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Narrator:
In zambia's luangwa valley,
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00:00:05,456 --> 00:00:07,548
Two tribes are at war.
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(groans)
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00:00:10,094 --> 00:00:14,555
On one side
the mighty mwamba pride:
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00:00:14,631 --> 00:00:17,891
A band of hunters
who rule this wilderness.
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00:00:21,388 --> 00:00:22,813
Their opponents...
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00:00:22,898 --> 00:00:27,225
A veritable battalion
of 300 buffalo.
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00:00:27,236 --> 00:00:30,237
Armed and very dangerous.
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00:00:30,314 --> 00:00:32,147
(growling)
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00:00:32,158 --> 00:00:35,117
As their life and death
feud plays out,
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00:00:36,987 --> 00:00:41,540
It sends ripples through
the lives of every animal here.
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00:00:42,326 --> 00:00:44,084
(snarling)
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00:00:44,161 --> 00:00:47,087
When the final confrontation
draws near,
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00:00:49,416 --> 00:00:51,842
Who will come out on top?
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00:00:53,921 --> 00:00:55,220
(snorting)
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00:00:56,256 --> 00:00:58,474
(♪♪♪)
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This is the mwamba pride.
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00:01:23,200 --> 00:01:26,368
A 20-strong family of lions,
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Constantly on the lookout
for their next meal.
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00:01:34,220 --> 00:01:39,181
Nine powerful lionesses
are the pride's elite hunters.
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00:01:41,051 --> 00:01:44,478
Their teenage cubs are eager
to join the hunt...
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00:01:47,817 --> 00:01:52,486
Practicing their moves
at any opportunity.
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00:01:52,563 --> 00:01:56,240
At the helm sits a trio
of pride males...
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(groans)
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00:01:58,735 --> 00:01:59,868
Axel,
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00:02:01,071 --> 00:02:02,538
Spike,
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00:02:05,075 --> 00:02:07,325
And mohawk.
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00:02:07,336 --> 00:02:09,169
These fearsome beasts
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00:02:09,246 --> 00:02:12,548
Are the most powerful lions
in the land,
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00:02:13,417 --> 00:02:15,667
And rule a prime territory
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In the heart of zambia's
luangwa valley.
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00:02:25,429 --> 00:02:29,439
It's a patchwork of grassland
and forest...
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00:02:29,516 --> 00:02:34,361
Teeming with just the sort
of animals lions like to eat.
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(zebras yapping)
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Running through it is
the broad luangwa river,
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A lifeline for everything here.
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00:02:52,289 --> 00:02:53,955
The mwamba territory
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00:02:53,966 --> 00:02:58,802
Occupies nine square miles
of the west bank.
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It's August, three months
since the last rains...
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Two more until the next.
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00:03:17,564 --> 00:03:19,489
At this time of year
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Prey has no choice but to
venture to the river to drink.
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00:03:27,249 --> 00:03:31,743
And with their well-appointed
riverside real estate,
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The mwambas are
in the perfect position
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To reap the riches
of the dry season.
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There's one animal
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The mwamba pride covets
above all others.
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(snorting)
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Buffalo.
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But this ultimate prize
is also the deadliest.
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00:04:05,195 --> 00:04:09,539
These one-ton giants
are lion killers,
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00:04:11,627 --> 00:04:15,087
With hooves that trample
attackers into the dirt
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00:04:16,632 --> 00:04:19,091
And horns that rip
through flesh.
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00:04:22,388 --> 00:04:25,722
Armor-plated by their
two-inch-thick hide,
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00:04:25,799 --> 00:04:29,268
It takes a whole pride
to bring down a buffalo.
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00:04:31,897 --> 00:04:34,723
Not something
to undertake lightly.
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(snarling)
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A successful buffalo hunt
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00:04:41,073 --> 00:04:44,741
Usually requires the strength
of the big males.
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00:04:46,153 --> 00:04:49,830
The lionesses specialize
in smaller prey.
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00:04:58,924 --> 00:05:00,799
(grunts)
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00:05:07,182 --> 00:05:10,892
They're experts in concealment
and surprise.
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00:05:16,850 --> 00:05:21,862
And this patchwork landscape
is full of hiding places.
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00:05:23,282 --> 00:05:26,199
The prey's only hope
is to run.
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00:05:28,612 --> 00:05:33,865
Like all lions the mwambas lack
the stamina for a long chase.
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00:05:36,703 --> 00:05:39,371
But, once night falls,
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00:05:39,381 --> 00:05:42,799
The lionesses' vision
gives them the advantage.
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00:05:55,481 --> 00:05:58,223
Despite their deadly skills,
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Only one in three chases
ends in a kill.
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00:06:03,146 --> 00:06:06,865
A lot of hard work
for such a small meal.
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00:06:08,243 --> 00:06:12,913
One impala doesn't stretch far
between 20 diners.
