1 00:00:15,163 --> 00:00:16,803 (LIGHTNING CRACKS) 2 00:00:16,803 --> 00:00:19,763 NARRATOR: Predators across the planet... 3 00:00:20,483 --> 00:00:22,683 ...unmatched in strength... (ROARING) 4 00:00:22,683 --> 00:00:24,163 ...speed... 5 00:00:24,163 --> 00:00:27,243 strategy... stealth... 6 00:00:27,243 --> 00:00:29,603 (GUANACOS CALLING) ...and teamwork. 7 00:00:30,523 --> 00:00:32,843 But staying on top is never easy. 8 00:00:36,923 --> 00:00:38,803 As the world around them changes, 9 00:00:38,803 --> 00:00:41,643 they must adapt faster than ever before 10 00:00:41,643 --> 00:00:45,083 to maintain their rule. (GROWLING) 11 00:00:53,083 --> 00:00:55,963 On the banks of Africa's majestic River Zambezi... 12 00:00:57,803 --> 00:01:00,603 ...Ghost - an African wild dog puppy - 13 00:01:00,603 --> 00:01:03,683 is being raised by her protective mother, Violet. 14 00:01:06,603 --> 00:01:09,923 The survival of the pack is reliant on the survival of puppies. 15 00:01:12,563 --> 00:01:15,563 But this year's litter is a small one. 16 00:01:15,563 --> 00:01:19,603 And with an increasing number of predatory enemies around them... 17 00:01:19,603 --> 00:01:21,683 each and every decision made... 18 00:01:22,763 --> 00:01:25,723 ...leaves the lives of Ghost and her siblings... 19 00:01:26,523 --> 00:01:28,523 ...hanging in the balance. 20 00:01:29,203 --> 00:01:30,963 (HYENA YELPS) 21 00:01:41,363 --> 00:01:43,523 (BIRDSONG AND ANIMALS CALLS) 22 00:01:43,523 --> 00:01:45,243 (INSECTS BUZZING) 23 00:01:46,163 --> 00:01:48,203 It's June, 24 00:01:48,203 --> 00:01:52,163 and 15 kilometres from the Zambezi River in Zimbabwe... 25 00:01:53,083 --> 00:01:54,923 (ELEPHANT TRUMPETS) 26 00:01:54,923 --> 00:01:57,483 ...hidden deep amongst the trees... 27 00:02:01,283 --> 00:02:03,643 ...a wild dog puppy 28 00:02:03,643 --> 00:02:06,563 tastes the air of the forest for the first time. 29 00:02:14,083 --> 00:02:16,123 (PUPS MEWLING) 30 00:02:20,683 --> 00:02:23,563 In the three weeks since they were born, 31 00:02:23,563 --> 00:02:26,443 the pups have been nestled in the safety of the den 32 00:02:26,443 --> 00:02:30,723 against the warmth of their mother, alpha female Violet. 33 00:02:41,963 --> 00:02:44,203 Her daughter Cadiki leads the charge... 34 00:02:45,283 --> 00:02:48,163 ...boldly exploring her new surroundings... 35 00:02:49,643 --> 00:02:52,803 ...whilst Ghost, with her striking white markings, 36 00:02:52,803 --> 00:02:54,643 seems more timid. 37 00:02:56,843 --> 00:02:59,283 She surveys the ground around the den. 38 00:03:08,323 --> 00:03:09,963 Over the next year, 39 00:03:09,963 --> 00:03:12,603 Violet will teach them skills that will strengthen 40 00:03:12,603 --> 00:03:14,763 the success of the entire pack. 41 00:03:19,763 --> 00:03:21,603 But this year's litter of just six 42 00:03:21,603 --> 00:03:23,643 is way below the average size of ten. 43 00:03:27,523 --> 00:03:30,243 And of last year's litter, 44 00:03:30,243 --> 00:03:33,083 only two of Violet's puppies made it to adulthood. 45 00:03:33,803 --> 00:03:36,003 Of the litter before that, 46 00:03:36,003 --> 00:03:37,643 only one. 47 00:03:39,723 --> 00:03:42,603 Many of her young were killed by the lions and hyenas 48 00:03:42,603 --> 00:03:45,283 that lurk in the forests surrounding the den. 49 00:03:48,603 --> 00:03:50,643 So, around the perimeter, 50 00:03:50,643 --> 00:03:53,563 the rest of the family - ten adults in total - 51 00:03:54,283 --> 00:03:56,283 brothers, sisters, 52 00:03:56,283 --> 00:03:58,123 aunts and uncles... 53 00:03:58,803 --> 00:04:01,643 ...watch and listen... 54 00:04:01,643 --> 00:04:03,323 (DISTANT ROARING) 55 00:04:04,443 --> 00:04:06,563 ...for signs of danger. 56 00:04:06,563 --> 00:04:08,523 (HIGH-PITCHED HYENA CALL) 57 00:04:10,363 --> 00:04:12,363 (BRANCHES SNAPPING) (BIRD TRILLING) 58 00:04:12,363 --> 00:04:15,563 Their huge swivelling ears are capable of hearing 59 00:04:15,563 --> 00:04:17,603 even very faint sounds. 60 00:04:18,283 --> 00:04:20,403 (DISTANT ROARING) 61 00:04:24,243 --> 00:04:26,523 But if they drop their guard, 62 00:04:26,523 --> 00:04:28,643 it could be game over. 63 00:04:30,763 --> 00:04:33,123 Sarge, Ghost's Dad - 64 00:04:34,123 --> 00:04:37,403 wearing a collar to be tracked and studied by scientists - 65 00:04:37,403 --> 00:04:39,523 is the alpha male, 66 00:04:39,523 --> 00:04:42,923 and, alongside Violet, leads the pack. 67 00:04:43,923 --> 00:04:45,963 He's a fierce hunter 68 00:04:45,963 --> 00:04:48,083 but a doting and attentive father. 