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NARRATOR: In one of Africa's
last great wildernesses,
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00:00:05,439 --> 00:00:08,008
lives a family of hunters.
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(SNARLING)
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The Hot Springs Pack.
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00:00:14,448 --> 00:00:17,184
This is a family
on the edge.
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(ELEPHANT TRUMPETS)
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They're surrounded
by enemies.
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(BARKING)
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(LIONS SNARLING)
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(CROCODILE HISSING)
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00:00:28,161 --> 00:00:32,332
These wild dogs
live at the mercy of
the changing seasons.
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If the family is to survive
these testing times,
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00:00:40,240 --> 00:00:44,611
the pack's young pups
must learn to hunt, and fast.
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00:00:45,846 --> 00:00:48,382
Growing up is never easy.
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But for these pups,
it's a matter
of life and death.
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00:00:53,754 --> 00:00:56,056
(THEME MUSIC PLAYING)
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(BIRDS CHIRPING)
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Hidden in a gully, in Zambia's
South Luangwa National Park,
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an alpha female has pups
deep inside a den.
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00:01:26,586 --> 00:01:31,558
She and her lifelong mate
have raised several litters.
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Many of the older pups
are still with them,
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forming a family pack
of 19 dogs.
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It's October, the height
of the dry season.
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Each morning and evening,
the dogs set off to find food.
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00:01:55,349 --> 00:01:57,784
They hunt at dawn and sunset,
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00:01:58,185 --> 00:02:01,154
lolloping after
their antelope prey.
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00:02:10,564 --> 00:02:13,533
They're long-distance
runners, on spindly legs
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00:02:13,533 --> 00:02:16,436
that carry them
for many miles.
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00:02:20,440 --> 00:02:26,513
The pack hunts over
a vast swath of bush
covering 200 square miles.
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00:02:31,385 --> 00:02:34,888
At the heart of their
territory is Hot Springs,
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a waterhole fed by
a geothermal upwelling.
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00:02:39,826 --> 00:02:42,963
It's a staging post
for herds of antelope
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migrating through
the pack's territory,
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00:02:45,432 --> 00:02:47,868
on their way
to the Luangwa River,
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00:02:47,868 --> 00:02:49,536
which lies to the west.
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(SCREECHING)
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The pack's strong, plenty
of experienced hunters.
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00:03:01,448 --> 00:03:03,817
The alpha pair
lead the hunt.
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00:03:03,817 --> 00:03:08,755
The rest of the pack,
all their offspring,
spread out in pursuit.
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00:03:20,400 --> 00:03:22,602
They're a tight-knit team,
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00:03:22,602 --> 00:03:27,274
and rely on each other
to bring down enough prey
to feed the family.
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00:03:49,796 --> 00:03:53,333
While cheetahs sprint,
leopards ambush,
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00:03:53,333 --> 00:03:55,602
and lions overpower
their prey,
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00:03:56,002 --> 00:03:59,573
wild dogs simply keep running.
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00:04:09,449 --> 00:04:13,353
As one dog tires,
another takes up the lead.
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00:04:13,353 --> 00:04:17,557
Together, they have
the stamina to exhaust
their quarry.
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00:04:22,629 --> 00:04:27,334
Back at the den,
the seven pups
wait patiently for breakfast.
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00:04:27,901 --> 00:04:29,936
They're only four months old,
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00:04:29,936 --> 00:04:32,038
too young to join
in the hunt.
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00:04:33,773 --> 00:04:36,943
As the dry season progresses,
they get more confident
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00:04:36,943 --> 00:04:39,613
and spend more time
outside the den.
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00:04:41,114 --> 00:04:44,918
One patient adult stays
with them to babysit,
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00:04:44,918 --> 00:04:48,989
until the other adults
return, successful.
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They bring meat for the pups.
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00:04:51,958 --> 00:04:53,059
(YELPING)
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00:04:53,059 --> 00:04:57,531
But a meal only increases
their energy levels.
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00:05:02,402 --> 00:05:05,739
that'll stand them
in good stead as adults.
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00:05:06,840 --> 00:05:10,010
Vultures make great
target practice.
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00:05:17,017 --> 00:05:21,021
Scientists follow and monitor
the pack using radio collars.
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00:05:22,055 --> 00:05:25,091
This is the alpha
female's third litter.
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00:05:25,091 --> 00:05:29,930
She's proving to be a good
mum. But it's tiring work.
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00:05:32,032 --> 00:05:35,702
The pack spends the day
resting in the shade
near the den.
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00:05:36,469 --> 00:05:40,040
There's always something new
for the pups to experience.
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00:05:40,607 --> 00:05:45,879
After this morning's vultures,
they battle squadrons of bees.
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00:05:46,580 --> 00:05:52,419
The bees are searching for
water, and the pups' eyes
and mouths are under attack.
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00:05:56,122 --> 00:05:57,724
Time to go.
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00:05:59,759 --> 00:06:01,861
The pups join the adults,
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00:06:02,062 --> 00:06:05,699
leaving their den behind
for the first time.
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00:06:08,668 --> 00:06:14,040
The pack is now able to roam
over a much larger area,
following their food.
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00:06:17,177 --> 00:06:21,982
Wild dogs need huge areas
to live in, and are very rare.
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00:06:23,550 --> 00:06:27,621
Luangwa in Zambia is one
of their last strongholds,
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00:06:27,621 --> 00:06:31,858
but even here there are only
a dozen or so packs.
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00:06:32,692 --> 00:06:35,962
Over most of Africa, they
are in serious decline,
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00:06:35,962 --> 00:06:38,832
with only a few
hundred packs left.