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00:06:15,826 --> 00:06:18,001
Keeping everyone well-fed
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00:06:18,078 --> 00:06:21,213
Is testing the mwamba lionesses
to their limits.
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00:06:39,266 --> 00:06:43,819
By the following afternoon,
the pride is hungry again.
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00:06:46,440 --> 00:06:50,325
This time pork is on offer
rather than venison.
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00:06:59,786 --> 00:07:01,169
(warthog squealing)
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The warthog slips the net.
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00:07:07,878 --> 00:07:10,962
But as the temperature drops
towards evening,
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The menu changes again...
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Beef.
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A bachelor group of buffalo.
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One bull would feed
this hungry family for a week.
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A crack team,
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The lionesses fan out...
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00:07:33,495 --> 00:07:36,079
Their movements
are coordinated,
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Each knows her role in the hunt.
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00:07:46,341 --> 00:07:47,799
They isolate a bull.
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00:07:53,757 --> 00:07:55,724
But he's ready for them.
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00:08:01,014 --> 00:08:03,681
The mwambas must
stay out of range
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Of his wickedly sharp horns.
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His thick hide foils an attack
from behind.
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00:08:23,119 --> 00:08:27,881
On his feet, this ton of muscle
is unstoppable.
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00:08:29,051 --> 00:08:31,134
Without the heavy pride males,
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The lionesses lack the bulk
to fell him.
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00:08:34,723 --> 00:08:35,889
(♪♪♪)
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Spike arrives...
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Too late.
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The bull has taken refuge
in a lagoon...
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00:09:01,333 --> 00:09:03,250
And there's no way to reach him
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Without getting trapped
in the mud.
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(grunts)
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Abandoning a lost cause...
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The hungry lions head off
to hunt elsewhere.
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00:09:24,931 --> 00:09:29,025
By daybreak the buffalo
is long gone.
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And the lionesses bear the marks
of their bruising encounter.
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In the days that follow,
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Kills are few and far between.
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The hungrier
these lions get...
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The more tempting
the sight of a buffalo becomes.
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But this buffalo isn't alone.
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A herd 300-strong has crossed
into mwamba territory.
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Its dangerous ground,
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Lorded over
by known buffalo-killers.
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But the pride-lands hold
rich grazing,
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And access to water.
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The buffalo soldiers
must take the risk.
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Forging the way
is the pathfinder.
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A strong, dominant male.
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The entire herd puts
their trust in him.
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This strategy keeps
the group together
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As they travel through
the wilderness.
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The buffalo have
a much larger home-range
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Than that of the lions...
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Up to 400 square miles.
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00:11:13,456 --> 00:11:17,625
They follow a circuitous route
through their domain,
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Constantly searching
for new grass
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00:11:20,138 --> 00:11:24,599
And never venturing more
than twelve miles from water.
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00:11:26,052 --> 00:11:29,053
The buffalo's visits to
the mwamba pride-lands
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Are brief and unpredictable.
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As they walk,
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Mothers with calves
seek shelter inside the herd,
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Surrounded by burly adults.
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The calves weigh only
90 pounds at birth.
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A fraction of the size
of their parents.
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00:11:53,997 --> 00:11:56,506
Their horns are just tiny stubs.
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00:11:58,001 --> 00:12:02,262
A much easier prospect
for the hungry mwambas...
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If they can get one on its own.
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Impala and warthog
would have run by now.
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These buffalo are going nowhere.
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Instead, they close ranks
around the calves.
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And then, turn the tables.
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The lions know better than
to put up a fight.
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The buffalo win again.
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00:13:22,344 --> 00:13:25,595
Banding together safeguards
the next generation.
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00:13:26,765 --> 00:13:28,840
It also protects adults
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00:13:28,850 --> 00:13:30,975
Who might not survive
on their own.
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Lions and buffalo are old foes.
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The herd treads the same
well-worn paths
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00:13:44,783 --> 00:13:47,951
Through the mwamba territory
several times a month.
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They're lion-savvy...
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00:13:54,209 --> 00:13:58,419
A missing tail is a sure sign
of a lion encounter.
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00:14:01,875 --> 00:14:04,342
But this knowledge
cuts both ways.
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00:14:05,804 --> 00:14:10,223
The lions know what it takes
to bring down a buffalo.
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They must choose
the right time and place
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00:14:12,894 --> 00:14:15,144
To shift the odds
in their favor.
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00:14:17,724 --> 00:14:20,400
The buffalo will only be
in their territory
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For two or three days
before moving on.
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The pride's best option
is to shadow the buffalo army
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00:14:28,743 --> 00:14:31,452
And look for a chink
in its armor.
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00:14:36,409 --> 00:14:40,962
Every move the buffalo make,
the lions will be watching.
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00:14:48,263 --> 00:14:51,848
The herd marches on
through the mwamba lands,
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00:14:51,925 --> 00:14:55,310
Driven by the need
to find food and water.