69 00:04:49,323 --> 00:04:50,843 (PUPS WHINING) 70 00:04:53,883 --> 00:04:56,123 Violet needs to eat meat constantly... 71 00:04:57,323 --> 00:05:01,243 ...so her body can produce the milk Ghost and her siblings need to grow. 72 00:05:03,963 --> 00:05:05,483 (FLY BUZZING) 73 00:05:06,643 --> 00:05:10,043 So now it's time for Sarge to leave Violet 74 00:05:10,043 --> 00:05:13,803 and head out into the forest... to hunt. 75 00:05:13,803 --> 00:05:16,403 (WILD DOGS YELPING) 76 00:05:21,243 --> 00:05:24,963 Among Sarge's team are Violet's brothers Tegwane and Sangane, 77 00:05:24,963 --> 00:05:27,643 who are both cunning and deadly hunters. 78 00:05:35,483 --> 00:05:37,203 And here in the forest, 79 00:05:37,203 --> 00:05:39,443 their prey - impala - 80 00:05:39,443 --> 00:05:42,083 hide in the dense vegetation. 81 00:05:49,323 --> 00:05:51,763 The hunters' method is to work as a unit, 82 00:05:51,763 --> 00:05:53,523 advancing through the forest... 83 00:05:56,203 --> 00:05:58,403 ...until... 84 00:06:00,123 --> 00:06:02,283 ...the impala bolt 85 00:06:02,283 --> 00:06:04,283 and the chase is on. 86 00:06:05,523 --> 00:06:08,643 Each dog tries to flush them out of the undergrowth. 87 00:06:11,683 --> 00:06:15,243 The impala can cover ten metres in a single leap 88 00:06:15,243 --> 00:06:17,003 and match the dogs for speed. 89 00:06:19,683 --> 00:06:22,363 But the dogs are agile, working as a team... 90 00:06:24,203 --> 00:06:26,723 ...communicating and adapting as they hunt. 91 00:06:27,683 --> 00:06:29,883 (IMPALA SCREECHES) Using chaos as a weapon, 92 00:06:29,883 --> 00:06:32,523 all they need is to push one out into the open. 93 00:06:36,363 --> 00:06:38,403 But the hunters need to work quickly. 94 00:06:41,363 --> 00:06:43,803 The further the hunt takes them... 95 00:06:45,163 --> 00:06:48,083 ...the longer it will be before they return to the den. 96 00:06:57,723 --> 00:06:59,843 (PUPS WHINING) 97 00:07:01,163 --> 00:07:03,243 The puppies will stay at the den 98 00:07:03,243 --> 00:07:06,083 until Violet decides they are ready to leave. 99 00:07:06,083 --> 00:07:08,723 (ELEPHANT HUFFS AND TRUMPETS IN DISTANCE) 100 00:07:08,723 --> 00:07:11,043 (ELEPHANT GRUMBLES) 101 00:07:12,123 --> 00:07:13,883 (CALLS) 102 00:07:17,883 --> 00:07:20,443 Violet's two-year-old daughter, Wandile... 103 00:07:21,123 --> 00:07:24,123 ...recognisable by the V-shaped notch in her ear, 104 00:07:24,123 --> 00:07:26,563 watches for any signs of enemies. 105 00:07:27,483 --> 00:07:29,483 (YAPPING SOFTLY) 106 00:07:31,603 --> 00:07:35,443 Wandile is the sole survivor of the litter she was born into... 107 00:07:36,923 --> 00:07:38,483 ...her brothers and sisters 108 00:07:38,483 --> 00:07:40,523 killed by lions. 109 00:07:47,803 --> 00:07:50,563 With her siblings gone, Wandile has created 110 00:07:50,563 --> 00:07:52,923 a special bond with Violet. 111 00:07:57,883 --> 00:07:59,923 Now, as head babysitter, 112 00:07:59,923 --> 00:08:03,083 she keeps Cadiki from wandering too far from the den... 113 00:08:05,283 --> 00:08:09,643 ...and protects the pups from smaller predators like scorpions or snakes. 114 00:08:11,843 --> 00:08:15,803 And like any good big sister, she loves to play. 115 00:08:17,283 --> 00:08:18,963 (YAPPING SOFTLY) 116 00:08:19,963 --> 00:08:21,843 (BIRDS SQUAWKING) 117 00:08:23,123 --> 00:08:26,003 (BIRDS AND INSECTS CHIRPING) 118 00:08:26,803 --> 00:08:29,083 (SNORTS) 119 00:08:30,403 --> 00:08:32,843 As they explore their surroundings... 120 00:08:38,043 --> 00:08:40,843 ...Ghost still lacks her sister's boldness... 121 00:08:42,723 --> 00:08:45,403 ...and quickly returns to the safety of the den. 122 00:08:45,403 --> 00:08:47,243 (WHIMPERS) 123 00:08:48,803 --> 00:08:50,403 (YAPS) 124 00:08:51,083 --> 00:08:53,483 But Cadiki has her mother's confidence... 125 00:08:55,763 --> 00:08:59,403 ...and, as she pushes further away from Wandile's watchful eye... 126 00:09:05,203 --> 00:09:07,443 ...Sarge and the hunters... 127 00:09:08,483 --> 00:09:10,963 ...determined to feed their family, 128 00:09:10,963 --> 00:09:13,363 are also getting further from the den. 129 00:09:18,203 --> 00:09:21,803 And with only a couple of babysitters watching the perimeter... 130 00:09:23,883 --> 00:09:26,163 ...Violet is unaware... 131 00:09:29,323 --> 00:09:31,763 ...that trouble is on its way. 132 00:09:31,763 --> 00:09:34,043 (GROWLING) 133 00:09:35,803 --> 00:09:39,123 A pride of lions is heading straight towards the den. 134 00:09:42,523 --> 00:09:44,443 They see the dogs as competition. 