1 00:00:12,700 --> 00:00:15,500 Many tales have been told of Africa. 2 00:00:18,700 --> 00:00:20,300 And this is our story. 3 00:00:22,260 --> 00:00:24,940 A drama set in the heart of our world... 4 00:00:26,380 --> 00:00:29,340 ..experienced as we live and breathe it. 5 00:00:33,740 --> 00:00:37,180 It was a year that would change all our lives forever. 6 00:00:39,700 --> 00:00:42,940 Mothers struggle to raise their young. 7 00:00:44,820 --> 00:00:47,380 Jealous rivals tore families apart. 8 00:00:50,540 --> 00:00:53,420 Youngsters battle to find their place in the world. 9 00:00:56,500 --> 00:00:58,460 And all of us were tested... 10 00:01:01,700 --> 00:01:03,180 ..by the elements... 11 00:01:09,100 --> 00:01:10,540 ..by the seasons... 12 00:01:13,500 --> 00:01:15,980 ..and by each other. 13 00:01:18,300 --> 00:01:23,780 This is the story of our lives in a place they call Serengeti. 14 00:02:05,700 --> 00:02:08,820 Our story begins after the rains. 15 00:02:10,860 --> 00:02:14,700 It's the season of plenty when living should be easy. 16 00:02:19,780 --> 00:02:23,060 But in our land, life is rarely that simple. 17 00:02:26,140 --> 00:02:29,140 And all is not well with the great pride. 18 00:02:38,900 --> 00:02:42,300 At the heart of this family is a formidable sisterhood. 19 00:02:48,220 --> 00:02:50,980 The males jealously protect them from outsiders... 20 00:02:55,180 --> 00:02:58,140 ..and demand the females stay faithful. 21 00:03:01,700 --> 00:03:04,820 But one of the lionesses is missing. 22 00:03:04,820 --> 00:03:06,540 SCREECHES 23 00:03:10,980 --> 00:03:14,500 Kali has had cubs with a lion from outside the pride. 24 00:03:18,940 --> 00:03:21,180 She gave birth in secret. 25 00:03:23,660 --> 00:03:26,220 Now she must try to bring her cubs home. 26 00:03:32,300 --> 00:03:35,420 But Kali faces an impossible dilemma. 27 00:03:40,780 --> 00:03:44,260 If the pride male suspect the cubs don't belong... 28 00:03:45,260 --> 00:03:46,620 ..they'll kill them. 29 00:03:52,980 --> 00:03:56,580 But bringing them up alone is just too dangerous... 30 00:04:06,260 --> 00:04:08,380 ..she has to take the risk. 31 00:04:35,260 --> 00:04:36,860 Do they know her secret? 32 00:04:52,900 --> 00:04:54,260 They know. 33 00:05:28,060 --> 00:05:30,100 Kali is exiled... 34 00:05:33,220 --> 00:05:35,740 ..cast out with no protection for her cubs. 35 00:06:09,380 --> 00:06:13,020 While there's breath in her body, Kali will stop at nothing 36 00:06:13,020 --> 00:06:14,540 to keep her cubs safe. 37 00:06:17,100 --> 00:06:21,500 She's learning the hard way, when you fly against the wind, 38 00:06:21,500 --> 00:06:23,140 it's a bumpy ride. 39 00:06:34,860 --> 00:06:38,540 But the lions aren't the only family with troubles. 40 00:06:44,860 --> 00:06:46,340 The great rock... 41 00:06:48,780 --> 00:06:52,420 ..home to the baboons since the dawn of our land... 42 00:06:52,420 --> 00:06:56,300 SCREECHING 43 00:07:03,460 --> 00:07:04,620 ..but, recently, 44 00:07:04,620 --> 00:07:08,380 an aggressive leader took over and stirred things up. 45 00:07:11,340 --> 00:07:13,460 He fought his way to the top... 46 00:07:15,700 --> 00:07:18,300 ..preferring to be feared, not revered. 47 00:07:23,500 --> 00:07:27,900 To rule, he relies on the support of the highest ranking females 48 00:07:27,900 --> 00:07:30,020 such as Sabera. 49 00:07:31,380 --> 00:07:35,300 In return, she gains privileges and protection for her baby... 50 00:07:37,380 --> 00:07:39,860 ..but she was once close to another... 