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These are the user uploaded subtitles that are being translated: 1 00:00:00,125 --> 00:00:01,330 (water splashing) 2 00:00:01,330 --> 00:00:03,730 The show, a breathtaking drama, 3 00:00:03,730 --> 00:00:04,740 the location, 4 00:00:04,740 --> 00:00:06,170 a river in Africa, 5 00:00:06,170 --> 00:00:09,084 the main protagonists, crocodiles, 6 00:00:09,084 --> 00:00:11,420 (dramatic music) 7 00:00:11,420 --> 00:00:13,360 supporting actors involved, 8 00:00:13,360 --> 00:00:15,925 everything Africa's wildlife has to offer. 9 00:00:15,925 --> 00:00:18,675 (dramatic music) 10 00:00:19,660 --> 00:00:23,160 The expansive stage of the Maasai Mara in Kenya 11 00:00:23,160 --> 00:00:26,653 is an ideal location for some stunning combats, 12 00:00:30,270 --> 00:00:34,833 heavyweight conflicts and touching family scenes. 13 00:00:38,490 --> 00:00:39,680 The show centers (zebras barking) 14 00:00:39,680 --> 00:00:41,440 on the age, old theme (cheetah growling) 15 00:00:41,440 --> 00:00:44,390 of the hunted and the hunters, 16 00:00:44,390 --> 00:00:45,959 life and death. 17 00:00:45,959 --> 00:00:47,311 (lively music) 18 00:00:47,311 --> 00:00:50,311 (vultures growling) 19 00:00:51,220 --> 00:00:54,980 But none of the other protagonists can match this one, 20 00:00:54,980 --> 00:00:57,447 the killer that comes out of the water. 21 00:00:57,447 --> 00:00:58,314 (water babbling) 22 00:00:58,314 --> 00:01:00,897 (lively music) 23 00:01:14,360 --> 00:01:16,900 Hardly any other region in Africa is home 24 00:01:16,900 --> 00:01:20,880 to a greater multitude of animals than the Maasai Mara. 25 00:01:20,880 --> 00:01:23,360 This region in the Southwest of Kenya 26 00:01:23,360 --> 00:01:25,057 is the land of the Massai. 27 00:01:27,040 --> 00:01:29,970 These are semi-nomadic pastoralists 28 00:01:29,970 --> 00:01:31,930 who live off their herds of cattle 29 00:01:31,930 --> 00:01:34,223 and are known to be excellent warriors. 30 00:01:35,610 --> 00:01:39,760 The Maasai Mara National Park lies in the Southwest of Kenya 31 00:01:39,760 --> 00:01:44,370 in East Africa and borders on the Serengeti in Tanzania. 32 00:01:44,370 --> 00:01:46,500 When the dry period begins in June 33 00:01:46,500 --> 00:01:48,190 in the Southern Serengeti, 34 00:01:48,190 --> 00:01:50,330 innumerable herds of wildebeest 35 00:01:50,330 --> 00:01:53,130 join up to migrate over 800 kilometers 36 00:01:53,130 --> 00:01:54,880 to the Maasai Mara, 37 00:01:54,880 --> 00:01:58,120 forever on the lookout for fresh pastures. 38 00:01:58,120 --> 00:02:01,423 During this migration, they have to cross several rivers. 39 00:02:05,760 --> 00:02:09,170 The greatest obstacle and one that has to be crossed 40 00:02:09,170 --> 00:02:10,650 is the Mara River. 41 00:02:10,650 --> 00:02:12,080 It flows from Kenya 42 00:02:12,080 --> 00:02:14,020 through the Maasai Mara region 43 00:02:14,020 --> 00:02:15,960 and continues on across the border 44 00:02:15,960 --> 00:02:18,233 into Tanzania and the Serengeti. 45 00:02:19,710 --> 00:02:20,680 At first sight, 46 00:02:20,680 --> 00:02:23,430 it may not look particularly threatening, 47 00:02:23,430 --> 00:02:25,420 and it is indeed the main artery 48 00:02:25,420 --> 00:02:27,853 that keeps the Maasai Mara alive. 49 00:02:28,800 --> 00:02:31,090 These heat sensitive hippos (hippopotamus growling) 50 00:02:31,090 --> 00:02:34,770 rely completely on the river to secure their very existence 51 00:02:34,770 --> 00:02:35,723 in the Savannah. 52 00:02:37,010 --> 00:02:39,120 Nowhere else does the vegetation offer 53 00:02:39,120 --> 00:02:41,890 such a wealth of food for the elephants. 54 00:02:41,890 --> 00:02:43,300 Depending on their size, 55 00:02:43,300 --> 00:02:47,570 these pachyderms also require from 70 to 250 liters 56 00:02:47,570 --> 00:02:49,090 of drinking water a day 57 00:02:53,220 --> 00:02:55,610 and nowhere else can lions choose 58 00:02:55,610 --> 00:02:59,120 from such a well-stocked table provided they're ready 59 00:02:59,120 --> 00:03:00,193 to wait a bit. 60 00:03:01,741 --> 00:03:04,990 (lively music) 61 00:03:04,990 --> 00:03:07,070 The Mara River is the only river 62 00:03:07,070 --> 00:03:10,063 in this region that carries water all year round. 63 00:03:12,460 --> 00:03:15,330 Only here can the yellow-billed stork 64 00:03:15,330 --> 00:03:17,260 troll the bottom of the river shallows 65 00:03:17,260 --> 00:03:19,830 for an endless supply of fish. 66 00:03:19,830 --> 00:03:23,430 Only here can the heavy-hoofed animals of the Masaai Mara 67 00:03:23,430 --> 00:03:25,393 find drinking water in plenty. 68 00:03:27,460 --> 00:03:30,010 The banks are often crowded with wildlife 69 00:03:30,010 --> 00:03:31,273 for that very reason. 70 00:03:33,630 --> 00:03:34,470 That slip (water splashing) 71 00:03:34,470 --> 00:03:35,940 could have ended in tragedy 72 00:03:39,800 --> 00:03:43,420 because for many animals, the Mara River that meanders 73 00:03:43,420 --> 00:03:46,830 for nearly 400 kilometers through the Savannah 74 00:03:46,830 --> 00:03:49,500 is the most hazardous river in the whole of Africa 75 00:03:50,410 --> 00:03:52,173 because of these fellows. 76 00:03:54,170 --> 00:03:56,250 Crocodiles spend the majority of their lives 77 00:03:56,250 --> 00:04:00,650 just lying around in that armored skins doing nothing. 78 00:04:00,650 --> 00:04:02,390 As cold blooded animals, 79 00:04:02,390 --> 00:04:04,860 they can only regulate their body temperature 80 00:04:04,860 --> 00:04:07,000 through their own activities. 81 00:04:07,000 --> 00:04:09,960 They have to enjoy extensive sunbathing sessions 82 00:04:09,960 --> 00:04:13,273 to enable them to carry out their sorties underwater. 83 00:04:14,120 --> 00:04:16,630 The webs between their toes on the rear feet 84 00:04:16,630 --> 00:04:20,313 help them to swim. (water babbling) 85 00:04:24,690 --> 00:04:26,990 Their tail that makes up around half 86 00:04:26,990 --> 00:04:30,410 of their six meter length is what drives them 87 00:04:30,410 --> 00:04:33,290 but it can only work if the animals operating temperature 88 00:04:33,290 --> 00:04:34,820 has been reached. 89 00:04:34,820 --> 00:04:36,840 If it falls below 30 degrees, 90 00:04:36,840 --> 00:04:39,763 the reptile will return to land to warm up. 91 00:04:43,580 --> 00:04:46,150 Half submerged half above the water line 92 00:04:46,150 --> 00:04:47,840 is a popular position. 93 00:04:47,840 --> 00:04:49,840 That way one can keep warm 94 00:04:49,840 --> 00:04:52,430 and look as harmless as a large piece of wood 95 00:04:54,390 --> 00:04:59,307 but can mutate into an underwater torpedo in an instant. 96 00:04:59,307 --> 00:05:02,057 (dramatic music) 97 00:05:03,640 --> 00:05:07,230 At the moment, though, there is little prey to go for. 98 00:05:07,230 --> 00:05:10,550 So a more leisurely pace is perfectly acceptable. 99 00:05:10,550 --> 00:05:13,520 Walking along the river bed uses less energy 100 00:05:13,520 --> 00:05:16,103 than those powerful flicks of the tail. 101 00:05:16,103 --> 00:05:21,103 (dramatic music) (water babbling) 102 00:05:23,270 --> 00:05:24,310 What looks like (crocodile growling) 103 00:05:24,310 --> 00:05:29,000 boredom induced yawning is in fact temperature regulation. 