1 00:00:00,534 --> 00:00:03,103 {\an7}♪ ♪ 2 00:00:06,707 --> 00:00:11,445 {\an7}NARRATOR: Hell on Earth 3 00:00:11,478 --> 00:00:15,682 {\an7}for some. 4 00:00:15,716 --> 00:00:19,019 {\an7}But for others... 5 00:00:19,119 --> 00:00:21,888 {\an7}a land of opportunity. 6 00:00:23,290 --> 00:00:24,691 {\an7}Lions the size 7 00:00:24,825 --> 00:00:27,728 {\an7}of grizzly bears 8 00:00:27,761 --> 00:00:30,264 {\an7}with appetites to match 9 00:00:30,297 --> 00:00:32,866 {\an7}dominate this desert 10 00:00:37,404 --> 00:00:42,009 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\hand turn the desperation into profit. 11 00:00:43,243 --> 00:00:48,615 {\an7}\h\h\h\hBut this year drought pushes the lions to the brink. 12 00:00:48,782 --> 00:00:52,686 {\an7}\h\hWill this be the first dry season to defeat them, 13 00:00:52,719 --> 00:00:56,056 {\an7}or will this hell remain the domain 14 00:00:57,858 --> 00:01:00,861 {\an7}of these Kings of the Desert? 15 00:01:06,466 --> 00:01:11,738 {\an7}[bird wings flapping] 16 00:01:14,575 --> 00:01:18,779 {\an7}\hNARRATOR: Lions are Africa’s biggest cats, 17 00:01:18,879 --> 00:01:25,819 {\an7}and Kalahari Desert lions are the biggest on earth. 18 00:01:25,919 --> 00:01:30,290 {\an7}\h\hHere, in Nxai Pan, on the fringes of the desert, 19 00:01:30,390 --> 00:01:35,662 {\an7}\ha big male lion can weigh over 500 pounds 20 00:01:35,696 --> 00:01:41,535 {\an7}\hand measure 10 feet from nose to tail tip. 21 00:01:41,702 --> 00:01:43,537 {\an7}\h\h\hThe power of a pride usually rests 22 00:01:43,570 --> 00:01:48,241 {\an7}with one such dominant male. 23 00:01:48,275 --> 00:01:55,215 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\h\hBut Nxai Pan is unique, and so are its lions. 24 00:01:55,248 --> 00:01:58,384 {\an7}This pride is ruled by not one, 25 00:02:00,988 --> 00:02:03,791 {\an7}but two mighty kings, 26 00:02:07,694 --> 00:02:10,864 {\an7}brothers in arms. 27 00:02:12,799 --> 00:02:15,702 {\an7}[lioness roaring] 28 00:02:15,736 --> 00:02:19,840 {\an7}\h\hSix lionesses form their principal pride, 29 00:02:19,873 --> 00:02:22,976 {\an7}\h\ha small pride compared to most. 30 00:02:23,010 --> 00:02:25,379 {\an7}But only the fittest and biggest 31 00:02:25,412 --> 00:02:29,549 {\an7}are needed to rule this harsh land -- 32 00:02:29,583 --> 00:02:33,420 {\an7}all 800 square miles of it. 33 00:02:35,322 --> 00:02:39,726 {\an7}But this power comes at a cost. 34 00:02:39,760 --> 00:02:42,329 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\h\hThe pride is isolated from other lions, 35 00:02:42,362 --> 00:02:45,632 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\hand this threatens their bloodline. 36 00:02:49,169 --> 00:02:52,706 {\an7}\h\hThere’s a natural but unusual solution. 37 00:02:54,374 --> 00:02:58,211 {\an7}To prevent inbreeding, the kings have formed a secondary pride 38 00:02:58,245 --> 00:03:02,015 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\hwith two powerful foreign sisters. 39 00:03:02,315 --> 00:03:05,418 {\an7}\h\h\h\hThey must provide the kings with pedigree heirs soon 40 00:03:05,452 --> 00:03:09,022 {\an7}\h\h\h\hor be expelled from the pride lands. 41 00:03:10,123 --> 00:03:13,693 {\an7}\h\h\h\hThese mistresses keep to the outskirts of the territory, 42 00:03:13,727 --> 00:03:18,932 {\an7}away from the principal pride, \hnever crossing their path. 43 00:03:19,800 --> 00:03:21,769 {\an7}\h\hAs long as they keep their distance, 44 00:03:21,802 --> 00:03:25,339 {\an7}the two groups can coexist. 45 00:03:28,408 --> 00:03:32,612 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\hTogether, these 10 lions dominate this empire... 