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This may be one
of the last generations
before extinction.
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(WIND BILLOWING)
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As November approaches,
rainstorms bring great change
to the Luangwa Valley.
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00:06:57,584 --> 00:06:59,419
(HEAVY RAIN AND WIND)
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(THUNDER RUMBLING)
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00:07:03,490 --> 00:07:07,627
Over the next few months
the dogs' dusty home
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00:07:07,627 --> 00:07:11,164
is transformed into
a wetland paradise.
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00:07:12,265 --> 00:07:13,867
(BIRDS CALLING)
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00:07:17,904 --> 00:07:20,173
Fresh grass grows everywhere.
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The antelope scatter
across the savannah,
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00:07:24,010 --> 00:07:26,546
and the dogs follow.
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00:07:27,847 --> 00:07:31,685
For a few months,
they disappear into
a flooded landscape
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of swamps and islands.
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00:07:39,926 --> 00:07:42,662
By May the rains have passed,
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00:07:42,662 --> 00:07:46,466
and once more the dogs' world
begins to dry.
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00:07:47,100 --> 00:07:52,038
But the pack itself has
undergone big changes
over the wet season.
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The dog pack has dwindled
from 19 to 12.
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00:07:57,844 --> 00:08:02,549
Some of the older offspring
have left, to try and start
their own family
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00:08:02,549 --> 00:08:04,984
and one of the pups has died.
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00:08:05,719 --> 00:08:09,155
The remaining six pups
are now a year old,
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almost adult size,
but still very dependent.
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00:08:13,960 --> 00:08:17,530
In human terms,
they're like adolescents.
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00:08:19,999 --> 00:08:25,772
The two parents mark
their territory together,
reaffirming their bond.
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00:08:31,211 --> 00:08:34,114
The yearling pups
still beg for food.
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00:08:36,249 --> 00:08:40,687
They tag along on hunts now
but are more of a hindrance
than a help.
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00:08:42,756 --> 00:08:47,794
The alpha male is aging.
His days as lead hunter
are numbered.
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00:08:49,295 --> 00:08:54,033
But the mother is still
strong and the family
obediently follows her.
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00:09:03,009 --> 00:09:07,313
A lone puku at the waterhole
is a tempting target.
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00:09:08,948 --> 00:09:13,620
Unfortunately, their arch
rivals have got here first.
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Hyenas.
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They're twice the weight
of wild dogs,
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00:09:19,325 --> 00:09:21,795
and as a pack, formidable,
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when they're awake.
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(SNORTING)
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00:09:26,833 --> 00:09:29,836
But there's a hierarchy
around waterholes.
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Top are the elephants.
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00:09:34,641 --> 00:09:36,976
Nobody gets in their way.
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00:09:37,911 --> 00:09:41,981
So the hyenas slink off
to find somewhere
else to snooze
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00:09:41,981 --> 00:09:43,750
until night falls.
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00:09:50,690 --> 00:09:56,596
The dogs, too, find a quiet
corner to wait while the
behemoths drink their fill.
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00:10:01,134 --> 00:10:06,306
The alpha male and female
will face a much tougher
dry season this year.
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00:10:07,307 --> 00:10:12,745
This time around, the only
other hunters in the pack
are four 2-year-olds,
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their eldest offspring.
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00:10:15,281 --> 00:10:19,385
Six hunters are only just
enough to keep the pack going.
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00:10:19,886 --> 00:10:22,856
They desperately need the
additional six yearlings
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to learn the skills
and strategies of a hunt,
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00:10:25,859 --> 00:10:27,994
if the family is to survive.
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00:10:29,229 --> 00:10:30,930
The dogs rest.
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00:10:30,930 --> 00:10:33,933
They'll need all their
energy to hunt tonight.
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00:10:33,933 --> 00:10:36,069
(ELEPHANT TRUMPETS)
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00:10:36,069 --> 00:10:38,404
But peace doesn't last long.
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00:10:41,074 --> 00:10:44,911
This elephant is male,
on heat, in musth.
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00:10:44,911 --> 00:10:47,847
It makes him aggressive,
unpredictable,
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00:10:47,847 --> 00:10:49,883
and very dangerous.
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00:10:51,017 --> 00:10:55,021
His testosterone is
60 times higher than normal.
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00:10:56,122 --> 00:10:57,690
(GRUNTS)
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00:10:58,258 --> 00:11:01,828
He's seven tons of
belligerent frustration.
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00:11:01,828 --> 00:11:03,162
(TRUMPETS)
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00:11:04,464 --> 00:11:08,167
To the pups, surprisingly,
he's no danger,
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00:11:08,167 --> 00:11:12,672
but a bit of fun, a game
of tag on a giant scale.
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00:11:20,179 --> 00:11:21,381
(TRUMPETS)
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00:11:26,486 --> 00:11:28,121
(ELEPHANT GROWLING)
137
00:11:32,759 --> 00:11:33,793
(TRUMPETING)
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00:11:36,062 --> 00:11:37,297
(TRUMPETING)
139
00:11:44,504 --> 00:11:47,407
The elephant will
never catch them,
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00:11:47,407 --> 00:11:50,777
which must only add
to his irritation.
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00:11:54,147 --> 00:11:57,116
He did, however, leave a gift.
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00:11:59,519 --> 00:12:04,023
All dogs love dung,
to roll in, and to smell of,
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00:12:04,023 --> 00:12:06,025
as every dog owner knows.
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00:12:07,193 --> 00:12:11,531
One theory is that they want
to be as smelly as possible.
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00:12:11,531 --> 00:12:14,200
Maybe it's to disguise
their own smell.
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00:12:14,200 --> 00:12:15,768
We really don't know.
