1 00:00:00,353 --> 00:00:02,770 I've spent much of my working life 2 00:00:02,770 --> 00:00:04,720 trying to film big cats. 3 00:00:04,720 --> 00:00:07,250 I've watched them in the wild and analyzed the footage 4 00:00:07,250 --> 00:00:09,470 in the editing room, which has given me 5 00:00:09,470 --> 00:00:11,533 a real insight into their behavior. 6 00:00:12,800 --> 00:00:16,702 Today, we can see these amazing predators on our screens 7 00:00:16,702 --> 00:00:18,544 any time we choose. 8 00:00:18,544 --> 00:00:21,294 (dramatic music) 9 00:00:23,980 --> 00:00:25,560 But, until quite recently, 10 00:00:25,560 --> 00:00:28,022 we knew practically nothing about them, 11 00:00:28,022 --> 00:00:30,772 (dramatic music) 12 00:00:32,890 --> 00:00:36,053 Big cats are normally shy and very secretive. 13 00:00:38,440 --> 00:00:41,453 Today, their populations are shrinking fast. 14 00:00:42,620 --> 00:00:44,590 But now we have the means to view them 15 00:00:44,590 --> 00:00:46,496 in more detail than ever. 16 00:00:46,496 --> 00:00:48,548 (thunder rumbling) 17 00:00:48,548 --> 00:00:51,030 (dramatic music) 18 00:00:51,030 --> 00:00:54,023 And learn the intricacies of their lives, 19 00:00:59,379 --> 00:01:02,040 which is just as well, because we need to find ways 20 00:01:02,040 --> 00:01:07,040 of living alongside them before they disappear forever. 21 00:01:09,870 --> 00:01:13,846 The lion is probably the most familiar of all the big cats. 22 00:01:13,846 --> 00:01:15,555 (insects and birds chattering) 23 00:01:15,555 --> 00:01:16,810 (lion snoring) 24 00:01:16,810 --> 00:01:19,570 But we still have much to learn about its behavior, 25 00:01:19,570 --> 00:01:21,523 as do these two young cubs. 26 00:01:23,690 --> 00:01:26,490 They're about to go on a big adventure 27 00:01:26,490 --> 00:01:28,404 and discover the world around them. 28 00:01:28,404 --> 00:01:31,321 (insects chirring) 29 00:01:37,620 --> 00:01:40,037 The cubs are now about six weeks old 30 00:01:40,037 --> 00:01:42,403 and this is their first journey in the open. 31 00:01:43,690 --> 00:01:47,043 They have to run to keep up with their mother's brisk pace. 32 00:01:48,296 --> 00:01:52,980 (insects chirring, wildebeest lowing) 33 00:01:52,980 --> 00:01:54,800 Even at this early age, 34 00:01:54,800 --> 00:01:57,053 they have a powerful instinct to chase, 35 00:01:58,000 --> 00:02:01,113 much to the surprise of the nearby wildlife. 36 00:02:03,700 --> 00:02:06,820 But today their job isn't to hunt. 37 00:02:06,820 --> 00:02:10,543 They just have to start learning what it is to be a lion, 38 00:02:14,630 --> 00:02:18,443 and that means toned muscles, and peak fitness. 39 00:02:23,630 --> 00:02:25,363 Lions love to chase. 40 00:02:28,300 --> 00:02:32,350 Females, with a relatively light weight, 150 kilos, 41 00:02:32,350 --> 00:02:34,313 tend to be the fastest. 42 00:02:34,313 --> 00:02:38,950 The heavier males, at up to 250 kilos 43 00:02:38,950 --> 00:02:42,043 are more likely to attack slower, bigger prey. 44 00:02:42,043 --> 00:02:45,600 (thoughtful music) 45 00:02:45,600 --> 00:02:48,713 And, males can club together, doubling their power. 46 00:02:49,775 --> 00:02:52,692 (thoughtful music) 47 00:02:56,170 --> 00:02:58,250 Lions differ from all other cats 48 00:02:58,250 --> 00:03:00,190 in that they are highly social, 49 00:03:00,190 --> 00:03:03,292 forming prides of up to 35 animals, 50 00:03:03,292 --> 00:03:06,430 (insects chirring) 51 00:03:06,430 --> 00:03:09,183 and this pride is where the cubs are headed. 52 00:03:11,060 --> 00:03:15,143 These are their aunts, older sisters, cousins, 53 00:03:16,600 --> 00:03:18,398 and one of their fathers. 54 00:03:18,398 --> 00:03:20,430 (thoughtful music) 55 00:03:20,430 --> 00:03:22,910 (insects chirring) 56 00:03:22,910 --> 00:03:24,493 This is their pride. 57 00:03:25,439 --> 00:03:27,839 (thoughtful music) 58 00:03:27,839 --> 00:03:29,134 (insects chirring) 59 00:03:29,134 --> 00:03:31,160 But, the cubs' journey is fraught with danger. 60 00:03:31,160 --> 00:03:33,980 Lions can be their own worst enemy. 61 00:03:33,980 --> 00:03:37,020 That's why their mother's bringing them in daylight, 62 00:03:37,020 --> 00:03:39,483 because most other lions are asleep. 