104 00:05:29,000 --> 00:05:30,130 By opening its mouth, 105 00:05:30,130 --> 00:05:32,823 the reptile prevents its brain overheating. 106 00:05:35,328 --> 00:05:36,660 (water babbling) 107 00:05:36,660 --> 00:05:39,703 If it's still too hot, it moves into the water. 108 00:05:42,930 --> 00:05:45,510 A lunchtime dose underwater is only possible 109 00:05:45,510 --> 00:05:48,420 for a crocodile if the water is very warm. 110 00:05:48,420 --> 00:05:50,580 The geographical range of their existence 111 00:05:50,580 --> 00:05:52,290 is restricted to tropical 112 00:05:52,290 --> 00:05:55,250 and subtropical regions. (birds chirping) 113 00:05:55,250 --> 00:05:57,713 They can't afford to waste too much energy. 114 00:06:01,870 --> 00:06:03,550 Most of the time throughout the year, 115 00:06:03,550 --> 00:06:07,410 they just wait ready to attack with their fearsome jaws 116 00:06:07,410 --> 00:06:09,433 containing more than 70 teeth. 117 00:06:14,336 --> 00:06:17,086 (birds chirping) 118 00:06:20,520 --> 00:06:23,439 Crocodiles share their habitat with hippos. 119 00:06:23,439 --> 00:06:27,160 (hippopotamus growling) 120 00:06:27,160 --> 00:06:28,440 In the Maasai Mara, 121 00:06:28,440 --> 00:06:31,590 there are especially large numbers of hippos. 122 00:06:31,590 --> 00:06:35,210 These socially orientated animals form small herds 123 00:06:35,210 --> 00:06:37,483 of up to 30 individuals. 124 00:06:38,940 --> 00:06:42,080 Underwater, these heavyweights even look elegant, 125 00:06:42,080 --> 00:06:44,840 thanks to the buoyancy effect of the water. 126 00:06:44,840 --> 00:06:46,410 Rather than actually swimming, 127 00:06:46,410 --> 00:06:48,453 they tend to walk under water. 128 00:06:51,430 --> 00:06:53,740 They spend most of the day in the water 129 00:06:53,740 --> 00:06:55,820 because their sensitive skin would crack 130 00:06:55,820 --> 00:06:57,763 in the intense summer heat. 131 00:07:00,660 --> 00:07:03,590 They can stay under water for up to five minutes 132 00:07:03,590 --> 00:07:05,857 before they have to come up again for air. 133 00:07:05,857 --> 00:07:08,710 (calming music) 134 00:07:08,710 --> 00:07:10,885 (water babbling) 135 00:07:10,885 --> 00:07:11,964 (water splashing) 136 00:07:11,964 --> 00:07:12,797 (hippopotamus growling) 137 00:07:12,797 --> 00:07:13,670 As a rule, (water splashing) 138 00:07:13,670 --> 00:07:15,890 one older bull will live together 139 00:07:15,890 --> 00:07:18,360 with a group of females and their young. 140 00:07:18,360 --> 00:07:20,880 The animals are generally related 141 00:07:20,880 --> 00:07:23,779 and maintain friendly contact with one another. 142 00:07:23,779 --> 00:07:26,862 (soft calming music) 143 00:07:30,180 --> 00:07:32,800 As long as there is sufficient water in the river, 144 00:07:32,800 --> 00:07:35,512 there are no grounds for rivalry. 145 00:07:35,512 --> 00:07:38,095 (lively music) 146 00:07:46,696 --> 00:07:47,540 (elephant rumbling) 147 00:07:47,540 --> 00:07:51,163 Elephants also like to congregate around the Mara River. 148 00:07:54,210 --> 00:07:58,140 The smaller ones are best off keeping close to the adults. 149 00:07:58,140 --> 00:08:00,040 That way, they're less likely to become 150 00:08:00,040 --> 00:08:01,853 a crocodile's next lunch. 151 00:08:05,090 --> 00:08:05,923 Elephants (elephant rumbling) 152 00:08:05,923 --> 00:08:09,313 are among the most socially orientated animals in the world. 153 00:08:12,520 --> 00:08:14,520 This little elephant has not yet learned 154 00:08:14,520 --> 00:08:17,380 how to use its trunk to drink with. 155 00:08:17,380 --> 00:08:20,700 That muscular appendage is still in the way. 156 00:08:20,700 --> 00:08:25,700 (birds chirping) (water babbling) 157 00:08:28,510 --> 00:08:29,520 It takes a while 158 00:08:29,520 --> 00:08:30,930 for baby elephants (elephant rumbling) 159 00:08:30,930 --> 00:08:34,083 to learn what useful tools their trunks are. 160 00:08:38,180 --> 00:08:41,440 The older adults can use their muscular trunks 161 00:08:41,440 --> 00:08:44,210 as a most versatile multi-tool. 162 00:08:44,210 --> 00:08:47,020 During meal times, it fulfills both the grab 163 00:08:47,020 --> 00:08:49,183 and the cutlery functions. 164 00:08:50,630 --> 00:08:54,050 This little one can't start learning a moment too soon 165 00:08:54,050 --> 00:08:57,789 even if it is fed by its mother's milk for many months. 166 00:08:57,789 --> 00:09:00,872 (elephants rumbling) 167 00:09:04,460 --> 00:09:05,490 In greetings, 168 00:09:05,490 --> 00:09:08,120 the trunk acts as a handshake appendage, 169 00:09:08,120 --> 00:09:10,920 and the mutual smells tell the other party 170 00:09:10,920 --> 00:09:13,415 the identity of the caller. 171 00:09:13,415 --> 00:09:14,660 (elephant rumbling) 172 00:09:14,660 --> 00:09:17,510 And if it's not quite long enough to scratch with, 173 00:09:17,510 --> 00:09:19,883 one can always use a termite hill. 174 00:09:23,204 --> 00:09:26,204 (elephant rumbling) 175 00:09:29,570 --> 00:09:33,330 This mother cheetah and her three almost fully grown young 176 00:09:33,330 --> 00:09:37,510 and two younger males have made their way down to the river. 177 00:09:37,510 --> 00:09:40,410 The brothers share the remains of the gazelle they caught. 178 00:09:41,928 --> 00:09:45,092 (birds chirping) 179 00:09:45,092 --> 00:09:48,009 (cheetah growling) 180 00:09:49,320 --> 00:09:52,750 But the female cheetah also has to get some fresh food in 181 00:09:52,750 --> 00:09:53,743 for the family. 182 00:09:57,260 --> 00:09:59,393 The youngsters follow her, hopefully. 183 00:10:00,490 --> 00:10:05,490 (suspenseful music) (birds chirping) 184 00:10:10,440 --> 00:10:11,970 The brothers are so involved 185 00:10:11,970 --> 00:10:14,862 that they don't even notice the family. 186 00:10:14,862 --> 00:10:17,510 (cheetah growling) 187 00:10:17,510 --> 00:10:19,710 This one has been distracted. 188 00:10:19,710 --> 00:10:22,320 One youngster has discovered the hidden camera 189 00:10:24,530 --> 00:10:27,663 but the mother has her sights on something else. 190 00:10:30,190 --> 00:10:34,636 What is that thing that neither runs away nor attacks? 191 00:10:34,636 --> 00:10:37,552 (cheetah growling) 192 00:10:37,552 --> 00:10:39,290 (dramatic music) 193 00:10:39,290 --> 00:10:42,230 But what she has discovered does indeed runaway, 194 00:10:42,230 --> 00:10:43,473 she begins the hunt. 195 00:10:44,724 --> 00:10:47,474 (dramatic music) 196 00:10:52,230 --> 00:10:56,020 The hare can accelerate up to 70 kilometers an hour 197 00:10:56,020 --> 00:10:58,180 but the cheetah is even faster. 198 00:10:58,180 --> 00:11:00,350 This big cat can even reach speeds 199 00:11:00,350 --> 00:11:04,420 of 100 kilometers an hour over short distances. 200 00:11:04,420 --> 00:11:07,170 (dramatic music) 201 00:11:14,370 --> 00:11:17,930 Hares are famous for their zigzag running strategy 202 00:11:17,930 --> 00:11:20,278 but the cheetah is nearly as smart. 203 00:11:20,278 --> 00:11:23,028 (dramatic music) 204 00:11:32,310 --> 00:11:35,820 The big cap strategy is to cause the prey to trip up 205 00:11:35,820 --> 00:11:39,270 with a carefully aimed hit of the paw and yet... 206 00:11:40,704 --> 00:11:43,454 (dramatic music) 207 00:11:47,890 --> 00:11:50,960 Despite that particular failure, no other predator 208 00:11:50,960 --> 00:11:54,340 has such a high success rate as the cheetah. 