1 00:00:17,160 --> 00:00:19,960 Many tales have been told of Africa. 2 00:00:23,160 --> 00:00:24,760 And this is our story. 3 00:00:26,720 --> 00:00:29,400 A drama set in the heart of our world... 4 00:00:30,840 --> 00:00:33,800 ..experienced as we live and breathe it. 5 00:00:38,280 --> 00:00:41,640 It was a year that would change all our lives forever. 6 00:00:44,160 --> 00:00:47,400 Mothers struggle to raise their young. 7 00:00:49,280 --> 00:00:51,840 Jealous rivals tore families apart. 8 00:00:55,000 --> 00:00:57,880 Youngsters battle to find their place in the world. 9 00:01:00,960 --> 00:01:02,920 And all of us were tested... 10 00:01:06,160 --> 00:01:07,640 ..by the elements... 11 00:01:13,560 --> 00:01:15,000 ..by the seasons... 12 00:01:17,960 --> 00:01:20,440 ..and by each other. 13 00:01:22,760 --> 00:01:28,240 This is the story of our lives in a place they call Serengeti. 14 00:02:10,160 --> 00:02:13,280 Our story begins after the rains. 15 00:02:15,320 --> 00:02:19,160 It's the season of plenty when living should be easy. 16 00:02:24,240 --> 00:02:27,520 But in our land, life is rarely that simple. 17 00:02:30,600 --> 00:02:33,600 And all is not well with the great pride. 18 00:02:43,360 --> 00:02:46,760 At the heart of this family is a formidable sisterhood. 19 00:02:52,680 --> 00:02:55,440 The males jealously protect them from outsiders... 20 00:02:59,640 --> 00:03:02,600 ..and demand the females stay faithful. 21 00:03:06,160 --> 00:03:09,280 But one of the lionesses is missing. 22 00:03:09,280 --> 00:03:11,000 SCREECHES 23 00:03:15,440 --> 00:03:18,960 Kali has had cubs with a lion from outside the pride. 24 00:03:23,400 --> 00:03:25,640 She gave birth in secret. 25 00:03:28,120 --> 00:03:30,680 Now she must try to bring her cubs home. 26 00:03:36,760 --> 00:03:39,880 But Kali faces an impossible dilemma. 27 00:03:45,240 --> 00:03:48,720 If the pride male suspect the cubs don't belong... 28 00:03:49,720 --> 00:03:51,080 ..they'll kill them. 29 00:03:57,440 --> 00:04:01,040 But bringing them up alone is just too dangerous... 30 00:04:10,720 --> 00:04:12,840 ..she has to take the risk. 31 00:04:39,720 --> 00:04:41,320 Do they know her secret? 32 00:04:57,360 --> 00:04:58,720 They know. 33 00:05:32,520 --> 00:05:34,560 Kali is exiled... 34 00:05:37,680 --> 00:05:40,200 ..cast out with no protection for her cubs. 35 00:06:13,840 --> 00:06:17,480 While there's breath in her body, Kali will stop at nothing 36 00:06:17,480 --> 00:06:19,000 to keep her cubs safe. 37 00:06:21,560 --> 00:06:25,960 She's learning the hard way, when you fly against the wind, 38 00:06:25,960 --> 00:06:27,600 it's a bumpy ride. 39 00:06:39,320 --> 00:06:43,000 But the lions aren't the only family with troubles. 40 00:06:49,320 --> 00:06:50,800 The great rock... 41 00:06:53,240 --> 00:06:56,880 ..home to the baboons since the dawn of our land... 42 00:06:56,880 --> 00:07:00,760 SCREECHING 43 00:07:07,920 --> 00:07:09,080 ..but, recently, 44 00:07:09,080 --> 00:07:12,840 an aggressive leader took over and stirred things up. 45 00:07:15,800 --> 00:07:17,920 He fought his way to the top... 46 00:07:20,160 --> 00:07:22,760 ..preferring to be feared, not revered. 47 00:07:27,960 --> 00:07:32,360 To rule, he relies on the support of the highest ranking females 48 00:07:32,360 --> 00:07:34,480 such as Sabera. 49 00:07:35,840 --> 00:07:39,760 In return, she gains privileges and protection for her baby... 50 00:07:41,840 --> 00:07:44,320 ..but she was once close to another... 