63 00:03:40,360 --> 00:03:43,600 Hot sun and warm air makes them lethargic. 64 00:03:43,600 --> 00:03:45,524 (thoughtful music) 65 00:03:45,524 --> 00:03:47,729 (insects chirring) 66 00:03:47,729 --> 00:03:50,396 (lions snoring) 67 00:03:51,270 --> 00:03:54,223 And yet, that's when tourists usually get to see lions, 68 00:03:55,150 --> 00:03:58,100 giving many people the idea that these cats are, 69 00:03:58,100 --> 00:04:00,641 in some way, lazy and indolent. 70 00:04:00,641 --> 00:04:02,114 (insects chirring) 71 00:04:02,114 --> 00:04:05,660 (birds chirping) 72 00:04:05,660 --> 00:04:08,520 The truth is that lions are huge and bulky, 73 00:04:08,520 --> 00:04:12,250 yet have quite small hearts, and no sweat glands, 74 00:04:12,250 --> 00:04:14,163 so they have difficulty keeping cool. 75 00:04:15,050 --> 00:04:17,183 They have to pant rather like a dog. 76 00:04:18,920 --> 00:04:21,239 But, my time with these extraordinary cats 77 00:04:21,239 --> 00:04:25,170 has shown me that lions are far from lazy. 78 00:04:25,170 --> 00:04:28,780 Today the pride is easy for the cubs' mother to find. 79 00:04:28,780 --> 00:04:31,990 In the mara, a big collection of tourist vehicles 80 00:04:31,990 --> 00:04:34,033 is a sure sign the pride is near. 81 00:04:35,590 --> 00:04:37,913 The mother is completely used to traffic. 82 00:04:40,110 --> 00:04:42,223 Her sisters have been waiting for her. 83 00:04:44,600 --> 00:04:46,970 Between them they have six other cubs 84 00:04:46,970 --> 00:04:49,357 in three different age groups, 85 00:04:49,357 --> 00:04:52,908 and the mother lets her babies join the group. 86 00:04:52,908 --> 00:04:55,825 (thoughtful music) 87 00:04:59,020 --> 00:05:02,844 (lion cubs squeaking) 88 00:05:02,844 --> 00:05:04,604 (birds chirping) 89 00:05:04,604 --> 00:05:07,521 (insects chirring) 90 00:05:08,830 --> 00:05:10,830 The big cubs welcome the newcomers 91 00:05:10,830 --> 00:05:13,810 with a gentleness that suggests they understand 92 00:05:13,810 --> 00:05:16,574 how delicate their new family members are, 93 00:05:16,574 --> 00:05:19,616 (insects chirring) 94 00:05:19,616 --> 00:05:22,511 and the little cubs are allowed to do as they please. 95 00:05:22,511 --> 00:05:23,999 (insects chirring) 96 00:05:23,999 --> 00:05:25,760 (birds chirping) 97 00:05:25,760 --> 00:05:27,820 This would be a pretty typical pride 98 00:05:27,820 --> 00:05:29,643 in structure as well as size, 99 00:05:33,240 --> 00:05:35,653 but these lions are far from typical. 100 00:05:38,810 --> 00:05:40,763 These lions are famous. 101 00:05:42,500 --> 00:05:44,850 They're probably seen by more humans 102 00:05:44,850 --> 00:05:48,200 than any other wild lions on the planet. 103 00:05:48,200 --> 00:05:51,890 From here, their images will be posted all over the world 104 00:05:51,890 --> 00:05:53,763 on Instagram and Twitter. 105 00:05:54,750 --> 00:05:58,101 As a result, they're perfectly happy with people 106 00:05:58,101 --> 00:06:00,443 as long as they stay in their vehicles. 107 00:06:01,344 --> 00:06:02,383 (insects chirring) 108 00:06:02,383 --> 00:06:05,216 (lions grumbling) 109 00:06:07,390 --> 00:06:11,110 It's only with cats like this in a place like this 110 00:06:11,110 --> 00:06:12,850 that we have any real chance 111 00:06:12,850 --> 00:06:14,803 of understanding their lives properly. 112 00:06:19,610 --> 00:06:22,550 If they weren't completely relaxed around people 113 00:06:22,550 --> 00:06:24,163 we simply wouldn't see them. 114 00:06:25,010 --> 00:06:27,736 Lions know all about being invisible. 115 00:06:27,736 --> 00:06:30,486 (birds chirping) 116 00:06:32,072 --> 00:06:34,136 (lion cubs squeaking) 117 00:06:34,136 --> 00:06:35,550 (wildebeest lowing) 118 00:06:35,550 --> 00:06:39,943 The place is Kenya's Masai Mara and its migration time. 119 00:06:42,020 --> 00:06:44,820 Huge herds from the south come to graze 120 00:06:44,820 --> 00:06:47,274 on the short new growth of grass. 121 00:06:47,274 --> 00:06:51,024 (wildebeest hooves pounding) 122 00:06:58,380 --> 00:07:00,950 (wildebeest lowing) 123 00:07:00,950 --> 00:07:03,993 For the lions there's prey everywhere. 