1 00:00:05,139 --> 00:00:07,940 (grumbling) 2 00:00:10,344 --> 00:00:12,327 Bear grylls: Growing up on the savanna, 3 00:00:12,329 --> 00:00:15,948 This calf will face many dangers. 4 00:00:15,950 --> 00:00:20,936 (grumbling) 5 00:00:22,606 --> 00:00:24,239 (grunt) 6 00:00:24,241 --> 00:00:28,110 But a battle this big is incredibly rare. 7 00:00:28,112 --> 00:00:29,244 (squeak) 8 00:00:31,248 --> 00:00:35,667 Two evenly matched testosterone-fueled bulls. 9 00:00:35,669 --> 00:00:40,139 ♪ ♪ 10 00:00:40,141 --> 00:00:42,107 (trumpets) 11 00:00:44,278 --> 00:00:47,079 (trumpeting) 12 00:00:47,081 --> 00:00:53,569 ♪ ♪ 13 00:00:53,571 --> 00:00:56,038 No place for a baby. 14 00:00:57,842 --> 00:00:59,842 (trumpets) 15 00:00:59,844 --> 00:01:01,977 ♪ ♪ 16 00:01:01,979 --> 00:01:07,232 ♪ ♪ 17 00:01:07,234 --> 00:01:08,901 (trumpets) 18 00:01:11,372 --> 00:01:12,471 (roar) 19 00:01:12,473 --> 00:01:16,475 (trumpeting) 20 00:01:16,477 --> 00:01:17,476 (snap) 21 00:01:17,478 --> 00:01:19,711 (grumbling) 22 00:01:19,713 --> 00:01:21,413 (squeak) 23 00:01:21,415 --> 00:01:25,067 One day the calf may have to fight like this. 24 00:01:25,069 --> 00:01:26,902 (squeak) 25 00:01:26,904 --> 00:01:30,072 But there are far more imminent threats. 26 00:01:30,074 --> 00:01:31,573 (squeal) 27 00:01:31,575 --> 00:01:33,876 A third of all calves don't make it 28 00:01:33,878 --> 00:01:36,078 Through their first year. 29 00:01:39,350 --> 00:01:42,234 Like all animals here, 30 00:01:42,236 --> 00:01:48,006 His fate depends on the grass growing under his feet. 31 00:01:48,008 --> 00:01:55,147 ♪ ♪ 32 00:01:55,149 --> 00:01:59,168 ♪ ♪ 33 00:01:59,170 --> 00:02:04,573 ♪ ♪ 34 00:02:04,575 --> 00:02:09,278 Grasslands cover a quarter of the land on the planet. 35 00:02:09,280 --> 00:02:12,447 (grunt) 36 00:02:12,449 --> 00:02:17,035 They support the largest animals 37 00:02:17,037 --> 00:02:20,906 And the biggest herds to walk the earth. 38 00:02:22,943 --> 00:02:26,912 Life on the these great plains may look easy... 39 00:02:26,914 --> 00:02:29,548 But don't be fooled. 40 00:02:29,550 --> 00:02:31,633 When conditions turn, 41 00:02:31,635 --> 00:02:35,270 They can become some of the most volatile landscapes 42 00:02:35,272 --> 00:02:37,406 On our planet. 43 00:02:37,408 --> 00:02:38,774 (thunder) 44 00:02:38,776 --> 00:02:44,446 A relentless cycle of flood... 45 00:02:44,448 --> 00:02:47,099 Famine... 46 00:02:47,101 --> 00:02:49,968 Freeze and fire. 47 00:02:53,274 --> 00:02:57,309 And as our climate becomes more unpredictable... 48 00:02:57,311 --> 00:03:01,413 It takes the animals of the grasslands to hell and back. 49 00:03:03,834 --> 00:03:05,467 (squeal) 50 00:03:05,469 --> 00:03:07,169 (growl) 51 00:03:07,171 --> 00:03:13,508 ♪ ♪ 52 00:03:13,510 --> 00:03:20,465 ♪ ♪ 53 00:03:20,467 --> 00:03:27,372 ♪ ♪ 54 00:03:27,374 --> 00:03:32,678 (wind blowing) 55 00:03:32,680 --> 00:03:38,133 Deepest winter on north america's great plains. 56 00:03:38,135 --> 00:03:43,705 (grunting) 57 00:03:43,707 --> 00:03:47,342 40 below... 58 00:03:47,344 --> 00:03:50,078 And record snowfall. 59 00:03:52,383 --> 00:03:58,203 Bison dig deeper for diminishing returns. 60 00:03:58,205 --> 00:04:04,076 Dead grass with the nutrition of cardboard. 61 00:04:04,078 --> 00:04:06,178 (grunting) 62 00:04:06,180 --> 00:04:11,500 23 pounds of the stuff every day still isn't enough. 63 00:04:13,954 --> 00:04:15,704 They're starving. 64 00:04:16,740 --> 00:04:21,877 (groaning) 65 00:04:21,879 --> 00:04:25,681 The calves are the most vulnerable, 66 00:04:25,683 --> 00:04:30,602 And if the cold doesn't get them, another enemy might. 67 00:04:33,741 --> 00:04:39,044 (wolf howling) 68 00:04:39,046 --> 00:04:41,113 (bird squawking) 69 00:04:42,950 --> 00:04:46,268 (howling) 70 00:04:46,270 --> 00:04:52,941 ♪ ♪ 71 00:04:52,943 --> 00:04:57,779 Winter is a wolf's ally. 72 00:04:57,781 --> 00:05:02,234 A time to feed off the suffering of others. 73 00:05:02,236 --> 00:05:07,472 ♪ ♪ 74 00:05:07,474 --> 00:05:13,945 ♪ ♪ 75 00:05:13,947 --> 00:05:19,067 These are the biggest wolves in the world. 76 00:05:19,069 --> 00:05:24,306 And at 25 strong, they're one of the largest packs. 