135 00:09:46,363 --> 00:09:47,883 If the lions find the den... 136 00:09:48,763 --> 00:09:51,203 ...they are likely to kill the puppies. 137 00:09:53,323 --> 00:09:55,123 (GROWLS) 138 00:09:58,811 --> 00:10:00,923 (GROWLS) 139 00:10:04,363 --> 00:10:06,123 Still hungry and on the move, 140 00:10:06,123 --> 00:10:10,403 Sarge and his team of deadly hunters have their next meal in sight. 141 00:10:11,643 --> 00:10:13,123 (IMPALA SNORTS) 142 00:10:15,643 --> 00:10:18,563 The dogs' most powerful asset is their endurance, 143 00:10:18,563 --> 00:10:21,883 and they can reach speeds of almost 75 kilometres an hour. 144 00:10:24,203 --> 00:10:26,163 Brothers Tegwane and Sangane 145 00:10:26,163 --> 00:10:28,403 work together with lethal efficiency. 146 00:10:31,443 --> 00:10:34,123 Tegwane charges at the impala. (IMPALA SHRIEKS) 147 00:10:36,363 --> 00:10:38,443 Sangane intercepts. 148 00:10:40,083 --> 00:10:42,083 Tegwane picks up the chase. 149 00:10:43,963 --> 00:10:46,123 (IMPALA SHRIEKING) 150 00:10:56,563 --> 00:10:59,283 The pair use speed and agility... 151 00:11:00,323 --> 00:11:02,923 ...delivering a deadly attack. 152 00:11:06,723 --> 00:11:08,523 The team rarely fails. 153 00:11:10,963 --> 00:11:14,563 As a pack, these expert hunters are twice as successful as lions. 154 00:11:16,283 --> 00:11:19,923 But lions will steal their kill, as will hyenas... 155 00:11:21,803 --> 00:11:24,283 ...so the hunters need to eat quickly. 156 00:11:24,963 --> 00:11:26,923 (FLESH TEARING) 157 00:11:28,483 --> 00:11:31,003 (PUPS YAPPING SOFTLY) 158 00:11:38,563 --> 00:11:40,923 Back at the den, Violet is hungry. 159 00:11:44,283 --> 00:11:46,083 (YAPPING SOFTLY) 160 00:11:48,763 --> 00:11:51,483 And with most of the pack out hunting... 161 00:11:52,563 --> 00:11:54,283 ...she has a problem. 162 00:12:05,363 --> 00:12:07,243 Violet is unaware, 163 00:12:07,243 --> 00:12:10,563 a short distance from the den, enemies are drawing near. 164 00:12:21,083 --> 00:12:22,723 The lions. (GROWLS) 165 00:12:23,723 --> 00:12:27,643 An adult male, a mother and her three young sons... 166 00:12:28,763 --> 00:12:30,683 ...have set off once more 167 00:12:30,683 --> 00:12:32,683 and are getting even closer to the den. 168 00:12:43,763 --> 00:12:46,203 The babysitters sense the imminent threat... 169 00:12:46,203 --> 00:12:47,763 (ALARMED CALLS) 170 00:12:48,683 --> 00:12:50,923 ...and usher the puppies inside. 171 00:12:54,243 --> 00:12:55,963 Even IN the den, 172 00:12:55,963 --> 00:12:58,763 the slightest noise could give them away. 173 00:13:05,523 --> 00:13:09,283 Unaware, Sarge and his team move fast to strip the carcass. 174 00:13:10,003 --> 00:13:12,283 (VULTURES SCREECHING) 175 00:13:12,283 --> 00:13:15,723 Vultures circle above, waiting to pick at the scraps. 176 00:13:20,363 --> 00:13:23,923 This lioness knows the vultures are a signal 177 00:13:23,923 --> 00:13:27,843 that the dogs are likely to have made a kill beneath them. 178 00:13:27,843 --> 00:13:29,443 (GROWLS SOFTLY) 179 00:13:32,203 --> 00:13:33,963 She changes tack 180 00:13:33,963 --> 00:13:36,923 and diverts her family away from Violet... 181 00:13:38,363 --> 00:13:39,963 (WHIMPERING SOFTLY) 182 00:13:40,723 --> 00:13:43,043 ...and towards the vultures... 183 00:13:43,963 --> 00:13:46,283 ...and the promise of a free meal. 184 00:13:50,123 --> 00:13:52,323 With the lions heading towards them, 185 00:13:52,323 --> 00:13:54,203 the hunters would be in trouble 186 00:13:54,203 --> 00:13:56,243 if they didn't have another tactic. 187 00:13:59,083 --> 00:14:01,443 Stuffing themselves, 188 00:14:01,443 --> 00:14:04,723 the dogs can strip an entire carcass in a matter of minutes... 189 00:14:08,523 --> 00:14:11,163 ...so that Sarge can quickly lead the hunters 190 00:14:11,163 --> 00:14:13,323 back through the forest towards home. 191 00:14:17,243 --> 00:14:20,403 His speed, skill and intelligence 192 00:14:20,403 --> 00:14:23,163 has kept them safe... for now. 193 00:14:27,203 --> 00:14:29,803 The pups rush to their dad as the team return, 194 00:14:30,483 --> 00:14:32,003 hoping for food. 195 00:14:38,363 --> 00:14:41,043 The hunters have eaten their fill and much more. 196 00:14:45,403 --> 00:14:46,563 Violet, 197 00:14:46,563 --> 00:14:47,963 Ghost 198 00:14:47,963 --> 00:14:50,643 and the other puppies are famished... 199 00:14:53,083 --> 00:14:54,843 ...but the wild dog hunters, 200 00:14:54,843 --> 00:14:57,483 with up to eight kilos of meat in their stomach, 201 00:14:57,483 --> 00:14:59,323 are happy to share. 