124 00:07:05,080 --> 00:07:07,840 This is one of the few places left on Earth 125 00:07:07,840 --> 00:07:11,483 where large herds of Pleistocene megafauna still exist. 126 00:07:13,190 --> 00:07:14,443 Elephants are common. 127 00:07:16,430 --> 00:07:18,450 They keep the place free of trees 128 00:07:20,030 --> 00:07:24,032 while the grazers keep the grass short and nutritious. 129 00:07:24,032 --> 00:07:27,407 (birds chirping) 130 00:07:27,407 --> 00:07:30,324 (insects chirring) 131 00:07:33,057 --> 00:07:36,307 (elephants trumpeting) 132 00:07:38,097 --> 00:07:41,740 And lions have become an integral part of this habitat. 133 00:07:41,740 --> 00:07:44,561 Without them, none of this would survive. 134 00:07:44,561 --> 00:07:47,729 (thunder rumbling) 135 00:07:47,729 --> 00:07:50,810 (insects chirring) 136 00:07:50,810 --> 00:07:52,241 When a storm rolls in, 137 00:07:52,241 --> 00:07:55,930 as it does in the wet season most afternoons, 138 00:07:55,930 --> 00:07:58,423 the cool breeze wakes the lions up. 139 00:07:59,730 --> 00:08:01,990 Cats only yawn when they're about to move, 140 00:08:01,990 --> 00:08:03,193 not when they're tired. 141 00:08:05,060 --> 00:08:07,573 It's a sure sign they'll soon be on their way. 142 00:08:09,311 --> 00:08:12,228 (insects chirring) 143 00:08:16,100 --> 00:08:17,500 But they're not hunting now. 144 00:08:18,520 --> 00:08:20,230 There's no point, 145 00:08:20,230 --> 00:08:23,710 as their prey can see them literally a mile off, 146 00:08:23,710 --> 00:08:26,070 and here, on this short grass, 147 00:08:26,070 --> 00:08:27,963 that is their biggest problem. 148 00:08:29,490 --> 00:08:32,793 It took me many years to work out how they solved it. 149 00:08:34,550 --> 00:08:37,856 Then quite a few more to actually film it successfully. 150 00:08:37,856 --> 00:08:40,773 (insects chirring) 151 00:08:46,300 --> 00:08:51,010 With no cover, these cubs have no chance of getting close, 152 00:08:51,010 --> 00:08:53,025 but it's good practice. 153 00:08:53,025 --> 00:08:56,108 (antelope galloping) 154 00:09:01,836 --> 00:09:04,753 (thunder rumbling) 155 00:09:10,680 --> 00:09:12,170 Because of global warming 156 00:09:12,170 --> 00:09:15,953 the storms are now more intense than they used to be. 157 00:09:16,940 --> 00:09:20,825 75 millimeters of rain can fall in just 30 minutes. 158 00:09:20,825 --> 00:09:21,983 (thoughtful music) 159 00:09:21,983 --> 00:09:22,816 (rain falling) 160 00:09:22,816 --> 00:09:26,570 This is cue for tourists to head back to camp for a beer 161 00:09:26,570 --> 00:09:29,068 before flooded rivers block their way. 162 00:09:29,068 --> 00:09:30,844 (thoughtful music) 163 00:09:30,844 --> 00:09:32,320 (rain falling) 164 00:09:32,320 --> 00:09:36,510 For me, The rest of the evening and the night are by far 165 00:09:36,510 --> 00:09:39,887 the best time for lions to reveal their true nature. 166 00:09:39,887 --> 00:09:41,087 (thoughtful music) 167 00:09:41,087 --> 00:09:42,597 (rain falling) 168 00:09:42,597 --> 00:09:44,230 (thunder rumbling) 169 00:09:44,230 --> 00:09:45,780 In this kind of rain, 170 00:09:45,780 --> 00:09:48,313 lions always stop whatever they're doing, 171 00:09:51,040 --> 00:09:53,260 which is perhaps why the prey animals 172 00:09:53,260 --> 00:09:55,209 can lower their guard, too. 173 00:09:55,209 --> 00:09:56,359 (thoughtful music) 174 00:09:56,359 --> 00:09:57,192 (rain falling) 175 00:09:57,192 --> 00:09:59,330 Most will stand with their backs to the wind. 176 00:10:00,706 --> 00:10:03,289 (rain falling) 177 00:10:05,696 --> 00:10:09,444 (thunder rumbling) 178 00:10:09,444 --> 00:10:12,027 (rain falling) 179 00:10:14,300 --> 00:10:15,880 The lions seem impervious 180 00:10:15,880 --> 00:10:18,033 to the worst nature can throw at them. 181 00:10:20,010 --> 00:10:22,223 (thunder rumbling) 182 00:10:22,223 --> 00:10:24,806 (rain falling) 183 00:10:27,530 --> 00:10:31,233 But, as the rain eases up, the cubs can't help themselves. 184 00:10:36,704 --> 00:10:39,566 (wind blowing) 185 00:10:39,566 --> 00:10:42,316 (cheerful music) 186 00:10:43,309 --> 00:10:45,892 (rain falling) 187 00:10:56,420 --> 00:10:58,103 Soon, their mothers join in. 188 00:10:59,213 --> 00:11:01,963 (cheerful music) 189 00:11:03,070 --> 00:11:06,060 For many animals here the arrival of the rains 190 00:11:06,060 --> 00:11:09,040 is a time of exuberance and play. 191 00:11:09,040 --> 00:11:10,473 Lions are no exception. 