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00:12:18,905 --> 00:12:22,942
Another thing that wild dogs
and domestic dogs
have in common
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00:12:22,942 --> 00:12:25,111
is that they play with sticks.
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00:12:25,311 --> 00:12:28,014
It's something few
other animals do.
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00:12:30,450 --> 00:12:32,518
According to psychologists,
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00:12:32,518 --> 00:12:37,390
learning about objects
promotes high-level thinking
and self-awareness.
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00:12:39,459 --> 00:12:44,364
We are only just
beginning to realize
how smart dogs really are.
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The alpha male and female
are more focused
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on the comings
and goings around them.
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00:12:56,909 --> 00:13:00,213
Puku antelope are this
pack's preferred prey,
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but the herd has
many eyes and noses,
and raises the alarm.
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00:13:06,586 --> 00:13:08,254
(SHRIEKING)
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00:13:12,558 --> 00:13:19,232
Impala are another favorite,
but they are more athletic,
and have another advantage.
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00:13:19,899 --> 00:13:21,968
They hang out with baboons.
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00:13:21,968 --> 00:13:23,269
(BABOON GRUNTING)
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00:13:25,505 --> 00:13:28,541
The baboons and impala
look out for each other.
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00:13:37,016 --> 00:13:40,386
As the day wears on,
warthog come by.
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00:13:42,455 --> 00:13:44,657
A warthog could be
a good meal,
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00:13:44,657 --> 00:13:47,860
and much slower
on its feet than the dogs.
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00:13:50,229 --> 00:13:53,132
But the adults have
fearsome tusks,
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00:13:53,132 --> 00:13:57,437
and will turn and fight a lion
or hyena, let alone a dog.
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00:14:00,406 --> 00:14:03,910
By late afternoon,
hunger sets in,
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00:14:03,910 --> 00:14:06,946
and the family begins
to stir once more.
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00:14:07,380 --> 00:14:09,082
(TWITTERING)
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00:14:11,250 --> 00:14:14,020
They greet with
twittering sounds.
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00:14:14,687 --> 00:14:18,624
African wild dogs have a
complex communication system,
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almost like a language.
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00:14:21,494 --> 00:14:25,665
There are 18 types of calls,
with rumbles, buzzes,
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00:14:25,665 --> 00:14:29,268
and moans that are all
unique to wild dogs.
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00:14:36,175 --> 00:14:37,877
(TWITTERING)
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00:14:39,545 --> 00:14:44,217
They are also among the
least aggressive and most
playful of all canines.
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00:14:45,318 --> 00:14:48,654
There's hardly any real
aggression linked to rank.
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00:14:50,656 --> 00:14:54,093
Siblings will usually stay
together all their lives,
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00:14:54,093 --> 00:14:56,929
often founding their own
packs together.
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00:15:10,743 --> 00:15:15,481
One of the older females
plays with the pups as
though she was the runt,
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00:15:15,481 --> 00:15:18,417
and the pups tickle her tummy,
and play-bite.
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00:15:21,053 --> 00:15:22,522
(DOGS WHINING)
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00:15:31,130 --> 00:15:35,268
But it's time to eat.
The alpha male leads off.
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00:15:39,705 --> 00:15:43,476
His partner ends the play
and joins the lead.
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00:15:51,350 --> 00:15:54,086
Twilight is their
most active time.
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00:15:56,556 --> 00:16:00,026
Each evening, they may
travel up to 20 miles,
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00:16:00,026 --> 00:16:02,662
searching for
the herds of puku.
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00:16:04,730 --> 00:16:10,336
In the fading light,
they become silent-footed
creatures of the shadows.
189
00:16:21,681 --> 00:16:27,987
They hunt firstly with
their ears, like huge dishes
turning to every sound.
190
00:16:28,254 --> 00:16:30,523
No dog has better hearing.
191
00:16:35,695 --> 00:16:39,131
Getting wind of the dogs,
antelope scatter.
192
00:16:39,398 --> 00:16:40,466
A bushbuck.
193
00:16:41,434 --> 00:16:42,602
A puku.
194
00:16:48,474 --> 00:16:52,144
This pack specializes
in creating chaos
in the woodland.
195
00:16:58,150 --> 00:17:00,419
The dogs don't tire easily.
196
00:17:06,759 --> 00:17:09,061
And nightfall
doesn't stop them.
197
00:17:09,362 --> 00:17:11,464
They're too hungry
to give up now.
198
00:17:15,534 --> 00:17:20,172
They burn up food,
each one needing
double the energy humans do,
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00:17:20,172 --> 00:17:23,042
despite being
a third the size.
200
00:17:26,379 --> 00:17:29,515
The six yearling pups
follow enthusiastically,
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00:17:29,515 --> 00:17:31,617
but in the confusion
and the darkness,
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00:17:31,617 --> 00:17:33,552
they aren't much help yet.
203
00:17:35,121 --> 00:17:40,059
The hunt involves
chase after chase,
over several miles.
204
00:17:45,331 --> 00:17:46,732
They could overheat.
205
00:17:46,732 --> 00:17:49,435
Their brain would be fried
if it weren't for
206
00:17:49,435 --> 00:17:52,371
their big ears acting
as cooling fans.
207
00:17:56,342 --> 00:17:58,277
But as it gets darker,
208
00:17:58,277 --> 00:18:00,646
the advantage turns
back to the puku.
209
00:18:03,416 --> 00:18:04,550
(HOWLING)
210
00:18:04,550 --> 00:18:07,853
Their night vision is more
acute than the dogs'.
211
00:18:13,759 --> 00:18:17,463
Hyenas and lions
take over the night shift.
