic requirements for life, 828 00:47:46,450 --> 00:47:48,400 water deep enough to wallow in 829 00:47:48,400 --> 00:47:50,403 and grasslands fit to graze. 830 00:47:57,640 --> 00:48:00,530 The lethal combination of a savage dry season 831 00:48:00,530 --> 00:48:02,850 and the ensuing anthrax outbreak 832 00:48:02,850 --> 00:48:05,193 almost destroyed these basic resources. 833 00:48:06,233 --> 00:48:09,890 (water splashing) 834 00:48:09,890 --> 00:48:12,570 Almost, but not quite. 835 00:48:12,570 --> 00:48:13,720 For the survivors, 836 00:48:13,720 --> 00:48:15,593 it's the beginning of a new era. 837 00:48:17,120 --> 00:48:19,200 The ordeal which killed so many 838 00:48:19,200 --> 00:48:21,668 brought a new lease of life for others. 839 00:48:21,668 --> 00:48:24,090 (birds chirping) 840 00:48:24,090 --> 00:48:28,290 The older bachelor now reigns supreme in his territory. 841 00:48:28,290 --> 00:48:30,510 He's inherited a huge pod, 842 00:48:30,510 --> 00:48:33,470 including within its ranks the young orphan, 843 00:48:33,470 --> 00:48:36,750 now safely ensconced in the group. 844 00:48:36,750 --> 00:48:39,180 His mother saw him safely to the river 845 00:48:39,180 --> 00:48:41,400 and made sure he'd never be alone, 846 00:48:41,400 --> 00:48:43,410 that he'd always be under the watchful eye 847 00:48:43,410 --> 00:48:44,910 of the sisterhood. 848 00:48:44,910 --> 00:48:46,530 Without their support, 849 00:48:46,530 --> 00:48:48,353 it would be a very different story. 850 00:48:49,220 --> 00:48:50,790 (water splashing) 851 00:48:50,790 --> 00:48:53,080 The pod may stay here for many years, 852 00:48:53,080 --> 00:48:55,580 their lives revolving around the ever changing face 853 00:48:55,580 --> 00:48:58,443 of the river and its surrounding lakes and lagoons. 854 00:49:05,120 --> 00:49:07,830 Beneath their feet, buried in the riverbed, 855 00:49:07,830 --> 00:49:10,063 the silent killer bides its time. 856 00:49:12,410 --> 00:49:15,010 A severe anthrax outbreak is unlikely to strike again 857 00:49:15,010 --> 00:49:16,340 for another 10 years 858 00:49:16,340 --> 00:49:17,850 because the pod's diminished numbers 859 00:49:17,850 --> 00:49:19,813 will lessen the stressful overcrowding. 860 00:49:22,654 --> 00:49:24,821 (singing) 861 00:49:25,770 --> 00:49:28,780 This community has endured one of the toughest dry seasons 862 00:49:28,780 --> 00:49:30,180 they're ever likely to know, 863 00:49:32,880 --> 00:49:35,170 but life will go on for the survivors 864 00:49:35,170 --> 00:49:37,635 of Luangwa's hippo hell. 865 00:49:37,635 --> 00:49:41,302 (upbeat instrumental music) 58884

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