77 00:05:24,308 --> 00:05:30,078 ♪ ♪ 78 00:05:30,080 --> 00:05:35,000 Size matters when you hunt giants. 79 00:05:37,171 --> 00:05:41,306 (bison grunting) 80 00:05:41,308 --> 00:05:45,277 Ten times heavier and well armed, 81 00:05:45,279 --> 00:05:49,081 The bison are stronger, 82 00:05:49,083 --> 00:05:51,733 As long as they stand their ground. 83 00:05:55,572 --> 00:05:59,474 But wolves create panic. 84 00:05:59,476 --> 00:06:03,311 (howl) 85 00:06:03,313 --> 00:06:08,834 ♪ ♪ 86 00:06:08,836 --> 00:06:13,171 (grunting) 87 00:06:13,173 --> 00:06:16,141 (bellow) 88 00:06:16,143 --> 00:06:19,311 ♪ ♪ 89 00:06:19,313 --> 00:06:22,080 Running for the woods is a mistake. 90 00:06:22,082 --> 00:06:26,668 ♪ ♪ 91 00:06:26,670 --> 00:06:30,872 Trees break their formation 92 00:06:30,874 --> 00:06:32,974 And expose the weak. 93 00:06:32,976 --> 00:06:36,044 ♪ ♪ 94 00:06:36,046 --> 00:06:37,045 (barking) 95 00:06:37,047 --> 00:06:40,565 (groaning) 96 00:06:40,567 --> 00:06:46,371 ♪ ♪ 97 00:06:46,373 --> 00:06:49,841 (bellowing) 98 00:06:49,843 --> 00:06:55,213 Alone, a youngster is an easy target. 99 00:06:55,215 --> 00:06:57,732 (bellowing) 100 00:06:57,734 --> 00:07:03,605 (bellowing) 101 00:07:03,607 --> 00:07:06,408 ♪ ♪ 102 00:07:06,410 --> 00:07:08,543 (grunting) 103 00:07:08,545 --> 00:07:12,380 But a mother will risk her own life to save her calf. 104 00:07:12,382 --> 00:07:13,832 (wolf yelps) 105 00:07:16,470 --> 00:07:18,437 (bellow) 106 00:07:18,439 --> 00:07:21,373 (yipping) 107 00:07:24,411 --> 00:07:26,545 (bellow) 108 00:07:26,547 --> 00:07:32,567 ♪ ♪ 109 00:07:32,569 --> 00:07:37,372 They must make it back to the safety of the herd. 110 00:07:37,374 --> 00:07:41,309 ♪ ♪ 111 00:07:41,311 --> 00:07:47,766 ♪ ♪ 112 00:07:47,768 --> 00:07:54,639 ♪ ♪ 113 00:07:54,641 --> 00:07:58,743 But deep snow saps the bison's energy. 114 00:07:58,745 --> 00:08:00,846 ♪ ♪ 115 00:08:00,848 --> 00:08:06,635 ♪ ♪ 116 00:08:06,637 --> 00:08:07,636 (bark) 117 00:08:10,440 --> 00:08:13,808 Again, the calf is isolated. 118 00:08:13,810 --> 00:08:16,344 ♪ ♪ 119 00:08:16,346 --> 00:08:21,266 ♪ ♪ 120 00:08:21,268 --> 00:08:24,202 Again, it's rescued. 121 00:08:24,204 --> 00:08:29,641 ♪ ♪ 122 00:08:29,643 --> 00:08:34,012 Now there's hope. 123 00:08:34,014 --> 00:08:38,600 As long as the calf can stay hidden within the ranks... 124 00:08:38,602 --> 00:08:43,338 ♪ ♪ 125 00:08:43,340 --> 00:08:46,308 (wolf snarls) 126 00:08:46,310 --> 00:08:48,210 (yip) 127 00:08:48,212 --> 00:08:54,266 ♪ ♪ 128 00:08:54,268 --> 00:08:56,768 ♪ ♪ 129 00:08:56,770 --> 00:09:03,675 ♪ ♪ 130 00:09:03,677 --> 00:09:10,599 ♪ ♪ 131 00:09:10,601 --> 00:09:17,339 ♪ ♪ 132 00:09:17,341 --> 00:09:24,346 ♪ ♪ 133 00:09:24,348 --> 00:09:31,269 ♪ ♪ 134 00:09:31,271 --> 00:09:36,575 (growling) 135 00:09:36,577 --> 00:09:42,948 ♪ ♪ 136 00:09:42,950 --> 00:09:47,836 ♪ ♪ 137 00:09:47,838 --> 00:09:50,205 ♪ ♪ 138 00:09:50,207 --> 00:09:53,275 (yipping) 139 00:09:55,712 --> 00:10:01,333 While the snow remains, the bison get steadily weaker. 140 00:10:01,335 --> 00:10:06,738 ♪ ♪ 141 00:10:06,740 --> 00:10:11,776 ♪ ♪ 142 00:10:11,778 --> 00:10:13,378 But on the grasslands, 143 00:10:13,380 --> 00:10:19,834 Change is inevitable and often extreme. 144 00:10:19,836 --> 00:10:25,874 ♪ ♪ 145 00:10:25,876 --> 00:10:27,942 (grunt) 146 00:10:27,944 --> 00:10:33,181 ♪ ♪ 147 00:10:33,183 --> 00:10:37,035 By April, it's 100 degrees warmer 148 00:10:37,037 --> 00:10:39,604 Than at the start of the year. 149 00:10:43,176 --> 00:10:46,378 And a new danger is brewing. 150 00:10:46,380 --> 00:10:52,233 ♪ ♪ 151 00:10:52,235 --> 00:10:55,770 (thunder) 152 00:11:01,578 --> 00:11:03,712 (thunder) 153 00:11:03,714 --> 00:11:08,166 Grylls: Spring, and the start of storm season. 154 00:11:08,168 --> 00:11:13,204 (rumbling) 155 00:11:13,206 --> 00:11:16,374 North america's great plains are a hot spot 156 00:11:16,376 --> 00:11:20,879 For some of the most intense thunderstorms on earth. 157 00:11:20,881 --> 00:11:25,533 (rumbling) 158 00:11:25,535 --> 00:11:28,937 Some mutate into supercells. 159 00:11:31,074 --> 00:11:37,212 Monsters with the equivalent energy of 100 nuclear bombs. 