212
00:18:18,264 --> 00:18:21,334
The twilight-loving dogs
must make way.
213
00:18:22,902 --> 00:18:25,171
The hyenas have young to feed.
214
00:18:25,171 --> 00:18:27,807
Their pups are only
a few months old.
215
00:18:29,608 --> 00:18:32,244
Hyenas are social,
like wild dogs.
216
00:18:32,244 --> 00:18:34,613
The clan is built
around the family.
217
00:18:36,182 --> 00:18:41,187
Though actually, they're more
closely related to cats
and civets than canines.
218
00:18:42,855 --> 00:18:46,892
The wild dogs wait for dawn
to resume hunting.
219
00:18:49,829 --> 00:18:53,299
Their saliva shows up black
in the night-vision camera.
220
00:18:53,866 --> 00:18:57,336
We can see who's got
the most attention.
221
00:18:57,336 --> 00:19:00,773
It's the alpha female,
their devoted mother,
222
00:19:00,773 --> 00:19:03,342
and the linchpin
of this family.
223
00:19:07,246 --> 00:19:10,883
As dawn breaks, the wild
dogs go into action.
224
00:19:13,886 --> 00:19:16,789
Caught napping,
a puku gets trapped.
225
00:19:21,727 --> 00:19:23,362
They don't go for the throat.
226
00:19:23,362 --> 00:19:28,234
Wild dogs are too small
to throttle an antelope
three times their size.
227
00:19:31,303 --> 00:19:34,273
It takes all of them
to stop the puku escaping.
228
00:19:36,909 --> 00:19:38,544
(PUKU GRUNTING)
229
00:19:42,782 --> 00:19:45,885
The dogs have to eat
as fast as they can.
230
00:19:47,853 --> 00:19:51,424
The prolonged kill has
inevitably attracted
attention.
231
00:19:54,827 --> 00:19:57,830
The hyenas arrive
to steal the meal.
232
00:20:04,537 --> 00:20:06,505
The family sets off again,
233
00:20:06,872 --> 00:20:11,310
avoiding a battle
with their rivals that
they're sure to lose.
234
00:20:16,982 --> 00:20:20,519
They're always on the move,
naturally itinerant.
235
00:20:22,688 --> 00:20:26,358
Wild dogs only use a den
when there are young puppies.
236
00:20:27,426 --> 00:20:30,663
The rest of the year
is spent exploring new areas
237
00:20:30,663 --> 00:20:33,265
within their
massive home range.
238
00:20:36,569 --> 00:20:41,540
Perhaps a new neighborhood
will help the yearlings
gain in experience.
239
00:20:43,609 --> 00:20:48,781
Unaware, they move into
the territory of a large
female leopard.
240
00:20:49,582 --> 00:20:53,586
She's a ferocious cat,
far more powerful
than one of them,
241
00:20:54,320 --> 00:20:56,422
but the dogs
give chase anyway.
242
00:20:57,590 --> 00:20:59,859
Some things are universal.
243
00:21:03,095 --> 00:21:05,064
They're not after
her as prey,
244
00:21:05,064 --> 00:21:08,901
but as a rival predator,
she competes with
them for food.
245
00:21:11,370 --> 00:21:15,741
She could easily take one
of the dogs down, but she's
no match for the pack.
246
00:21:22,381 --> 00:21:26,318
Cornered up a tree,
the leopard waits
out of reach,
247
00:21:26,585 --> 00:21:28,654
frustrating the dogs below.
248
00:21:33,526 --> 00:21:34,660
(LEOPARD GROWLING)
249
00:21:35,494 --> 00:21:37,963
Eventually, they give up.
250
00:21:55,614 --> 00:22:00,819
As the day warms, they rest,
with the morning's puku
in their bellies.
251
00:22:07,760 --> 00:22:11,530
The breakfast won't satisfy
the pups for long.
252
00:22:12,498 --> 00:22:14,166
When the afternoon cools,
253
00:22:14,166 --> 00:22:17,469
the ceremony of greeting
and playing still includes
254
00:22:17,469 --> 00:22:22,408
begging their mother for food
like the big babies they were
six months ago.
255
00:22:24,443 --> 00:22:26,779
But she's got nothing
to give them.
256
00:22:30,783 --> 00:22:33,852
As well as food,
the dogs need water.
257
00:22:34,453 --> 00:22:37,656
Towards the river
are drying lagoons.
258
00:22:56,108 --> 00:22:58,844
The dogs haven't visited
here for a while,
259
00:22:58,844 --> 00:23:01,380
and the antelope
are off their guard.
260
00:23:07,019 --> 00:23:11,724
These isolated oxbow lakes
form when the river
changes course.
261
00:23:19,598 --> 00:23:25,170
In the wet season they fill,
but now thin puddles
are all that remain.
262
00:23:26,839 --> 00:23:31,110
There's barely enough
for a drink but it still
draws the animals in.
263
00:23:42,855 --> 00:23:46,692
Elephants should have
no problem pushing the dogs
off the waterhole.
264
00:23:48,827 --> 00:23:50,863
But the pack holds its ground.
265
00:24:01,674 --> 00:24:02,908
(ELEPHANT GROWLING)
266
00:24:04,043 --> 00:24:06,945
The alpha couple stares
the lead elephant down,
267
00:24:07,513 --> 00:24:09,782
and the family holds firm.
268
00:24:11,250 --> 00:24:14,586
The elephant seems
confused and backs away.
269
00:24:15,721 --> 00:24:18,657
That's something the locals
don't see very often.
270
00:24:19,892 --> 00:24:22,995
The yearlings all
stand strong together.