46 00:03:34,347 --> 00:03:38,051 {\an7}[lion roaring] 47 00:03:40,220 --> 00:03:43,090 {\an7}\h\h\h\h...and everyone must pull their weight, 48 00:03:45,025 --> 00:03:49,663 {\an7}because big lions need big prey. 49 00:03:49,696 --> 00:03:56,703 {\an7}\hBut hunting giants isn’t easy -- even for the king of beasts. 50 00:03:59,773 --> 00:04:01,742 {\an7}After the rains last summer, 51 00:04:01,775 --> 00:04:05,078 {\an7}\h\hNxai Pan was a wilderness utopia. 52 00:04:07,180 --> 00:04:09,049 {\an7}But not anymore. 53 00:04:10,183 --> 00:04:13,787 {\an7}\h\h\hNow, the water has mostly vanished. 54 00:04:14,521 --> 00:04:18,592 {\an7}Lush grasses shriveled. 55 00:04:19,092 --> 00:04:21,061 {\an7}The earth is scorched 56 00:04:21,294 --> 00:04:23,730 {\an7}and fractured. 57 00:04:26,233 --> 00:04:30,704 {\an7}This is all that remains. 58 00:04:38,345 --> 00:04:41,281 {\an7}\h\hSurviving this annual dry season is tough enough 59 00:04:41,448 --> 00:04:44,117 {\an7}for the animals that live here, 60 00:04:46,586 --> 00:04:49,055 {\an7}\h\h\hand this year, the most devastating drought 61 00:04:49,089 --> 00:04:52,960 {\an7}in nearly half a century \his ravaging the land. 62 00:04:57,164 --> 00:05:01,568 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\hBut it could be the lions’ biggest windfall ever. 63 00:05:01,601 --> 00:05:06,739 {\an7}For in times like this, even the biggest and strongest animals 64 00:05:06,773 --> 00:05:09,609 {\an7}are under stress 65 00:05:09,643 --> 00:05:11,378 {\an7}and on the menu. 66 00:05:14,815 --> 00:05:19,586 {\an7}\hThirsty animals congregate at the shrinking waterholes. 67 00:05:20,520 --> 00:05:22,922 {\an7}So many species, 68 00:05:24,357 --> 00:05:28,127 {\an7}all part of the pride’s diet. 69 00:05:31,298 --> 00:05:36,303 {\an7}\h\h\hThe lions have only to position themselves nearby, 70 00:05:37,504 --> 00:05:39,039 {\an7}wait, 71 00:05:40,106 --> 00:05:42,408 {\an7}and consider their options. 72 00:05:42,442 --> 00:05:47,013 {\an7}[elephant cries] 73 00:05:59,192 --> 00:06:02,162 {\an7}[fly buzzing] 74 00:06:02,195 --> 00:06:07,300 {\an7}\h\hAs the afternoon fades, the principal pride gathers, 75 00:06:09,469 --> 00:06:11,671 {\an7}watching, 76 00:06:13,840 --> 00:06:16,409 {\an7}waiting. 77 00:06:27,554 --> 00:06:30,557 {\an7}♪ ♪ 78 00:06:38,465 --> 00:06:44,104 {\an7}Their mission is to divide, 79 00:06:52,579 --> 00:06:54,714 {\an7}create chaos, 80 00:07:05,592 --> 00:07:12,065 {\an7}\h\hand, in the confusion, an opportunity just might arise. 81 00:07:13,400 --> 00:07:17,371 {\an7}[elephant cry] 82 00:07:20,540 --> 00:07:22,842 {\an7}\hTwo miles out, a pair of stragglers 83 00:07:22,876 --> 00:07:26,847 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\his trying to catch up with the herd. 84 00:07:35,622 --> 00:07:38,058 {\an7}But they’re not alone. 85 00:07:41,661 --> 00:07:45,832 {\an7}\h\hThe mistress sisters are hot on their trail. 86 00:07:47,434 --> 00:07:51,405 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\hThe elephant mother hurries her newborn calf along. 87 00:07:54,774 --> 00:07:57,577 {\an7}\hHe’s only hours old, and usually, 88 00:07:57,610 --> 00:08:00,713 {\an7}the herd wouldn’t leave them. 89 00:08:04,384 --> 00:08:10,290 {\an7}But the heat, and their daily thirst, has driven them ahead, 90 00:08:18,665 --> 00:08:22,802 {\an7}\h\h\hleaving mother and calf far behind. 91 00:08:25,638 --> 00:08:31,677 {\an7}\h\h\hSafety is in numbers out here, even for giants. 92 00:08:37,784 --> 00:08:43,923 {\an7}\h\hBut they can go only as fast as the calf’s failing back leg. 93 00:08:47,293 --> 00:08:51,697 {\an7}\h\hIt’s a weakness that could cost him his life. 94 00:08:52,899 --> 00:08:57,370 {\an7}\h\hDesert lions don’t survive by being kind. 95 00:09:03,376 --> 00:09:08,781 {\an7}Three tons of potential maternal rage would intimidate most. 96 00:09:12,485 --> 00:09:16,556 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\hBut the mistress sisters don’t spook easily. 