160 00:11:37,214 --> 00:11:39,681 (rumbling) 161 00:11:39,683 --> 00:11:45,303 (rumbling) 162 00:11:45,305 --> 00:11:50,742 (thunder) 163 00:11:50,744 --> 00:11:56,347 (roaring) 164 00:11:56,349 --> 00:12:00,001 Storms are becoming more frequent here. 165 00:12:00,003 --> 00:12:03,972 (rumbling) 166 00:12:07,210 --> 00:12:10,545 And in grasslands across the globe, 167 00:12:10,547 --> 00:12:14,699 Weather patterns are increasingly erratic. 168 00:12:14,701 --> 00:12:20,538 (thunder) 169 00:12:20,540 --> 00:12:25,777 Here the rains are a month early and hitting hard. 170 00:12:25,779 --> 00:12:29,981 (thunder) 171 00:12:29,983 --> 00:12:33,368 (grumbling) 172 00:12:33,370 --> 00:12:38,807 Over a year's worth of rain in just a couple of months. 173 00:12:38,809 --> 00:12:41,976 (thunder) 174 00:12:53,707 --> 00:12:59,310 Enough to transform the grasslands beyond recognition. 175 00:13:01,548 --> 00:13:04,199 (elephant trumpets) 176 00:13:04,201 --> 00:13:07,869 The worst flood in 50 years. 177 00:13:13,610 --> 00:13:16,377 Four feet of water. 178 00:13:21,201 --> 00:13:27,639 ♪ ♪ 179 00:13:27,641 --> 00:13:30,141 Not a problem for the adults, 180 00:13:30,143 --> 00:13:34,779 And plenty of fresh grass, 181 00:13:34,781 --> 00:13:37,699 But a bit deep for a calf. 182 00:13:40,103 --> 00:13:44,005 Luckily, he has a snorkel. 183 00:13:44,007 --> 00:13:47,175 ♪ ♪ 184 00:13:47,177 --> 00:13:53,982 ♪ ♪ 185 00:13:53,984 --> 00:13:55,967 (trumpets) 186 00:14:00,674 --> 00:14:02,841 (squeal) 187 00:14:02,843 --> 00:14:05,076 These floods may complicate things 188 00:14:05,078 --> 00:14:07,512 A little in the short term. 189 00:14:10,851 --> 00:14:14,536 But they'll revitalize life on the savanna. 190 00:14:14,538 --> 00:14:20,008 ♪ ♪ 191 00:14:20,010 --> 00:14:22,844 As the flood waters subside... 192 00:14:22,846 --> 00:14:28,399 ♪ ♪ 193 00:14:28,401 --> 00:14:31,736 ...They reveal a flush of new growth. 194 00:14:31,738 --> 00:14:35,540 ♪ ♪ 195 00:14:35,542 --> 00:14:41,746 ♪ ♪ 196 00:14:41,748 --> 00:14:45,033 And fuel a baby boom. 197 00:14:45,035 --> 00:14:47,502 ♪ ♪ 198 00:14:47,504 --> 00:14:53,374 ♪ ♪ 199 00:14:53,376 --> 00:14:58,379 But this can be a dangerous place to take your first steps. 200 00:14:58,381 --> 00:15:05,403 ♪ ♪ 201 00:15:05,405 --> 00:15:12,343 ♪ ♪ 202 00:15:12,345 --> 00:15:16,247 It's home to more large predators 203 00:15:16,249 --> 00:15:19,634 Than anywhere else on earth. 204 00:15:19,636 --> 00:15:21,002 (calf cries) 205 00:15:21,004 --> 00:15:24,339 (yipping) 206 00:15:24,341 --> 00:15:25,974 (calf cries) 207 00:15:25,976 --> 00:15:27,241 (snort) 208 00:15:31,014 --> 00:15:36,668 Many thomson gazelle fawns won't survive their first hour. 209 00:15:36,670 --> 00:15:41,506 ♪ ♪ 210 00:15:41,508 --> 00:15:43,274 (growl) 211 00:15:46,313 --> 00:15:49,814 Their only hope is to hide. 212 00:15:49,816 --> 00:15:54,469 ♪ ♪ 213 00:15:54,471 --> 00:15:56,170 Mothers clean their newborns 214 00:15:56,172 --> 00:16:00,308 To remove any scent, 215 00:16:00,310 --> 00:16:02,243 But for this fawn 216 00:16:02,245 --> 00:16:04,545 There isn't time. 217 00:16:04,547 --> 00:16:10,401 ♪ ♪ 218 00:16:10,403 --> 00:16:14,472 If mum stands guard, she'll blow its cover. 219 00:16:14,474 --> 00:16:20,812 ♪ ♪ 220 00:16:20,814 --> 00:16:24,699 She has no option but to walk away. 221 00:16:24,701 --> 00:16:29,971 ♪ ♪ 222 00:16:29,973 --> 00:16:31,472 (snort) 223 00:16:31,474 --> 00:16:33,925 ♪ ♪ 224 00:16:33,927 --> 00:16:39,547 ♪ ♪ 225 00:16:39,549 --> 00:16:40,915 (snort) 226 00:16:40,917 --> 00:16:43,568 ♪ ♪ 227 00:16:43,570 --> 00:16:48,206 ♪ ♪ 228 00:16:48,208 --> 00:16:52,844 The cheetah's hunting instinct is triggered by movement. 229 00:16:54,714 --> 00:16:57,715 A motionless fawn looks remarkably 230 00:16:57,717 --> 00:17:00,301 Like a mound of earth. 231 00:17:00,303 --> 00:17:02,770 ♪ ♪ 232 00:17:02,772 --> 00:17:07,575 ♪ ♪ 233 00:17:07,577 --> 00:17:11,079 All it can do is stay down. 234 00:17:11,081 --> 00:17:13,614 Stay still. 235 00:17:13,616 --> 00:17:17,235 Hope someone else is spotted first. 