271
00:24:27,166 --> 00:24:28,534
(TRUMPETS)
272
00:24:30,869 --> 00:24:33,005
The elephants grow frustrated,
273
00:24:34,139 --> 00:24:38,510
but nobody moves until
the elephants give up.
274
00:24:44,616 --> 00:24:48,487
The family seems to revel
in its new-found bravado.
275
00:24:51,824 --> 00:24:53,892
They seem more cohesive.
276
00:24:53,892 --> 00:24:55,294
They're moving as a pack,
277
00:24:55,294 --> 00:25:00,099
traveling west
towards permanent water
and better hunting.
278
00:25:07,606 --> 00:25:10,175
The landscape around
them is changing.
279
00:25:10,909 --> 00:25:14,146
This woodland is different,
a little denser.
280
00:25:17,249 --> 00:25:20,719
And the animals they
encounter are stranger.
281
00:25:26,291 --> 00:25:29,862
They've reached the open
plains near the Luangwa River.
282
00:25:32,264 --> 00:25:35,234
The adult dogs know
that the nearer the river,
283
00:25:35,234 --> 00:25:38,537
the more full of life
it is in the dry season.
284
00:25:38,937 --> 00:25:41,607
But it's all new
to the yearlings.
285
00:25:42,875 --> 00:25:44,843
Puku and impala
are everywhere,
286
00:25:45,144 --> 00:25:49,281
converging on the last
permanent water in the valley.
287
00:26:02,728 --> 00:26:03,762
(WHINNYING)
288
00:26:05,130 --> 00:26:07,999
But that doesn't make them
any easier to catch.
289
00:26:10,335 --> 00:26:13,705
The antelope here
seem more wary.
290
00:26:14,173 --> 00:26:18,610
They're skittish, keeping
a much greater distance
from the dogs.
291
00:26:20,746 --> 00:26:24,049
This is a popular hunting
ground for all predators,
292
00:26:24,049 --> 00:26:28,086
including the biggest and
most dangerous of all.
293
00:26:31,190 --> 00:26:33,725
He'd steal
anything they catch.
294
00:26:44,036 --> 00:26:48,006
They keep moving, until they
reach the end of the line.
295
00:26:50,142 --> 00:26:55,080
The alpha pair have led
their family to the bank
of the Luangwa River.
296
00:26:56,048 --> 00:26:59,218
The yearlings have never
seen anything like it.
297
00:27:04,022 --> 00:27:08,126
The Luangwa is one
of the longest unaltered
rivers in Africa.
298
00:27:12,231 --> 00:27:15,801
The Valley covers
20,000 square miles
299
00:27:15,801 --> 00:27:19,404
and is one of
the richest places for
wildlife in the world.
300
00:27:32,384 --> 00:27:37,089
To the dogs from
Hot Springs, it must seem
like so much water,
301
00:27:37,756 --> 00:27:39,691
and so many animals.
302
00:27:44,096 --> 00:27:46,765
Some are strange and menacing.
303
00:27:48,066 --> 00:27:51,036
Others look harmless,
but aren't.
304
00:27:54,273 --> 00:27:57,409
The hippo calves are guarded
by their mothers.
305
00:28:03,148 --> 00:28:06,451
Like children on their first
visit to the seaside,
306
00:28:06,451 --> 00:28:09,321
the dogs can't contain
their curiosity,
307
00:28:09,321 --> 00:28:10,789
and excitement.
308
00:28:15,427 --> 00:28:20,933
Dogs love to dig,
burying food,
or digging for any meal.
309
00:28:23,335 --> 00:28:26,004
Little edible lives
under the sand,
310
00:28:26,471 --> 00:28:29,007
but there is fresh water.
311
00:28:33,378 --> 00:28:38,383
As evening approaches,
the family is in
for more surprises.
312
00:28:39,217 --> 00:28:43,388
The hippos head onto
the grassy banks
for a night of grazing,
313
00:28:43,956 --> 00:28:47,893
and a herd of elephants
arrives for an evening drink.
314
00:28:50,329 --> 00:28:54,900
So many large neighbors
to contend with is
a little overwhelming.
315
00:28:59,805 --> 00:29:01,106
(GROWLING)
316
00:29:15,520 --> 00:29:17,990
The crocodiles
are intimidating.
317
00:29:17,990 --> 00:29:21,159
They're feeding on the giant
carcass of an elephant.
318
00:29:21,960 --> 00:29:26,498
But the greatest threat
lies on the opposite
side of the river.
319
00:29:27,833 --> 00:29:33,005
A family of lionesses,
nicknamed the Hollywood Pride.
320
00:29:34,573 --> 00:29:39,277
The channel
separates the dogs,
but lions often cross.
321
00:29:39,277 --> 00:29:41,880
The water's only
one foot deep.
322
00:29:44,883 --> 00:29:48,253
The older youngsters
chaperone the yearlings away.
323
00:30:02,334 --> 00:30:05,437
The alpha female
challenges the lions.
324
00:30:05,971 --> 00:30:06,972
(BARKING)
325
00:30:07,906 --> 00:30:09,508
She'd risk her life
for her family.
326
00:30:10,042 --> 00:30:11,843
(BARKING CONTINUES)
327
00:30:18,016 --> 00:30:19,017
(GROWLING)
328
00:30:30,462 --> 00:30:32,564
(DOG CONTINUES GROWLING)
329
00:30:43,508 --> 00:30:46,178
Her barks do little
to intimidate the cats.
330
00:30:48,013 --> 00:30:50,849
But eventually,
the lions move on.
331
00:30:51,083 --> 00:30:52,617
It's time for them to hunt.