51 00:07:46,200 --> 00:07:47,720 ..Bakari... 52 00:07:50,600 --> 00:07:54,920 ..who now spends his days brooding on the injustice of it all. 53 00:07:58,200 --> 00:08:01,120 Sabera once brought him into the troop, 54 00:08:01,120 --> 00:08:03,440 and their friendship flourished. 55 00:08:06,440 --> 00:08:09,360 But as her power and influence grew, 56 00:08:09,360 --> 00:08:11,200 Bakari was left behind. 57 00:08:20,880 --> 00:08:23,040 But he can't quite let her go. 58 00:08:29,680 --> 00:08:33,160 To win her back requires some social climbing. 59 00:08:49,760 --> 00:08:52,240 As the leader gives into the heat... 60 00:08:53,320 --> 00:08:55,840 ..Bakari gives in to temptation. 61 00:09:30,920 --> 00:09:34,040 But leaders always sleep with one eye open. 62 00:09:36,400 --> 00:09:38,920 SCREECHING 63 00:10:21,040 --> 00:10:22,440 Defeat... 64 00:10:22,440 --> 00:10:24,080 ..for now. 65 00:10:27,400 --> 00:10:30,680 But Bakari is determined to win Sabera back... 66 00:10:32,840 --> 00:10:34,160 ..somehow. 67 00:10:46,560 --> 00:10:48,760 With her cubs depending on her, 68 00:10:48,760 --> 00:10:51,800 Kali must find the strength to provide. 69 00:11:30,800 --> 00:11:33,480 Hunting alone is fraught with danger... 70 00:11:38,040 --> 00:11:40,080 ..but desperation brings courage. 71 00:13:06,200 --> 00:13:07,840 But in our land... 72 00:13:07,840 --> 00:13:10,600 ..success never goes unnoticed for long. 73 00:13:13,240 --> 00:13:18,000 ..and it's not just the vultures who'll be circling. 74 00:13:18,000 --> 00:13:23,280 HYENAS HEE 75 00:13:25,880 --> 00:13:31,040 The hyena clan are a devoted family, ruled by the females. 76 00:13:34,920 --> 00:13:37,680 Their leader is a true warrior queen... 77 00:13:40,880 --> 00:13:43,920 ..and the heir to her crown is her daughter... 78 00:13:49,400 --> 00:13:51,080 ..Zalika. 79 00:13:55,000 --> 00:13:57,440 She still relies on her mother to protect her... 80 00:14:00,800 --> 00:14:02,640 ..and all that is precious. 81 00:14:13,640 --> 00:14:16,240 Zalika is learning to raise her own cubs, 82 00:14:16,240 --> 00:14:18,560 just as her mother raised her. 83 00:14:28,560 --> 00:14:33,040 For her mother, providing for family always comes first. 84 00:14:39,600 --> 00:14:42,800 She can sense a meal on the faintest breeze. 85 00:14:44,560 --> 00:14:47,480 KALI GRUNTS 86 00:15:02,000 --> 00:15:03,200 Two mothers... 87 00:15:05,720 --> 00:15:07,040 ..one meal. 88 00:15:16,960 --> 00:15:19,240 Kali knows what's coming. 89 00:15:21,720 --> 00:15:27,240 HYENA HEES 90 00:15:34,800 --> 00:15:37,360 She's not just taking on a hyena... 91 00:15:42,520 --> 00:15:45,320 ..but also the army who support their queen. 92 00:15:49,080 --> 00:15:50,400 One mistake... 93 00:15:51,400 --> 00:15:53,040 ..and they'll kill her cubs. 94 00:15:55,720 --> 00:15:58,560 She has cornered Kali at her most vulnerable. 95 00:16:04,840 --> 00:16:07,800 A chance for Zalika to support her mother... 96 00:16:21,720 --> 00:16:23,960 ..but Zalika lacks experience. 97 00:16:28,760 --> 00:16:32,000 A mother knows how these battles are won. 98 00:16:34,600 --> 00:16:37,920 Show no fear. Face danger head-on. 99 00:16:50,600 --> 00:16:53,760 This is a fight Kali cannot win... 100 00:16:58,720 --> 00:17:01,160 ..not without risking everything. 101 00:17:16,120 --> 00:17:19,320 For one family to succeed, another must fail. 102 00:17:20,760 --> 00:17:23,560 It's Kali's cubs who will go hungry tonight. 