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00:14:59,933 --> 00:15:02,692
Buffalo are long-grass grazers,
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Eating plants too dry and coarse
for most other herbivores.
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Their pathfinder seeks out
patches of tall grass.
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00:15:23,456 --> 00:15:27,541
The buffalo bundle long stems
together with their tongues,
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00:15:27,552 --> 00:15:30,511
And shear them off
with their teeth.
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00:15:34,384 --> 00:15:37,644
Other long-grass grazers,
like zebra,
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Tag along with
the buffalo battalion.
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00:15:41,149 --> 00:15:43,650
Staying close to this
armed infantry
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Is the best way to find food
and stay safe in lion country.
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The relentless trampling and
grazing of hundreds of buffalo
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Keep this grassland open
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00:15:57,240 --> 00:15:59,499
And stop the forest
from encroaching.
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00:16:00,910 --> 00:16:04,170
Once they've cleared this area
of long grass,
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The buffalo will move on,
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00:16:06,549 --> 00:16:09,750
Only returning when
the grass has regrown.
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00:16:12,514 --> 00:16:17,016
Wildebeest and other antelope
that each short grass,
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Follow in the buffalo's wake,
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00:16:19,479 --> 00:16:23,272
Lured by the promise
of newly exposed grazing.
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00:16:24,776 --> 00:16:27,610
By keeping clearings
like this open,
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The buffalo help to draw
other herbivores
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00:16:30,690 --> 00:16:32,490
Into the mwamba's territory.
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00:16:34,694 --> 00:16:39,872
In part, the pride owes
its rich pickings to its foe.
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00:16:49,292 --> 00:16:52,385
By their second day
in mwamba territory,
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00:16:52,462 --> 00:16:55,805
The buffalo have attracted
other hungry eyes.
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Leopards are opportunists,
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00:17:07,569 --> 00:17:10,945
Eating anything
from mice to antelope.
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This big male
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00:17:19,998 --> 00:17:23,416
Could take down a buffalo calf
given half a chance.
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00:17:27,830 --> 00:17:29,547
Rumbled.
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00:17:30,333 --> 00:17:31,499
Guinea fowl,
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00:17:31,509 --> 00:17:34,761
Foraging on insects disturbed
by the herd,
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00:17:34,837 --> 00:17:37,180
Are excellent bush sirens.
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00:17:37,256 --> 00:17:38,681
(grunts)
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00:17:53,948 --> 00:17:57,283
Another predator
put in its place.
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00:17:59,362 --> 00:18:02,196
It's a lesson for
the hungry lions...
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00:18:02,332 --> 00:18:05,291
A surprise attack
is not an option.
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00:18:24,646 --> 00:18:27,138
Threat taken care of,
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00:18:27,148 --> 00:18:29,690
The herd gets straight
back to business.
201
00:18:33,404 --> 00:18:38,324
Each adult buffalo needs
30 pounds of fodder a day.
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00:18:39,661 --> 00:18:42,912
It takes around
9 hours of eating
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00:18:42,989 --> 00:18:44,413
To meet that quota.
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00:18:47,669 --> 00:18:50,253
The lions aren't
the only animals
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00:18:50,329 --> 00:18:52,046
After the buffalo's blood.
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00:18:54,250 --> 00:18:57,426
Biting ticks burrow
into their hide
207
00:18:57,503 --> 00:19:00,930
And are hunted out
by yellow-billed oxpeckers.
208
00:19:02,809 --> 00:19:06,894
Each bird can eat 100
blood-swollen parasites a day...
209
00:19:12,861 --> 00:19:15,269
Wherever they're hiding.
210
00:19:15,280 --> 00:19:17,029
(chirping)
211
00:19:18,449 --> 00:19:22,285
The birds aren't just
being good samaritans.
212
00:19:24,780 --> 00:19:29,041
They also peck at open wounds
to drink the buffalo's blood,
213
00:19:30,286 --> 00:19:32,295
Which stops injuries
from healing.
214
00:19:33,706 --> 00:19:38,634
The oxpeckers cling to
the buffalo day and night.
215
00:19:38,711 --> 00:19:41,137
With the herd on the move
around the clock,
216
00:19:41,214 --> 00:19:44,265
The birds can't risk
losing their meal ticket.
217
00:19:45,885 --> 00:19:50,054
They only leave their host
once a year to nest
218
00:19:50,064 --> 00:19:51,230
And rear chicks.
219
00:19:55,320 --> 00:19:57,653
Once they've grazed
the clearing,
220
00:19:57,730 --> 00:19:59,897
The herd starts to move on,
221
00:19:59,949 --> 00:20:02,950
Taking their blood-thirsty
passengers with them.
222
00:20:06,497 --> 00:20:10,416
But this army of eaters
leaves something behind.
223
00:20:12,745 --> 00:20:17,381
A buffalo produces just over
2 pounds of dung a day.
224
00:20:22,513 --> 00:20:26,849
This herd of 300 can drop
a third of a ton.