192 00:11:13,370 --> 00:11:16,670 The calls of wet season frogs accompany the lions 193 00:11:16,670 --> 00:11:19,140 in this most touching of moments, 194 00:11:19,140 --> 00:11:21,388 when the whole pride is at play together. 195 00:11:21,388 --> 00:11:24,138 (cheerful music) 196 00:11:25,120 --> 00:11:27,620 If happy is the right word to use, 197 00:11:27,620 --> 00:11:32,620 cool, wet weather like this seems to make lions happy. 198 00:11:32,905 --> 00:11:34,809 (cheerful music) 199 00:11:34,809 --> 00:11:37,392 (rain falling) 200 00:11:53,370 --> 00:11:56,030 Light levels are dropping fast 201 00:11:56,030 --> 00:11:58,543 and the lions are beginning to think about dinner. 202 00:12:00,745 --> 00:12:03,328 (rain falling) 203 00:12:07,980 --> 00:12:10,420 Now that the rain has almost stopped 204 00:12:10,420 --> 00:12:12,890 the prey animals that just an hour ago 205 00:12:12,890 --> 00:12:15,320 were spread out over the plains, 206 00:12:15,320 --> 00:12:18,197 have gathered and are heading up the hill. 207 00:12:18,197 --> 00:12:20,947 (animals lowing) 208 00:12:22,790 --> 00:12:26,130 The only explanation I can think of for this behavior, 209 00:12:26,130 --> 00:12:28,010 which happens almost every night 210 00:12:29,176 --> 00:12:31,050 is that the hilltops are further away 211 00:12:31,050 --> 00:12:33,319 from the low lying areas with cover 212 00:12:33,319 --> 00:12:35,513 where lions normally hang out. 213 00:12:37,370 --> 00:12:40,550 Since there'll be no moon until after midnight 214 00:12:40,550 --> 00:12:43,530 and there's a thick layer of cloud from the storm 215 00:12:43,530 --> 00:12:46,223 it's going to be very, very dark. 216 00:12:51,570 --> 00:12:54,203 The little cubs need to be hidden somewhere safe. 217 00:12:58,320 --> 00:13:01,460 The lions are on the move from their daytime haunts 218 00:13:01,460 --> 00:13:03,643 following the trail of the wildebeest. 219 00:13:05,410 --> 00:13:09,270 By now, it's just us and the lions. 220 00:13:09,270 --> 00:13:12,470 What we're about to see is what I now recognize 221 00:13:12,470 --> 00:13:14,363 as typical lion behavior. 222 00:13:15,860 --> 00:13:19,338 And yet, has hardly ever been recorded. 223 00:13:19,338 --> 00:13:22,250 (insects chirring) 224 00:13:22,250 --> 00:13:23,860 By the time the lions get to where 225 00:13:23,860 --> 00:13:27,613 they last saw the wildebeest, the herd has gone, 226 00:13:29,230 --> 00:13:32,854 and at this stage the lions often seem confused. 227 00:13:32,854 --> 00:13:35,771 (insects chirring) 228 00:13:44,790 --> 00:13:48,501 (thunder rumbling) 229 00:13:48,501 --> 00:13:51,875 (insects chirring) 230 00:13:51,875 --> 00:13:54,792 (thunder rumbling) 231 00:13:57,130 --> 00:13:59,940 It's now what humans would call pitch black 232 00:14:00,820 --> 00:14:03,223 and no camera can function here without help. 233 00:14:04,980 --> 00:14:07,185 The only reason we can see anything at all 234 00:14:07,185 --> 00:14:10,480 is because we're using infrared light, 235 00:14:10,480 --> 00:14:12,050 which the lions can't see. 236 00:14:12,050 --> 00:14:15,500 (insects chirring) 237 00:14:15,500 --> 00:14:17,620 We also have thermal cameras, 238 00:14:17,620 --> 00:14:21,810 which detect the heat from the warm bodies of animals. 239 00:14:21,810 --> 00:14:24,090 (insects chirring) 240 00:14:24,090 --> 00:14:27,090 And, our vehicle is fitted with infrared lights, 241 00:14:27,090 --> 00:14:31,164 and driven using infrared night vision goggles. 242 00:14:31,164 --> 00:14:34,870 (insects chirring) 243 00:14:34,870 --> 00:14:37,490 The world that these special cameras reveal 244 00:14:37,490 --> 00:14:40,720 is already quite different from the daylight world. 245 00:14:40,720 --> 00:14:43,283 Hippos have replaced the wildebeest and zebras, 246 00:14:44,720 --> 00:14:46,320 cropping the short, tender shoots 247 00:14:46,320 --> 00:14:48,260 to a perfect golf course length 248 00:14:49,580 --> 00:14:51,793 using only their huge lips. 249 00:14:55,000 --> 00:14:58,065 The nocturnal hippos are very unusual animals. 