236 00:17:19,372 --> 00:17:20,304 (snort) 237 00:17:21,274 --> 00:17:22,607 (snort) 238 00:17:22,609 --> 00:17:28,579 ♪ ♪ 239 00:17:28,581 --> 00:17:29,981 (snort) 240 00:17:29,983 --> 00:17:33,401 ♪ ♪ 241 00:17:33,403 --> 00:17:39,941 ♪ ♪ 242 00:17:39,943 --> 00:17:44,145 Cheetahs are patient. 243 00:17:44,147 --> 00:17:45,346 (snort) 244 00:17:48,101 --> 00:17:52,236 But the fawn will need to suckle soon. 245 00:17:52,238 --> 00:17:57,141 Worse still, the birth fluid is attracting flies. 246 00:17:57,143 --> 00:18:03,648 ♪ ♪ 247 00:18:03,650 --> 00:18:10,371 ♪ ♪ 248 00:18:10,373 --> 00:18:11,873 (snort) 249 00:18:11,875 --> 00:18:18,846 ♪ ♪ 250 00:18:18,848 --> 00:18:21,499 ♪ ♪ 251 00:18:21,501 --> 00:18:26,504 ♪ ♪ 252 00:18:26,506 --> 00:18:28,372 (flies buzzing) 253 00:18:28,374 --> 00:18:34,946 ♪ ♪ 254 00:18:34,948 --> 00:18:39,167 (flies buzzing) 255 00:18:39,169 --> 00:18:40,535 ♪ ♪ 256 00:18:40,537 --> 00:18:46,808 ♪ ♪ 257 00:18:46,810 --> 00:18:49,443 (snorting) 258 00:18:49,445 --> 00:18:51,846 ♪ ♪ 259 00:18:51,848 --> 00:18:57,802 ♪ ♪ 260 00:18:57,804 --> 00:18:59,437 (bark) 261 00:18:59,439 --> 00:19:05,209 ♪ ♪ 262 00:19:05,211 --> 00:19:11,566 ♪ ♪ 263 00:19:11,568 --> 00:19:15,770 (birds squawking) 264 00:19:15,772 --> 00:19:17,839 A distraction! 265 00:19:21,894 --> 00:19:26,380 And a narrow escape. 266 00:19:26,382 --> 00:19:31,569 (snorting) 267 00:19:31,571 --> 00:19:36,607 ♪ ♪ 268 00:19:36,609 --> 00:19:38,843 (calf cries) 269 00:19:38,845 --> 00:19:41,012 A waterbuck calf. 270 00:19:41,014 --> 00:19:46,500 ♪ ♪ 271 00:19:46,502 --> 00:19:48,402 One fawn's fate 272 00:19:48,404 --> 00:19:50,972 Is another's fortune. 273 00:19:58,181 --> 00:20:01,365 Surviving its first 24 hours 274 00:20:01,367 --> 00:20:05,369 Is the greatest challenge the fawn will face. 275 00:20:05,371 --> 00:20:07,405 ♪ ♪ 276 00:20:07,407 --> 00:20:13,778 ♪ ♪ 277 00:20:13,780 --> 00:20:16,948 Those that make it can enjoy growing up 278 00:20:16,950 --> 00:20:21,035 On one of the most productive places on the planet. 279 00:20:21,037 --> 00:20:24,405 ♪ ♪ 280 00:20:24,407 --> 00:20:26,440 (snort) 281 00:20:26,442 --> 00:20:31,379 ♪ ♪ 282 00:20:31,381 --> 00:20:36,534 North america's grasslands support 3 million caribou. 283 00:20:36,536 --> 00:20:42,506 ♪ ♪ 284 00:20:42,508 --> 00:20:46,944 They journey up to 3,000 miles a year-- 285 00:20:46,946 --> 00:20:51,282 The longest land migration on earth. 286 00:20:51,284 --> 00:20:53,701 ♪ ♪ 287 00:20:53,703 --> 00:21:00,007 ♪ ♪ 288 00:21:00,009 --> 00:21:02,243 But on most of the continent, 289 00:21:02,245 --> 00:21:05,579 Mega herds are a thing of the past. 290 00:21:08,268 --> 00:21:13,237 60 million bison once thundered across these plains. 291 00:21:15,408 --> 00:21:21,345 Hunting decimated numbers to just over 1,000 animals. 292 00:21:21,347 --> 00:21:24,015 ♪ ♪ 293 00:21:24,017 --> 00:21:28,836 ♪ ♪ 294 00:21:28,838 --> 00:21:32,506 And bison are still rare today. 295 00:21:32,508 --> 00:21:37,111 ♪ ♪ 296 00:21:37,113 --> 00:21:39,513 Midsummer. 297 00:21:39,515 --> 00:21:42,466 Time to fatten up before next winter. 298 00:21:42,468 --> 00:21:43,834 (grunt) 299 00:21:45,672 --> 00:21:48,205 But that's getting harder. 300 00:21:53,479 --> 00:21:55,279 Temperatures here have risen 301 00:21:55,281 --> 00:21:59,400 Three times more than the global average. 302 00:21:59,402 --> 00:22:03,738 (flies buzzing) 303 00:22:03,740 --> 00:22:08,242 And it's creating plagues of biting flies. 304 00:22:10,413 --> 00:22:15,966 Each bison loses as much as a pint of blood every day. 305 00:22:15,968 --> 00:22:17,501 ♪ ♪ 306 00:22:17,503 --> 00:22:20,471 (buzzing) 307 00:22:20,473 --> 00:22:23,674 (groaning) 308 00:22:25,411 --> 00:22:30,481 And just when the bulls need to be at their strongest 309 00:22:30,483 --> 00:22:33,434 To compete for mating rights. 310 00:22:38,374 --> 00:22:41,075 (grunting) 311 00:22:41,077 --> 00:22:47,681 (bellowing) 312 00:22:47,683 --> 00:22:49,133 The winner will sire 313 00:22:49,135 --> 00:22:52,970 Up to three quarters of next year's calves. 314 00:22:56,142 --> 00:22:59,477 (bellows) 315 00:22:59,479 --> 00:23:02,012 (bellowing) 316 00:23:03,583 --> 00:23:08,869 As the young bison scrap... 