225
00:20:31,180 --> 00:20:35,015
Nutrients in the droppings
fertilize the soil,
226
00:20:35,109 --> 00:20:37,610
Spurring the growth
of new grass.
227
00:20:38,613 --> 00:20:40,604
This will draw the buffalo back
228
00:20:40,615 --> 00:20:43,824
Into the mwamba's territory
again in a few months' time.
229
00:20:46,037 --> 00:20:51,123
Just one stop in their
never-ending quest for food.
230
00:20:53,461 --> 00:20:58,005
The trail of dung also makes
them simple to follow.
231
00:21:02,637 --> 00:21:05,879
The herd doesn't just come
to the pride's domain
232
00:21:05,890 --> 00:21:07,390
For the good grazing.
233
00:21:08,726 --> 00:21:11,185
Buffalo have to drink every day.
234
00:21:12,972 --> 00:21:15,147
That long grass is coarse
235
00:21:15,224 --> 00:21:17,900
And doesn't contain
the moisture they need.
236
00:21:23,232 --> 00:21:26,900
Wherever he takes them
in search of food,
237
00:21:26,911 --> 00:21:30,913
The pathfinder must eventually
lead them to water.
238
00:21:38,423 --> 00:21:39,913
In the dry season
239
00:21:39,924 --> 00:21:43,676
The banks of the shrunken
luangwa river are steep.
240
00:21:46,097 --> 00:21:51,017
Access points where 300 buffalo
can reach the water to drink
241
00:21:51,093 --> 00:21:53,311
Are few and far between.
242
00:21:56,607 --> 00:21:58,932
And the mwamba pride territory
243
00:21:58,943 --> 00:22:01,944
Is centered around
just such a place.
244
00:22:08,953 --> 00:22:12,788
This is the ace
in the lions' hand.
245
00:22:12,865 --> 00:22:15,958
It's why the buffalo herd
keeps coming back.
246
00:22:17,703 --> 00:22:19,295
(snorting)
247
00:22:45,064 --> 00:22:47,147
Each thirsty buffalo
248
00:22:47,158 --> 00:22:51,985
Needs nine gallons a day
to sustain it.
249
00:22:51,996 --> 00:22:56,290
It only takes each one about
six minutes to drink its fill.
250
00:22:57,660 --> 00:22:59,752
But in a herd of 300,
251
00:22:59,879 --> 00:23:03,672
Hours can pass before
everyone's thirst is quenched.
252
00:23:06,344 --> 00:23:09,345
The lions too come to drink.
253
00:23:09,514 --> 00:23:13,641
But water does little to blunt
the pride's growing hunger.
254
00:23:16,854 --> 00:23:20,431
The buffalo seem
like sitting ducks.
255
00:23:20,441 --> 00:23:24,026
But this is not the place
to launch an attack.
256
00:23:25,613 --> 00:23:27,855
In such wide open terrain
257
00:23:27,865 --> 00:23:30,783
There are no hiding places
for the lions,
258
00:23:30,860 --> 00:23:34,787
And plenty of escape routes
for the buffalo.
259
00:23:38,868 --> 00:23:42,044
But the herd can't rest easy.
260
00:23:44,457 --> 00:23:48,342
Other ambush hunters have
the buffalo in their sights.
261
00:23:50,388 --> 00:23:52,096
Nile crocodiles.
262
00:23:57,052 --> 00:24:01,605
Old males can reach
sixteen feet in length.
263
00:24:05,403 --> 00:24:09,071
These are the only
predators in africa
264
00:24:09,148 --> 00:24:13,033
Strong enough to take down
a bull single-handed,
265
00:24:14,904 --> 00:24:19,165
Something the mwamba pride
can only dream of right now.
266
00:24:23,171 --> 00:24:27,131
A kill would keep
these reptiles fed for weeks.
267
00:24:28,593 --> 00:24:29,925
(grunting)
268
00:24:32,263 --> 00:24:33,846
Missed.
269
00:24:33,923 --> 00:24:36,432
But the shock of the attack
causes panic.
270
00:24:41,439 --> 00:24:44,482
The stampede takes the buffalo
back into the bush...
271
00:24:49,939 --> 00:24:52,531
The lions' preferred terrain.
272
00:25:07,632 --> 00:25:10,874
Most of the herd
is still thirsty.
273
00:25:10,927 --> 00:25:13,427
But they're nervous
of returning to the river.
274
00:25:15,806 --> 00:25:19,383
Before nightfall the pathfinder
must find water,
275
00:25:19,393 --> 00:25:21,134
Where everyone can drink.
276
00:25:23,889 --> 00:25:27,140
He leads them to
a muddy lagoon nearby,
277
00:25:27,151 --> 00:25:31,529
The remains of an oxbow lake
that was once a river bend.