51 00:07:41,740 --> 00:07:43,260 ..Bakari... 52 00:07:46,140 --> 00:07:50,460 ..who now spends his days brooding on the injustice of it all. 53 00:07:53,740 --> 00:07:56,660 Sabera once brought him into the troop, 54 00:07:56,660 --> 00:07:58,980 and their friendship flourished. 55 00:08:01,980 --> 00:08:04,900 But as her power and influence grew, 56 00:08:04,900 --> 00:08:06,740 Bakari was left behind. 57 00:08:16,420 --> 00:08:18,580 But he can't quite let her go. 58 00:08:25,220 --> 00:08:28,700 To win her back requires some social climbing. 59 00:08:45,300 --> 00:08:47,780 As the leader gives into the heat... 60 00:08:48,860 --> 00:08:51,380 ..Bakari gives in to temptation. 61 00:09:26,460 --> 00:09:29,580 But leaders always sleep with one eye open. 62 00:09:31,940 --> 00:09:34,460 SCREECHING 63 00:10:16,580 --> 00:10:17,980 Defeat... 64 00:10:17,980 --> 00:10:19,620 ..for now. 65 00:10:22,940 --> 00:10:26,220 But Bakari is determined to win Sabera back... 66 00:10:28,380 --> 00:10:29,700 ..somehow. 67 00:10:42,100 --> 00:10:44,300 With her cubs depending on her, 68 00:10:44,300 --> 00:10:47,340 Kali must find the strength to provide. 69 00:11:26,340 --> 00:11:29,020 Hunting alone is fraught with danger... 70 00:11:33,580 --> 00:11:35,620 ..but desperation brings courage. 71 00:13:01,740 --> 00:13:03,380 But in our land... 72 00:13:03,380 --> 00:13:06,140 ..success never goes unnoticed for long. 73 00:13:08,780 --> 00:13:13,540 ..and it's not just the vultures who'll be circling. 74 00:13:13,540 --> 00:13:18,820 HYENAS HEE 75 00:13:21,420 --> 00:13:26,580 The hyena clan are a devoted family, ruled by the females. 76 00:13:30,460 --> 00:13:33,220 Their leader is a true warrior queen... 77 00:13:36,420 --> 00:13:39,460 ..and the heir to her crown is her daughter... 78 00:13:44,940 --> 00:13:46,620 ..Zalika. 79 00:13:50,540 --> 00:13:52,980 She still relies on her mother to protect her... 80 00:13:56,340 --> 00:13:58,180 ..and all that is precious. 81 00:14:09,180 --> 00:14:11,780 Zalika is learning to raise her own cubs, 82 00:14:11,780 --> 00:14:14,100 just as her mother raised her. 83 00:14:24,100 --> 00:14:28,580 For her mother, providing for family always comes first. 84 00:14:35,140 --> 00:14:38,340 She can sense a meal on the faintest breeze. 85 00:14:40,100 --> 00:14:43,020 KALI GRUNTS 86 00:14:57,540 --> 00:14:58,740 Two mothers... 87 00:15:01,260 --> 00:15:02,580 ..one meal. 88 00:15:12,500 --> 00:15:14,780 Kali knows what's coming. 89 00:15:17,260 --> 00:15:22,780 HYENA HEES 90 00:15:30,340 --> 00:15:32,900 She's not just taking on a hyena... 91 00:15:38,060 --> 00:15:40,860 ..but also the army who support their queen. 92 00:15:44,620 --> 00:15:45,940 One mistake... 93 00:15:46,940 --> 00:15:48,580 ..and they'll kill her cubs. 94 00:15:51,260 --> 00:15:54,100 She has cornered Kali at her most vulnerable. 95 00:16:00,380 --> 00:16:03,340 A chance for Zalika to support her mother... 96 00:16:17,260 --> 00:16:19,500 ..but Zalika lacks experience. 97 00:16:24,300 --> 00:16:27,540 A mother knows how these battles are won. 98 00:16:30,140 --> 00:16:33,460 Show no fear. Face danger head-on. 99 00:16:46,140 --> 00:16:49,300 This is a fight Kali cannot win... 100 00:16:54,260 --> 00:16:56,700 ..not without risking everything. 101 00:17:11,660 --> 00:17:14,860 For one family to succeed, another must fail. 102 00:17:16,300 --> 00:17:19,100 It's Kali's cubs who will go hungry tonight. 