317 00:23:08,871 --> 00:23:14,041 An old bull watches on... 318 00:23:14,043 --> 00:23:19,146 Waiting for the perfect moment to enter the arena. 319 00:23:27,807 --> 00:23:30,775 Grylls: It's mating season. 320 00:23:30,777 --> 00:23:32,977 (bellowing) 321 00:23:35,948 --> 00:23:40,734 An old bull waits for a worthy challenger to emerge. 322 00:23:40,736 --> 00:23:45,873 ♪ ♪ 323 00:23:45,875 --> 00:23:47,875 (bellowing) 324 00:23:47,877 --> 00:23:52,313 ♪ ♪ 325 00:23:52,315 --> 00:23:58,736 ♪ ♪ 326 00:23:58,738 --> 00:24:00,805 (grunts) 327 00:24:00,807 --> 00:24:03,474 ♪ ♪ 328 00:24:03,476 --> 00:24:08,212 ♪ ♪ 329 00:24:08,214 --> 00:24:13,367 Fresh to the fight, the old bull enters the ring. 330 00:24:13,369 --> 00:24:16,770 (bellows) 331 00:24:18,207 --> 00:24:21,375 (bellows) 332 00:24:21,377 --> 00:24:23,811 ♪ ♪ 333 00:24:23,813 --> 00:24:30,201 ♪ ♪ 334 00:24:30,203 --> 00:24:36,974 ♪ ♪ 335 00:24:36,976 --> 00:24:42,046 The youngster is stronger, 336 00:24:42,048 --> 00:24:45,533 But the old bull is more experienced. 337 00:24:45,535 --> 00:24:48,169 ♪ ♪ 338 00:24:48,171 --> 00:24:52,806 ♪ ♪ 339 00:24:52,808 --> 00:24:57,077 Targeting the flanks, he gains the upper hand. 340 00:24:59,715 --> 00:25:02,433 (bellowing) 341 00:25:02,435 --> 00:25:08,606 (bellowing) 342 00:25:08,608 --> 00:25:11,509 The young rival retreats. 343 00:25:15,014 --> 00:25:17,615 Mating rights secured... 344 00:25:21,270 --> 00:25:25,406 ...The old bull can enjoy the good times. 345 00:25:25,408 --> 00:25:29,877 (bellowing) 346 00:25:34,383 --> 00:25:37,134 But they won't last long. 347 00:25:39,372 --> 00:25:45,376 (birds squawking) 348 00:25:45,378 --> 00:25:50,548 ♪ ♪ 349 00:25:50,550 --> 00:25:52,833 (grumbling) 350 00:25:52,835 --> 00:25:56,403 The dry season begins. 351 00:25:56,405 --> 00:26:00,241 From now on, life just gets tougher. 352 00:26:00,243 --> 00:26:05,312 ♪ ♪ 353 00:26:05,314 --> 00:26:09,466 Grass becomes less nutritious, 354 00:26:09,468 --> 00:26:14,271 And elephants struggle to satisfy their huge appetites. 355 00:26:14,273 --> 00:26:19,243 ♪ ♪ 356 00:26:19,245 --> 00:26:22,313 Like so many grassland animals, 357 00:26:22,315 --> 00:26:25,799 Their only option is to keep moving. 358 00:26:25,801 --> 00:26:29,003 (birds chirping) 359 00:26:29,005 --> 00:26:31,839 (grumbling) 360 00:26:31,841 --> 00:26:33,274 (squeak) 361 00:26:33,276 --> 00:26:38,012 ♪ ♪ 362 00:26:38,014 --> 00:26:41,482 Elephants can walk over 100 miles a day 363 00:26:41,484 --> 00:26:43,834 In their search for food. 364 00:26:46,772 --> 00:26:51,175 And it can lead them into dangerous territory. 365 00:26:51,177 --> 00:26:54,078 (grumbling) 366 00:26:54,080 --> 00:27:00,167 ♪ ♪ 367 00:27:00,169 --> 00:27:01,268 (bellows) 368 00:27:05,308 --> 00:27:10,678 These lions specialize in bringing down large prey. 369 00:27:10,680 --> 00:27:12,913 (trumpets) 370 00:27:12,915 --> 00:27:17,201 (grumbling) 371 00:27:17,203 --> 00:27:22,139 Still, it's risky, so they target the most vulnerable. 372 00:27:24,710 --> 00:27:27,878 Older calves should be safe. 373 00:27:27,880 --> 00:27:32,299 ♪ ♪ 374 00:27:32,301 --> 00:27:35,035 (trumpets) 375 00:27:35,037 --> 00:27:37,471 ♪ ♪ 376 00:27:37,473 --> 00:27:42,743 ♪ ♪ 377 00:27:42,745 --> 00:27:44,244 (grunts) 378 00:27:44,246 --> 00:27:47,548 But bravado can be a dangerous thing. 379 00:27:47,550 --> 00:27:49,366 (grunt) 380 00:27:49,368 --> 00:27:51,802 ♪ ♪ 381 00:27:51,804 --> 00:27:56,874 ♪ ♪ 382 00:27:56,876 --> 00:27:57,875 (growl) 383 00:27:57,877 --> 00:27:59,343 (squeal) 384 00:27:59,345 --> 00:28:02,946 ♪ ♪ 385 00:28:02,948 --> 00:28:04,148 (trumpets) 386 00:28:06,402 --> 00:28:12,906 (trumpeting) 387 00:28:12,908 --> 00:28:15,743 (grumbling) 388 00:28:15,745 --> 00:28:21,482 ♪ ♪ 389 00:28:21,484 --> 00:28:23,867 (trumpets) 390 00:28:23,869 --> 00:28:28,639 (grumbling) 391 00:28:31,644 --> 00:28:33,744 (grunt) 392 00:28:38,250 --> 00:28:40,868 (growl) 393 00:28:40,870 --> 00:28:43,804 (elephant screams) 394 00:28:43,806 --> 00:28:47,241 ♪ ♪ 395 00:28:47,243 --> 00:28:53,814 ♪ ♪ 396 00:28:53,816 --> 00:28:56,300 (growl) 397 00:28:56,302 --> 00:29:00,404 (grumbling) 398 00:29:02,441 --> 00:29:07,277 There's nothing they can do but move on. 399 00:29:07,279 --> 00:29:10,280 (grumbling) 400 00:29:10,282 --> 00:29:12,666 ♪ ♪ 401 00:29:12,668 --> 00:29:18,338 ♪ ♪ 402 00:29:18,340 --> 00:29:24,511 ♪ ♪ 403 00:29:24,513 --> 00:29:28,699 As the sun robs the land of its water, 404 00:29:28,701 --> 00:29:33,837 The dry season intensifies, 405 00:29:33,839 --> 00:29:38,008 And rain becomes a distant memory. 