278
00:25:34,075 --> 00:25:36,700
It's too shallow
to hide crocodiles,
279
00:25:38,663 --> 00:25:40,496
But it's in full view
280
00:25:40,623 --> 00:25:44,041
Of the mwamba's favorite
shade trees on the far side.
281
00:25:46,161 --> 00:25:49,713
The buffalo smell the lions
before they see them.
282
00:25:51,667 --> 00:25:53,592
Their eyesight is good,
283
00:25:53,669 --> 00:25:56,887
But their sense of smell
is even better.
284
00:25:58,182 --> 00:25:59,390
(snorts)
285
00:26:00,601 --> 00:26:02,434
The buffalo know the lions
286
00:26:02,511 --> 00:26:06,438
Won't risk crossing
the deep mud to attack.
287
00:26:06,515 --> 00:26:10,359
And there's no cover for them to
slip round the back of the herd.
288
00:26:13,823 --> 00:26:17,658
At last, the buffalo
can quench their thirst...
289
00:26:21,038 --> 00:26:25,791
While the oxpeckers mine
their ears for oil-rich wax.
290
00:26:29,797 --> 00:26:32,039
Where the lagoon is deepest,
291
00:26:32,049 --> 00:26:35,175
Older males indulge
in a little pampering.
292
00:26:37,805 --> 00:26:41,548
Their thinning hair no longer
protects them from the sun
293
00:26:41,559 --> 00:26:43,392
And biting flies,
294
00:26:43,469 --> 00:26:46,061
But the soothing mud
offers relief.
295
00:26:51,393 --> 00:26:56,063
These old dirt-crusted bulls
are known as dagga boys,
296
00:26:56,073 --> 00:26:58,073
After the local word for mud.
297
00:27:03,706 --> 00:27:05,822
Past their prime,
298
00:27:05,833 --> 00:27:08,667
They live on the fringes
of the herd.
299
00:27:11,589 --> 00:27:15,666
If the hungry mwambas are ever
going to bring down a buffalo,
300
00:27:15,676 --> 00:27:18,594
A dagga boy may
be their best hope.
301
00:27:29,023 --> 00:27:32,265
When the herd
finally leaves the lagoon,
302
00:27:32,276 --> 00:27:36,236
The pride quickly skirts
its borders and follows.
303
00:27:42,778 --> 00:27:46,997
In their eagerness,
they miss a golden opportunity.
304
00:27:49,710 --> 00:27:53,212
A pregnant female,
trapped in the deep mud.
305
00:27:54,882 --> 00:27:56,256
(squawking)
306
00:27:58,293 --> 00:28:00,052
(buffalo mooing)
307
00:28:00,129 --> 00:28:02,379
Weaker than the massive bulls,
308
00:28:02,390 --> 00:28:05,891
And made more cumbersome
by her huge belly,
309
00:28:05,968 --> 00:28:08,394
She can't haul herself out.
310
00:28:10,147 --> 00:28:12,231
The lions haven't spotted her,
311
00:28:12,808 --> 00:28:14,149
But others have.
312
00:28:15,728 --> 00:28:19,947
White-backed vultures
start their macabre vigil.
313
00:28:38,500 --> 00:28:43,846
A clan of hyenas spots
the birds a mile away.
314
00:28:43,922 --> 00:28:47,433
White-backed vultures are
only interested in big game,
315
00:28:47,518 --> 00:28:51,094
So the hyenas know there's
something worth investigating.
316
00:28:53,849 --> 00:28:55,399
(buffalo mooing)
317
00:28:58,863 --> 00:29:00,362
(flies buzzing)
318
00:29:03,784 --> 00:29:07,035
The gang arrives
under cover of darkness.
319
00:29:08,197 --> 00:29:10,456
They're trespassing
on mwamba turf.
320
00:29:13,294 --> 00:29:16,503
The pride and the clan
are deadly rivals.
321
00:29:17,790 --> 00:29:19,715
(flies buzzing)
322
00:29:23,554 --> 00:29:26,046
Less than half the weight
of a lion,
323
00:29:26,056 --> 00:29:28,599
The hyenas can walk
over the mud.
324
00:29:29,727 --> 00:29:31,393
These skilled hunters
325
00:29:31,470 --> 00:29:34,563
Wouldn't normally tackle
such dangerous prey.
326
00:29:37,476 --> 00:29:40,235
But the pregnant cow
has succumbed
327
00:29:40,312 --> 00:29:42,488
To heat and exhaustion.
328
00:29:46,568 --> 00:29:49,236
The hyenas work in silence,
329
00:29:49,246 --> 00:29:51,205
To keep their prize secret.
330
00:30:06,338 --> 00:30:10,390
Each of them can bolt down
more than 30 pounds of meat.
331
00:30:16,190 --> 00:30:19,024
While some eat their fill,
332
00:30:19,101 --> 00:30:21,819
Sentinels watch
for the lions' return.