97 00:09:18,491 --> 00:09:21,461 {\an7}They know there’s a weakness, 98 00:09:31,271 --> 00:09:35,308 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\hand they’re confident they can exploit it. 99 00:09:42,449 --> 00:09:44,718 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\hThey’re just waiting for nightfall. 100 00:09:44,751 --> 00:09:49,723 {\an7}♪ ♪ 101 00:10:00,500 --> 00:10:06,606 {\an7}Elephant eyesight is average \hat best, just good enough 102 00:10:06,639 --> 00:10:11,844 {\an7}\h\h\h\hto keep an eye on the lurking predators in daylight. 103 00:10:16,850 --> 00:10:20,654 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\h\hLions have excellent night vision, 104 00:10:22,222 --> 00:10:25,459 {\an7}allowing them to get even closer. 105 00:10:25,558 --> 00:10:35,601 {\an7}♪ ♪ 106 00:10:35,635 --> 00:10:45,745 {\an7}♪ ♪ 107 00:10:45,778 --> 00:10:57,823 {\an7}[elephant screaming] 108 00:10:57,857 --> 00:11:06,899 {\an7}♪ ♪ 109 00:11:06,933 --> 00:11:11,905 {\an7}\h\hIn the confusion, the calf is separated from his mother. 110 00:11:16,843 --> 00:11:21,881 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\h\hExactly what the sisters have been waiting for. 111 00:11:27,754 --> 00:11:31,458 {\an7}[elephant screaming] 112 00:11:32,225 --> 00:11:35,228 {\an7}[lionesses growling] 113 00:11:41,434 --> 00:11:43,136 {\an7}\h\h\hNARRATOR: As dawn breaks, 114 00:11:43,169 --> 00:11:46,072 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\hthe scattered elephant herd regroups... 115 00:11:53,046 --> 00:11:55,482 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\hwithout their youngest family member. 116 00:11:55,615 --> 00:12:04,124 {\an7}♪ ♪ 117 00:12:06,826 --> 00:12:11,064 {\an7}\h\hThe principal pride had no luck with the main herd. 118 00:12:14,033 --> 00:12:19,238 {\an7}\h\h\h\hBut the mistresses’ power and patience paid off. 119 00:12:49,068 --> 00:12:52,371 {\an7}One king gets wind \hof their success 120 00:13:00,980 --> 00:13:03,583 {\an7}and tracks them down. 121 00:13:06,819 --> 00:13:11,924 {\an7}\h\hIt’s a small prize for a lion this size, 122 00:13:11,958 --> 00:13:15,228 {\an7}but every morsel counts. 123 00:13:24,304 --> 00:13:28,642 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\hHours later, the scraps are a free-for-all. 124 00:13:35,948 --> 00:13:38,517 {\an7}Nothing goes to waste here. 125 00:13:43,523 --> 00:13:45,258 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\hEven the principal pride scavenges 126 00:13:45,291 --> 00:13:48,294 {\an7}once the mistresses move on. 127 00:13:53,132 --> 00:13:56,135 {\an7}Never turn down a snack, 128 00:13:57,203 --> 00:14:01,174 {\an7}\h\h\heven if you’ve got eyes on a bigger prize. 129 00:14:01,207 --> 00:14:06,846 {\an7}♪ ♪ 130 00:14:11,684 --> 00:14:15,688 {\an7}\h\hThere’s been no rain in half a year. 131 00:14:16,856 --> 00:14:19,625 {\an7}The green kingdom has vanished. 132 00:14:20,960 --> 00:14:25,031 {\an7}\hWith it, almost all surface water. 133 00:14:27,500 --> 00:14:30,336 {\an7}All but this waterhole. 134 00:14:32,939 --> 00:14:35,608 {\an7}And it’s shrinking by the day. 135 00:14:38,878 --> 00:14:44,050 {\an7}\h\hOnly overcrowding and despair lie ahead 136 00:14:45,752 --> 00:14:50,223 {\an7}\h\h\hfor the tiniest birds to earth’s greatest land mammals. 137 00:14:50,256 --> 00:14:57,930 {\an7}♪ ♪ 138 00:14:57,964 --> 00:14:59,599 {\an7}[elephants screaming] 139 00:14:59,632 --> 00:15:03,002 {\an7}Tempers flare in the heat. 140 00:15:04,604 --> 00:15:15,448 {\an7}♪ ♪ 141 00:15:15,481 --> 00:15:22,054 {\an7}[snarling] 142 00:15:22,088 --> 00:15:26,893 {\an7}[elephant screaming] 143 00:15:26,926 --> 00:15:31,330 {\an7}\hThe heavyweights use size to bully their way through, 144 00:15:40,273 --> 00:15:45,545 {\an7}others, their wit -- to steal a sip. 145 00:15:53,186 --> 00:15:56,122 {\an7}With no other waterholes left, 146 00:15:56,255 --> 00:15:58,924 {\an7}all are drawn here. 147 00:15:59,225 --> 00:16:05,498 {\an7}♪ ♪ 148 00:16:05,531 --> 00:16:09,235 {\an7}\h\hThe natural balance of Nxai Pan is shifting 149 00:16:13,239 --> 00:16:16,642 {\an7}in favor of the lions. 