250 00:14:58,065 --> 00:15:00,982 (insects chirring) 251 00:15:02,140 --> 00:15:04,670 Stranger still, the thermal camera reveals 252 00:15:04,670 --> 00:15:07,880 weird temperature variations on their skin. 253 00:15:07,880 --> 00:15:09,193 Nobody knows why. 254 00:15:10,560 --> 00:15:14,030 They are huge, and extremely dangerous, 255 00:15:14,030 --> 00:15:17,210 but if we so much as shine visible light on them 256 00:15:17,210 --> 00:15:18,043 they'd run. 257 00:15:23,150 --> 00:15:26,160 In the darkness, they can't see the approach 258 00:15:26,160 --> 00:15:27,473 of a silent predator. 259 00:15:29,440 --> 00:15:31,750 Their eyesight isn't that good, 260 00:15:31,750 --> 00:15:34,003 but their sense of smell is amazing. 261 00:15:34,976 --> 00:15:38,080 (insects chirring) 262 00:15:38,080 --> 00:15:40,350 Lions can bring down hippos 263 00:15:40,350 --> 00:15:42,560 only if they're in a big pride 264 00:15:42,560 --> 00:15:43,810 and if males are present. 265 00:15:46,326 --> 00:15:49,159 (hippo bellowing) 266 00:16:04,280 --> 00:16:06,930 They can kill a lion with a single bite 267 00:16:06,930 --> 00:16:08,543 and move surprisingly quickly. 268 00:16:09,878 --> 00:16:12,040 (hippo bellowing) 269 00:16:12,040 --> 00:16:14,957 (insects chirring) 270 00:16:17,170 --> 00:16:19,769 The youngsters enjoy their invisibility. 271 00:16:19,769 --> 00:16:22,440 (insects chirring) 272 00:16:22,440 --> 00:16:27,323 Like almost everything they do, it's just so much fun. 273 00:16:30,020 --> 00:16:33,743 And the bravest get to ride the back of a fleeing giant. 274 00:16:35,310 --> 00:16:36,773 We call it hippo surfing. 275 00:16:44,556 --> 00:16:47,610 (lions roaring) 276 00:16:47,610 --> 00:16:49,440 Things are getting a bit out of hand now 277 00:16:49,440 --> 00:16:51,510 so the mothers call everyone in 278 00:16:51,510 --> 00:16:52,993 to continue on their mission. 279 00:16:54,420 --> 00:16:55,353 Getting dinner. 280 00:16:57,161 --> 00:17:00,994 (lions roaring and grumbling) 281 00:17:06,860 --> 00:17:09,763 As usual, the mothers seem to have a plan. 282 00:17:10,602 --> 00:17:13,519 (insects chirring) 283 00:17:16,870 --> 00:17:18,350 Three kilometers away, 284 00:17:18,350 --> 00:17:20,740 the nervous wildebeest are on the hilltops, 285 00:17:20,740 --> 00:17:23,948 and arrange themselves in defensive groups. 286 00:17:23,948 --> 00:17:26,010 (thoughtful music) 287 00:17:26,010 --> 00:17:27,213 They stay quiet. 288 00:17:30,180 --> 00:17:33,673 Sentinels look into the blackness for signs of trouble. 289 00:17:35,410 --> 00:17:39,203 It's now so dark that human eyes can barely see anything. 290 00:17:41,070 --> 00:17:44,133 Lion eyes are eight times more sensitive. 291 00:17:45,030 --> 00:17:48,563 But for all the animals it's still a very dark night. 292 00:17:50,029 --> 00:17:51,770 The wildebeest have to dip their heads 293 00:17:51,770 --> 00:17:54,300 so they can see the world in front of them 294 00:17:54,300 --> 00:17:56,103 silhouetted against the sky. 295 00:17:58,000 --> 00:18:00,400 This is the only way they have of seeing a lion. 296 00:18:04,096 --> 00:18:08,253 As the cats are countershaded against the dim starlight, 297 00:18:11,360 --> 00:18:14,290 the only thing that could give the lions away 298 00:18:14,290 --> 00:18:16,540 is the sound of their footfalls. 299 00:18:16,540 --> 00:18:19,457 (insects chirring) 300 00:18:26,740 --> 00:18:28,730 If it's quiet for long enough 301 00:18:28,730 --> 00:18:31,720 eventually the whole herd will begin to relax a little 302 00:18:32,690 --> 00:18:34,440 and settle down to chew their cuds. 303 00:18:36,260 --> 00:18:37,350 All those animals that were 304 00:18:37,350 --> 00:18:41,170 spread over the plains in daylight are now silent 305 00:18:41,170 --> 00:18:43,283 and occupy far less space. 306 00:18:45,460 --> 00:18:47,973 They will be hard to find by accident, 307 00:18:49,890 --> 00:18:53,090 but these four lionesses know the terrain well 308 00:18:53,090 --> 00:18:55,538 and know the habits of wildebeest. 