333
00:30:23,689 --> 00:30:26,857
Oblivious to the feast
they've just missed,
334
00:30:26,867 --> 00:30:30,202
The mwambas are a mile away,
335
00:30:30,279 --> 00:30:33,455
On the trail of
the rest of the buffalo.
336
00:30:33,532 --> 00:30:36,375
In the darkness,
the herd is on the move.
337
00:30:38,212 --> 00:30:42,714
Buffalo spend 18 hours a day
walking and foraging,
338
00:30:42,791 --> 00:30:46,927
Only resting in daylight when
they can spot danger coming.
339
00:30:51,800 --> 00:30:55,886
This time spike is hunting
with the lionesses.
340
00:30:55,896 --> 00:30:58,397
It could be
just the edge they need.
341
00:30:59,808 --> 00:31:02,559
The wary buffalo close ranks,
342
00:31:02,570 --> 00:31:05,445
Leaving no outliers
vulnerable to attack.
343
00:31:10,077 --> 00:31:12,152
Blinded by night,
344
00:31:12,162 --> 00:31:15,414
The buffalo still stare
their enemy down.
345
00:31:18,669 --> 00:31:20,919
Even with a male in tow,
346
00:31:20,996 --> 00:31:25,465
The lions know better than to
attack this formidable garrison.
347
00:31:29,755 --> 00:31:33,348
The darkness enhances
the lionesses' hunting skills.
348
00:31:34,927 --> 00:31:39,346
Their eyes are seven times
more sensitive than humans',
349
00:31:39,440 --> 00:31:42,515
Picking up and amplifying
glimmers of light
350
00:31:42,526 --> 00:31:44,484
From the moon and stars.
351
00:31:52,694 --> 00:31:56,446
Staying downwind
and using the darkness as cover,
352
00:31:56,498 --> 00:31:58,206
They stalk puku.
353
00:32:01,629 --> 00:32:03,211
This is open ground.
354
00:32:05,215 --> 00:32:08,926
In daylight the puku
would be long gone.
355
00:32:10,462 --> 00:32:14,640
But in the dark the enemy
is much harder to spot.
356
00:32:23,558 --> 00:32:27,152
The lions can't maintain
a top-speed chase for long.
357
00:32:31,825 --> 00:32:33,450
(squealing)
358
00:32:35,237 --> 00:32:38,830
They only charge when a target
is tantalizingly close.
359
00:32:40,325 --> 00:32:41,667
(♪♪♪)
360
00:32:51,420 --> 00:32:53,011
(squealing)
361
00:32:54,682 --> 00:32:56,756
With the teenagers in tow
362
00:32:56,767 --> 00:32:59,017
There's no co-ordination
to this hunt.
363
00:33:01,605 --> 00:33:04,597
The whole family joins in.
364
00:33:04,608 --> 00:33:06,400
(squealing)
365
00:33:09,604 --> 00:33:11,279
(growling)
366
00:33:12,199 --> 00:33:13,365
(♪♪♪)
367
00:33:24,786 --> 00:33:26,378
Success!
368
00:33:27,122 --> 00:33:28,538
(growling)
369
00:33:28,549 --> 00:33:32,259
But again, there's barely
enough to go around.
370
00:33:38,475 --> 00:33:42,853
With food so limited,
the lionesses eat first.
371
00:33:43,388 --> 00:33:45,147
(growling)
372
00:33:50,904 --> 00:33:53,363
The teens are left with scraps.
373
00:34:04,501 --> 00:34:09,162
The pride needs a good meal
that will feed everyone.
374
00:34:09,173 --> 00:34:13,175
They must kill a buffalo before
the herd leaves their territory.
375
00:34:13,844 --> 00:34:15,635
Time is running out.
376
00:34:26,023 --> 00:34:27,847
Back at the lagoon,
377
00:34:27,858 --> 00:34:31,568
The hyenas have made
short work of the trapped cow.
378
00:34:33,363 --> 00:34:35,113
The white-backed vultures
379
00:34:35,190 --> 00:34:37,991
Are forced to wait until
the hyenas are finished.
380
00:34:40,788 --> 00:34:42,579
(hyenas yapping)
381
00:34:48,462 --> 00:34:51,955
They were first
to spot this bonanza,
382
00:34:51,965 --> 00:34:54,374
But they must make do
with leftovers.
383
00:34:54,384 --> 00:34:56,510
(screeching)
384
00:35:12,310 --> 00:35:14,152
Bellies bulging,
385
00:35:14,229 --> 00:35:16,980
The hyenas head
back to their den,
386
00:35:17,032 --> 00:35:19,241
Out of enemy territory.
387
00:35:26,834 --> 00:35:27,833
(panting)
388
00:35:27,909 --> 00:35:30,001
The mwambas are worn out.
389
00:35:31,079 --> 00:35:33,547
Tracking the herd
is taking its toll.
390
00:35:35,417 --> 00:35:36,916
Right now
391
00:35:36,927 --> 00:35:40,971
The priority is to conserve
energy and keep cool.