406 00:29:38,010 --> 00:29:40,444 ♪ ♪ 407 00:29:40,446 --> 00:29:47,367 ♪ ♪ 408 00:29:47,369 --> 00:29:52,039 Hippos suffer more than most. 409 00:29:52,041 --> 00:29:53,140 (grunt) 410 00:29:56,345 --> 00:29:59,780 He's spent the night grazing, 411 00:29:59,782 --> 00:30:04,101 But now the climbing sun is a threat. 412 00:30:04,103 --> 00:30:07,971 Hippos can quickly overheat. 413 00:30:07,973 --> 00:30:12,376 He needs deep water and fast. 414 00:30:12,378 --> 00:30:16,613 ♪ ♪ 415 00:30:16,615 --> 00:30:18,348 There is one pool... 416 00:30:18,350 --> 00:30:20,300 (grunt) 417 00:30:20,302 --> 00:30:23,170 (bubbling) 418 00:30:23,172 --> 00:30:25,105 ...But it's occupied. 419 00:30:27,476 --> 00:30:31,211 ♪ ♪ 420 00:30:31,213 --> 00:30:34,948 ♪ ♪ 421 00:30:34,950 --> 00:30:37,301 Each bull hippo normally commands 422 00:30:37,303 --> 00:30:40,204 A territory of 200 feet. 423 00:30:40,206 --> 00:30:42,372 (bellows) 424 00:30:42,374 --> 00:30:47,778 ♪ ♪ 425 00:30:47,780 --> 00:30:52,599 Now, 800 of africa's most bad-tempered animals 426 00:30:52,601 --> 00:30:55,235 Are crammed together. 427 00:30:57,840 --> 00:31:02,910 And as humans take more water for irrigation, 428 00:31:02,912 --> 00:31:06,213 There's less room than ever before. 429 00:31:09,168 --> 00:31:10,133 (grunt) 430 00:31:15,441 --> 00:31:18,175 (grunting) 431 00:31:18,177 --> 00:31:23,080 (grunting) 432 00:31:23,082 --> 00:31:28,235 Somehow he's got to find a way in. 433 00:31:28,237 --> 00:31:31,371 His life depends on it. 434 00:31:31,373 --> 00:31:35,175 (bellowing) 435 00:31:41,884 --> 00:31:46,069 Grylls: Out of water, this hippo would soon overheat. 436 00:31:49,475 --> 00:31:53,010 But the water hole is already full. 437 00:31:53,012 --> 00:31:55,679 ♪ ♪ 438 00:31:55,681 --> 00:32:00,267 ♪ ♪ 439 00:32:00,269 --> 00:32:01,868 (snort) 440 00:32:01,870 --> 00:32:04,204 It may not look very inviting. 441 00:32:04,206 --> 00:32:05,272 (grunt) 442 00:32:08,344 --> 00:32:13,213 Oxpeckers ravage cracks in their delicate skin. 443 00:32:13,215 --> 00:32:15,666 (chirping) 444 00:32:17,670 --> 00:32:23,006 And 20 tons of waste a day has turned it into a cesspit. 445 00:32:23,008 --> 00:32:28,845 ♪ ♪ 446 00:32:28,847 --> 00:32:33,834 But this hell hole could save his life. 447 00:32:33,836 --> 00:32:38,772 ♪ ♪ 448 00:32:38,774 --> 00:32:41,441 If he's allowed in. 449 00:32:45,881 --> 00:32:48,765 (grunting) 450 00:32:48,767 --> 00:32:54,438 (bellowing) 451 00:32:54,440 --> 00:32:58,875 ♪ ♪ 452 00:32:58,877 --> 00:33:05,632 ♪ ♪ 453 00:33:05,634 --> 00:33:12,072 ♪ ♪ 454 00:33:12,074 --> 00:33:18,679 ♪ ♪ 455 00:33:18,681 --> 00:33:20,447 (grunt) 456 00:33:23,068 --> 00:33:26,436 This resident bull is bigger. 457 00:33:35,014 --> 00:33:36,680 (snorts) 458 00:33:36,682 --> 00:33:39,833 But the outsider is desperate. 459 00:33:39,835 --> 00:33:42,502 ♪ ♪ 460 00:33:42,504 --> 00:33:47,974 ♪ ♪ 461 00:33:47,976 --> 00:33:54,815 ♪ ♪ 462 00:33:54,817 --> 00:33:58,335 Five tons of hippo clash. 463 00:34:01,340 --> 00:34:05,675 Testing bulk... 464 00:34:05,677 --> 00:34:09,479 Bite size... 465 00:34:09,481 --> 00:34:12,082 And brute force. 466 00:34:12,084 --> 00:34:17,537 ♪ ♪ 467 00:34:17,539 --> 00:34:23,710 ♪ ♪ 468 00:34:23,712 --> 00:34:27,147 The outsider accepts defeat. 469 00:34:27,149 --> 00:34:31,868 ♪ ♪ 470 00:34:31,870 --> 00:34:33,403 (grunt) 471 00:34:33,405 --> 00:34:38,341 He must venture into the unknown, 472 00:34:38,343 --> 00:34:43,413 As the stranglehold of drought tightens. 