103 00:17:35,460 --> 00:17:38,940 In our world, the difference between winning and losing 104 00:17:38,940 --> 00:17:40,820 isn't always strength... 105 00:17:41,940 --> 00:17:43,420 ..it's wisdom. 106 00:17:45,740 --> 00:17:48,060 In this, the elephants rule. 107 00:17:52,580 --> 00:17:56,380 This family of females share an unbreakable bond. 108 00:18:00,380 --> 00:18:04,900 For their wise matriarch Nalla, it's a very special day. 109 00:18:09,820 --> 00:18:12,140 Her new baby has just been born. 110 00:18:15,100 --> 00:18:18,340 He won't be safe until he takes his first steps... 111 00:18:23,900 --> 00:18:26,540 ..so his family must help him on his way. 112 00:19:29,020 --> 00:19:32,860 Tembo has been nurtured to adolescence by his mother... 113 00:19:34,300 --> 00:19:38,020 ..but, suddenly, he's no longer the centre of attention. 114 00:19:42,900 --> 00:19:46,660 In fact, Tembo doesn't know where he belongs any more. 115 00:19:51,580 --> 00:19:54,060 Certainly not around a baby. 116 00:20:16,100 --> 00:20:17,460 Accident or not, 117 00:20:17,460 --> 00:20:21,300 Nalla must protect her newborn above everything. 118 00:20:32,860 --> 00:20:36,300 It's tough being upstaged by a baby brother. 119 00:20:51,380 --> 00:20:55,220 Nalla will have to help one son into the family... 120 00:20:57,020 --> 00:20:59,420 ..while guiding another into adult. 121 00:21:35,100 --> 00:21:38,540 Whether we shy away from change or we seek it... 122 00:21:40,380 --> 00:21:42,420 ..change is never easy. 123 00:21:50,260 --> 00:21:53,460 In solitude, Bakari can focus his mind. 124 00:21:55,100 --> 00:21:58,060 Climbing the hierarchy will be dangerous... 125 00:22:00,260 --> 00:22:02,300 ..but to win Sabera back... 126 00:22:03,540 --> 00:22:05,740 ..he must take on the leader... 127 00:22:07,300 --> 00:22:10,820 ..and earn respect from the rest of the troop. 128 00:22:14,860 --> 00:22:16,940 Bakari just needs an opportunity. 129 00:22:21,820 --> 00:22:24,540 At this time of year, the grass is high, 130 00:22:24,540 --> 00:22:26,620 so the leader takes Sabera and the troop 131 00:22:26,620 --> 00:22:28,380 to feed on the seed heads. 132 00:22:34,460 --> 00:22:36,540 But Bakari is wary. 133 00:22:44,180 --> 00:22:47,420 Enemies can knock when you least expect them. 134 00:23:26,740 --> 00:23:30,220 LEOPARD GROWLS 135 00:24:06,820 --> 00:24:10,780 Frightened, Sabera seeks reassurance from the leader. 136 00:24:14,860 --> 00:24:18,460 Bakari daren't take his eyes off the leopard... 137 00:24:21,300 --> 00:24:22,900 ..but the leader does nothing... 138 00:24:25,100 --> 00:24:27,620 ..so Bakari does the unthinkable. 139 00:25:26,700 --> 00:25:28,100 He's done it. 140 00:25:30,780 --> 00:25:32,620 Faced with a threat to Sabera, 141 00:25:32,620 --> 00:25:35,460 Bakari found courage he never knew he had. 142 00:25:37,900 --> 00:25:40,060 But does she realise who it was for? 143 00:25:58,380 --> 00:26:00,140 He's made her feel safe... 144 00:26:01,820 --> 00:26:04,020 ..now she makes him feel needed. 145 00:26:06,940 --> 00:26:09,780 But the powerful hate to be made to look weak. 146 00:26:44,020 --> 00:26:47,140 Bakari may have been put back in his place, 147 00:26:47,140 --> 00:26:49,220 but some things are worth the fight. 148 00:26:57,020 --> 00:26:59,300 He's not prepared to let Sabera go. 149 00:27:07,380 --> 00:27:10,540 Not all of us here lead such complicated lives. 150 00:27:14,100 --> 00:27:16,820 This close-knit family love being together... 