392
00:35:44,518 --> 00:35:46,852
As the morning heat intensifies,
393
00:35:48,605 --> 00:35:54,234
The only sign of life is
a flock of red-billed quelea.
394
00:35:55,362 --> 00:35:57,028
(chirping)
395
00:36:00,275 --> 00:36:02,534
These are seed-eaters,
396
00:36:02,611 --> 00:36:06,580
Drawn to grassy areas
in search of juicy grains.
397
00:36:09,960 --> 00:36:13,870
The buffalo's frequent grazing
in the mwambas' territory
398
00:36:13,881 --> 00:36:17,207
Means there is plenty
of grassland here.
399
00:36:17,217 --> 00:36:18,758
It's a quelea hotspot.
400
00:36:29,688 --> 00:36:31,813
As the grass seed ripens
401
00:36:31,890 --> 00:36:34,307
The birds reach
plague proportions.
402
00:36:37,070 --> 00:36:41,564
Lions have been known raid
quelea nests in low branches
403
00:36:41,617 --> 00:36:44,492
And eat chicks
when times are hard.
404
00:36:48,156 --> 00:36:51,249
Things aren't that bad yet
for the mwambas.
405
00:36:55,497 --> 00:37:00,342
Right now this pride
only has eyes for buffalo.
406
00:37:04,673 --> 00:37:06,506
In the mid-morning heat
407
00:37:06,516 --> 00:37:11,144
The pathfinder leads his herd
back to the lagoon to drink.
408
00:37:12,856 --> 00:37:17,234
The fate of their unfortunate
comrade is forgotten.
409
00:37:22,282 --> 00:37:26,701
They ignore the mwamba pride,
safely across a sea of mud.
410
00:37:32,668 --> 00:37:36,461
All the hungry lions
can do is watch.
411
00:37:41,301 --> 00:37:43,468
This is not the time.
412
00:37:49,309 --> 00:37:51,518
Then, unexpectedly close,
413
00:37:55,899 --> 00:37:58,066
Oblivious to the danger,
414
00:37:58,143 --> 00:38:02,737
A huge male buffalo appears
on their side of the lagoon.
415
00:38:13,825 --> 00:38:16,084
All eyes are on him.
416
00:38:26,588 --> 00:38:29,848
A dagga boy
from the fringes of the herd.
417
00:38:36,148 --> 00:38:40,350
This is the opportunity
the pride has been waiting for.
418
00:38:40,360 --> 00:38:45,113
And this time they have everyone
they need for a take down.
419
00:38:59,871 --> 00:39:02,672
The old boy's
back legs look weak.
420
00:39:03,792 --> 00:39:05,675
He may be injured or ill.
421
00:39:11,558 --> 00:39:15,018
A healthy adult can easily
outrun a lion.
422
00:39:16,137 --> 00:39:18,229
But this loner is vulnerable.
423
00:39:29,984 --> 00:39:33,995
He's still a ton of muscle
and horn...
424
00:39:34,915 --> 00:39:37,082
A formidable opponent.
425
00:39:58,772 --> 00:40:02,098
The lionesses are ready
to attack,
426
00:40:02,109 --> 00:40:04,275
But they need
the weight and strength
427
00:40:04,352 --> 00:40:06,694
Of a male to win the day.
428
00:40:09,533 --> 00:40:11,449
Spike steps up.
429
00:40:12,694 --> 00:40:13,952
(♪♪♪)
430
00:40:28,885 --> 00:40:31,886
The bull finally realizes
the danger he's in.
431
00:40:34,299 --> 00:40:38,810
The herd, his only possible
source of help, retreats.
432
00:40:40,722 --> 00:40:44,065
They must keep the cows
and their calves safe.
433
00:40:46,060 --> 00:40:48,236
The dagga boy is expendable.
434
00:40:50,323 --> 00:40:53,700
It's the cue the mwamba
lionesses were waiting for.
435
00:41:07,591 --> 00:41:09,215
They distract the bull...
436
00:41:11,586 --> 00:41:13,887
Spike seizes his chance.
437
00:41:15,340 --> 00:41:17,849
(growling)
438
00:41:17,926 --> 00:41:20,101
The bull's fate is sealed.
439
00:41:21,262 --> 00:41:22,395
(groaning)
440
00:41:46,546 --> 00:41:48,838
Mohawk ambles over.
441
00:41:53,386 --> 00:41:56,212
The hard work already done,
442
00:41:56,223 --> 00:41:59,048
He finishes the job
with a firm grip
443
00:41:59,059 --> 00:42:02,227
On the bull's windpipe
and suffocates him.
444
00:42:10,570 --> 00:42:14,480
The bull's thick hide means
the lions can't go in
445
00:42:14,491 --> 00:42:17,617
Through his stomach
as they would with other prey.