309 00:18:55,538 --> 00:18:58,621 (suspenseful music) 310 00:19:01,340 --> 00:19:03,110 They look as if they're out for a stroll, 311 00:19:03,110 --> 00:19:07,009 but this is actually typical lion hunting behavior. 312 00:19:07,009 --> 00:19:08,154 (insects chirring) 313 00:19:08,154 --> 00:19:10,890 (suspenseful music) 314 00:19:10,890 --> 00:19:13,680 The males usually tag along some distance behind 315 00:19:15,080 --> 00:19:16,703 and try and stay out of the way. 316 00:19:17,659 --> 00:19:20,659 (suspenseful music) 317 00:19:35,720 --> 00:19:38,650 Our biggest problem is to not wake the wildebeest 318 00:19:38,650 --> 00:19:40,960 with the sound of our engine. 319 00:19:40,960 --> 00:19:44,763 We have to stay back and hope the action comes towards us. 320 00:19:45,813 --> 00:19:47,990 (insects chirring) 321 00:19:47,990 --> 00:19:50,990 (suspenseful music) 322 00:19:57,638 --> 00:19:58,471 (dramatic music) 323 00:19:58,471 --> 00:20:00,263 Suddenly, as if they all have a plan, 324 00:20:02,300 --> 00:20:03,937 the pride spreads out. 325 00:20:04,773 --> 00:20:07,940 (insects chirring) 326 00:20:07,940 --> 00:20:11,799 What happens now always follows a similar pattern. 327 00:20:11,799 --> 00:20:14,430 (insects chirring) 328 00:20:14,430 --> 00:20:17,930 Every lion seems to be operating independently 329 00:20:17,930 --> 00:20:22,790 even the cubs, yet appears as if they have a good sense 330 00:20:22,790 --> 00:20:26,520 of where the others are and where the herd is. 331 00:20:26,520 --> 00:20:29,520 (suspenseful music) 332 00:20:30,360 --> 00:20:32,430 (thunder rumbling) 333 00:20:32,430 --> 00:20:35,431 The herd is being surrounded. 334 00:20:35,431 --> 00:20:38,348 (insects chirring) 335 00:20:42,440 --> 00:20:45,370 When lions approach settled animals like this 336 00:20:45,370 --> 00:20:47,680 they always stop a safe distance 337 00:20:47,680 --> 00:20:50,033 to watch and listen for a while. 338 00:20:51,324 --> 00:20:54,241 (insects chirring) 339 00:20:56,560 --> 00:20:59,993 This is the kind of hunting lions are designed for. 340 00:21:01,354 --> 00:21:04,354 (suspenseful music) 341 00:21:05,195 --> 00:21:08,112 (insects chirring) 342 00:21:37,170 --> 00:21:41,863 During the day on open plains they'd never get this close. 343 00:21:44,260 --> 00:21:46,050 But she won't charge. 344 00:21:46,050 --> 00:21:47,500 That's not her job. 345 00:21:47,500 --> 00:21:48,473 She's a catcher. 346 00:21:49,901 --> 00:21:52,557 (insects chirring) 347 00:21:52,557 --> 00:21:54,940 (suspenseful music) 348 00:21:54,940 --> 00:21:57,060 She's waiting for the chaser 349 00:21:57,060 --> 00:21:58,993 to pick the right time and place. 350 00:22:02,460 --> 00:22:05,560 It's so dark even the lioness drops her head 351 00:22:05,560 --> 00:22:07,589 to see what's in front of her. 352 00:22:07,589 --> 00:22:09,747 (insects chirring) 353 00:22:09,747 --> 00:22:12,273 (dramatic music) 354 00:22:12,273 --> 00:22:15,523 (wildebeest galloping) 355 00:22:21,260 --> 00:22:25,500 Now the wildebeest are in a state of literally blind panic 356 00:22:25,500 --> 00:22:27,693 and drop their heads to get a better view. 357 00:22:28,810 --> 00:22:31,040 From the catcher's low vantage point 358 00:22:31,040 --> 00:22:34,341 the herd is clearly silhouetted against the sky. 359 00:22:34,341 --> 00:22:36,500 (wildebeest galloping) 360 00:22:36,500 --> 00:22:39,250 (dramatic music) 361 00:22:45,860 --> 00:22:47,440 The chaser drives the herd 362 00:22:47,440 --> 00:22:50,023 towards where she thinks there might be a lion. 363 00:22:57,720 --> 00:23:01,710 Like most cats, lions can deliver a sharp burst of speed 364 00:23:02,900 --> 00:23:06,793 but are low on endurance, so, timing is critical. 365 00:23:07,887 --> 00:23:09,500 (dramatic music) 366 00:23:09,500 --> 00:23:12,260 With so many lions spread about the place 367 00:23:12,260 --> 00:23:15,576 there's usually another to take up the chase. 368 00:23:15,576 --> 00:23:18,153 (wildebeest galloping) 369 00:23:18,153 --> 00:23:20,903 (dramatic music) 370 00:23:22,999 --> 00:23:25,916 (insects chirring) 371 00:23:38,000 --> 00:23:40,800 Just to make things more interesting for the wildebeest, 372 00:23:42,720 --> 00:23:45,743 hyenas are always attracted to the sound of galloping. 