150 00:16:16,676 --> 00:16:29,822 {\an7}♪ ♪ 151 00:16:29,856 --> 00:16:32,225 {\an7}As the only apex predators here, 152 00:16:34,293 --> 00:16:37,196 {\an7}the waterhole belongs to them, 153 00:16:48,708 --> 00:16:54,981 {\an7}\h\hall their prey in one convenient place. 154 00:16:55,047 --> 00:17:05,691 {\an7}♪ ♪ 155 00:17:05,725 --> 00:17:11,497 {\an7}\h\hThe six females spread out -- testing the herds. 156 00:17:11,531 --> 00:17:21,474 {\an7}♪ ♪ 157 00:17:21,507 --> 00:17:33,052 {\an7}♪ ♪ 158 00:17:33,085 --> 00:17:37,256 {\an7}\hThe heat drains them quickly here. 159 00:17:37,290 --> 00:17:42,996 {\an7}\h\h\h\hBut it takes an even heavier toll on their prey. 160 00:17:55,875 --> 00:18:00,213 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\h\hThe waterhole is surrounded by so many animals 161 00:18:00,246 --> 00:18:03,416 {\an7}so desperate for water. 162 00:18:14,860 --> 00:18:18,464 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\hOpportunity must come the lions’ way soon, 163 00:18:21,467 --> 00:18:23,502 {\an7}surely. 164 00:18:27,873 --> 00:18:33,178 {\an7}♪ ♪ 165 00:18:33,212 --> 00:18:35,381 {\an7}They must be patient; 166 00:18:47,226 --> 00:18:49,795 {\an7}choose their targets wisely; 167 00:18:52,064 --> 00:18:54,600 {\an7}know when to step back 168 00:18:59,772 --> 00:19:01,774 {\an7}and wait, 169 00:19:05,011 --> 00:19:09,415 {\an7}for the right opportunity \h\h\hwill present itself. 170 00:19:22,695 --> 00:19:25,431 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\hWhile the principal pride rests up in the thickets 171 00:19:25,464 --> 00:19:28,567 {\an7}away from the waterhole, 172 00:19:28,734 --> 00:19:33,539 {\an7}\h\h\hit’s a good time for the sisters to drop in for a drink 173 00:19:36,275 --> 00:19:40,012 {\an7}and spend some quality time with their kings. 174 00:19:44,684 --> 00:19:48,922 {\an7}The sisters must produce cubs \hto justify their place here, 175 00:19:48,954 --> 00:19:51,523 {\an7}or they’ll be forced to leave. 176 00:20:00,132 --> 00:20:07,072 {\an7}[lion growling] 177 00:20:07,106 --> 00:20:11,110 {\an7}\hBreeding during drought is not an option for most. 178 00:20:14,714 --> 00:20:17,650 {\an7}But the lions are still strong. 179 00:20:22,121 --> 00:20:28,194 {\an7}\h\h\h\hIt’s others that are gambling just to stay alive. 180 00:20:33,833 --> 00:20:37,704 {\an7}These giraffes aren’t brave, 181 00:20:38,237 --> 00:20:41,340 {\an7}just desperately thirsty -- 182 00:20:44,110 --> 00:20:48,147 {\an7}\henough to drink only feet from the sisters, 183 00:20:55,755 --> 00:21:01,794 {\an7}\h\h\h\ha gap the lions can close in less than a second. 184 00:21:01,827 --> 00:21:12,504 {\an7}♪ ♪ 185 00:21:12,571 --> 00:21:19,111 {\an7}♪ ♪ 186 00:21:19,145 --> 00:21:26,419 {\an7}A 3,000-pound, 19-foot-tall \h\hgiraffe is a tall order. 187 00:21:33,726 --> 00:21:36,462 {\an7}\hBut the sisters count on the combined strength 188 00:21:36,495 --> 00:21:38,497 {\an7}of their kings. 189 00:21:42,868 --> 00:21:47,106 {\an7}\h\hGiraffe usually make up less than 1% of lions’ diets 190 00:21:47,139 --> 00:21:50,309 {\an7}because they’re dangerous \h\hand difficult to hunt, 191 00:21:50,342 --> 00:21:53,178 {\an7}even for a large pride. 