209 00:11:54,340 --> 00:11:57,943 Half of its hunting sorties result in a catch. 210 00:12:00,580 --> 00:12:03,200 After hunting, the mother needs a long break 211 00:12:03,200 --> 00:12:05,950 to protect herself against overheating. 212 00:12:05,950 --> 00:12:08,550 The brothers also need time to recover. 213 00:12:08,550 --> 00:12:11,233 Full stomachs make one feel sleepy. 214 00:12:14,230 --> 00:12:16,820 It's not only the main stretch of the Mara River 215 00:12:16,820 --> 00:12:18,880 that is attractive to animals. 216 00:12:18,880 --> 00:12:21,180 It stagnant oxbows are a haven 217 00:12:21,180 --> 00:12:23,740 for thriving aquatic vegetation, 218 00:12:23,740 --> 00:12:26,390 which has a regular supply of fertilizer, 219 00:12:26,390 --> 00:12:28,320 thanks to the hippos. 220 00:12:28,320 --> 00:12:31,250 The ibises make use of the heavyweight creatures 221 00:12:31,250 --> 00:12:34,710 as platforms in their search for insects, 222 00:12:34,710 --> 00:12:37,333 some of which they find on the hippo's heads. 223 00:12:41,240 --> 00:12:44,180 The crocodiles are even better camouflaged here 224 00:12:44,180 --> 00:12:47,058 than in the clear waters of the main river. 225 00:12:47,058 --> 00:12:49,808 (frogs croaking) 226 00:12:52,370 --> 00:12:55,120 Out of an inaccessible sun's pit, 227 00:12:55,120 --> 00:12:58,168 the next generation is making its first moves. 228 00:12:58,168 --> 00:13:00,610 (hatchling growling) 229 00:13:00,610 --> 00:13:03,850 The female will have laid the eggs here three months ago 230 00:13:03,850 --> 00:13:07,740 in a nest made of sand and vegetation residues. 231 00:13:07,740 --> 00:13:10,090 The brooding temperature determines the sex 232 00:13:10,090 --> 00:13:11,360 of the young ones. 233 00:13:11,360 --> 00:13:12,860 In Nile crocodiles, 234 00:13:12,860 --> 00:13:14,780 the young will only be male 235 00:13:14,780 --> 00:13:16,190 if the eggs are maintained 236 00:13:16,190 --> 00:13:18,983 at a temperature of 32 to 35 degrees. 237 00:13:22,070 --> 00:13:24,460 Above or below that temperature range, 238 00:13:24,460 --> 00:13:26,540 the young will be female. 239 00:13:26,540 --> 00:13:28,410 The calls they produce while still 240 00:13:28,410 --> 00:13:31,270 inside the eggs appear to stimulate the brood. 241 00:13:31,270 --> 00:13:33,746 They all hatch at the same time. 242 00:13:33,746 --> 00:13:37,920 (hatchling growling) (playful music) 243 00:13:37,920 --> 00:13:39,730 Hardly have they left their nest, 244 00:13:39,730 --> 00:13:42,387 when they are approached by a cavernous mouth. 245 00:13:42,387 --> 00:13:47,387 (hatchling growling) (playful music) 246 00:13:47,890 --> 00:13:51,493 Just hatched and their short lives already at an end? 247 00:13:54,200 --> 00:13:56,880 But not a single scale will be damaged. 248 00:13:56,880 --> 00:13:58,690 Their mother heard them calling 249 00:13:58,690 --> 00:14:01,820 and is transporting them safely to the water. 250 00:14:01,820 --> 00:14:05,130 Female crocodiles are extremely caring mothers 251 00:14:05,130 --> 00:14:08,053 and keep a watchful eye on their young for quite a while. 252 00:14:09,330 --> 00:14:12,750 Early on, these miniature lizards demonstrate their talent 253 00:14:12,750 --> 00:14:14,363 of surprising their prey. 254 00:14:15,990 --> 00:14:18,700 A fully grown giraffe may not need to worry much 255 00:14:18,700 --> 00:14:20,340 about a crocodile, 256 00:14:20,340 --> 00:14:23,380 but the act of drinking is still quite awkward. 257 00:14:23,380 --> 00:14:24,640 It's not only the fact 258 00:14:24,640 --> 00:14:27,480 that they almost have to kneel down to drink. 259 00:14:27,480 --> 00:14:30,640 The animal has to apply considerable muscular effort 260 00:14:30,640 --> 00:14:33,110 to move its head downwards. 261 00:14:33,110 --> 00:14:35,890 Giraffes have a powerful tendon that keeps their head 262 00:14:35,890 --> 00:14:38,727 and neck upright when at rest. 263 00:14:38,727 --> 00:14:40,000 (bird chirping) 264 00:14:40,000 --> 00:14:43,460 The river and its green banks attract many giraffes. 265 00:14:43,460 --> 00:14:45,740 For a long time, it was felt that these animals 266 00:14:45,740 --> 00:14:47,290 had developed their long necks 267 00:14:47,290 --> 00:14:50,500 simply to give them unrivaled access to the higher leaves 268 00:14:50,500 --> 00:14:51,930 on the trees. 269 00:14:51,930 --> 00:14:54,170 However, they often eat vegetation 270 00:14:54,170 --> 00:14:55,313 at half their height. 271 00:14:58,530 --> 00:15:01,530 An alternative theory suggests that the long neck 272 00:15:01,530 --> 00:15:04,070 was used for a completely different purpose, 273 00:15:04,070 --> 00:15:07,853 to give the bulls an advantage when fighting over a female. 274 00:15:09,231 --> 00:15:11,981 (dramatic music) 275 00:15:13,510 --> 00:15:16,573 These two young bulls are merely practicing. 276 00:15:18,590 --> 00:15:21,133 They're gauging their strikes very carefully. 277 00:15:22,708 --> 00:15:25,458 (dramatic music) 278 00:15:29,550 --> 00:15:33,210 They live in loosely structured batchelor groups 279 00:15:33,210 --> 00:15:34,410 but later become loners. 280 00:15:36,946 --> 00:15:39,696 (dramatic music) 281 00:15:44,780 --> 00:15:48,000 If they then meet arrival during the mating period, 282 00:15:48,000 --> 00:15:50,720 there'll be no consideration for the other. 283 00:15:50,720 --> 00:15:53,770 They will then apply a full power to their strikes 284 00:15:53,770 --> 00:15:55,440 and their rudimentary horns 285 00:15:55,440 --> 00:15:58,880 or ossicones become dangerous weapons. 286 00:15:58,880 --> 00:16:02,440 The objective is to knock one's opponent of his feet. 287 00:16:02,440 --> 00:16:05,743 Many contests of this kind of left the loser dead. 288 00:16:07,490 --> 00:16:11,550 These two are not in any way intending to injure each other, 289 00:16:11,550 --> 00:16:14,793 let alone kill, but practice makes perfect. 290 00:16:17,810 --> 00:16:20,290 Afternoon in the Maasai Mara, 291 00:16:20,290 --> 00:16:24,200 not quite the ideal hunting time for the lions. 292 00:16:24,200 --> 00:16:26,030 This group of banded mongooses 293 00:16:26,030 --> 00:16:28,300 is quite safe to pass by. 294 00:16:28,300 --> 00:16:31,300 These diurnal animals go hunting as a group. 295 00:16:31,300 --> 00:16:34,263 The leader of the pack is one of the older females. 296 00:16:36,250 --> 00:16:40,250 Still time for a little nap before work starts in earnest 297 00:16:40,250 --> 00:16:41,563 in a couple of hours. 298 00:16:43,758 --> 00:16:45,580 (playful music) 299 00:16:45,580 --> 00:16:47,690 (mongoose giggling) 300 00:16:47,690 --> 00:16:50,770 The mongooses scour the terrain for beetles, 301 00:16:50,770 --> 00:16:52,816 larvae and other insects. 302 00:16:52,816 --> 00:16:54,620 (mongoose giggling) 303 00:16:54,620 --> 00:16:57,310 Now and again, they dig down a little to unearth 304 00:16:57,310 --> 00:16:59,587 a particularly tasty morsel. 305 00:16:59,587 --> 00:17:02,254 (playful music) 306 00:17:10,820 --> 00:17:12,610 Even if they go out as a group, 307 00:17:12,610 --> 00:17:15,143 each mongoose searches for itself. 