332
00:30:54,219 --> 00:30:56,054
(GROWLING CONTINUES)
333
00:31:13,171 --> 00:31:16,274
The courageous mother
defended the family,
334
00:31:18,009 --> 00:31:20,212
but she still
has to feed them.
335
00:31:20,946 --> 00:31:23,381
The yearlings
are hungry again.
336
00:31:28,987 --> 00:31:33,391
The four older siblings,
the 2-year-olds,
take the lead.
337
00:31:34,226 --> 00:31:38,630
The brother and three
sisters are almost ready
for independence.
338
00:31:42,334 --> 00:31:43,468
(SCREECHING)
339
00:31:58,984 --> 00:32:02,287
For once, the yearlings
are right behind them.
340
00:32:02,521 --> 00:32:07,559
Working with their older
siblings, they fan out
and help herd the puku
341
00:32:07,559 --> 00:32:09,427
down towards the beach.
342
00:32:10,595 --> 00:32:12,764
An older sister's got one.
343
00:32:12,764 --> 00:32:16,468
It's a big male puku,
and she desperately
needs help.
344
00:32:18,436 --> 00:32:20,639
It takes the yearlings
a moment to realize
345
00:32:20,639 --> 00:32:23,141
that their older sister
has caught something,
346
00:32:23,642 --> 00:32:27,379
but they are beginning
to understand what's needed.
347
00:32:28,713 --> 00:32:32,017
It's the first successful
catch with their help.
348
00:32:33,318 --> 00:32:36,288
But another sister
is on her own mission.
349
00:32:36,621 --> 00:32:39,424
In the distance,
she grabs another puku.
350
00:32:39,658 --> 00:32:42,327
She can't hold it
and also needs help.
351
00:32:43,261 --> 00:32:44,696
With the first puku down,
352
00:32:45,230 --> 00:32:47,232
the dogs come to her aid.
353
00:32:49,534 --> 00:32:52,504
This is what teamwork
should look like.
354
00:32:54,339 --> 00:32:57,075
It's a good evening
for the dogs.
355
00:32:57,642 --> 00:32:59,578
But they need to eat quickly.
356
00:33:02,280 --> 00:33:06,218
The commotion draws
the attention of
bigger predators.
357
00:33:07,719 --> 00:33:10,755
The lionesses have
crossed the river.
358
00:33:13,258 --> 00:33:18,463
It seems making their kills
on the beach wasn't
the dogs' greatest idea.
359
00:33:19,397 --> 00:33:21,633
While they fed on one puku,
360
00:33:21,633 --> 00:33:24,402
a huge croc stole the other.
361
00:33:26,838 --> 00:33:29,241
The pack had
a good meal first,
362
00:33:29,241 --> 00:33:32,244
but the yearlings are
reluctant to give up
a prize
363
00:33:32,244 --> 00:33:34,346
they've helped
earn themselves.
364
00:33:39,217 --> 00:33:40,785
(CROCODILE GROWLING)
365
00:33:41,186 --> 00:33:45,090
They may not realize how
dangerous these reptiles are.
366
00:33:46,691 --> 00:33:49,227
This game is a bad idea.
367
00:33:51,696 --> 00:33:53,398
It gets worse.
368
00:33:54,599 --> 00:33:57,235
Hyenas are on their way.
369
00:33:57,736 --> 00:34:01,406
Behind them, the lionesses.
370
00:34:02,207 --> 00:34:04,609
Both are after
the dogs' kills,
371
00:34:04,609 --> 00:34:08,546
and neither would think
twice about attacking them
to get a meal.
372
00:34:08,546 --> 00:34:09,781
(GROWLING)
373
00:34:16,221 --> 00:34:20,091
Cats can see at night
much more effectively
than dogs.
374
00:34:22,827 --> 00:34:25,297
The pack abandons its kill,
375
00:34:25,830 --> 00:34:27,799
but the lions keep coming.
376
00:34:27,799 --> 00:34:28,867
(ROARS)
377
00:34:28,867 --> 00:34:31,770
They just want the dogs
away from the river.
378
00:34:32,270 --> 00:34:35,073
Any rival predator
is bad news.
379
00:34:54,826 --> 00:34:55,827
(SNARLING)
380
00:35:15,780 --> 00:35:18,850
The family flees down
the beach to safety.
381
00:35:20,719 --> 00:35:22,687
The night has been eventful,
382
00:35:23,588 --> 00:35:27,192
but at least they've fed
and, more importantly,
383
00:35:27,192 --> 00:35:29,427
the yearlings have
joined the hunt.
384
00:35:42,774 --> 00:35:44,876
(BIRDS TWITTERING)
385
00:35:57,722 --> 00:36:02,460
Over the next few weeks,
the Luangwa River
continues to fall,
386
00:36:02,460 --> 00:36:06,431
and draws increasing numbers
of animals to its banks.
387
00:36:12,303 --> 00:36:16,908
Despite the run-in with
the lions, the dog pack
stays close to the river,
388
00:36:17,442 --> 00:36:20,879
and the yearlings get
more competent every day.
389
00:36:22,247 --> 00:36:26,351
But the rains are due soon,
and then there will be water
390
00:36:26,351 --> 00:36:28,186
away from the river.
391
00:36:29,754 --> 00:36:31,656
The antelope will disperse,
392
00:36:31,656 --> 00:36:34,759
and kills here will be
harder to come by.
393
00:36:35,860 --> 00:36:40,432
The dogs will stay until then,
but the pressure is on now,
394
00:36:40,432 --> 00:36:44,536
not only to eat,
but for the youngsters
to learn to hunt.
395
00:36:45,904 --> 00:36:49,274
The yearlings now regularly
help the six adults.