192 00:21:56,749 --> 00:22:00,987 {\an7}\h\h\hBut the kings and their mistresses are big and tough, 193 00:22:08,194 --> 00:22:13,332 {\an7}and waiting for nightfall has \hworked well for them so far. 194 00:22:17,436 --> 00:22:22,374 {\an7}♪ ♪ 195 00:22:22,408 --> 00:22:25,611 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\hA claw to the hamstring finds its mark, 196 00:22:25,644 --> 00:22:29,081 {\an7}yet the giraffe keeps running. 197 00:22:31,684 --> 00:22:34,554 {\an7}The hunt isn’t over yet. 198 00:22:38,958 --> 00:22:42,028 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\hBrute strength and the cover of darkness 199 00:22:42,061 --> 00:22:46,332 {\an7}\h\hhas earned the lions their first big meal of the drought. 200 00:22:50,769 --> 00:22:53,038 {\an7}Thousands of pounds of giraffe 201 00:22:53,138 --> 00:22:58,276 {\an7}\h\h\his the perfect meal for a grizzly-sized lion. 202 00:23:00,279 --> 00:23:01,514 {\an7}For the mistress sisters, 203 00:23:01,547 --> 00:23:05,051 {\an7}\h\h\hit couldn’t have come at a better time. 204 00:23:09,655 --> 00:23:12,024 {\an7}\h\h\h\hPride structure, and predator hierarchy, 205 00:23:12,057 --> 00:23:15,727 {\an7}\hdictates feeding shifts over days. 206 00:23:29,909 --> 00:23:33,980 {\an7}By the morning of day two, not much is left, 207 00:23:34,013 --> 00:23:37,283 {\an7}\h\hand some are tired of waiting their turn. 208 00:23:37,316 --> 00:23:46,525 {\an7}[whining and whimpering] 209 00:23:51,797 --> 00:23:56,635 {\an7}But their place in the pecking order is quickly established. 210 00:23:56,669 --> 00:24:00,773 {\an7}[yelping] 211 00:24:04,910 --> 00:24:09,681 {\an7}[snarling] 212 00:24:09,715 --> 00:24:12,751 {\an7}\hThere are other big cats around Nxai Pan, 213 00:24:12,785 --> 00:24:15,254 {\an7}but they’re struggling. 214 00:24:16,655 --> 00:24:21,160 {\an7}\hCheetahs are smaller and weaker than lions. 215 00:24:21,293 --> 00:24:23,428 {\an7}They also eat less. 216 00:24:25,364 --> 00:24:30,269 {\an7}\h\hBut when it comes to food, lions see them as competition. 217 00:24:32,271 --> 00:24:34,807 {\an7}\hSo she’s forced to stay out here, 218 00:24:34,840 --> 00:24:38,043 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\h\haway from the privilege of the waterhole. 219 00:24:39,645 --> 00:24:42,515 {\an7}♪ ♪ 220 00:24:42,548 --> 00:24:44,817 {\an7}She has a family to feed: 221 00:24:45,484 --> 00:24:48,520 {\an7}cubs, too young to hunt. 222 00:24:51,890 --> 00:24:55,026 {\an7}Providing food is her job alone. 223 00:24:58,831 --> 00:25:02,201 {\an7}Out here, prey is scarce; 224 00:25:03,836 --> 00:25:07,073 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\hthere’s no waterhole to attract them. 225 00:25:08,674 --> 00:25:15,881 {\an7}It’s so barren, there’s little \hcover for hunted or hunter. 226 00:25:21,120 --> 00:25:31,097 {\an7}♪ ♪ 227 00:25:31,130 --> 00:25:45,544 {\an7}♪ ♪ 228 00:25:52,951 --> 00:25:55,787 {\an7}Her speed is not enough. 229 00:25:58,657 --> 00:26:01,860 {\an7}\h\hThe family will go hungry for today. 230 00:26:04,563 --> 00:26:09,568 {\an7}\hThis lion-enforced exile will last as long as the dry season. 231 00:26:09,735 --> 00:26:11,203 {\an7}If the rains are late, 232 00:26:11,236 --> 00:26:14,272 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\hthere’s no guarantee they’ll survive. 233 00:26:22,214 --> 00:26:26,251 {\an7}More herbivores flock to the waterhole every day. 234 00:26:30,589 --> 00:26:33,392 {\an7}They’re coming from \h\hfurther afield, 235 00:26:37,329 --> 00:26:39,398 {\an7}and staying longer. 236 00:26:44,503 --> 00:26:48,974 {\an7}\h\hLesser carnivores, like jackals and vultures, prowl, 237 00:26:49,007 --> 00:26:52,978 {\an7}\h\halways on the lookout for something to scavenge. 238 00:26:55,981 --> 00:26:59,251 {\an7}\h\h\hBut theirs is the only free pass. 239 00:27:00,986 --> 00:27:02,788 {\an7}As the drought intensifies, 240 00:27:02,821 --> 00:27:07,759 {\an7}\h\h\hno other hunters, like hyenas, are permitted here. 241 00:27:12,531 --> 00:27:15,701 {\an7}\h\h\hSo they steal through like ghosts. 