202 00:15:08,043 --> 00:15:10,163 Finally, Violet gets to eat. 203 00:15:16,803 --> 00:15:20,043 And with a continuous supply of meat every day, 204 00:15:20,043 --> 00:15:23,683 Ghost and her siblings get a chance to build up their strength. 205 00:15:27,643 --> 00:15:29,403 (GROWLING SOFTLY) 206 00:15:29,403 --> 00:15:31,483 The pups are seven weeks old. 207 00:15:32,283 --> 00:15:33,563 (BARKS) 208 00:15:33,563 --> 00:15:36,083 As they grow, they are becoming more aggressive 209 00:15:36,083 --> 00:15:38,243 and harder to control. 210 00:15:40,003 --> 00:15:41,803 (YAPPING) 211 00:15:46,523 --> 00:15:50,403 Curious Cadiki is pushing the limits of the den's boundary... 212 00:15:52,683 --> 00:15:54,203 (BARKS) 213 00:15:54,203 --> 00:15:56,443 ...and the babysitters' tempers are fraying. 214 00:15:56,443 --> 00:15:59,003 (GROWLING) 215 00:16:02,083 --> 00:16:04,563 The waste left by the pack is causing 216 00:16:04,563 --> 00:16:07,923 irritating flies and parasites to infest the den, 217 00:16:07,923 --> 00:16:09,803 making life unbearable. 218 00:16:11,083 --> 00:16:13,323 Soon they will have to leave. 219 00:16:18,923 --> 00:16:22,483 All around them, the dogs' world is changing. 220 00:16:24,563 --> 00:16:27,723 The dry season has taken hold of the forests. 221 00:16:30,603 --> 00:16:32,363 It hasn't rained for weeks. 222 00:16:42,683 --> 00:16:44,883 Vegetation is starting to die back. 223 00:16:49,123 --> 00:16:52,843 The dogs' prey are leaving the area surrounding the den... 224 00:16:53,923 --> 00:16:56,683 ...and heading towards the river's floodplain, 225 00:16:56,683 --> 00:16:59,003 where precious water and food can still be found. 226 00:17:01,563 --> 00:17:03,083 (CHATTERING) 227 00:17:05,643 --> 00:17:07,723 (SQUAWKING) 228 00:17:11,563 --> 00:17:13,803 Six weeks later... 229 00:17:14,483 --> 00:17:17,283 ...and the dogs are entirely nomadic. 230 00:17:22,963 --> 00:17:26,723 Violet is leading them to wherever they can catch prey. 231 00:17:30,843 --> 00:17:33,843 Ghost and her siblings have almost doubled in size... 232 00:17:36,123 --> 00:17:38,763 ...but they're still inexperienced. 233 00:17:44,963 --> 00:17:49,123 Sadly, Violet's gamble on the puppies being ready 234 00:17:49,123 --> 00:17:50,723 has come at a terrible price. 235 00:17:57,683 --> 00:18:00,963 Her daughter Cadiki's thirst for exploration 236 00:18:00,963 --> 00:18:02,683 became her downfall. 237 00:18:05,803 --> 00:18:08,523 In the night, she strayed from the pack... 238 00:18:09,283 --> 00:18:11,043 ...and was taken by lions. 239 00:18:17,243 --> 00:18:19,483 The whole family feels the loss. 240 00:18:21,963 --> 00:18:23,643 Without their sister, 241 00:18:23,643 --> 00:18:26,163 the puppies are in no mood to play. 242 00:18:26,163 --> 00:18:28,043 (ELEPHANT GRUNTS) 243 00:18:45,403 --> 00:18:49,563 The pressure on Violet to keep her five remaining puppies alive 244 00:18:49,563 --> 00:18:51,923 is now greater than ever. 245 00:18:55,523 --> 00:18:57,523 (WILD DOG HOWLING SOFTLY) 246 00:19:00,843 --> 00:19:02,403 (GROWLS) 247 00:19:06,803 --> 00:19:09,043 (GROWLS) 248 00:19:12,923 --> 00:19:15,323 It's several months into the dry season. 249 00:19:16,883 --> 00:19:19,403 Driven away from the arid forests, 250 00:19:19,403 --> 00:19:22,563 Violet has brought the pack 14 kilometres from the den 251 00:19:22,563 --> 00:19:26,003 to the floodplain on the banks of the Zambezi River. 252 00:19:28,843 --> 00:19:31,363 Water here attracts animals of all kinds. 253 00:19:41,403 --> 00:19:43,003 (SNORTS) 254 00:19:45,163 --> 00:19:49,123 This place provides an abundance of the dogs' prey... 255 00:19:51,403 --> 00:19:53,323 ...but also... (ANIMAL GRUNTS) 256 00:19:53,323 --> 00:19:54,963 ...their competition. 257 00:19:57,323 --> 00:20:01,043 Hyena populations here are at an all-time high. 258 00:20:01,043 --> 00:20:03,083 (PANTING HEAVILY) 259 00:20:06,603 --> 00:20:09,323 Last year and the year before, 260 00:20:09,323 --> 00:20:11,963 Violet lost too many puppies to the hyenas. 261 00:20:14,123 --> 00:20:17,043 And with the recent loss of Cadiki, 262 00:20:17,043 --> 00:20:19,683 the whole pack must stay vigilant. 263 00:20:26,683 --> 00:20:30,123 Driven by hunger, Ghost's dad, Sarge, 264 00:20:30,123 --> 00:20:32,123 has spotted their target. 265 00:20:35,163 --> 00:20:38,843 There's less cover here on the floodplain than in the forest. 266 00:20:44,123 --> 00:20:45,603 So here... 267 00:20:47,403 --> 00:20:49,683 ...the dogs must use stealth. 