308 00:17:17,230 --> 00:17:20,720 Occasionally, a mother and her young will dig together 309 00:17:20,720 --> 00:17:24,454 but normally mongooses hunt individually for food. 310 00:17:24,454 --> 00:17:27,121 (playful music) 311 00:17:32,260 --> 00:17:35,800 There are nevertheless close ties within the group 312 00:17:35,800 --> 00:17:38,290 which will usually consist of three to four pairs 313 00:17:38,290 --> 00:17:39,741 and their young. 314 00:17:39,741 --> 00:17:43,260 (playful music) (mongooses giggling) 315 00:17:43,260 --> 00:17:44,510 In the Maasai Mara, 316 00:17:44,510 --> 00:17:47,860 this results in groups of around 35 animals. 317 00:17:51,180 --> 00:17:54,014 Impala are seldom seen alone. 318 00:17:54,014 --> 00:17:56,180 (birds chirping) 319 00:17:56,180 --> 00:17:59,097 (impalas snarling) 320 00:18:00,320 --> 00:18:04,000 This very young male is still allowed to be in the herd. 321 00:18:04,000 --> 00:18:06,470 The female is presumably its mother. 322 00:18:06,470 --> 00:18:09,150 Otherwise, these herds consist of females 323 00:18:09,150 --> 00:18:12,250 and a few of the older males who will fight each other 324 00:18:12,250 --> 00:18:15,117 for mating rights during the mating period. 325 00:18:15,117 --> 00:18:20,117 (impalas snarling) (birds chirping) 326 00:18:20,350 --> 00:18:22,450 The dominant male will change 327 00:18:22,450 --> 00:18:25,420 from time to time at the top of the field. 328 00:18:25,420 --> 00:18:28,833 Outside the mating period, they graze peacefully together. 329 00:18:31,270 --> 00:18:33,890 In contrast to the wildebeest and zebras, 330 00:18:33,890 --> 00:18:37,630 impalas do not migrate outside the national park 331 00:18:37,630 --> 00:18:41,330 so the lions have always got a steady source of food. 332 00:18:41,330 --> 00:18:43,840 That's an important point because lions, 333 00:18:43,840 --> 00:18:45,750 in contrast to crocodiles, 334 00:18:45,750 --> 00:18:49,000 can't go without fresh food for long periods, 335 00:18:49,000 --> 00:18:50,600 especially when they have young. 336 00:18:51,550 --> 00:18:53,550 They may not be babies anymore, 337 00:18:53,550 --> 00:18:55,840 but they're not able to hunt for themselves 338 00:18:55,840 --> 00:18:58,473 and rely completely on the adults, 339 00:19:00,640 --> 00:19:01,910 but it can take awhile 340 00:19:01,910 --> 00:19:05,207 before they actually manage to deliver the goods. 341 00:19:05,207 --> 00:19:07,790 (lively music) 342 00:19:11,510 --> 00:19:14,960 Lion are the only big cats that form a pride 343 00:19:14,960 --> 00:19:17,763 and maintain close social contacts. 344 00:19:19,610 --> 00:19:23,110 By contrast, the hippopotamus moves every evening 345 00:19:23,110 --> 00:19:27,520 from socially orientated family member to lone individual, 346 00:19:27,520 --> 00:19:29,193 each grazing on its own. 347 00:19:30,540 --> 00:19:32,830 The hippos have to graze at night. 348 00:19:32,830 --> 00:19:35,220 Unlike the diurnal zebras, 349 00:19:35,220 --> 00:19:38,360 hippos would not survive extended grazing periods 350 00:19:38,360 --> 00:19:39,423 in the blazing sun. 351 00:19:40,386 --> 00:19:42,969 (lively music) 352 00:19:55,520 --> 00:19:57,010 The King of the Savannah 353 00:19:57,010 --> 00:19:58,090 still does not appear (lion roaring) 354 00:19:58,090 --> 00:19:59,563 to be in a hunting mood, 355 00:20:02,380 --> 00:20:04,703 but soon he will set off on that errand. 356 00:20:10,260 --> 00:20:13,610 The animals in the Maasai Mara have to be constantly 357 00:20:13,610 --> 00:20:14,523 on the lookout. 358 00:20:15,482 --> 00:20:18,063 (lively music) 359 00:20:18,063 --> 00:20:21,063 (crickets chirping) 360 00:20:32,220 --> 00:20:35,330 The fact that hippos have skin that is so sensitive 361 00:20:35,330 --> 00:20:38,420 to the sun, making them night tunnel grazers 362 00:20:38,420 --> 00:20:40,580 maybe linked to their ancestors. 363 00:20:40,580 --> 00:20:42,806 They're related to whales. 364 00:20:42,806 --> 00:20:45,806 (crickets chirping) 365 00:20:46,640 --> 00:20:50,160 These massive creatures need not fear the dark. 366 00:20:50,160 --> 00:20:51,903 They have no predators. 367 00:20:54,440 --> 00:20:58,579 And anyway, the buffalo is busy with something else. 368 00:20:58,579 --> 00:21:01,579 (crickets chirping) 369 00:21:05,470 --> 00:21:07,820 It's in particular, the smaller hunters 370 00:21:07,820 --> 00:21:11,623 like the mongooses that rely on the cover of darkness. 371 00:21:13,067 --> 00:21:15,820 (crickets chirping) 372 00:21:15,820 --> 00:21:18,910 The hippo has to devour at least 40 kilograms 373 00:21:18,910 --> 00:21:20,960 of vegetation every night, 374 00:21:20,960 --> 00:21:25,043 which only accounts for 1 to 1 1/2% of its body weight. 375 00:21:26,457 --> 00:21:27,660 (crickets chirping) 376 00:21:27,660 --> 00:21:30,490 (lion growling) 377 00:21:30,490 --> 00:21:33,850 Lions and crocodiles will generally avoid each other 378 00:21:34,969 --> 00:21:37,969 (suspenseful music) 379 00:21:39,068 --> 00:21:40,140 (lion growling) 380 00:21:40,140 --> 00:21:40,973 generally. 381 00:21:42,910 --> 00:21:44,670 (lions growling) 382 00:21:44,670 --> 00:21:47,240 Lions will indeed protect their young 383 00:21:47,240 --> 00:21:50,750 or their dinner carcasses against crocodiles 384 00:21:50,750 --> 00:21:53,580 but don't normally consider them to be prey. 385 00:21:53,580 --> 00:21:57,716 Perhaps these lions were just after an adrenaline kick. 386 00:21:57,716 --> 00:22:00,299 (lively music) 387 00:22:01,141 --> 00:22:03,891 (birds chirping) 388 00:22:07,760 --> 00:22:10,430 A new day dawns and with it, 389 00:22:10,430 --> 00:22:13,958 the start of the greatest drama of the Masaai Mara. 390 00:22:13,958 --> 00:22:16,541 (lively music) 391 00:22:20,360 --> 00:22:23,513 The first wildebeest reach the river region. 392 00:22:24,667 --> 00:22:27,250 (lively music) 393 00:22:29,590 --> 00:22:33,993 Behind them is an 800 kilometer energy draining migration. 394 00:22:35,987 --> 00:22:38,570 (lively music) 395 00:22:43,670 --> 00:22:48,361 It's far greener here than in the overgrazed Serengeti. 396 00:22:48,361 --> 00:22:51,611 (wildebeests growling) 397 00:22:54,530 --> 00:22:55,830 In the Maasai Mara, 398 00:22:55,830 --> 00:22:59,010 the rain and drought periods are less extreme 399 00:22:59,010 --> 00:23:00,733 than in the Southern Serengeti. 400 00:23:02,230 --> 00:23:04,520 Heavy thunderstorms keep ensuring 401 00:23:04,520 --> 00:23:06,220 the supply of fresh water, 402 00:23:06,220 --> 00:23:08,280 which benefits the green vegetation 403 00:23:09,299 --> 00:23:10,260 (wildebeests growling) 404 00:23:10,260 --> 00:23:11,650 Before the animals embark 405 00:23:11,650 --> 00:23:13,950 on the most difficult part of their journey, 406 00:23:13,950 --> 00:23:15,290 crossing the river, 407 00:23:15,290 --> 00:23:19,350 they enjoy rest and take the edge off their hunger. 408 00:23:19,350 --> 00:23:21,810 They specialize in short grass. 409 00:23:21,810 --> 00:23:25,000 It replenishes itself relatively quickly 410 00:23:25,000 --> 00:23:27,230 but is grazed to nothing in a short time, 411 00:23:27,230 --> 00:23:31,500 which is why these animals keep searching for new pastures. 