151 00:27:30,180 --> 00:27:33,540 ..and mongoose have a talent for making friends... 152 00:27:35,140 --> 00:27:38,940 ..even with the warthogs, who are notoriously bad-tempered. 153 00:27:42,340 --> 00:27:43,740 The season of plenty 154 00:27:43,740 --> 00:27:46,740 brings plenty of ticks that irritate them even more. 155 00:28:06,300 --> 00:28:09,860 But a warthog's burden is a mongoose's banquet. 156 00:28:44,340 --> 00:28:47,020 And this partnership has other benefits... 157 00:28:48,340 --> 00:28:50,940 ..lots of eyes to look out for danger... 158 00:28:54,300 --> 00:28:58,740 ..and a lioness with hungry cubs is as dangerous as it gets. 159 00:29:09,620 --> 00:29:12,300 An easy meal is just what she needs. 160 00:29:20,220 --> 00:29:22,580 A chance to show the cubs how it's done... 161 00:29:47,300 --> 00:29:49,900 ..but she's picked the wrong warthog. 162 00:30:23,180 --> 00:30:26,420 Not quite the show of skill she had intended. 163 00:30:37,460 --> 00:30:39,460 Beaten by a warthog. 164 00:30:43,420 --> 00:30:45,420 The failure she can take. 165 00:30:48,740 --> 00:30:51,620 Her cub's hunger is more difficult to bear. 166 00:30:56,340 --> 00:30:58,620 Kali is running out of time. 167 00:31:04,660 --> 00:31:06,580 Her milk will soon run dry. 168 00:31:11,940 --> 00:31:14,860 Without her sisters to help catch a meal, 169 00:31:14,860 --> 00:31:17,180 there's slim chance her cubs will survive. 170 00:31:28,620 --> 00:31:32,140 The hyena's strength comes from family loyalty... 171 00:31:33,580 --> 00:31:36,060 ..and everyone must play their part. 172 00:31:40,700 --> 00:31:44,460 For Zalika, her role was decreed from birth. 173 00:31:49,740 --> 00:31:51,380 Ready or not, 174 00:31:51,380 --> 00:31:54,380 it's her destiny to inherit the leadership. 175 00:32:01,940 --> 00:32:06,340 But her mother's courage and reputation is a lot to live up to... 176 00:32:08,740 --> 00:32:11,740 ..and her failure to take on Kali still burns. 177 00:32:14,060 --> 00:32:16,820 It wasn't just her mother who saw her cower. 178 00:32:25,340 --> 00:32:28,740 And doesn't want to earn their family's respect? 179 00:32:46,260 --> 00:32:48,500 Her mother sees an opportunity... 180 00:32:50,460 --> 00:32:52,100 ..but it's risky. 181 00:32:59,060 --> 00:33:04,940 HYENAS HEE 182 00:33:08,660 --> 00:33:11,340 For Zalika, it's a chance to impress. 183 00:33:31,660 --> 00:33:34,300 Her mother would be more cautious. 184 00:33:34,300 --> 00:33:37,020 A cornered wildebeest will fight to the death. 185 00:33:49,460 --> 00:33:51,380 Success... 186 00:33:52,380 --> 00:33:54,580 ..but at a price. 187 00:33:54,580 --> 00:33:57,460 Zalika has gained her first battle scar... 188 00:33:59,020 --> 00:34:00,900 ..and alerted enemies. 189 00:34:04,380 --> 00:34:07,140 The notorious black-maned lions. 190 00:34:10,060 --> 00:34:12,900 Merciless towards their rivals. 191 00:34:34,340 --> 00:34:35,820 Her kill lured them in. 192 00:34:38,380 --> 00:34:41,300 Now she's injured, she's become the target. 193 00:34:47,380 --> 00:34:49,820 Her mother sees the danger Zalika's in. 194 00:34:53,980 --> 00:34:55,820 She can't let this happen. 195 00:35:17,700 --> 00:35:20,780 It's her mother who's laid herself down... 196 00:35:23,460 --> 00:35:25,860 ..sacrificed her life for her. 197 00:35:55,740 --> 00:36:00,300 She had tried to prepare Zalika for leadership... 198 00:36:00,300 --> 00:36:02,780 ..but who can prepare for the death of a mother? 199 00:36:07,820 --> 00:36:12,660 Consumed by grief, the reluctant heir becomes queen. 