103 00:17:39,920 --> 00:17:43,400 In our world, the difference between winning and losing 104 00:17:43,400 --> 00:17:45,280 isn't always strength... 105 00:17:46,400 --> 00:17:47,880 ..it's wisdom. 106 00:17:50,200 --> 00:17:52,520 In this, the elephants rule. 107 00:17:57,040 --> 00:18:00,840 This family of females share an unbreakable bond. 108 00:18:04,840 --> 00:18:09,360 For their wise matriarch Nalla, it's a very special day. 109 00:18:14,280 --> 00:18:16,600 Her new baby has just been born. 110 00:18:19,560 --> 00:18:22,800 He won't be safe until he takes his first steps... 111 00:18:28,360 --> 00:18:31,000 ..so his family must help him on his way. 112 00:19:33,480 --> 00:19:37,320 Tembo has been nurtured to adolescence by his mother... 113 00:19:38,760 --> 00:19:42,480 ..but, suddenly, he's no longer the centre of attention. 114 00:19:47,360 --> 00:19:51,120 In fact, Tembo doesn't know where he belongs any more. 115 00:19:56,040 --> 00:19:58,520 Certainly not around a baby. 116 00:20:20,560 --> 00:20:21,920 Accident or not, 117 00:20:21,920 --> 00:20:25,760 Nalla must protect her newborn above everything. 118 00:20:37,320 --> 00:20:40,760 It's tough being upstaged by a baby brother. 119 00:20:55,840 --> 00:20:59,680 Nalla will have to help one son into the family... 120 00:21:01,480 --> 00:21:03,880 ..while guiding another into adult. 121 00:21:39,560 --> 00:21:43,000 Whether we shy away from change or we seek it... 122 00:21:44,840 --> 00:21:46,880 ..change is never easy. 123 00:21:54,720 --> 00:21:57,920 In solitude, Bakari can focus his mind. 124 00:21:59,560 --> 00:22:02,520 Climbing the hierarchy will be dangerous... 125 00:22:04,720 --> 00:22:06,760 ..but to win Sabera back... 126 00:22:08,000 --> 00:22:10,200 ..he must take on the leader... 127 00:22:11,760 --> 00:22:15,280 ..and earn respect from the rest of the troop. 128 00:22:19,320 --> 00:22:21,400 Bakari just needs an opportunity. 129 00:22:26,280 --> 00:22:29,000 At this time of year, the grass is high, 130 00:22:29,000 --> 00:22:31,080 so the leader takes Sabera and the troop 131 00:22:31,080 --> 00:22:32,840 to feed on the seed heads. 132 00:22:38,920 --> 00:22:41,000 But Bakari is wary. 133 00:22:48,640 --> 00:22:51,880 Enemies can knock when you least expect them. 134 00:23:31,200 --> 00:23:34,680 LEOPARD GROWLS 135 00:24:11,280 --> 00:24:15,240 Frightened, Sabera seeks reassurance from the leader. 136 00:24:19,320 --> 00:24:22,920 Bakari daren't take his eyes off the leopard... 137 00:24:25,760 --> 00:24:27,360 ..but the leader does nothing... 138 00:24:29,560 --> 00:24:32,080 ..so Bakari does the unthinkable. 139 00:25:31,160 --> 00:25:32,560 He's done it. 140 00:25:35,240 --> 00:25:37,080 Faced with a threat to Sabera, 141 00:25:37,080 --> 00:25:39,920 Bakari found courage he never knew he had. 142 00:25:42,360 --> 00:25:44,520 But does she realise who it was for? 143 00:26:02,840 --> 00:26:04,600 He's made her feel safe... 144 00:26:06,280 --> 00:26:08,480 ..now she makes him feel needed. 145 00:26:11,400 --> 00:26:14,240 But the powerful hate to be made to look weak. 146 00:26:48,480 --> 00:26:51,600 Bakari may have been put back in his place, 147 00:26:51,600 --> 00:26:53,680 but some things are worth the fight. 148 00:27:01,480 --> 00:27:03,760 He's not prepared to let Sabera go. 149 00:27:11,840 --> 00:27:15,000 Not all of us here lead such complicated lives. 150 00:27:18,560 --> 00:27:21,280 This close-knit family love being together... 