268 00:20:53,323 --> 00:20:54,883 Approaching from downwind, 269 00:20:54,883 --> 00:20:57,483 their own scent won't give them away. 270 00:20:57,483 --> 00:20:59,643 (BIRDS SQUAWKING) 271 00:21:03,083 --> 00:21:05,043 Like an advancing army... 272 00:21:06,003 --> 00:21:08,043 ...the pack moves as one. 273 00:21:15,323 --> 00:21:17,523 The impala keep a nervous watch... 274 00:21:18,843 --> 00:21:21,483 ...but are unaware of the dogs' presence. 275 00:21:26,083 --> 00:21:27,883 As the puppies are yet to develop 276 00:21:27,883 --> 00:21:29,963 the killer instinct of their parents... 277 00:21:29,963 --> 00:21:31,883 (YAPPING) 278 00:21:33,603 --> 00:21:35,563 ...they resort to play, 279 00:21:35,563 --> 00:21:38,523 not paying any attention to their surroundings. 280 00:21:45,163 --> 00:21:47,243 And trouble is closing in. 281 00:21:48,683 --> 00:21:51,363 Hyenas, following the dogs, 282 00:21:51,363 --> 00:21:53,483 intend to steal their kill. 283 00:21:58,803 --> 00:22:00,843 They are fiercely opportunistic... 284 00:22:03,523 --> 00:22:06,163 ...so could easily snatch Ghost 285 00:22:06,163 --> 00:22:08,483 if the adults don't keep a close watch. 286 00:22:13,443 --> 00:22:15,723 At the front of the pack, 287 00:22:15,723 --> 00:22:17,763 the hunters are getting close. 288 00:22:19,883 --> 00:22:23,643 Wandile and one other babysitter hang back with the puppies... 289 00:22:25,523 --> 00:22:27,243 ...and notice the hyena. 290 00:22:27,923 --> 00:22:29,243 (WILD DOG BARKS) 291 00:22:29,243 --> 00:22:31,723 Hyenas are bigger, stronger, 292 00:22:31,723 --> 00:22:34,443 and could easily dispatch the two smaller dogs. 293 00:22:35,363 --> 00:22:36,723 (WILD DOG GROWLS) 294 00:22:39,363 --> 00:22:40,883 (HIGH-PITCHED CALLING) 295 00:22:40,883 --> 00:22:42,883 Together, they risk their lives... 296 00:22:43,803 --> 00:22:46,963 ...charging at the hyena and asserting their dominance. 297 00:22:47,643 --> 00:22:49,323 (HYENA YELPS) 298 00:22:53,043 --> 00:22:54,923 The commotion scares the impala. 299 00:22:59,003 --> 00:23:01,843 They gather in a large herd for safety. 300 00:23:07,843 --> 00:23:10,403 With their cover blown, Ghost and her siblings 301 00:23:10,403 --> 00:23:12,963 try to keep up as the pack switch tactics, 302 00:23:12,963 --> 00:23:15,603 from stealth... to speed. 303 00:23:29,923 --> 00:23:32,923 Ghost is left behind, not yet strong enough to keep up. 304 00:23:36,923 --> 00:23:38,643 The hunters spread out. 305 00:23:40,003 --> 00:23:41,883 They're trying to split the herd. 306 00:23:46,603 --> 00:23:49,003 With so many hyenas in the area, 307 00:23:49,003 --> 00:23:51,643 it's becoming much harder for the dogs to hunt. 308 00:23:54,403 --> 00:23:57,763 Now, only Wandile watches Ghost and the puppies... 309 00:23:59,043 --> 00:24:02,123 ...and this hasn't escaped the attention of the hyena. 310 00:24:06,803 --> 00:24:08,483 Violet pauses to take stock. 311 00:24:13,123 --> 00:24:15,643 She spots an opportunity to feed her young... 312 00:24:17,283 --> 00:24:18,763 ...and gives chase. 313 00:24:33,043 --> 00:24:35,043 With Violet still in hot pursuit... 314 00:24:36,803 --> 00:24:38,723 ...Wandile remains behind, 315 00:24:38,723 --> 00:24:40,763 watching over the puppies. 316 00:24:42,883 --> 00:24:45,003 (PANTING HEAVILY) 317 00:24:45,003 --> 00:24:47,443 But young Wandile's own urge to hunt... 318 00:24:48,523 --> 00:24:50,523 ...is irresistible. 319 00:24:51,763 --> 00:24:54,363 On instinct, she sets off in pursuit... 320 00:24:56,083 --> 00:24:59,003 ...leaving Ghost and her siblings completely alone. 321 00:25:01,083 --> 00:25:02,963 (ZEBRA HUFFS) 322 00:25:05,603 --> 00:25:09,203 Soon, she is a kilometre away from the unprotected puppies. 323 00:25:15,323 --> 00:25:16,883 (WHIMPERING SOFTLY) 324 00:25:19,163 --> 00:25:21,203 And the hungry clan of hyenas... 325 00:25:23,363 --> 00:25:25,643 ...are closing in. 326 00:25:30,083 --> 00:25:33,203 Ghost and her brothers and sisters 327 00:25:33,203 --> 00:25:36,043 need to find the adults on their own 328 00:25:36,043 --> 00:25:37,963 and get to safety... 329 00:25:38,723 --> 00:25:40,643 ...as quickly as possible. 330 00:25:41,803 --> 00:25:44,323 (WILD DOG CALLS) 331 00:25:50,443 --> 00:25:52,443 They can tell their family is close. 332 00:25:53,243 --> 00:25:54,883 (IMPALA GRUNTS) 333 00:25:59,963 --> 00:26:02,683 Now their acute senses are fully developed... 334 00:26:04,003 --> 00:26:06,403 ...they can smell the adults. 335 00:26:08,883 --> 00:26:10,363 They can hear them. 336 00:26:10,363 --> 00:26:12,523 (HIGH-PITCHED CALLS) 337 00:26:12,523 --> 00:26:15,443 Finally, they spot their family. 