200 00:36:24,060 --> 00:36:29,220 For all of us, embracing our destiny can be the hardest challenge of all. 201 00:36:38,900 --> 00:36:43,220 In truth, none of us can stand still, 202 00:36:43,220 --> 00:36:45,380 we all have to grow, 203 00:36:45,380 --> 00:36:47,220 to learn. 204 00:36:47,220 --> 00:36:48,980 Especially the young. 205 00:36:54,300 --> 00:36:57,900 Every morning the matriarch leads her family to water. 206 00:37:04,060 --> 00:37:07,260 Today, her baby has taken an important step 207 00:37:07,260 --> 00:37:08,660 on his path through life. 208 00:37:12,060 --> 00:37:14,020 He's having his first bath. 209 00:37:37,980 --> 00:37:40,300 For Tembo, it's all so confusing. 210 00:37:42,820 --> 00:37:45,300 His mother no longer has time for him. 211 00:37:51,860 --> 00:37:55,340 While Tembo struggles with his place in the herd... 212 00:37:58,820 --> 00:38:01,820 ..his little brother struggles just to stay on his feet. 213 00:38:26,100 --> 00:38:29,500 All Tembo can do is just tag along behind... 214 00:38:36,380 --> 00:38:39,460 ..searching for a new role in the family. 215 00:38:50,100 --> 00:38:52,740 When all we rely on is gone, 216 00:38:52,740 --> 00:38:55,460 it's hard to know where we belong. 217 00:38:58,820 --> 00:39:01,860 It's something Kali must also face up to. 218 00:39:11,940 --> 00:39:16,140 Without her sisters, the balance of power has now swung against her. 219 00:39:31,140 --> 00:39:35,500 What once was prey is now a deadly enemy. 220 00:41:16,660 --> 00:41:18,300 Something's wrong. 221 00:41:24,780 --> 00:41:26,540 Her smallest is missing. 222 00:41:30,900 --> 00:41:33,300 Has the unthinkable happened? 223 00:42:44,900 --> 00:42:46,820 A moment of relief... 224 00:42:49,980 --> 00:42:51,860 ..but it could be their last. 225 00:42:54,620 --> 00:42:58,620 If Kali doesn't eat soon, it's hunger that will take them. 226 00:43:04,180 --> 00:43:07,060 The future can be a daunting place... 227 00:43:07,060 --> 00:43:08,460 ..when it's faced alone. 228 00:43:13,140 --> 00:43:16,860 Zalika had only just begun to learn her mother's skills... 229 00:43:23,740 --> 00:43:26,220 ..now she must show she can lead the clan... 230 00:43:36,740 --> 00:43:38,900 ..prove her courage. 231 00:43:44,940 --> 00:43:49,100 Nearby are two of the most feared killers in our land. 232 00:43:53,420 --> 00:43:56,100 The leopards have not long left their mother. 233 00:44:02,900 --> 00:44:06,060 They are inexperienced, yet reckless hunters. 234 00:45:21,340 --> 00:45:23,740 A chance to prove herself to the clan. 235 00:45:35,860 --> 00:45:37,300 She hesitates... 236 00:45:40,380 --> 00:45:42,220 ..just a moment too long. 237 00:45:59,580 --> 00:46:01,820 She doesn't hesitate this time. 238 00:46:24,780 --> 00:46:28,340 Outnumbered, her courage deserts her. 239 00:46:45,660 --> 00:46:48,540 But what would her mother have done? 240 00:46:50,220 --> 00:46:52,540 Show no fear. 241 00:46:52,540 --> 00:46:54,380 Face danger head-on. 242 00:47:15,900 --> 00:47:18,900 The respect of the clan is hard-won, 243 00:47:18,900 --> 00:47:21,900 but she's proved she has the courage to lead. 244 00:47:43,700 --> 00:47:47,100 Leadership comes naturally to some in our land. 245 00:47:54,700 --> 00:47:57,620 Nalla has brought her family to where grazing is good, 246 00:47:57,620 --> 00:47:59,740 and her calf can explore. 247 00:48:02,740 --> 00:48:06,980 As his confidence grows, he's becoming more adventurous. 