412 00:23:31,500 --> 00:23:35,110 Their broad mouths, large incisors and mobile lips 413 00:23:35,110 --> 00:23:37,523 make them the perfect lawn mowers. 414 00:23:38,766 --> 00:23:42,600 (wildebeests growling) 415 00:23:42,600 --> 00:23:43,670 For some though, 416 00:23:43,670 --> 00:23:46,290 the luscious green came too late 417 00:23:46,290 --> 00:23:48,963 and it doesn't take long before they're discovered. 418 00:23:50,153 --> 00:23:52,010 (suspenseful music) 419 00:23:52,010 --> 00:23:52,843 (vultures growling) 420 00:23:52,843 --> 00:23:56,020 For the vouchers, wildebeests that die of exhaustion 421 00:23:56,020 --> 00:23:57,755 are a feast. 422 00:23:57,755 --> 00:23:59,835 (suspenseful music) 423 00:23:59,835 --> 00:24:02,167 (vultures growling) 424 00:24:02,167 --> 00:24:03,620 Ruppell's vultures 425 00:24:03,620 --> 00:24:07,103 specialize in large carrion such as wildebeest. 426 00:24:08,515 --> 00:24:11,490 (vultures growling) 427 00:24:11,490 --> 00:24:13,860 The marabou may be larger than them 428 00:24:13,860 --> 00:24:17,460 but the vultures sharp curved beaks are far superior 429 00:24:17,460 --> 00:24:20,654 both as meat cutting tools and weapons. 430 00:24:20,654 --> 00:24:23,404 (dramatic music) 431 00:24:25,829 --> 00:24:28,746 (vulture growling) 432 00:24:33,440 --> 00:24:37,183 These feathered scavengers do not like sharing. 433 00:24:41,590 --> 00:24:44,783 Some are so involved in infighting, they forget to eat. 434 00:24:46,167 --> 00:24:48,504 (dramatic music) 435 00:24:48,504 --> 00:24:51,254 (birds chirping) 436 00:24:58,340 --> 00:25:01,740 But these quarrelsome creatures provide an important service 437 00:25:01,740 --> 00:25:03,470 to the Maasai Mara. 438 00:25:03,470 --> 00:25:07,360 By stripping carcasses often right down to the bare bones, 439 00:25:07,360 --> 00:25:10,851 they prevent the spread of epidemic disease. 440 00:25:10,851 --> 00:25:15,851 (vultures growling) (dramatic music) 441 00:25:20,964 --> 00:25:23,490 When they're not fighting, Ruppell's vultures 442 00:25:23,490 --> 00:25:26,480 can devour as much as a fifth of their own body weight 443 00:25:26,480 --> 00:25:27,880 in one sitting. 444 00:25:27,880 --> 00:25:30,218 That can be one to two kilograms. 445 00:25:30,218 --> 00:25:33,880 (dramatic music) (vultures growling) 446 00:25:33,880 --> 00:25:35,130 Having eaten their fill, 447 00:25:35,130 --> 00:25:38,096 they find taking off a bit cumbersome. 448 00:25:38,096 --> 00:25:40,846 (dramatic music) 449 00:25:42,364 --> 00:25:45,364 (vultures growling) 450 00:25:49,270 --> 00:25:51,550 Together with the first wildebeest, 451 00:25:51,550 --> 00:25:54,800 we see many zebras arriving in the Maasai Mara. 452 00:25:54,800 --> 00:25:57,570 Zebras eat the longer, tougher grass 453 00:25:57,570 --> 00:25:59,520 which opens up the way for the wildebeest 454 00:25:59,520 --> 00:26:01,130 to get to the shorter grass 455 00:26:01,130 --> 00:26:04,321 that's rich in nutrients. (zebras braying) 456 00:26:04,321 --> 00:26:06,300 As compensation, (water babbling) 457 00:26:06,300 --> 00:26:09,390 the enormous herds of wildebeest provide protection 458 00:26:09,390 --> 00:26:11,713 for the zebras against attackers. 459 00:26:13,190 --> 00:26:17,278 It's normally the zebras that go down to the river first 460 00:26:17,278 --> 00:26:19,060 (zebras barking) 461 00:26:19,060 --> 00:26:21,750 and they have been waiting for this moment. 462 00:26:21,750 --> 00:26:23,680 Crocodiles know from experience 463 00:26:23,680 --> 00:26:26,003 where the animals will cross the river. 464 00:26:28,900 --> 00:26:30,300 Driven by thirst, 465 00:26:30,300 --> 00:26:33,273 the exhausted travelers make their way to the water. 466 00:26:34,500 --> 00:26:36,540 As long as the crocs are moving, 467 00:26:36,540 --> 00:26:38,713 they will be detected in good time. 468 00:26:42,400 --> 00:26:45,350 The lions have also taken up their positions 469 00:26:45,350 --> 00:26:47,723 and have already had a successful hunt. 470 00:26:55,450 --> 00:26:57,823 But it's not enough for the full bride. 471 00:26:59,561 --> 00:27:02,311 (lions rumbling) 472 00:27:06,400 --> 00:27:08,600 The lions know exactly which points 473 00:27:08,600 --> 00:27:10,290 on the river are the easiest 474 00:27:10,290 --> 00:27:12,863 for the zebras and wildebeest to cross. 475 00:27:16,256 --> 00:27:18,640 (lions roaring) 476 00:27:18,640 --> 00:27:21,290 While some of the lionesses keep a watchful eye 477 00:27:21,290 --> 00:27:23,800 on the young, others are closely watching out 478 00:27:23,800 --> 00:27:26,764 for the arrivals by the river. 479 00:27:26,764 --> 00:27:29,431 (lions roaring) 480 00:27:32,260 --> 00:27:35,510 The lionesses, mostly mothers and daughters, 481 00:27:35,510 --> 00:27:39,243 sisters, aunts, and nieces form the hunting party. 482 00:27:44,230 --> 00:27:47,185 Crocodiles may not be quite as social 483 00:27:47,185 --> 00:27:50,023 but later they will need each other as well. 484 00:27:57,360 --> 00:28:00,793 More and more wildebeests gather on the opposite bank. 485 00:28:04,710 --> 00:28:08,280 They're facing the greatest challenge of their long journey. 486 00:28:08,280 --> 00:28:11,820 The steep banks alone that line the Mara in many places 487 00:28:11,820 --> 00:28:13,273 are hard to overcome. 488 00:28:16,300 --> 00:28:19,116 But the wildebeest have no choice. 489 00:28:19,116 --> 00:28:23,530 (water babbling) (wildebeests growling) 490 00:28:23,530 --> 00:28:27,730 Down by the river, the life-saving herd becomes a liability. 491 00:28:27,730 --> 00:28:30,280 Hundreds of animals push their way forwards, 492 00:28:30,280 --> 00:28:32,473 leaving no opportunity for escape. 493 00:28:33,970 --> 00:28:36,741 The underwater hunters are on their way. 494 00:28:36,741 --> 00:28:39,042 (water splashing) 495 00:28:39,042 --> 00:28:41,792 (water babbling) 496 00:28:44,014 --> 00:28:47,500 (wildebeests growling) 497 00:28:47,500 --> 00:28:50,573 There is simply no end to this sumptuous meal. 498 00:28:53,430 --> 00:28:56,030 The wildebeest are well-aware of the dangers 499 00:28:58,340 --> 00:28:59,790 but they have to get through. 500 00:29:01,580 --> 00:29:06,580 (water splashing) (suspenseful music) 501 00:29:11,310 --> 00:29:14,840 The river literally puts obstacles in their way 502 00:29:14,840 --> 00:29:17,513 and those rocks are often deceptively slippery. 503 00:29:18,772 --> 00:29:23,772 (suspenseful music) (water splashing) 504 00:29:24,410 --> 00:29:27,530 Once the first animals have dared to enter the water, 505 00:29:27,530 --> 00:29:29,773 there's nowhere to go but forward. 506 00:29:32,470 --> 00:29:35,710 The crocodiles, try to attack the open flanks. 507 00:29:35,710 --> 00:29:37,970 If they get too close to the thick of it, 508 00:29:37,970 --> 00:29:39,653 they're at risk themselves. 509 00:29:39,653 --> 00:29:44,653 (suspenseful music) (water babbling) 510 00:29:54,350 --> 00:29:56,600 Now the wildebeests have to run the gauntlet. 511 00:29:59,060 --> 00:30:01,570 They have managed to reach the safety of the bank 512 00:30:02,870 --> 00:30:05,620 (dramatic music) 513 00:30:10,420 --> 00:30:12,013 but some didn't make it. 514 00:30:15,760 --> 00:30:19,290 The wildebeest summon their last reserves of strength. 515 00:30:19,290 --> 00:30:22,083 Their ability to leap is their only chance. 