396
00:36:49,641 --> 00:36:52,477
The alpha pair
and the four 2-year-olds
397
00:36:52,477 --> 00:36:54,479
still make all the kills,
398
00:36:54,479 --> 00:36:57,749
but the yearlings make up
the crucial numbers needed.
399
00:36:59,617 --> 00:37:03,788
The pack's new-found success
comes at a price.
400
00:37:05,790 --> 00:37:08,560
All the lions are
on to them now.
401
00:37:09,928 --> 00:37:15,467
After each successful kill,
the dogs wolf down as much
as they can
402
00:37:15,467 --> 00:37:17,836
before the lions
and hyenas arrive.
403
00:37:19,370 --> 00:37:21,873
They lose many
of their meals.
404
00:37:25,376 --> 00:37:27,979
Male lions are
mostly scavengers.
405
00:37:27,979 --> 00:37:30,648
They don't need
to hunt for themselves.
406
00:37:32,784 --> 00:37:35,787
Despite the dangers
and frequent losses,
407
00:37:35,787 --> 00:37:38,823
the family is reluctant
to leave the river.
408
00:37:39,824 --> 00:37:42,594
Hunting school
is still in session.
409
00:37:43,828 --> 00:37:47,599
The yearlings
are getting stronger
and their muscles filling out.
410
00:37:48,433 --> 00:37:50,602
They're gaining in confidence.
411
00:37:52,971 --> 00:37:56,007
Most days, the three
2-year-old sisters
412
00:37:56,007 --> 00:37:58,576
lead the yearlings
down to the beach.
413
00:37:59,644 --> 00:38:03,548
They wash the night's evidence
from their faces, and play.
414
00:38:18,730 --> 00:38:20,932
It's a way to unwind,
415
00:38:20,932 --> 00:38:24,402
but it also reinforces
the bonds between them
416
00:38:24,402 --> 00:38:26,504
and the roles
they play in the hunt.
417
00:38:27,705 --> 00:38:31,342
It's an important part
of the yearlings' training.
418
00:38:33,077 --> 00:38:36,948
The lionesses are never far,
a constant threat.
419
00:38:38,082 --> 00:38:41,586
To the cats,
the dogs are competition.
420
00:38:42,020 --> 00:38:45,690
But they're so full of meals
provided by the dogs,
421
00:38:46,558 --> 00:38:49,494
they're a lot less dangerous
than if they were hungry.
422
00:38:53,765 --> 00:38:58,136
The promise of rain
begins to lure antelope
away from the river,
423
00:38:58,136 --> 00:39:02,006
for easier water
and fresher grass.
424
00:39:04,776 --> 00:39:07,512
It's time for the dogs
to leave too.
425
00:39:10,181 --> 00:39:11,783
The yearlings seem happy,
426
00:39:14,018 --> 00:39:16,621
but the three older
sisters hold back.
427
00:39:21,693 --> 00:39:26,464
Eventually, they all
set off together for
the long journey home.
428
00:39:27,665 --> 00:39:29,901
They're heading back
to Hot Springs.
429
00:39:34,672 --> 00:39:37,742
As the day warms,
they have to rest.
430
00:39:44,215 --> 00:39:48,720
The 2-year-old sisters
sit apart from their
younger siblings.
431
00:39:50,622 --> 00:39:54,659
They're adults now,
and ready to start breeding.
432
00:39:55,960 --> 00:39:58,896
So they have
a decision to make.
433
00:40:04,469 --> 00:40:07,672
Wild dog calls
can travel many miles,
434
00:40:07,672 --> 00:40:12,644
and the three females listen,
maybe for potential mates.
435
00:40:14,746 --> 00:40:17,915
The male moves away
from his sisters.
436
00:40:17,915 --> 00:40:20,151
He'll stay with
the family for longer,
437
00:40:20,151 --> 00:40:23,454
helping his parents
and younger siblings.
438
00:40:23,788 --> 00:40:26,057
But the sisters are restless
439
00:40:26,791 --> 00:40:29,761
and for a moment seem unsure.
440
00:40:35,733 --> 00:40:39,003
They would be abandoning their
family, and their brother,
441
00:40:39,237 --> 00:40:41,639
and everything they know.
442
00:40:43,975 --> 00:40:48,079
But leaving would
give them a chance
to have pups themselves.
443
00:40:50,214 --> 00:40:52,450
They decide to go it alone.
444
00:40:54,719 --> 00:40:56,721
The sisters
will stay together,
445
00:40:56,721 --> 00:40:59,724
traveling for maybe
hundreds of miles
446
00:40:59,724 --> 00:41:01,993
across the Luangwa
River basin,
447
00:41:01,993 --> 00:41:04,962
searching for nomad males
their own age,
448
00:41:04,962 --> 00:41:06,931
or a pack they can join.
449
00:41:09,233 --> 00:41:13,171
Now, there are only three
adults in the pack,
450
00:41:13,171 --> 00:41:15,840
only three competent hunters.
451
00:41:16,207 --> 00:41:18,609
Five is considered
the minimum.
452
00:41:19,277 --> 00:41:23,081
The six yearlings will
have to fill the gap fast.
453
00:41:23,781 --> 00:41:26,551
Their new-found skills will
really be put to the test.
454
00:41:28,019 --> 00:41:31,556
The first rains will signal
the start of lean times
455
00:41:31,556 --> 00:41:33,491
for the valley's predators.
456
00:41:33,891 --> 00:41:37,829
The three sisters' leaving
could not have come
at a worse time.