373 00:23:47,110 --> 00:23:50,270 They're the lion's only real competition out here, 374 00:23:50,270 --> 00:23:53,160 but unlike the lions, hyenas have stamina, 375 00:23:53,160 --> 00:23:56,521 which they use to find the weakest members of the herd. 376 00:23:56,521 --> 00:23:58,650 (dramatic music) 377 00:23:58,650 --> 00:24:00,640 If lions are sprinters, 378 00:24:00,640 --> 00:24:03,073 hyenas are the middle distance runners. 379 00:24:04,232 --> 00:24:06,982 (dramatic music) 380 00:24:16,759 --> 00:24:17,890 But at this time of year 381 00:24:17,890 --> 00:24:20,313 there's plenty of food for both hunters. 382 00:24:21,461 --> 00:24:24,630 (insects chirring) 383 00:24:24,630 --> 00:24:27,603 The lions realize that nobody caught anything. 384 00:24:28,670 --> 00:24:33,173 They all missed, and the wildebeest vacate the area. 385 00:24:34,690 --> 00:24:36,523 The pride isn't going to starve. 386 00:24:37,450 --> 00:24:40,940 They know what to do, and the cubs especially 387 00:24:40,940 --> 00:24:43,203 are having the best fun of their lives. 388 00:24:44,663 --> 00:24:45,816 (lion roaring) 389 00:24:45,816 --> 00:24:48,616 The matriarch lets the others know it's time to regroup. 390 00:24:50,360 --> 00:24:53,220 This is how a big pride stays together in the dark 391 00:24:54,100 --> 00:24:57,250 as the roar can be heard over eight kilometers away. 392 00:24:58,155 --> 00:25:00,738 (lion roaring) 393 00:25:17,121 --> 00:25:20,433 It doesn't take them long to locate another herd. 394 00:25:24,155 --> 00:25:26,905 (dramatic music) 395 00:25:31,384 --> 00:25:34,660 Again, they surround the wildebeest. 396 00:25:34,660 --> 00:25:37,410 (dramatic music) 397 00:25:45,000 --> 00:25:47,563 Once again the chaser gets the ball rolling. 398 00:25:49,206 --> 00:25:51,366 (dramatic music) 399 00:25:51,366 --> 00:25:54,455 (wildebeest galloping) 400 00:25:54,455 --> 00:25:57,205 (dramatic music) 401 00:25:58,280 --> 00:26:02,070 She turns the herd back to where she last saw her sister. 402 00:26:02,070 --> 00:26:04,534 (wildebeest galloping) 403 00:26:04,534 --> 00:26:07,284 (dramatic music) 404 00:26:19,400 --> 00:26:22,300 She uses her vise-like grip to administer 405 00:26:22,300 --> 00:26:24,973 a suffocating bite to the wildebeest's throat. 406 00:26:30,729 --> 00:26:34,670 (wildebeest galloping) 407 00:26:34,670 --> 00:26:37,680 Somehow the rest of the pride always knows where the kill is 408 00:26:38,581 --> 00:26:41,630 (insects chirring) 409 00:26:41,630 --> 00:26:42,943 and are soon there too. 410 00:26:44,230 --> 00:26:46,690 (lions roaring) 411 00:26:46,690 --> 00:26:49,470 Although one lioness brought the wildebeest down, 412 00:26:49,470 --> 00:26:51,253 it was a group effort. 413 00:26:53,209 --> 00:26:57,410 (lions grumbling and munching) 414 00:26:57,410 --> 00:27:00,913 These treeless hilltops are perfect for night hunting. 415 00:27:04,582 --> 00:27:07,415 (hyenas whooping) 416 00:27:11,070 --> 00:27:13,520 But this is the center of hyena territory 417 00:27:14,450 --> 00:27:17,030 and the hyenas are annoyed. 418 00:27:17,030 --> 00:27:21,345 The lions have invaded their space and chased the prey away. 419 00:27:21,345 --> 00:27:25,428 (hyenas chattering and whooping) 420 00:27:27,390 --> 00:27:30,403 The hyenas pose real danger to the cubs. 421 00:27:31,620 --> 00:27:34,313 But now the male lions get to play their part. 422 00:27:35,310 --> 00:27:37,853 They're far more aggressive towards hyenas, 423 00:27:39,400 --> 00:27:41,329 and the hyenas know it. 424 00:27:41,329 --> 00:27:44,329 (suspenseful music) 425 00:27:48,340 --> 00:27:50,463 The pride can feed in peace. 426 00:27:54,343 --> 00:27:56,800 (male lions rumbling) 427 00:27:56,800 --> 00:28:00,900 Lions can eat as much as 30 kilos in a sitting, 428 00:28:00,900 --> 00:28:02,010 which, in case you're wondering, 429 00:28:02,010 --> 00:28:05,260 is something like 240 standard hamburgers 430 00:28:06,260 --> 00:28:08,320 without the bread, obviously. 431 00:28:08,320 --> 00:28:09,153 (insects chirring) 432 00:28:09,153 --> 00:28:12,940 But it's clear there's nothing lazy about lions. 433 00:28:12,940 --> 00:28:15,503 They've barely stopped for the last six hours. 