338 00:26:16,403 --> 00:26:19,083 (YELPING EXCITEDLY) 339 00:26:22,043 --> 00:26:25,243 Sarge and Violet's two brothers made a kill. 340 00:26:31,963 --> 00:26:33,523 And as the dust settles, 341 00:26:33,523 --> 00:26:36,843 the rest of the dogs return from the mayhem of the hunt. 342 00:26:39,763 --> 00:26:42,923 The hyenas must now face the might of the whole pack. 343 00:26:42,923 --> 00:26:44,843 (PUPS YELPING) 344 00:26:45,723 --> 00:26:47,203 The adults keep watch 345 00:26:47,203 --> 00:26:50,203 and let Ghost and her siblings feed first. 346 00:26:54,363 --> 00:26:57,123 But the hyenas are persistent 347 00:26:57,123 --> 00:26:59,643 and growing braver as their numbers swell. 348 00:27:04,283 --> 00:27:06,683 One hyena can take on about three dogs... 349 00:27:06,683 --> 00:27:08,363 (GROWLS) 350 00:27:10,883 --> 00:27:12,523 ...but not five. 351 00:27:12,523 --> 00:27:14,283 (BARKING) 352 00:27:14,283 --> 00:27:16,243 Wandile leads the charge. 353 00:27:19,963 --> 00:27:21,803 It's a tactic called mobbing 354 00:27:21,803 --> 00:27:24,363 that they use to combat the larger predators. 355 00:27:26,083 --> 00:27:27,643 (HYENA YELPS) 356 00:27:35,763 --> 00:27:38,243 The dogs support each other instinctively, 357 00:27:38,243 --> 00:27:40,123 watching one another's backs. 358 00:27:44,723 --> 00:27:48,523 This trust is the bedrock of this amazing family. 359 00:27:56,243 --> 00:27:59,843 Dry seasons here are getting drier and longer every year. 360 00:28:03,763 --> 00:28:06,643 This one has been baking the landscape for months. 361 00:28:10,003 --> 00:28:13,603 The last few watering holes are disappearing from the forests. 362 00:28:15,763 --> 00:28:17,243 In many places, 363 00:28:17,243 --> 00:28:20,123 the water table is depleting deep underground. 364 00:28:29,803 --> 00:28:33,403 Anywhere away from the river is incredibly dry and desolate. 365 00:28:39,683 --> 00:28:41,283 On the floodplain, 366 00:28:41,283 --> 00:28:44,803 the hyenas have been relentlessly following Ghost and her family. 367 00:28:47,203 --> 00:28:49,523 (HYENAS LAUGHING) 368 00:28:56,603 --> 00:29:00,523 The dogs have had three kills stolen in the last two days. 369 00:29:06,883 --> 00:29:10,123 Violet decides it's time to fight back. 370 00:29:24,563 --> 00:29:27,003 (HYENA WHIMPERING) 371 00:29:28,523 --> 00:29:30,803 But the clan is over 20 strong. 372 00:29:33,323 --> 00:29:35,083 Violet is outnumbered. 373 00:29:35,083 --> 00:29:36,603 If she stays here, 374 00:29:36,603 --> 00:29:38,803 losing a puppy will be inevitable. 375 00:29:41,403 --> 00:29:43,723 (SHRIEKING) 376 00:29:45,163 --> 00:29:48,723 And so she and the pack flee from the floodplain. 377 00:29:53,043 --> 00:29:54,883 They run... 378 00:29:56,283 --> 00:29:58,203 ...and run... 379 00:29:58,203 --> 00:29:59,723 (ANIMAL CALLS) 380 00:29:59,723 --> 00:30:01,563 ...into the night. 381 00:30:07,163 --> 00:30:08,683 In the morning... 382 00:30:11,363 --> 00:30:13,403 ...when they finally stop... 383 00:30:14,803 --> 00:30:16,603 ...they are exhausted. 384 00:30:17,283 --> 00:30:21,403 They're 48 kilometres into wilderness east of the floodplain. 385 00:30:25,843 --> 00:30:27,483 And the news is grim. 386 00:30:28,523 --> 00:30:30,523 (CALLING SOFTLY) 387 00:30:33,803 --> 00:30:36,763 The pack is calling for Violet's brothers, 388 00:30:36,763 --> 00:30:40,083 hunters Tegwane and Sangane. 389 00:30:43,123 --> 00:30:45,003 Nowhere to be seen... 390 00:30:45,003 --> 00:30:46,923 (CALLING SOFTLY) 391 00:30:46,923 --> 00:30:49,323 ...it seems they are lost to the hyenas. 392 00:30:52,123 --> 00:30:54,763 (WILD DOG CALLING SOFTLY) 393 00:31:00,123 --> 00:31:01,723 (GROWLS) 394 00:31:06,048 --> 00:31:08,043 (GROWLS) 395 00:31:18,763 --> 00:31:22,123 Here in the dry wilderness, away from the floodplain, 396 00:31:22,123 --> 00:31:24,123 the dogs may be safer... 397 00:31:25,483 --> 00:31:27,483 ...but the prey is scarce. 398 00:31:29,923 --> 00:31:34,483 And with two of their best hunters - Tegwane and Sangane - gone... 399 00:31:35,763 --> 00:31:38,803 ...finding enough food for Ghost and the puppies 400 00:31:38,803 --> 00:31:40,363 is even harder. 401 00:31:44,523 --> 00:31:47,403 For the whole pack, it has become more important than ever 402 00:31:47,403 --> 00:31:50,763 that Ghost finds her confidence and learns fast. 403 00:31:53,923 --> 00:31:55,683 (ANIMAL SCREECHES) 404 00:31:55,683 --> 00:31:58,163 For Ghost and her rookie siblings, 405 00:31:58,883 --> 00:32:01,403 this wilderness is their training ground... 406 00:32:02,323 --> 00:32:04,643 ...and today the puppies are learning. 