151 00:27:34,640 --> 00:27:38,000 ..and mongoose have a talent for making friends... 152 00:27:39,600 --> 00:27:43,400 ..even with the warthogs, who are notoriously bad-tempered. 153 00:27:46,800 --> 00:27:48,200 The season of plenty 154 00:27:48,200 --> 00:27:51,200 brings plenty of ticks that irritate them even more. 155 00:28:10,760 --> 00:28:14,320 But a warthog's burden is a mongoose's banquet. 156 00:28:48,800 --> 00:28:51,480 And this partnership has other benefits... 157 00:28:52,800 --> 00:28:55,400 ..lots of eyes to look out for danger... 158 00:28:58,760 --> 00:29:03,200 ..and a lioness with hungry cubs is as dangerous as it gets. 159 00:29:14,080 --> 00:29:16,760 An easy meal is just what she needs. 160 00:29:24,680 --> 00:29:27,040 A chance to show the cubs how it's done... 161 00:29:51,760 --> 00:29:54,360 ..but she's picked the wrong warthog. 162 00:30:27,640 --> 00:30:30,880 Not quite the show of skill she had intended. 163 00:30:41,920 --> 00:30:43,920 Beaten by a warthog. 164 00:30:47,880 --> 00:30:49,880 The failure she can take. 165 00:30:53,200 --> 00:30:56,080 Her cub's hunger is more difficult to bear. 166 00:31:00,800 --> 00:31:03,080 Kali is running out of time. 167 00:31:09,120 --> 00:31:11,040 Her milk will soon run dry. 168 00:31:16,400 --> 00:31:19,320 Without her sisters to help catch a meal, 169 00:31:19,320 --> 00:31:21,640 there's slim chance her cubs will survive. 170 00:31:33,080 --> 00:31:36,600 The hyena's strength comes from family loyalty... 171 00:31:38,040 --> 00:31:40,520 ..and everyone must play their part. 172 00:31:45,160 --> 00:31:48,920 For Zalika, her role was decreed from birth. 173 00:31:54,200 --> 00:31:55,840 Ready or not, 174 00:31:55,840 --> 00:31:58,840 it's her destiny to inherit the leadership. 175 00:32:06,400 --> 00:32:10,800 But her mother's courage and reputation is a lot to live up to... 176 00:32:13,200 --> 00:32:16,200 ..and her failure to take on Kali still burns. 177 00:32:18,520 --> 00:32:21,280 It wasn't just her mother who saw her cower. 178 00:32:29,800 --> 00:32:33,200 And doesn't want to earn their family's respect? 179 00:32:50,720 --> 00:32:52,960 Her mother sees an opportunity... 180 00:32:54,920 --> 00:32:56,560 ..but it's risky. 181 00:33:03,520 --> 00:33:09,400 HYENAS HEE 182 00:33:13,120 --> 00:33:15,800 For Zalika, it's a chance to impress. 183 00:33:36,120 --> 00:33:38,760 Her mother would be more cautious. 184 00:33:38,760 --> 00:33:41,480 A cornered wildebeest will fight to the death. 185 00:33:53,920 --> 00:33:55,840 Success... 186 00:33:56,840 --> 00:33:59,040 ..but at a price. 187 00:33:59,040 --> 00:34:01,920 Zalika has gained her first battle scar... 188 00:34:03,480 --> 00:34:05,360 ..and alerted enemies. 189 00:34:08,840 --> 00:34:11,600 The notorious black-maned lions. 190 00:34:14,520 --> 00:34:17,360 Merciless towards their rivals. 191 00:34:38,800 --> 00:34:40,280 Her kill lured them in. 192 00:34:42,840 --> 00:34:45,760 Now she's injured, she's become the target. 193 00:34:51,840 --> 00:34:54,280 Her mother sees the danger Zalika's in. 194 00:34:58,440 --> 00:35:00,280 She can't let this happen. 195 00:35:22,160 --> 00:35:25,240 It's her mother who's laid herself down... 196 00:35:27,920 --> 00:35:30,320 ..sacrificed her life for her. 197 00:36:00,200 --> 00:36:04,760 She had tried to prepare Zalika for leadership... 198 00:36:04,760 --> 00:36:07,240 ..but who can prepare for the death of a mother? 199 00:36:12,280 --> 00:36:17,120 Consumed by grief, the reluctant heir becomes queen. 