516 00:30:23,469 --> 00:30:26,510 (dramatic music) 517 00:30:26,510 --> 00:30:28,620 The safety of the individual lies 518 00:30:28,620 --> 00:30:30,313 in the sheer mass of the herd. 519 00:30:31,607 --> 00:30:34,357 (dramatic music) 520 00:30:35,380 --> 00:30:37,734 But the crocodiles are not alone. 521 00:30:37,734 --> 00:30:42,734 (dramatic music) (water splashing) 522 00:30:44,270 --> 00:30:46,980 Once one of them has grabbed a wildebeest, 523 00:30:46,980 --> 00:30:49,280 it attempts to drag it under water. 524 00:30:49,280 --> 00:30:50,993 The other crocodiles will help. 525 00:30:52,094 --> 00:30:57,094 (dramatic music) (water splashing) 526 00:31:10,710 --> 00:31:14,290 Each bite has the force of 2,000 kilos. 527 00:31:14,290 --> 00:31:16,173 Crocodiles are merciless opponents. 528 00:31:17,293 --> 00:31:22,293 (dramatic music) (water plashing) 529 00:31:24,350 --> 00:31:26,780 And the animals that pass the first hurdle 530 00:31:26,780 --> 00:31:29,043 are faced with the next ambush. 531 00:31:30,350 --> 00:31:33,050 The lion attempts to immobilize the wildebeest 532 00:31:33,050 --> 00:31:34,613 by biting into its throat. 533 00:31:36,038 --> 00:31:38,788 (dramatic music) 534 00:31:41,310 --> 00:31:43,460 Even if they survive the river, 535 00:31:43,460 --> 00:31:45,360 they can still be trampled under foot. 536 00:31:47,026 --> 00:31:49,609 (lively music) 537 00:31:51,420 --> 00:31:53,010 The youngest wildebeest, 538 00:31:53,010 --> 00:31:56,260 born only a few months before in the Serengeti, 539 00:31:56,260 --> 00:31:58,630 are experiencing this terrifying migration 540 00:31:58,630 --> 00:32:00,430 for the first time. 541 00:32:00,430 --> 00:32:02,610 They need to get back up to strength 542 00:32:03,720 --> 00:32:05,273 but the track must go on. 543 00:32:07,740 --> 00:32:10,360 Driven on by the stressful experience, 544 00:32:10,360 --> 00:32:13,817 the animals quickly take control of their new terrain. 545 00:32:13,817 --> 00:32:16,400 (lively music) 546 00:32:18,410 --> 00:32:21,490 This large scale partnership of convenience 547 00:32:21,490 --> 00:32:24,370 will now separate into smaller herds 548 00:32:24,370 --> 00:32:26,850 until it's time to return to the Serengeti 549 00:32:26,850 --> 00:32:31,293 in two months time following well-trodden ancestral paths. 550 00:32:34,363 --> 00:32:35,360 (water babbling) 551 00:32:35,360 --> 00:32:38,650 The battle of the Mara is over for the time being 552 00:32:38,650 --> 00:32:41,600 and the vultures will finish what the crocodiles could not. 553 00:32:42,944 --> 00:32:45,395 (water babbling) 554 00:32:45,395 --> 00:32:48,118 (birds chirping) 555 00:32:48,118 --> 00:32:51,210 They're still living in the lap of a rare luxury. 556 00:32:51,210 --> 00:32:53,150 Even if a crocodile didn't manage to get 557 00:32:53,150 --> 00:32:54,500 its own wildebeest, 558 00:32:54,500 --> 00:32:57,960 there are plenty of fallen and drowned animals floating 559 00:32:57,960 --> 00:33:02,205 right past their noses. (water splashing) 560 00:33:02,205 --> 00:33:04,330 After a few days, the carcasses are easier 561 00:33:04,330 --> 00:33:06,300 for the crocodiles to tear apart 562 00:33:06,300 --> 00:33:08,590 than the freshly killed ones. 563 00:33:08,590 --> 00:33:10,450 Despite their armory of teeth, 564 00:33:10,450 --> 00:33:13,940 crocodiles can't bite off bits of their prey. 565 00:33:13,940 --> 00:33:16,350 They have to rip them to pieces by shaking them 566 00:33:16,350 --> 00:33:17,953 from side to side. 567 00:33:17,953 --> 00:33:20,040 (water babbling) 568 00:33:20,040 --> 00:33:22,620 Even though they cooperated in the hunt, 569 00:33:22,620 --> 00:33:24,041 they do not like sharing. 570 00:33:24,041 --> 00:33:26,874 (water splashing) 571 00:33:35,550 --> 00:33:36,700 For the lions, 572 00:33:36,700 --> 00:33:38,830 the Riverside hunt is now over 573 00:33:42,464 --> 00:33:43,440 (lions rumbling) 574 00:33:43,440 --> 00:33:46,223 but the pride had a successful hunting trip. 575 00:33:50,540 --> 00:33:52,430 There's plenty for everyone. 576 00:33:52,430 --> 00:33:54,550 And even the chance for the youngsters 577 00:33:54,550 --> 00:33:56,690 to practice dismembering the kill 578 00:34:02,156 --> 00:34:04,906 (water babbling) 579 00:34:07,240 --> 00:34:10,583 and practicing the fatal bite to the throat. 580 00:34:17,836 --> 00:34:21,210 (lively music) 581 00:34:21,210 --> 00:34:24,700 For the youngest, it's all just a game. 582 00:34:24,700 --> 00:34:28,310 Their teeth are not yet powerful enough to tear the skin. 583 00:34:28,310 --> 00:34:30,110 They still need the adults for that. 584 00:34:31,102 --> 00:34:33,685 (lively music) 585 00:34:41,408 --> 00:34:44,680 (cubs rumbling) 586 00:34:44,680 --> 00:34:47,010 A full stomach feels good. 587 00:34:47,010 --> 00:34:49,923 Both the adults and their young feel playful. 588 00:34:51,003 --> 00:34:56,003 (cub rumbling) (playful music) 589 00:35:10,640 --> 00:35:14,183 But this unconcerned rollicking can't last long. 590 00:35:17,040 --> 00:35:19,673 The adult lions know that if they leave the carcasses 591 00:35:19,673 --> 00:35:21,610 unattended for long, 592 00:35:21,610 --> 00:35:23,831 there will soon be nothing left. 593 00:35:23,831 --> 00:35:26,790 (playful music) 594 00:35:26,790 --> 00:35:29,620 So they drag them to a safe larder, 595 00:35:29,620 --> 00:35:30,770 a tough task, 596 00:35:30,770 --> 00:35:33,053 even for a fully grown lioness. 597 00:35:37,200 --> 00:35:40,393 Hunting and eating are thirsty work. 598 00:35:42,420 --> 00:35:45,770 Lions do not scoop up water with their tongues. 599 00:35:45,770 --> 00:35:49,500 The rough surface of the tongue binds the drops of water 600 00:35:49,500 --> 00:35:51,990 and that causes a pillar of water to follow 601 00:35:51,990 --> 00:35:55,858 through the adhesive action between the water molecules. 602 00:35:55,858 --> 00:35:58,525 (playful music) 603 00:36:03,806 --> 00:36:06,820 (dramatic music) 604 00:36:06,820 --> 00:36:09,160 The surface area of the Maasai Mara 605 00:36:09,160 --> 00:36:11,880 is a mere 10th of the size of the Serengeti 606 00:36:16,510 --> 00:36:18,570 and yet it provides sufficient food 607 00:36:18,570 --> 00:36:20,490 for both the new arrivals 608 00:36:20,490 --> 00:36:23,007 and the long established indigence. 609 00:36:26,980 --> 00:36:30,993 Most of the step zebras and wildebeests are migrants. 610 00:36:33,370 --> 00:36:35,683 These common tsessebe live here permanently. 611 00:36:38,680 --> 00:36:41,380 The males like to stand on raised hummocks 612 00:36:41,380 --> 00:36:44,950 to keep an eye on their territory and their females. 613 00:36:44,950 --> 00:36:47,340 Since both sexes look very similar, 614 00:36:47,340 --> 00:36:49,560 the females often copy this behavior 615 00:36:49,560 --> 00:36:52,023 to confuse male intruders. 616 00:36:52,023 --> 00:36:54,606 (lively music) 617 00:36:57,450 --> 00:37:01,290 Giraffes have an even better view of the surroundings 618 00:37:01,290 --> 00:37:04,243 which is why zebras like to stay close to the giraffe. 619 00:37:05,272 --> 00:37:08,642 (lively music) 620 00:37:08,642 --> 00:37:11,010 (zebras braying) 621 00:37:11,010 --> 00:37:13,060 In the searing mid-day heat, 622 00:37:13,060 --> 00:37:15,663 every unnecessary movement is avoided. 