407 00:32:09,803 --> 00:32:11,523 Mobbing each other is a great way 408 00:32:11,523 --> 00:32:14,683 to prepare for the day they come face to face with hyenas. 409 00:32:14,683 --> 00:32:17,003 (YAPPING) 410 00:32:24,043 --> 00:32:25,843 (CLUCKING) 411 00:32:27,083 --> 00:32:31,883 And chasing the nimble guinea fowl makes for good hunting practice. 412 00:32:31,883 --> 00:32:33,763 (GUINEA FOWL CLUCKING) 413 00:32:35,283 --> 00:32:38,243 Even if they are still too quick for the puppies. 414 00:32:43,363 --> 00:32:46,203 Dad Sarge and the other hunters get ready for the hunt 415 00:32:46,203 --> 00:32:48,083 by rolling in elephant dung. 416 00:32:54,283 --> 00:32:57,163 It's thought to be a trick to disguise their musk 417 00:32:57,163 --> 00:32:59,643 or to help locate each other through smell. 418 00:33:04,963 --> 00:33:06,723 Ghost is learning fast. 419 00:33:09,163 --> 00:33:12,323 And before long, so are her brothers and sisters. 420 00:33:14,283 --> 00:33:16,283 (YAPPING SOFTLY) 421 00:33:23,963 --> 00:33:25,963 (BIRDS SINGING) 422 00:33:30,843 --> 00:33:33,323 Now Ghost's time has come. 423 00:33:34,843 --> 00:33:37,003 She must join the hunt. 424 00:33:40,123 --> 00:33:42,403 The hunters spot a small group of impala. 425 00:33:53,243 --> 00:33:55,803 Ghost is learning the importance of stealth. 426 00:33:58,963 --> 00:34:00,883 But a warning from a guinea fowl... 427 00:34:00,883 --> 00:34:02,723 (GUINEA FOWL CALLING ALARMEDLY) 428 00:34:02,723 --> 00:34:04,283 ...spooks the impala... 429 00:34:04,283 --> 00:34:06,163 (IMPALA SHRIEKING) 430 00:34:06,163 --> 00:34:08,643 ...and the pack burst into action. 431 00:34:13,483 --> 00:34:15,723 While Ghost's confidence is increasing, 432 00:34:15,723 --> 00:34:19,123 she is still not quite fast enough and falls behind. 433 00:34:21,403 --> 00:34:24,083 Violet and the other hunters split from the pack, 434 00:34:24,083 --> 00:34:26,203 pursuing the impala. 435 00:34:39,123 --> 00:34:42,323 The rest of the pack have spotted some warthogs... 436 00:34:44,043 --> 00:34:47,443 ...but they are too near their burrow and easily escape. 437 00:35:04,203 --> 00:35:06,203 By the time the pack regroup, 438 00:35:06,203 --> 00:35:07,883 their hunt has taken them 439 00:35:07,883 --> 00:35:11,043 all the way back to the edge of the floodplain. 440 00:35:11,043 --> 00:35:12,963 (VARIOUS ANIMAL CALLS) 441 00:35:17,803 --> 00:35:21,443 Violet made a kill, a young eland... 442 00:35:22,283 --> 00:35:24,963 ...but hyenas were quick to snatch it away. 443 00:35:28,643 --> 00:35:32,243 And they're too large and dangerous for the dogs to get it back. 444 00:35:38,603 --> 00:35:40,083 With the light fading, 445 00:35:40,083 --> 00:35:43,363 it gets too risky to keep hunting with the pups. 446 00:35:44,923 --> 00:35:46,803 Hungry and tired, 447 00:35:46,803 --> 00:35:49,603 all Ghost and her family can do is watch on... 448 00:35:52,363 --> 00:35:54,523 ...alongside the eland's mother... 449 00:35:54,523 --> 00:35:55,923 (SHRIEKING) 450 00:35:55,923 --> 00:35:58,003 ...as their meal disappears. 451 00:35:58,003 --> 00:35:59,963 (SHRIEKING) 452 00:36:13,843 --> 00:36:15,843 (BIRDS SINGING) 453 00:36:22,083 --> 00:36:23,683 It's morning. 454 00:36:23,683 --> 00:36:27,563 Ghost, Violet and her family remain hungry. 455 00:36:33,283 --> 00:36:34,803 Violet must decide: 456 00:36:34,803 --> 00:36:38,443 risk heading further into the heart of the dangerous floodplain, 457 00:36:38,443 --> 00:36:41,163 where prey is plentiful but enemies are rife... 458 00:36:47,123 --> 00:36:49,843 ...or she could return to the safer 459 00:36:49,843 --> 00:36:52,483 but barren and dry wilderness. 460 00:36:58,123 --> 00:36:59,763 Ghost now has the experience 461 00:36:59,763 --> 00:37:02,443 of lessons learned over the past few weeks. 462 00:37:04,843 --> 00:37:07,363 So Violet takes another gamble 463 00:37:07,363 --> 00:37:10,803 and cautiously leads the pack back towards the floodplain. 464 00:37:20,603 --> 00:37:23,003 And there... 465 00:37:23,003 --> 00:37:25,763 Violet spots something unbelievable. 466 00:37:26,963 --> 00:37:28,683 Back from the dead, 467 00:37:28,683 --> 00:37:31,283 Ghost's two missing uncles, 468 00:37:31,283 --> 00:37:34,363 Tegwane and Sangane. 469 00:37:34,363 --> 00:37:36,443 (YAPPING EXCITEDLY) 470 00:37:36,443 --> 00:37:39,443 The reunion is a celebration for the whole family. 471 00:37:42,043 --> 00:37:45,523 The brothers are injured but alive. 472 00:38:01,243 --> 00:38:03,683 Down here on the floodplain... 473 00:38:06,163 --> 00:38:07,683 ...there is water... 474 00:38:10,563 --> 00:38:12,123 ...there is prey... 475 00:38:17,123 --> 00:38:18,803 ...and there is a future. 