200 00:36:28,520 --> 00:36:33,680 For all of us, embracing our destiny can be the hardest challenge of all. 201 00:36:43,360 --> 00:36:47,680 In truth, none of us can stand still, 202 00:36:47,680 --> 00:36:49,840 we all have to grow, 203 00:36:49,840 --> 00:36:51,680 to learn. 204 00:36:51,680 --> 00:36:53,440 Especially the young. 205 00:36:58,760 --> 00:37:02,360 Every morning the matriarch leads her family to water. 206 00:37:08,520 --> 00:37:11,720 Today, her baby has taken an important step 207 00:37:11,720 --> 00:37:13,120 on his path through life. 208 00:37:16,520 --> 00:37:18,480 He's having his first bath. 209 00:37:42,440 --> 00:37:44,760 For Tembo, it's all so confusing. 210 00:37:47,280 --> 00:37:49,760 His mother no longer has time for him. 211 00:37:56,320 --> 00:37:59,800 While Tembo struggles with his place in the herd... 212 00:38:03,280 --> 00:38:06,280 ..his little brother struggles just to stay on his feet. 213 00:38:30,560 --> 00:38:33,960 All Tembo can do is just tag along behind... 214 00:38:40,840 --> 00:38:43,920 ..searching for a new role in the family. 215 00:38:54,560 --> 00:38:57,200 When all we rely on is gone, 216 00:38:57,200 --> 00:38:59,920 it's hard to know where we belong. 217 00:39:03,280 --> 00:39:06,320 It's something Kali must also face up to. 218 00:39:16,400 --> 00:39:20,600 Without her sisters, the balance of power has now swung against her. 219 00:39:35,600 --> 00:39:39,960 What once was prey is now a deadly enemy. 220 00:41:21,120 --> 00:41:22,760 Something's wrong. 221 00:41:29,240 --> 00:41:31,000 Her smallest is missing. 222 00:41:35,360 --> 00:41:37,760 Has the unthinkable happened? 223 00:42:49,360 --> 00:42:51,280 A moment of relief... 224 00:42:54,440 --> 00:42:56,320 ..but it could be their last. 225 00:42:59,080 --> 00:43:03,080 If Kali doesn't eat soon, it's hunger that will take them. 226 00:43:08,640 --> 00:43:11,520 The future can be a daunting place... 227 00:43:11,520 --> 00:43:12,920 ..when it's faced alone. 228 00:43:17,600 --> 00:43:21,320 Zalika had only just begun to learn her mother's skills... 229 00:43:28,200 --> 00:43:30,680 ..now she must show she can lead the clan... 230 00:43:41,200 --> 00:43:43,360 ..prove her courage. 231 00:43:49,400 --> 00:43:53,560 Nearby are two of the most feared killers in our land. 232 00:43:57,880 --> 00:44:00,560 The leopards have not long left their mother. 233 00:44:07,360 --> 00:44:10,520 They are inexperienced, yet reckless hunters. 234 00:45:25,800 --> 00:45:28,200 A chance to prove herself to the clan. 235 00:45:40,320 --> 00:45:41,760 She hesitates... 236 00:45:44,840 --> 00:45:46,680 ..just a moment too long. 237 00:46:04,040 --> 00:46:06,280 She doesn't hesitate this time. 238 00:46:29,240 --> 00:46:32,800 Outnumbered, her courage deserts her. 239 00:46:50,120 --> 00:46:53,000 But what would her mother have done? 240 00:46:54,680 --> 00:46:57,000 Show no fear. 241 00:46:57,000 --> 00:46:58,840 Face danger head-on. 242 00:47:20,360 --> 00:47:23,360 The respect of the clan is hard-won, 243 00:47:23,360 --> 00:47:26,360 but she's proved she has the courage to lead. 244 00:47:48,160 --> 00:47:51,560 Leadership comes naturally to some in our land. 245 00:47:59,160 --> 00:48:02,080 Nalla has brought her family to where grazing is good, 246 00:48:02,080 --> 00:48:04,200 and her calf can explore. 247 00:48:07,200 --> 00:48:11,440 As his confidence grows, he's becoming more adventurous. 