242 00:27:17,269 --> 00:27:21,440 {\an7}Stopping isn’t worth the risk. 243 00:27:24,776 --> 00:27:28,013 {\an7}But some don’t get out in time. 244 00:27:29,348 --> 00:27:35,154 {\an7}\hThese wild dogs, looking for water, overstay their welcome, 245 00:27:38,190 --> 00:27:41,193 {\an7}and it’s cost them dearly. 246 00:27:44,263 --> 00:27:49,235 {\an7}\h\h\hComing into contact with the lions means serious injury 247 00:27:49,268 --> 00:27:51,203 {\an7}or death. 248 00:27:57,142 --> 00:27:59,845 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\hThe mistress sisters strike again: 249 00:27:59,878 --> 00:28:03,081 {\an7}There’s no room for competition. 250 00:28:04,116 --> 00:28:08,153 {\an7}This last waterhole is their lifeline -- 251 00:28:08,187 --> 00:28:12,058 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\hand they must defend it at all costs. 252 00:28:14,059 --> 00:28:16,328 {\an7}But there’s more to it. 253 00:28:17,162 --> 00:28:21,667 {\an7}\hWild dogs will kill lion cubs, given half a chance. 254 00:28:23,235 --> 00:28:26,605 {\an7}\h\h\hAnd the sisters aren’t taking chances, 255 00:28:28,006 --> 00:28:32,277 {\an7}for one of them is pregnant. 256 00:28:51,997 --> 00:28:54,433 {\an7}Daytime temperatures soar. 257 00:28:59,871 --> 00:29:02,640 {\an7}The main pride looks listless. 258 00:29:07,679 --> 00:29:11,816 {\an7}\hBut in spite of the blazing heat, 259 00:29:11,850 --> 00:29:14,653 {\an7}they never lose sight \h\h\h\h\hof the game 260 00:29:19,057 --> 00:29:21,927 {\an7}and their big game prey. 261 00:29:22,060 --> 00:29:33,638 {\an7}♪ ♪ 262 00:29:33,672 --> 00:29:39,111 {\an7}♪ ♪ 263 00:29:39,144 --> 00:29:43,949 {\an7}But visibility is a lion’s worst enemy. 264 00:29:48,887 --> 00:29:50,689 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\hDuring the day their heavyweight targets 265 00:29:50,789 --> 00:29:53,725 {\an7}can see them coming a mile away. 266 00:29:58,964 --> 00:30:01,800 {\an7}\h\h\hBut that doesn’t stop them from trying. 267 00:30:08,674 --> 00:30:10,442 {\an7}\h\h\hA kudu bull is one of the biggest, 268 00:30:10,475 --> 00:30:13,912 {\an7}most difficult antelope to hunt. 269 00:30:16,081 --> 00:30:18,483 {\an7}They’re taller and 100 pounds heavier 270 00:30:18,517 --> 00:30:21,353 {\an7}than the biggest male lion; 271 00:30:25,657 --> 00:30:28,426 {\an7}double the weight of lionesses. 272 00:30:29,995 --> 00:30:34,867 {\an7}And they’re armed with deadly horns up to five feet long -- 273 00:30:34,900 --> 00:30:38,370 {\an7}the length of a lion’s body. 274 00:31:07,132 --> 00:31:20,145 {\an7}♪ ♪ 275 00:31:20,178 --> 00:31:28,253 {\an7}A slip saves the kudu -- \h\h\h\h\h\h\hthis time. 276 00:31:31,990 --> 00:31:37,896 {\an7}There’s just no sneaking up on prey in daylight. 277 00:31:37,929 --> 00:31:41,833 {\an7}\hHunting by night is much more productive. 278 00:31:47,038 --> 00:31:49,641 {\an7}Ambushed just before sunrise, 279 00:31:49,674 --> 00:31:53,144 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\hthis kudu bull couldn’t see them coming. 280 00:32:02,487 --> 00:32:07,192 {\an7}It’s a meal big enough to feed the pride for a week. 281 00:32:15,267 --> 00:32:18,871 {\an7}But lions this size want more. 282 00:32:25,710 --> 00:32:28,646 {\an7}And it’s in their nature to exploit 283 00:32:28,680 --> 00:32:31,149 {\an7}every opportunity. 284 00:32:32,684 --> 00:32:42,994 {\an7}♪ ♪ 285 00:32:43,028 --> 00:32:45,764 {\an7}\h\hIt’s less than an hour since breakfast, 286 00:32:48,967 --> 00:32:53,672 {\an7}\h\h\hbut a principal pride female spots an opportunity, 287 00:32:54,573 --> 00:32:57,176 {\an7}one she can’t resist. 288 00:32:58,844 --> 00:33:11,757 {\an7}♪ ♪ 289 00:33:11,790 --> 00:33:13,992 {\an7}There’s no way to stay hidden, 290 00:33:17,696 --> 00:33:20,699 {\an7}so she’s trying out new tactics. 