473 00:34:43,415 --> 00:34:47,400 ♪ ♪ 474 00:34:47,402 --> 00:34:53,740 ♪ ♪ 475 00:34:53,742 --> 00:34:59,780 ♪ ♪ 476 00:35:06,805 --> 00:35:10,073 The earth is parched 477 00:35:10,075 --> 00:35:14,744 And the grass, tinder-dry. 478 00:35:14,746 --> 00:35:19,432 ♪ ♪ 479 00:35:19,434 --> 00:35:25,739 ♪ ♪ 480 00:35:25,741 --> 00:35:30,877 Fires can sweep across the plains at 40 miles an hour. 481 00:35:34,716 --> 00:35:38,718 And reach temperatures of 800 degrees. 482 00:35:38,720 --> 00:35:41,571 ♪ ♪ 483 00:35:41,573 --> 00:35:47,811 (lowing) 484 00:35:47,813 --> 00:35:54,768 ♪ ♪ 485 00:35:54,770 --> 00:36:00,207 Across africa, an area the size of half the united states 486 00:36:00,209 --> 00:36:03,443 Burns every year, 487 00:36:03,445 --> 00:36:05,345 And with a warming climate, 488 00:36:05,347 --> 00:36:09,533 Wildfires are set to spread even further. 489 00:36:09,535 --> 00:36:13,470 ♪ ♪ 490 00:36:13,472 --> 00:36:19,109 ♪ ♪ 491 00:36:19,111 --> 00:36:22,512 Some capitalize on the chaos. 492 00:36:22,514 --> 00:36:28,702 ♪ ♪ 493 00:36:28,704 --> 00:36:33,440 Rollers and bee-eaters pick off fleeing insects. 494 00:36:33,442 --> 00:36:40,447 ♪ ♪ 495 00:36:40,449 --> 00:36:42,799 Known as the undertaker bird, 496 00:36:42,801 --> 00:36:47,938 Marabou storks clean up afterwards. 497 00:36:47,940 --> 00:36:54,144 (screeching) 498 00:36:56,882 --> 00:37:00,700 There's nothing left here for the grazers. 499 00:37:00,702 --> 00:37:01,868 ♪ ♪ 500 00:37:01,870 --> 00:37:05,372 ♪ ♪ 501 00:37:05,374 --> 00:37:11,845 ♪ ♪ 502 00:37:11,847 --> 00:37:18,501 ♪ ♪ 503 00:37:18,503 --> 00:37:25,175 ♪ ♪ 504 00:37:25,177 --> 00:37:29,713 But the grass itself clings on... 505 00:37:29,715 --> 00:37:33,099 Its deep roots untouched by the flames. 506 00:37:37,039 --> 00:37:40,807 All it needs now is water. 507 00:37:51,737 --> 00:37:56,773 Hamadryas baboons wait months for the rains to arrive. 508 00:38:03,081 --> 00:38:04,681 (thunder) 509 00:38:09,137 --> 00:38:13,006 But earth this dry 510 00:38:13,008 --> 00:38:15,642 Needs more than a shower. 511 00:38:15,644 --> 00:38:19,079 ♪ ♪ 512 00:38:19,081 --> 00:38:21,815 This is one of the most drought-prone countries 513 00:38:21,817 --> 00:38:24,467 In the world, 514 00:38:24,469 --> 00:38:26,653 And it's getting worse. 515 00:38:30,442 --> 00:38:36,279 As our climate changes, water shortages are sparking conflict 516 00:38:36,281 --> 00:38:39,082 For animals and humans alike. 517 00:38:42,738 --> 00:38:46,740 (barking) 518 00:38:46,742 --> 00:38:50,777 One of the only water holes for miles. 519 00:38:52,681 --> 00:38:55,648 (barking) 520 00:38:55,650 --> 00:38:59,269 It provides enough water for this band of baboons 521 00:38:59,271 --> 00:39:01,705 To survive the dry season. 522 00:39:01,707 --> 00:39:08,511 ♪ ♪ 523 00:39:08,513 --> 00:39:13,233 They're relatively strong in health and numbers. 524 00:39:13,235 --> 00:39:19,139 ♪ ♪ 525 00:39:19,141 --> 00:39:24,577 Further out on the arid plains, another band is thirsty. 526 00:39:24,579 --> 00:39:28,248 ♪ ♪ 527 00:39:28,250 --> 00:39:34,871 ♪ ♪ 528 00:39:34,873 --> 00:39:41,678 ♪ ♪ 529 00:39:41,680 --> 00:39:43,713 With little to drink out here, 530 00:39:43,715 --> 00:39:48,068 They're forced to the same water hole below the cliff. 531 00:39:51,706 --> 00:39:57,343 But when two bands meet, it nearly always ends in violence. 532 00:39:57,345 --> 00:40:02,732 ♪ ♪ 533 00:40:02,734 --> 00:40:06,469 Females and babies are most at risk. 534 00:40:06,471 --> 00:40:13,343 ♪ ♪ 535 00:40:13,345 --> 00:40:19,999 ♪ ♪ 536 00:40:20,001 --> 00:40:23,203 If the outsiders want to drink, 537 00:40:23,205 --> 00:40:25,738 They'll have to fight. 538 00:40:25,740 --> 00:40:28,308 (barking) 539 00:40:28,310 --> 00:40:34,514 (barking) 540 00:40:40,939 --> 00:40:44,274 Grylls: One water hole. 541 00:40:44,276 --> 00:40:47,377 Two bands of baboons. 542 00:40:47,379 --> 00:40:50,780 (barking) 543 00:40:50,782 --> 00:40:53,600 The outsiders need to drink. 544 00:40:56,705 --> 00:41:00,607 But the band at the water hole is stronger. 545 00:41:03,345 --> 00:41:05,945 This is how wars begin. 546 00:41:05,947 --> 00:41:08,348 (barking) 547 00:41:08,350 --> 00:41:15,004 (barking) 548 00:41:15,006 --> 00:41:21,144 (barking) 549 00:41:21,146 --> 00:41:27,834 (barking) 550 00:41:27,836 --> 00:41:29,602 (screeching) 551 00:41:29,604 --> 00:41:34,774 The best survival strategy here is to form super bands. 