457
00:41:38,730 --> 00:41:40,665
To add to
the family's troubles,
458
00:41:40,665 --> 00:41:44,902
one of the yearlings
is injured and is slowing
their progress.
459
00:41:45,770 --> 00:41:49,240
Without enough dogs,
they won't be able
to bring down prey.
460
00:41:50,007 --> 00:41:52,977
They can't afford to be
another dog short.
461
00:41:53,978 --> 00:41:57,215
Family ties compel
the others to wait for him.
462
00:41:58,116 --> 00:42:02,620
It's only by all
pulling together that
this family will survive.
463
00:42:03,755 --> 00:42:05,123
(THUNDER RUMBLING)
464
00:42:09,660 --> 00:42:11,729
They're heading back
to Hot Springs,
465
00:42:11,729 --> 00:42:13,831
where all the yearlings
were born.
466
00:42:15,700 --> 00:42:20,138
There's permanent water,
and a few antelope
always return there.
467
00:42:25,710 --> 00:42:29,013
Blocking the way ahead,
buffalo.
468
00:42:32,016 --> 00:42:38,022
Buffalos are belligerent,
heavily armored,
built to fight off lions.
469
00:42:44,896 --> 00:42:47,298
The dogs will never
catch a buffalo.
470
00:42:48,232 --> 00:42:51,035
But the yearlings do need
to practice hunting.
471
00:42:52,837 --> 00:42:57,175
This game of chase
is dangerous, but it
will hone their skills
472
00:42:57,175 --> 00:42:59,076
and build their confidence.
473
00:43:00,178 --> 00:43:02,246
(BUFFALO SNORTING
AND GRUNTING)
474
00:43:15,993 --> 00:43:18,162
The young dogs are fearless.
475
00:43:18,162 --> 00:43:22,767
They work together as a team,
moving the buffalo
out of the way.
476
00:43:28,005 --> 00:43:29,474
(SNORTING)
477
00:43:29,474 --> 00:43:33,644
If they can
take on these guys,
they're ready to do anything.
478
00:43:36,080 --> 00:43:41,252
The promised rains never
quite come before the family
arrives back at Hot Springs.
479
00:43:46,023 --> 00:43:47,325
(THUNDER RUMBLING)
480
00:43:56,100 --> 00:44:01,205
Once home,
the alpha male and female
reaffirm their bonds.
481
00:44:02,740 --> 00:44:06,244
A change in her scent
means only one thing,
482
00:44:07,144 --> 00:44:09,747
she's ready to mate again.
483
00:44:11,716 --> 00:44:14,352
In a few months,
there should be new pups.
484
00:44:15,786 --> 00:44:19,156
They den here because
there'll be fewer
lions and hyenas
485
00:44:19,156 --> 00:44:20,992
than there are
nearer the river.
486
00:44:21,726 --> 00:44:23,728
At least, in theory.
487
00:44:29,200 --> 00:44:32,370
The puku and impala
are returning too,
488
00:44:32,370 --> 00:44:35,273
no longer reliant on
the river for moisture.
489
00:44:36,474 --> 00:44:41,112
Soon, the alpha female
will retire to her den.
490
00:44:42,480 --> 00:44:44,815
The alpha male is old now,
491
00:44:44,815 --> 00:44:47,318
not the hunter he used to be.
492
00:44:49,453 --> 00:44:53,224
The survival of the pack
depends on the yearlings.
493
00:45:02,300 --> 00:45:04,235
They've learned well.
494
00:45:04,235 --> 00:45:07,471
They know to split up
and flank their prey.
495
00:45:08,873 --> 00:45:10,441
(DOGS CALLING)
496
00:45:20,084 --> 00:45:23,354
They know they just
have to keep running...
497
00:45:29,961 --> 00:45:33,030
And eventually,
the kill will come.
498
00:45:38,569 --> 00:45:44,809
The yearling drives the impala
right into the jaws
of his siblings.
499
00:45:46,911 --> 00:45:48,346
(DOGS TWITTERING)
500
00:45:49,747 --> 00:45:53,951
For the first time,
they provide a meal
for their mother.
501
00:45:55,019 --> 00:45:56,387
They eat quickly.
502
00:45:56,387 --> 00:45:58,990
Little goes unnoticed
on these plains
503
00:45:58,990 --> 00:46:02,994
and you never know who's
coming to dinner uninvited.
504
00:46:05,596 --> 00:46:06,797
(HOWLING)
505
00:46:07,832 --> 00:46:10,768
Hyenas. Their old enemies.
506
00:46:20,911 --> 00:46:22,446
(HYENAS YIPPING)
507
00:46:22,446 --> 00:46:27,818
But now the pack has
confidence, and together
the dogs stand strong.
508
00:46:28,419 --> 00:46:30,821
(GROWLING)
509
00:46:43,000 --> 00:46:45,870
Let the hyenas fight
over the scraps.
510
00:46:46,570 --> 00:46:49,907
These hunters can always
catch another meal.
511
00:46:52,143 --> 00:46:56,213
For this family, six fresh
young hunters is enough.
512
00:46:57,982 --> 00:47:00,217
The yearlings have
come of age.
513
00:47:02,286 --> 00:47:06,023
They're ready to help defend
and feed the new puppies
514
00:47:06,323 --> 00:47:07,858
when they come.
515
00:47:10,628 --> 00:47:15,900
For now, at least,
the future looks secure
for the Hot Springs Pack.
516
00:47:21,605 --> 00:47:26,477
It's a ray of hope
for wild dogs in Africa.
517
00:47:30,014 --> 00:47:38,022
♪♪
518
00:47:38,022 --> 00:47:45,029
♪♪
519
00:47:45,029 --> 00:47:53,037
♪♪
42327
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