623 00:37:17,830 --> 00:37:21,676 Even the jackal can't summon the energy to hunt. 624 00:37:21,676 --> 00:37:24,343 (playful music) 625 00:37:26,613 --> 00:37:29,690 (hyenas giggling) 626 00:37:29,690 --> 00:37:31,553 The hyenas are no different. 627 00:37:32,815 --> 00:37:35,450 (playful music) 628 00:37:35,450 --> 00:37:37,050 Despite their reputation, 629 00:37:37,050 --> 00:37:40,123 hyenas are not merely dimmed scavengers. 630 00:37:43,590 --> 00:37:46,900 These youngsters will grow up into skilled hunters 631 00:37:46,900 --> 00:37:49,780 capable of attacking even large, hoofed animals, 632 00:37:49,780 --> 00:37:53,883 such as wildebeests or zebras individually or as a pack. 633 00:37:56,550 --> 00:37:59,813 But that time is still some way off. 634 00:37:59,813 --> 00:38:02,480 (playful music) 635 00:38:04,390 --> 00:38:07,530 Mother hyenas suckle their young for a year, 636 00:38:07,530 --> 00:38:09,958 longer than most other hunters. 637 00:38:09,958 --> 00:38:14,958 (playful music) (birds chirping) 638 00:38:17,300 --> 00:38:20,920 Hyenas live in clans controlled by the females 639 00:38:20,920 --> 00:38:23,870 and with a clearly defined hierarchy. 640 00:38:23,870 --> 00:38:26,623 The mother will pass her role onto her cub. 641 00:38:29,750 --> 00:38:33,540 Common tsessebe are the preferred prey of hyenas 642 00:38:33,540 --> 00:38:36,213 but not in the merciless, mid-day heat. 643 00:38:37,890 --> 00:38:38,910 Nevertheless, 644 00:38:38,910 --> 00:38:40,980 even after the great migration, 645 00:38:40,980 --> 00:38:44,700 the drama of life and death is replayed over and over again 646 00:38:44,700 --> 00:38:45,993 in the Maasai Mara. 647 00:38:46,940 --> 00:38:49,380 (buffaloes growling) 648 00:38:49,380 --> 00:38:51,780 An African Buffalo has died 649 00:38:51,780 --> 00:38:54,580 and has not yet been discovered by scavengers 650 00:38:54,580 --> 00:38:57,200 Its companions tried to protect it. 651 00:38:57,200 --> 00:38:59,140 And it looks as if all of them feel the need 652 00:38:59,140 --> 00:39:02,020 to reassure themselves that their fellow buffalo 653 00:39:02,020 --> 00:39:03,253 really is dead. 654 00:39:04,170 --> 00:39:07,430 The herd is looking confused and disoriented. 655 00:39:07,430 --> 00:39:11,119 Perhaps the dead animal was a dominant, mature female. 656 00:39:11,119 --> 00:39:16,119 (buffaloes growling) (suspenseful music) 657 00:39:20,520 --> 00:39:24,883 Related cows form a group with a very strict hierarchy. 658 00:39:28,400 --> 00:39:30,780 If a high ranking animal dies, 659 00:39:30,780 --> 00:39:33,833 the herd first has to reorganize itself. 660 00:39:36,320 --> 00:39:39,630 The saddle-billed stork is also a carrion-eater 661 00:39:39,630 --> 00:39:41,320 but it has to wait until others 662 00:39:41,320 --> 00:39:43,633 have ripped open the carcass. 663 00:39:43,633 --> 00:39:46,230 (dramatic music) 664 00:39:46,230 --> 00:39:49,233 The young tawny eagle is much better equipped. 665 00:39:54,390 --> 00:39:56,070 As pure vegetarians, 666 00:39:56,070 --> 00:39:59,753 elephants are most definitely not interested in carrion. 667 00:40:03,380 --> 00:40:05,900 In contrast to popular belief however, 668 00:40:05,900 --> 00:40:08,070 they do not only eat leaves, 669 00:40:08,070 --> 00:40:09,020 in the Savannah, 670 00:40:09,020 --> 00:40:13,090 they eat almost exclusively grass and lots of it. 671 00:40:13,090 --> 00:40:14,130 An adult elephant 672 00:40:14,130 --> 00:40:18,213 will devour 200 to 300 kilograms of vegetation a day. 673 00:40:19,498 --> 00:40:22,081 (lively music) 674 00:40:24,380 --> 00:40:27,980 They eat for as much as 17 hours a day 675 00:40:27,980 --> 00:40:31,039 but this does not stop them having a little tiff. 676 00:40:31,039 --> 00:40:33,622 (lively music) 677 00:40:37,882 --> 00:40:42,049 Even the babies try to work out how mommy does it. 678 00:40:45,640 --> 00:40:49,404 But this little one has chosen the wrong place. 679 00:40:49,404 --> 00:40:51,987 (lively music) 680 00:40:55,370 --> 00:40:57,810 Despite gorging themselves in this way, 681 00:40:57,810 --> 00:41:02,110 the adolescents need a long time before they're fully grown, 682 00:41:02,110 --> 00:41:04,780 not until they are 20 years old are the bulls 683 00:41:04,780 --> 00:41:07,553 in a position to take on other competitors. 684 00:41:09,620 --> 00:41:11,463 The herd is not alone. 685 00:41:13,700 --> 00:41:16,280 The rare hook-lipped rhinoceros 686 00:41:16,280 --> 00:41:19,870 is known to be one of the most dangerous animals in Africa. 687 00:41:19,870 --> 00:41:21,800 (elephant rumbling) 688 00:41:21,800 --> 00:41:24,900 This herd of elephants is relatively vulnerable 689 00:41:24,900 --> 00:41:26,930 because of the young calves. 690 00:41:26,930 --> 00:41:30,013 They're not able to run away very fast. 691 00:41:30,013 --> 00:41:35,013 (suspenseful music) (birds chirping) 692 00:41:37,340 --> 00:41:39,130 The aggressive rhinoceros bull 693 00:41:39,130 --> 00:41:41,163 considers the elephants to be a threat. 694 00:41:42,532 --> 00:41:43,490 (elephant rumbling) 695 00:41:43,490 --> 00:41:46,040 But the lead cow wastes no time 696 00:41:46,040 --> 00:41:48,083 and is ready to protect her herd. 697 00:41:49,114 --> 00:41:54,114 (elephant rumbling) (dramatic music) 698 00:41:57,400 --> 00:41:59,640 Even the rhinoceros is unlikely 699 00:41:59,640 --> 00:42:02,193 to take on a three ton heavyweight. 700 00:42:03,981 --> 00:42:06,731 (dramatic music) 701 00:42:08,425 --> 00:42:11,425 (elephant rumbling) 702 00:42:16,720 --> 00:42:18,930 The herd relaxes again. 703 00:42:18,930 --> 00:42:23,385 The younger ones are practicing contests for later life. 704 00:42:23,385 --> 00:42:25,968 (lively music) 705 00:42:30,900 --> 00:42:33,936 But they're back in someone's sites again. 706 00:42:33,936 --> 00:42:36,190 (birds chirping) 707 00:42:36,190 --> 00:42:37,120 (elephant trumpeting) 708 00:42:37,120 --> 00:42:39,360 The cows remain unperturbed. 709 00:42:39,360 --> 00:42:42,695 The young are safe as long as they are close. 710 00:42:42,695 --> 00:42:44,893 (lively music) 711 00:42:44,893 --> 00:42:48,120 (elephant trumpeting) 712 00:42:48,120 --> 00:42:50,810 As usual working out what a useful tool 713 00:42:50,810 --> 00:42:51,790 the trunk is, (calf trumpeting) 714 00:42:51,790 --> 00:42:52,623 is fun. 715 00:42:53,809 --> 00:42:56,476 (playful music) 716 00:42:57,415 --> 00:43:00,650 (elephants rumbling) 717 00:43:00,650 --> 00:43:03,560 However peaceful the scene may appear to be, 718 00:43:03,560 --> 00:43:06,880 the elephant's face an uncertain future. 719 00:43:06,880 --> 00:43:10,550 Poachers are still keen on killing these majestic animals 720 00:43:10,550 --> 00:43:12,040 for their tusks. 721 00:43:12,040 --> 00:43:15,270 Every year, the population of African elephants 722 00:43:15,270 --> 00:43:17,183 drops by 8%. 723 00:43:18,565 --> 00:43:19,975 (elephant trumpeting) 724 00:43:19,975 --> 00:43:22,725 (birds chirping) 725 00:43:30,180 --> 00:43:31,520 Close to the Mara River, 726 00:43:31,520 --> 00:43:34,100 there are many smaller, woodland areas 727 00:43:34,100 --> 00:43:37,886 and the impalas love to retreat to these places. 