434 00:28:17,290 --> 00:28:19,210 They've walked at least five kilometers, 435 00:28:19,210 --> 00:28:20,773 chased hundreds of animals, 436 00:28:22,640 --> 00:28:24,123 fended off a hyena threat, 437 00:28:26,640 --> 00:28:27,843 and caught a good meal. 438 00:28:29,415 --> 00:28:32,082 (lions roaring) 439 00:28:39,110 --> 00:28:41,333 However, that's not the end of this story. 440 00:28:43,527 --> 00:28:46,527 (suspenseful music) 441 00:28:49,327 --> 00:28:52,420 (insects chirring) 442 00:28:52,420 --> 00:28:56,503 By the time the moon has risen the pride is fast asleep, 443 00:28:57,610 --> 00:28:59,563 or relax in their own company. 444 00:29:01,160 --> 00:29:02,446 (insects chirring) 445 00:29:02,446 --> 00:29:03,850 (hyenas whooping) 446 00:29:03,850 --> 00:29:07,600 Not far away, the hyena clan has made its own kill 447 00:29:09,970 --> 00:29:12,683 and parties in its own distinctive way. 448 00:29:15,790 --> 00:29:19,090 But one lioness has left the security of the pride 449 00:29:19,090 --> 00:29:22,923 to find her two small cubs and suckle them. 450 00:29:24,940 --> 00:29:26,880 The flashing lights in the distance 451 00:29:26,880 --> 00:29:29,093 clearly illustrate the edge of her domain. 452 00:29:30,400 --> 00:29:33,220 Land that a decade ago was lion country 453 00:29:36,240 --> 00:29:39,823 is now populated by increasing numbers of cattle. 454 00:29:40,730 --> 00:29:44,230 Cattle owned by rich people whose original pasture 455 00:29:44,230 --> 00:29:46,393 has been leased to wheat farmers. 456 00:29:47,320 --> 00:29:51,892 Cattle which are now grazing inside the Masai Mara Reserve. 457 00:29:51,892 --> 00:29:54,809 (thoughtful music) 458 00:29:57,710 --> 00:30:00,213 The cubs future is not secure. 459 00:30:02,150 --> 00:30:04,258 There are now thought to be 460 00:30:04,258 --> 00:30:06,473 fewer than 15,000 lions remaining, 461 00:30:07,390 --> 00:30:12,064 a drop of 75% in 50 years. 462 00:30:12,064 --> 00:30:14,981 (thoughtful music) 463 00:30:16,010 --> 00:30:20,020 If these cubs don't learn restraint when faced with cattle, 464 00:30:20,020 --> 00:30:24,170 they may well be attacked or poisoned 465 00:30:24,170 --> 00:30:26,020 as were their neighbors to the north. 466 00:30:27,675 --> 00:30:30,040 (thoughtful music) 467 00:30:30,040 --> 00:30:34,640 And yet, these lions earn millions of dollars for Kenya 468 00:30:34,640 --> 00:30:36,454 and the local economy. 469 00:30:36,454 --> 00:30:39,371 (thoughtful music) 470 00:30:42,838 --> 00:30:46,839 It would be a tragic waste if they, too, disappeared. 471 00:30:46,839 --> 00:30:49,756 (thoughtful music) 472 00:30:51,410 --> 00:30:53,980 All over the lions range, 473 00:30:53,980 --> 00:30:58,393 cattle, farms, and humans are moving in. 474 00:30:58,393 --> 00:31:01,310 (thoughtful music) 475 00:31:04,020 --> 00:31:07,380 Their prey is disappearing and lions are retreating 476 00:31:10,000 --> 00:31:12,889 as they have been for thousands of years. 477 00:31:12,889 --> 00:31:15,190 (thoughtful music) 478 00:31:15,190 --> 00:31:18,630 In the Ice Age, lions covered much of the globe, 479 00:31:18,630 --> 00:31:21,081 and probably numbered in the millions. 480 00:31:21,081 --> 00:31:22,470 (thoughtful music) 481 00:31:22,470 --> 00:31:24,000 By recent times, 482 00:31:24,000 --> 00:31:27,513 their range has contracted to almost nothing. 483 00:31:27,513 --> 00:31:31,030 (thoughtful music) 484 00:31:31,030 --> 00:31:34,156 However, it doesn't have to be this way. 485 00:31:34,156 --> 00:31:36,130 (thoughtful music) 486 00:31:36,130 --> 00:31:38,310 In the Indian State of Gujarat 487 00:31:38,310 --> 00:31:42,193 lions and humans are successfully living together. 488 00:31:43,759 --> 00:31:46,180 Here, 100 years ago, 489 00:31:46,180 --> 00:31:49,750 the lion population had plummeted to just 20. 490 00:31:49,750 --> 00:31:53,063 Today there are about 650, 491 00:31:54,580 --> 00:31:56,653 and they are loved by the local people. 492 00:31:57,700 --> 00:32:00,200 This is one of the few lion populations on Earth 493 00:32:00,200 --> 00:32:01,033 that has grown. 494 00:32:02,160 --> 00:32:06,157 So there is hope for the future of all big cats. 495 00:32:07,265 --> 00:32:10,348 (thoughtful music)