446
00:42:21,322 --> 00:42:24,240
They target weak points
on his muzzle
447
00:42:24,251 --> 00:42:25,625
And at his rear end.
448
00:42:33,668 --> 00:42:37,595
Axel arrives as the lionesses
breach the carcass.
449
00:42:43,436 --> 00:42:45,520
He's played no part,
450
00:42:45,597 --> 00:42:49,440
But as a defender of the pride
he can claim his share.
451
00:42:51,686 --> 00:42:53,736
There's plenty for all.
452
00:42:55,773 --> 00:42:57,106
At last,
453
00:42:57,117 --> 00:43:01,703
The pride has the big meal
it so desperately needs.
454
00:43:04,374 --> 00:43:08,126
Even the teenagers don't need
to wait their turn.
455
00:43:17,629 --> 00:43:20,930
The feasting continues
for the rest of the day.
456
00:43:22,892 --> 00:43:27,312
Lionesses who have eaten
their fill retreat to the shade
457
00:43:27,388 --> 00:43:29,731
To digest their huge meal.
458
00:43:31,392 --> 00:43:35,311
Digesting meat produces
a lot of heat.
459
00:43:35,322 --> 00:43:38,281
The big cats have to pant
to stay cool.
460
00:43:45,665 --> 00:43:47,657
A male like mohawk
461
00:43:47,667 --> 00:43:52,086
Can eat almost 100 pounds
of meat in a single sitting.
462
00:43:55,500 --> 00:43:58,501
After a feast like this,
463
00:43:58,511 --> 00:44:00,470
He won't need to eat for days.
464
00:44:08,313 --> 00:44:10,355
And there's plenty of meat
465
00:44:10,431 --> 00:44:14,150
Still left on the carcass
for the ravenous teens.
466
00:44:27,115 --> 00:44:30,875
By nightfall,
the whole pride is sated.
467
00:44:38,802 --> 00:44:41,928
As they sleep off
their epic meal,
468
00:44:42,797 --> 00:44:44,514
Intruders arrive.
469
00:44:48,469 --> 00:44:51,470
The clan's running a risk
coming here.
470
00:44:51,481 --> 00:44:54,565
Lions will kill
to defend a carcass.
471
00:44:58,146 --> 00:45:02,240
But the mwambas are so bloated
they barely stir.
472
00:45:04,911 --> 00:45:09,664
All that remains is the shell
of the bull's tough skin,
473
00:45:09,741 --> 00:45:12,166
Draped over his skeleton.
474
00:45:13,995 --> 00:45:17,079
Hyenas aren't fussy eaters.
475
00:45:17,090 --> 00:45:20,925
Their strong jaws
shear through his thick hide,
476
00:45:21,002 --> 00:45:24,095
And they crunch up
and gulp down his bones.
477
00:45:26,599 --> 00:45:29,267
The lionesses may not be hungry,
478
00:45:29,343 --> 00:45:32,854
But they're not ready to let
their rivals have a free meal.
479
00:45:32,930 --> 00:45:34,355
(snarling)
480
00:45:57,046 --> 00:46:02,592
Dawn reveals all that's left
of the huge, old bull.
481
00:46:05,805 --> 00:46:09,640
Butterflies, attracted by
the scent of the kill,
482
00:46:09,717 --> 00:46:12,718
Feed on his spilled
stomach contents,
483
00:46:12,729 --> 00:46:17,231
Along with an army
of other insects.
484
00:46:17,400 --> 00:46:21,486
The semi-digested grass
is rich in valuable salts
485
00:46:21,562 --> 00:46:23,237
And amino acids.
486
00:46:25,241 --> 00:46:29,327
Nothing from this epic battle
goes to waste.
487
00:46:36,419 --> 00:46:40,087
The victorious lions
rest together,
488
00:46:40,164 --> 00:46:43,082
Their hunger finally satisfied.
489
00:46:45,920 --> 00:46:49,931
After three days shadowing
the wandering buffalo
490
00:46:50,007 --> 00:46:53,601
The mwamba pride's determination
has been rewarded.
491
00:46:55,688 --> 00:46:59,181
They've faced their
most dangerous adversary
492
00:46:59,192 --> 00:47:01,767
And won.
493
00:47:01,778 --> 00:47:05,613
It's time for the buffalo to
leave mwamba territory
494
00:47:05,690 --> 00:47:08,032
In search of pastures new.
495
00:47:09,777 --> 00:47:12,119
They've lost two
of their number,
496
00:47:12,196 --> 00:47:15,957
But have done well
to protect their calves.
497
00:47:16,033 --> 00:47:20,419
They set off once more
along well-trodden trails.
498
00:47:21,297 --> 00:47:23,789
Eventually, they'll be back.
499
00:47:23,800 --> 00:47:26,926
And the mwamba pride
will be waiting for them.
500
00:47:30,965 --> 00:47:32,974
(♪♪♪)
501
00:47:53,070 --> 00:47:55,371
(♪♪♪)
42268
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