291 00:33:20,732 --> 00:33:34,613 {\an7}♪ ♪ 292 00:33:34,713 --> 00:33:38,917 {\an7}\h\h\hAs water evaporates, and levels drop, animals must dip 293 00:33:38,950 --> 00:33:45,757 {\an7}their heads into the trenches to reach it, blocking their view. 294 00:33:53,231 --> 00:33:55,867 {\an7}She waits for the perfect moment 295 00:33:55,901 --> 00:33:59,872 {\an7}\hwhen the big male kudu’s eyes drop below the banks. 296 00:34:06,945 --> 00:34:10,649 {\an7}The kudu is relying only on hearing now. 297 00:34:26,831 --> 00:34:34,372 {\an7}[kudu crying; lioness growling] 298 00:34:34,472 --> 00:34:46,217 {\an7}[scuffling] 299 00:34:46,251 --> 00:34:50,856 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\hAn expert bite delivers death quickly. 300 00:34:54,993 --> 00:34:57,796 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\h\h\hShe’s banked another meal for her pride, 301 00:34:57,829 --> 00:35:01,566 {\an7}no small feat for a single lioness. 302 00:35:05,637 --> 00:35:08,273 {\an7}Her new strategy works. 303 00:35:18,917 --> 00:35:23,054 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\h\hA jackal on the lookout is already moving in. 304 00:35:32,931 --> 00:35:35,667 {\an7}[lioness snarls; jackal yelps] 305 00:35:35,700 --> 00:35:38,269 {\an7}But he’ll have to wait. 306 00:35:44,943 --> 00:35:48,113 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\hThe lioness guards her fresh kill. 307 00:35:51,249 --> 00:35:54,986 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\hDuring drought, there’s no time for charity. 308 00:36:01,526 --> 00:36:07,098 {\an7}It’s not selfishness or gluttony -- just simple survival. 309 00:36:10,869 --> 00:36:13,171 {\an7}The rest of the pride \h\h\h\hhas abandoned 310 00:36:13,271 --> 00:36:15,273 {\an7}their breakfast carcass. 311 00:36:20,879 --> 00:36:22,948 {\an7}They’ve eaten their fill. 312 00:36:28,086 --> 00:36:32,724 {\an7}\h\h\h\hIt’s too hot to eat, too hot to defend. 313 00:36:40,432 --> 00:36:44,303 {\an7}\hThe deserted carcass is soon heaving with looters, 314 00:36:46,838 --> 00:36:50,075 {\an7}\h\h\h\hand the spoils turn into a turf war. 315 00:36:53,845 --> 00:37:02,654 {\an7}[animals snarling] 316 00:37:02,687 --> 00:37:05,990 {\an7}\hFor the scavengers, this is their biggest windfall 317 00:37:06,024 --> 00:37:08,059 {\an7}of the drought. 318 00:37:15,400 --> 00:37:18,870 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\hNARRATOR: Building clouds bring a sliver of hope, 319 00:37:22,040 --> 00:37:24,476 {\an7}but race past. 320 00:37:27,378 --> 00:37:28,579 {\an7}There’s no relief 321 00:37:28,680 --> 00:37:32,150 {\an7}\h\h\h\hfor the scorched earth and animals today. 322 00:37:39,891 --> 00:37:43,528 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\hWhile the lions benefit from this drought, 323 00:37:43,561 --> 00:37:47,765 {\an7}\h\h\hit’s breaking point for everyone else that lives here. 324 00:37:52,203 --> 00:37:54,405 {\an7}There’s no food. 325 00:37:56,641 --> 00:38:00,378 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\hThe waterhole is reduced to pools of sludge. 326 00:38:06,751 --> 00:38:09,587 {\an7}The rains are long overdue. 327 00:38:10,755 --> 00:38:13,458 {\an7}\hThere’s no guarantee they’ll arrive at all. 328 00:38:17,495 --> 00:38:19,897 {\an7}But it’s okay for the lions. 329 00:38:23,668 --> 00:38:26,538 {\an7}\h\h\h\hThey drink daily when water is available, 330 00:38:26,571 --> 00:38:28,173 {\an7}but they can also survive 331 00:38:28,273 --> 00:38:31,810 {\an7}\h\h\hon just the moisture they get from their prey. 332 00:38:34,612 --> 00:38:40,685 {\an7}The uncertainty of rain isn’t threatening their future here. 333 00:38:40,718 --> 00:38:45,890 {\an7}\h\hIt’s the lack of fresh new blood in their family. 