248 00:48:11,780 --> 00:48:14,740 It's an enticing place for a new baby... 249 00:48:16,300 --> 00:48:18,100 ..but also a dangerous one. 250 00:48:55,660 --> 00:48:59,540 Tembo, trailing behind, is first to see the lions. 251 00:49:20,500 --> 00:49:21,700 While he fights... 252 00:49:22,780 --> 00:49:25,020 ..his mother summons the herd. 253 00:49:29,540 --> 00:49:32,900 They form a barricade around the baby. 254 00:49:41,060 --> 00:49:43,540 Tembo must fight alone. 255 00:50:13,780 --> 00:50:15,500 Tembo saved his brother... 256 00:50:20,980 --> 00:50:24,140 ..and has found a new role for himself. 257 00:50:25,460 --> 00:50:27,740 The protective older brother. 258 00:50:43,020 --> 00:50:46,460 Among the baboons, peace also seems restored. 259 00:50:49,180 --> 00:50:51,500 But nothing is ever as it seems. 260 00:50:53,340 --> 00:50:55,540 Since their friendship was rekindled, 261 00:50:55,540 --> 00:50:57,860 Bakari must be discreet around Sabera. 262 00:51:17,580 --> 00:51:21,100 As the leader takes the troop to feed in the marshes, 263 00:51:21,100 --> 00:51:22,820 Bakari follows quietly. 264 00:51:33,820 --> 00:51:36,180 To avoid provocation, 265 00:51:36,180 --> 00:51:39,180 he keeps his distance from Sabera and the leader. 266 00:51:43,460 --> 00:51:46,860 With food abundant, everyone soon relaxes... 267 00:51:48,540 --> 00:51:50,180 ..except Bakari. 268 00:52:17,860 --> 00:52:20,940 SCREECHING 269 00:52:20,940 --> 00:52:22,700 He knows that cry. 270 00:52:48,220 --> 00:52:51,500 For Sabera, it's too late. 271 00:52:54,340 --> 00:52:56,380 But what could Bakari have done? 272 00:53:19,780 --> 00:53:21,740 She made him brave. 273 00:53:29,860 --> 00:53:32,180 She gave him something to fight for. 274 00:53:42,900 --> 00:53:45,820 And her son will never survive alone. 275 00:53:58,740 --> 00:54:01,620 Bakari can't just abandon him... 276 00:54:10,140 --> 00:54:13,140 ..so he makes the only decision he can... 277 00:54:15,180 --> 00:54:17,340 ..and takes her baby as his own. 278 00:54:24,100 --> 00:54:26,940 But how could he possibly raise him? 279 00:54:28,940 --> 00:54:31,740 Together, they face an uncertain future. 280 00:54:41,740 --> 00:54:45,140 In our land, fortunes change in a heartbeat. 281 00:54:47,860 --> 00:54:50,620 The actions of one can affect us all. 282 00:55:03,060 --> 00:55:06,060 Kali is exhausted and weak with hunger... 283 00:55:07,580 --> 00:55:09,660 ..but she can't give up. 284 00:55:18,420 --> 00:55:21,420 This could be her last chance to save them. 285 00:56:10,060 --> 00:56:13,020 But the zebra is too strong. 286 00:56:13,020 --> 00:56:15,300 Kali has nothing more to give. 287 00:56:29,740 --> 00:56:31,820 It's her sister. 288 00:56:33,180 --> 00:56:34,980 She too has just had cubs. 289 00:56:39,180 --> 00:56:41,580 This could be Kali's salvation. 290 00:56:48,060 --> 00:56:50,500 Together, life will be easier... 291 00:56:57,820 --> 00:56:59,060 ..or so it seems. 292 00:57:01,740 --> 00:57:04,060 A season of plenty will soon fade 293 00:57:04,060 --> 00:57:07,220 and food will be harder to come by. 294 00:57:07,220 --> 00:57:11,180 And each and every one of us will be tested again... 295 00:57:15,020 --> 00:57:16,340 ..with new arrivals... 296 00:57:18,620 --> 00:57:20,340 ..unexpected problems... 297 00:57:21,860 --> 00:57:23,660 ..old foes reappearing... 298 00:57:28,300 --> 00:57:29,860 ..dangerous encounters. 299 00:57:33,180 --> 00:57:36,940 The Serengeti will demand courage from us all.