552 00:41:38,180 --> 00:41:40,680 Bigger than the opposition. 553 00:41:43,301 --> 00:41:46,336 (screeching) 554 00:41:46,338 --> 00:41:50,473 ♪ ♪ 555 00:41:50,475 --> 00:41:52,442 (shrieking) 556 00:41:54,946 --> 00:41:59,666 (screeching) 557 00:41:59,668 --> 00:42:02,302 (barking) 558 00:42:02,304 --> 00:42:04,837 ♪ ♪ 559 00:42:04,839 --> 00:42:10,310 ♪ ♪ 560 00:42:10,312 --> 00:42:15,014 (screeching) 561 00:42:15,016 --> 00:42:18,668 The outsiders are forced to retreat. 562 00:42:18,670 --> 00:42:22,071 (barking, screeching) 563 00:42:22,073 --> 00:42:24,207 But not fast enough. 564 00:42:24,209 --> 00:42:25,775 (screech) 565 00:42:29,381 --> 00:42:34,968 These baboons use battles to steal females from each other. 566 00:42:34,970 --> 00:42:36,369 (bark) 567 00:42:36,371 --> 00:42:42,141 ♪ ♪ 568 00:42:42,143 --> 00:42:46,312 The winners expand their ranks, 569 00:42:46,314 --> 00:42:50,733 While the outsiders grow even weaker. 570 00:42:50,735 --> 00:42:54,370 ♪ ♪ 571 00:42:54,372 --> 00:43:01,110 ♪ ♪ 572 00:43:01,112 --> 00:43:07,100 ♪ ♪ 573 00:43:07,102 --> 00:43:13,640 ♪ ♪ 574 00:43:13,642 --> 00:43:19,879 All they can do is bide their time and try again. 575 00:43:19,881 --> 00:43:24,300 ♪ ♪ 576 00:43:24,302 --> 00:43:30,740 ♪ ♪ 577 00:43:38,416 --> 00:43:41,367 As the drought reaches its peak, 578 00:43:41,369 --> 00:43:44,837 Famine becomes a harsh reality. 579 00:43:47,592 --> 00:43:51,311 (grumbling) 580 00:43:55,483 --> 00:43:58,067 Just a few months old. 581 00:44:01,039 --> 00:44:04,774 Born at the wrong time. 582 00:44:04,776 --> 00:44:11,381 ♪ ♪ 583 00:44:11,383 --> 00:44:13,966 Mum couldn't produce enough milk. 584 00:44:13,968 --> 00:44:18,504 ♪ ♪ 585 00:44:18,506 --> 00:44:21,841 (grumbling) 586 00:44:21,843 --> 00:44:25,845 ♪ ♪ 587 00:44:25,847 --> 00:44:29,832 She regurgitates precious water, 588 00:44:29,834 --> 00:44:34,170 Desperately trying to cool down and save herself. 589 00:44:34,172 --> 00:44:38,374 ♪ ♪ 590 00:44:38,376 --> 00:44:41,711 Then says her final goodbye. 591 00:44:41,713 --> 00:44:47,834 ♪ ♪ 592 00:44:47,836 --> 00:44:53,272 (grumbling) 593 00:45:07,272 --> 00:45:09,906 Even at the best of times, 594 00:45:09,908 --> 00:45:12,875 Surviving on the planet's grasslands 595 00:45:12,877 --> 00:45:15,311 Is no walk in the park. 596 00:45:18,249 --> 00:45:19,832 And as the dry seasons become 597 00:45:19,834 --> 00:45:23,403 Even more extreme and unpredictable, 598 00:45:23,405 --> 00:45:26,606 Only the strongest will have what it takes 599 00:45:26,608 --> 00:45:28,708 To make it through. 600 00:45:32,247 --> 00:45:33,279 (bellows) 601 00:45:33,281 --> 00:45:35,181 Adaptability... 602 00:45:35,183 --> 00:45:37,266 (grumbles) 603 00:45:37,268 --> 00:45:39,702 Unfailing resolve... 604 00:45:39,704 --> 00:45:42,288 (grunts) 605 00:45:42,290 --> 00:45:47,376 And the hope that eventually better days will return. 606 00:45:47,378 --> 00:45:53,099 ♪ ♪ 607 00:45:53,101 --> 00:45:57,770 Six months older and born just before the wet season, 608 00:45:57,772 --> 00:46:01,641 This calf had a stronger start. 609 00:46:01,643 --> 00:46:04,477 (trumpets) 610 00:46:04,479 --> 00:46:08,381 The matriarch has seen hard times before. 611 00:46:10,769 --> 00:46:14,303 She knows how to lead her family through. 612 00:46:14,305 --> 00:46:20,843 ♪ ♪ 613 00:46:20,845 --> 00:46:26,599 ♪ ♪ 614 00:46:26,601 --> 00:46:28,100 (trumpets) 615 00:46:28,102 --> 00:46:29,836 (grumbling) 616 00:46:29,838 --> 00:46:34,740 Enough water to go round until the rains return. 617 00:46:34,742 --> 00:46:38,911 ♪ ♪ 618 00:46:38,913 --> 00:46:45,434 ♪ ♪ 619 00:46:45,436 --> 00:46:51,240 ♪ ♪ 620 00:46:51,242 --> 00:46:56,679 Surviving on the grasslands has never been harder. 621 00:46:59,150 --> 00:47:02,635 Yet young and old, 622 00:47:02,637 --> 00:47:07,640 This herd is still standing strong, 623 00:47:07,642 --> 00:47:12,512 And hopefully will be for generations to come. 624 00:47:12,514 --> 00:47:18,901 ♪ ♪ 625 00:47:18,903 --> 00:47:20,837 Captioned by side door media services