248 00:48:16,240 --> 00:48:19,200 It's an enticing place for a new baby... 249 00:48:20,760 --> 00:48:22,560 ..but also a dangerous one. 250 00:49:00,120 --> 00:49:04,000 Tembo, trailing behind, is first to see the lions. 251 00:49:24,960 --> 00:49:26,160 While he fights... 252 00:49:27,240 --> 00:49:29,480 ..his mother summons the herd. 253 00:49:34,000 --> 00:49:37,360 They form a barricade around the baby. 254 00:49:45,520 --> 00:49:48,000 Tembo must fight alone. 255 00:50:18,240 --> 00:50:19,960 Tembo saved his brother... 256 00:50:25,440 --> 00:50:28,600 ..and has found a new role for himself. 257 00:50:29,920 --> 00:50:32,200 The protective older brother. 258 00:50:47,480 --> 00:50:50,920 Among the baboons, peace also seems restored. 259 00:50:53,640 --> 00:50:55,960 But nothing is ever as it seems. 260 00:50:57,800 --> 00:51:00,000 Since their friendship was rekindled, 261 00:51:00,000 --> 00:51:02,320 Bakari must be discreet around Sabera. 262 00:51:22,040 --> 00:51:25,560 As the leader takes the troop to feed in the marshes, 263 00:51:25,560 --> 00:51:27,280 Bakari follows quietly. 264 00:51:38,280 --> 00:51:40,640 To avoid provocation, 265 00:51:40,640 --> 00:51:43,640 he keeps his distance from Sabera and the leader. 266 00:51:47,920 --> 00:51:51,320 With food abundant, everyone soon relaxes... 267 00:51:53,000 --> 00:51:54,640 ..except Bakari. 268 00:52:22,320 --> 00:52:25,400 SCREECHING 269 00:52:25,400 --> 00:52:27,160 He knows that cry. 270 00:52:52,680 --> 00:52:55,960 For Sabera, it's too late. 271 00:52:58,800 --> 00:53:00,840 But what could Bakari have done? 272 00:53:24,240 --> 00:53:26,200 She made him brave. 273 00:53:34,320 --> 00:53:36,640 She gave him something to fight for. 274 00:53:47,360 --> 00:53:50,280 And her son will never survive alone. 275 00:54:03,200 --> 00:54:06,080 Bakari can't just abandon him... 276 00:54:14,600 --> 00:54:17,600 ..so he makes the only decision he can... 277 00:54:19,640 --> 00:54:21,800 ..and takes her baby as his own. 278 00:54:28,560 --> 00:54:31,400 But how could he possibly raise him? 279 00:54:33,400 --> 00:54:36,200 Together, they face an uncertain future. 280 00:54:46,200 --> 00:54:49,600 In our land, fortunes change in a heartbeat. 281 00:54:52,320 --> 00:54:55,080 The actions of one can affect us all. 282 00:55:07,520 --> 00:55:10,520 Kali is exhausted and weak with hunger... 283 00:55:12,040 --> 00:55:14,120 ..but she can't give up. 284 00:55:22,880 --> 00:55:25,880 This could be her last chance to save them. 285 00:56:14,520 --> 00:56:17,480 But the zebra is too strong. 286 00:56:17,480 --> 00:56:19,760 Kali has nothing more to give. 287 00:56:34,200 --> 00:56:36,280 It's her sister. 288 00:56:37,640 --> 00:56:39,440 She too has just had cubs. 289 00:56:43,640 --> 00:56:46,040 This could be Kali's salvation. 290 00:56:52,520 --> 00:56:54,960 Together, life will be easier... 291 00:57:02,280 --> 00:57:03,520 ..or so it seems. 292 00:57:06,200 --> 00:57:08,520 A season of plenty will soon fade 293 00:57:08,520 --> 00:57:11,680 and food will be harder to come by. 294 00:57:11,680 --> 00:57:15,640 And each and every one of us will be tested again... 295 00:57:19,480 --> 00:57:20,800 ..with new arrivals... 296 00:57:23,080 --> 00:57:24,800 ..unexpected problems... 297 00:57:26,320 --> 00:57:28,120 ..old foes reappearing... 298 00:57:32,760 --> 00:57:34,320 ..dangerous encounters. 299 00:57:37,640 --> 00:57:41,400 The Serengeti will demand courage from us all.