334 00:38:45,924 --> 00:38:49,094 {\an7}But that’s all about to change 335 00:38:54,465 --> 00:38:58,035 {\an7}\h\hwith the birth of two new desert kings. 336 00:39:00,505 --> 00:39:03,341 {\an7}But the pride isn’t home free. 337 00:39:04,075 --> 00:39:07,979 {\an7}The cubs’ chances of survival are slim -- 338 00:39:08,012 --> 00:39:11,816 {\an7}\h\h\honly one in five make it to adulthood. 339 00:39:18,122 --> 00:39:21,726 {\an7}\hThey need their father’s strength and protection. 340 00:39:24,295 --> 00:39:26,464 {\an7}[lioness roaring] 341 00:39:26,497 --> 00:39:30,401 {\an7}Their mother calls out. 342 00:39:30,435 --> 00:39:36,207 {\an7}[lioness whuffing] 343 00:39:36,241 --> 00:39:40,812 {\an7}The cubs must meet their family. 344 00:39:40,845 --> 00:39:51,789 {\an7}♪ ♪ 345 00:39:51,956 --> 00:39:58,429 {\an7}♪ ♪ 346 00:40:11,209 --> 00:40:21,252 {\an7}[lion grunts] 347 00:40:21,286 --> 00:40:24,122 {\an7}[cubs mewl] 348 00:40:24,155 --> 00:40:34,365 {\an7}[lion snarls] 349 00:40:34,399 --> 00:40:43,842 {\an7}[lion snarls] 350 00:40:43,875 --> 00:40:49,848 {\an7}He’s gruff -- but approving. 351 00:40:50,615 --> 00:40:57,989 {\an7}♪ ♪ 352 00:40:58,022 --> 00:41:02,493 {\an7}\hRaising them in this hell will not be easy. 353 00:41:12,737 --> 00:41:15,273 {\an7}But their aunt will help, 354 00:41:16,207 --> 00:41:17,375 {\an7}and in time she, too, 355 00:41:17,408 --> 00:41:21,779 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\hwill hopefully give birth to her own set of cubs. 356 00:41:23,581 --> 00:41:25,817 {\an7}The mistresses and their new cubs are now assured 357 00:41:25,850 --> 00:41:28,453 {\an7}\h\h\hof the kings’ continued protection 358 00:41:34,459 --> 00:41:36,828 {\an7}\hand a guaranteed share of territory 359 00:41:36,861 --> 00:41:39,564 {\an7}alongside the principal pride. 360 00:41:42,266 --> 00:41:47,972 {\an7}[cubs squawking] 361 00:41:48,072 --> 00:41:52,343 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\hBut the desert lion bloodline remains under threat. 362 00:41:54,746 --> 00:41:56,781 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\h\hDominating the waterhole sees them through 363 00:41:56,881 --> 00:42:00,284 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\hthese tough months each dry season. 364 00:42:00,551 --> 00:42:04,955 {\an7}\h\h\h\h\h\h\hBut their big prey lifeline is about to disappear. 365 00:42:04,989 --> 00:42:07,758 {\an7}\hUnless this year’s drought breaks soon, 366 00:42:07,959 --> 00:42:11,763 {\an7}\hthe last remaining sludge pools will dry up completely 367 00:42:11,796 --> 00:42:15,967 {\an7}and all the animals will leave the area. 368 00:42:16,000 --> 00:42:20,872 {\an7}The lions will have to leave their home and follow them 369 00:42:20,905 --> 00:42:22,840 {\an7}or starve. 370 00:42:23,207 --> 00:42:30,014 {\an7}[thunder] 371 00:42:30,048 --> 00:42:33,118 {\an7}Storm clouds gather once again. 372 00:42:39,057 --> 00:42:51,970 {\an7}[rain falling] 373 00:42:52,003 --> 00:42:56,040 {\an7}\hNxai Pan is released from the hellish grip of drought. 374 00:43:02,046 --> 00:43:06,784 {\an7}[lion growling] 375 00:43:07,618 --> 00:43:09,053 {\an7}The rains will soon wash away 376 00:43:09,087 --> 00:43:14,726 {\an7}the desperation of all who live here. 377 00:43:14,759 --> 00:43:26,704 {\an7}♪ ♪ 378 00:43:32,877 --> 00:43:36,614 {\an7}\h\h\hThe waterhole becomes one of many. 379 00:43:39,417 --> 00:43:41,986 {\an7}Using their size and strength to dominate 380 00:43:42,019 --> 00:43:47,124 {\an7}\heven the biggest prey during the worst drought in decades, 381 00:43:47,158 --> 00:43:52,463 {\an7}\h\h\hthe Desert Kings have come full circle. 382 00:43:52,497 --> 00:43:58,737 {\an7}And for now, their legacy, and home here, is secure.