728 00:43:37,886 --> 00:43:40,636 (birds chirping) 729 00:43:42,720 --> 00:43:45,880 One story higher up and the new based baboon 730 00:43:45,880 --> 00:43:47,879 keeps a watchful eye. 731 00:43:47,879 --> 00:43:49,730 (baboons growling) (playful music) 732 00:43:49,730 --> 00:43:52,310 On the ground, it's fellow baboons are searching 733 00:43:52,310 --> 00:43:53,423 for titbits. 734 00:43:56,030 --> 00:43:59,633 The baboons dig in the ground for insects and roots. 735 00:44:03,466 --> 00:44:04,299 (baboons growling) 736 00:44:04,299 --> 00:44:05,850 To be able to ride piggyback, 737 00:44:05,850 --> 00:44:08,860 an infant has to be at least six weeks old. 738 00:44:08,860 --> 00:44:10,360 Until then, the babies cling 739 00:44:10,360 --> 00:44:13,000 to their mother's furry underbelly. 740 00:44:13,000 --> 00:44:14,930 And once they are a year old, 741 00:44:14,930 --> 00:44:17,703 they have to fend for themselves. 742 00:44:17,703 --> 00:44:19,278 (playful music) 743 00:44:19,278 --> 00:44:22,350 (birds chirping) 744 00:44:22,350 --> 00:44:24,410 At an age of around three months, 745 00:44:24,410 --> 00:44:26,210 the young beginning to take an interest 746 00:44:26,210 --> 00:44:28,073 in each other and play together. 747 00:44:35,260 --> 00:44:37,373 The watchman issues of warning. 748 00:44:38,229 --> 00:44:41,229 (suspenseful music) 749 00:44:43,370 --> 00:44:44,803 The lion has no chance. 750 00:44:46,295 --> 00:44:49,295 (suspenseful music) 751 00:44:52,873 --> 00:44:55,090 The strong males hold their posts 752 00:44:55,090 --> 00:44:57,190 until the danger has passed, 753 00:44:57,190 --> 00:44:59,500 ready at a moment's notice to attack 754 00:44:59,500 --> 00:45:01,853 if the harem is jeopardized. 755 00:45:04,660 --> 00:45:08,560 He is a far more dangerous risk for the baboons. 756 00:45:08,560 --> 00:45:11,177 Leopards attack from an ambush. 757 00:45:11,177 --> 00:45:13,927 (birds chirping) 758 00:45:15,430 --> 00:45:18,433 The martial eagle has already found its prey. 759 00:45:19,939 --> 00:45:22,689 (birds chirping) 760 00:45:28,470 --> 00:45:30,910 It's still too hot for the leopard. 761 00:45:30,910 --> 00:45:33,963 Big cats do not go hunting until dusk, 762 00:45:36,030 --> 00:45:39,084 but they are already being watched. 763 00:45:39,084 --> 00:45:42,000 (birds chirping) 764 00:45:42,000 --> 00:45:45,070 Raptors often stay close to larger hunters 765 00:45:45,070 --> 00:45:47,850 because there's a good chance that a successful hunt 766 00:45:47,850 --> 00:45:50,026 will leave something for them. 767 00:45:50,026 --> 00:45:52,776 (birds chirping) 768 00:45:54,996 --> 00:45:57,913 (leopard growling) 769 00:46:00,950 --> 00:46:04,319 But it's looking as if they will have to wait a bit. 770 00:46:04,319 --> 00:46:07,069 (birds chirping) 771 00:46:11,002 --> 00:46:13,750 (leopard growling) 772 00:46:13,750 --> 00:46:15,604 or will they? 773 00:46:15,604 --> 00:46:18,354 (birds chirping) 774 00:46:26,220 --> 00:46:29,203 No, this leopard has a rather different aim. 775 00:46:32,330 --> 00:46:35,450 He uses a secretion from an anal gland 776 00:46:35,450 --> 00:46:37,560 to mark out his territory. 777 00:46:37,560 --> 00:46:40,957 The powerful smell is a clear warning to rivals, 778 00:46:40,957 --> 00:46:42,567 "Keep your distance." 779 00:46:44,740 --> 00:46:46,440 (dramatic music) (birds chirping) 780 00:46:46,440 --> 00:46:50,100 The black back jackals did not want to wait any longer. 781 00:46:50,100 --> 00:46:52,850 (dramatic music) 782 00:46:53,920 --> 00:46:55,420 But they're having a tough time 783 00:46:55,420 --> 00:46:57,833 keeping those annoying vultures at bay. 784 00:46:59,469 --> 00:47:02,469 (vultures chirping) 785 00:47:08,958 --> 00:47:11,791 (jackals barking) 786 00:47:14,000 --> 00:47:17,390 The moderately sized hunters are clearly outnumbered 787 00:47:17,390 --> 00:47:20,190 by the vultures and a fair amount 788 00:47:20,190 --> 00:47:23,938 of their freshly replaced energy gets used up again. 789 00:47:23,938 --> 00:47:26,688 (dramatic music) 790 00:47:29,527 --> 00:47:30,520 (jackal barks) 791 00:47:30,520 --> 00:47:33,300 Even a successful hunt in the Maasai Mara 792 00:47:33,300 --> 00:47:37,060 does not mean that the spoils are all one zone. 793 00:47:37,060 --> 00:47:37,893 Frequently, 794 00:47:37,893 --> 00:47:41,290 the jackals will have to relinquish their hard one carcass 795 00:47:41,290 --> 00:47:44,403 to larger hunters like lions and hyenas. 796 00:47:45,510 --> 00:47:49,080 Jackals, leopards, lions, cheaters, 797 00:47:49,080 --> 00:47:52,520 they all make sure that the life and death drama here 798 00:47:52,520 --> 00:47:55,520 is a continuous daily cycle. 799 00:47:55,520 --> 00:47:57,440 (dramatic music) 800 00:47:57,440 --> 00:47:59,110 Each of them has its own way 801 00:47:59,110 --> 00:48:00,650 to play the game (vultures chirping) 802 00:48:00,650 --> 00:48:03,210 and each produces a slightly different 803 00:48:03,210 --> 00:48:05,313 often unexpected result. 804 00:48:06,542 --> 00:48:09,125 (lively music) 805 00:48:11,811 --> 00:48:15,410 (birds chirping) (water babbling) 806 00:48:15,410 --> 00:48:17,530 But none of them plays the game 807 00:48:17,530 --> 00:48:21,963 in the same dramatic and unusual way as these animals. 808 00:48:22,870 --> 00:48:25,592 (water babbling) 809 00:48:25,592 --> 00:48:28,440 (suspenseful music) 810 00:48:28,440 --> 00:48:29,730 They're waiting for the day 811 00:48:29,730 --> 00:48:33,040 when once again they play the leading role 812 00:48:33,040 --> 00:48:35,613 in the greatest drama of the Maasai Mara, 813 00:48:36,528 --> 00:48:38,348 (suspenseful music) 814 00:48:38,348 --> 00:48:41,033 (birds chirping) 815 00:48:41,033 --> 00:48:44,510 (water babbling) 816 00:48:44,510 --> 00:48:47,543 the day of the wildebeest cross the river. 817 00:48:49,645 --> 00:48:52,270 (playful music) (water babbling) 818 00:48:52,270 --> 00:48:53,240 Until that day, 819 00:48:53,240 --> 00:48:56,754 there will always be more modest roles to play. 820 00:48:56,754 --> 00:48:59,510 (birds chirping) (playful music) 821 00:48:59,510 --> 00:49:02,260 (water babbling) 822 00:49:05,100 --> 00:49:08,010 Whether the prey is big or small, 823 00:49:08,010 --> 00:49:10,803 the director's instructions are always the same. 824 00:49:13,690 --> 00:49:16,550 Has this yellow-billed stork not noticed 825 00:49:16,550 --> 00:49:18,053 the living tree trunk? 826 00:49:19,439 --> 00:49:22,870 (playful music) (water babbling) 827 00:49:22,870 --> 00:49:25,270 Or is that tree trunk still full up 828 00:49:25,270 --> 00:49:27,683 from its last wildebeest's supper? 829 00:49:28,788 --> 00:49:31,808 (playful music) 830 00:49:31,808 --> 00:49:32,860 (water babbling) 831 00:49:32,860 --> 00:49:34,483 Whichever way it goes, 832 00:49:35,430 --> 00:49:38,017 there's permanent tension in the air. 833 00:49:39,013 --> 00:49:41,680 (playful music) 834 00:49:48,010 --> 00:49:50,401 And whatever happens, 835 00:49:50,401 --> 00:49:55,401 (playful music) (birds chirping) 836 00:49:57,300 --> 00:50:01,612 the result is not known in advance. 837 00:50:01,612 --> 00:50:04,279 (playful music) 838 00:50:15,231 --> 00:50:17,814 (lively music) 62187

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