476 00:38:21,043 --> 00:38:23,203 (SPLASHING) 477 00:38:39,163 --> 00:38:41,443 (SQUAWKING) 478 00:38:58,163 --> 00:39:00,723 Ghost is just about mature enough 479 00:39:00,723 --> 00:39:03,003 to cope with life here 480 00:39:03,003 --> 00:39:05,403 and is learning every day... 481 00:39:07,163 --> 00:39:09,563 ...which prey are worth the effort... 482 00:39:12,563 --> 00:39:14,843 ...and which are not. 483 00:39:16,643 --> 00:39:18,603 (SNORTS) 484 00:39:21,043 --> 00:39:22,843 (HIGH-PITCHED CALLING) 485 00:39:22,843 --> 00:39:24,923 Frequent battles with hyenas... 486 00:39:26,203 --> 00:39:28,123 (HYENA GROWLS) 487 00:39:28,123 --> 00:39:31,683 ...are teaching her when the fight is worth taking the risk. 488 00:39:35,483 --> 00:39:38,163 And regularly running with the hunters... 489 00:39:39,723 --> 00:39:42,723 ...she's learning new hunting strategies and tactics. 490 00:39:45,363 --> 00:39:47,643 Her endurance is increasing. 491 00:39:51,323 --> 00:39:53,683 Her confidence is growing. 492 00:40:03,643 --> 00:40:06,403 And now her world is changing. 493 00:40:12,883 --> 00:40:15,603 At last, the rains arrive. 494 00:40:16,283 --> 00:40:18,363 Landscapes transform once more. 495 00:40:24,723 --> 00:40:26,323 (BIRD SINGING) 496 00:40:29,883 --> 00:40:33,443 It's been a whole year since she first emerged from the den. 497 00:40:41,603 --> 00:40:43,163 Now fully mature, 498 00:40:43,163 --> 00:40:46,323 she has survived the most dangerous year of her life. 499 00:40:50,003 --> 00:40:54,323 Incredibly, with most of Ghost's brothers and sisters still alive... 500 00:40:55,723 --> 00:40:59,083 ...this is Violet's most successful litter so far. 501 00:41:01,763 --> 00:41:04,483 Sarge has now dispersed from the pack, 502 00:41:04,483 --> 00:41:07,163 thought to have gone in search of new females. 503 00:41:10,803 --> 00:41:12,843 Violet now has a new mate... 504 00:41:14,963 --> 00:41:18,163 ...and she is pregnant once more. 505 00:41:22,963 --> 00:41:25,683 Ghost, the once-timid puppy... 506 00:41:27,243 --> 00:41:30,283 ...has found the boldness of her late sister Cadiki... 507 00:41:32,763 --> 00:41:34,883 ...and the strength of her mother... 508 00:41:36,803 --> 00:41:39,843 ...confidently leading the pack out front. 509 00:41:45,923 --> 00:41:49,443 Ghost is becoming one of the team's most impressive hunters... 510 00:41:50,083 --> 00:41:51,843 ...and showing signs that, one day, 511 00:41:51,843 --> 00:41:54,523 she too could be an alpha female... 512 00:41:55,683 --> 00:41:59,603 ...and raise the next generation of wild dog puppies. 513 00:42:13,523 --> 00:42:17,243 Wild dog packs who live in Mana Pools, Zimbabwe... 514 00:42:18,683 --> 00:42:20,963 ...live a life constantly on the move... 515 00:42:23,563 --> 00:42:26,643 ...avoiding predatory lions and hyenas... 516 00:42:28,763 --> 00:42:31,443 ...and looking for prey to feed their family. 517 00:42:35,043 --> 00:42:38,443 Their home range spans hundreds of square kilometres. 518 00:42:42,163 --> 00:42:44,323 For the Predators film crew, 519 00:42:44,323 --> 00:42:47,083 simply finding them was a monumental challenge 520 00:42:47,083 --> 00:42:49,843 that would test their patience to the limit. 521 00:42:53,523 --> 00:42:57,203 The alpha male, Sarge, has a radio collar... 522 00:42:58,443 --> 00:43:01,083 ...but it only works in clear terrain... 523 00:43:02,043 --> 00:43:05,803 ...so the crew often revert to some old-fashioned methods. 524 00:43:06,923 --> 00:43:09,043 We're looking for tracks on the ground 525 00:43:09,043 --> 00:43:11,203 to indicate they've passed through. 526 00:43:11,203 --> 00:43:13,363 This is the track of a single male lion. 527 00:43:13,363 --> 00:43:15,003 The size is a definite giveaway. 528 00:43:15,003 --> 00:43:19,083 It's not likely the dogs will come into this area with the lion presence here, 529 00:43:19,083 --> 00:43:22,643 especially with their puppies as vulnerable as they are. 530 00:43:22,643 --> 00:43:24,923 With the threat of predators all around, 531 00:43:24,923 --> 00:43:27,883 the dogs have abandoned their usual hunting ground. 532 00:43:29,043 --> 00:43:32,563 Tracks all round there, but they're jackal tracks, civet tracks, 533 00:43:32,563 --> 00:43:35,123 hyena tracks, no dog tracks. 534 00:43:35,123 --> 00:43:39,123 Violet, the alpha female is probably protecting the young 535 00:43:39,123 --> 00:43:42,243 by taking all the pups to a place where it's thick bush, 536 00:43:42,243 --> 00:43:43,963 which is great for her and the pups, 537 00:43:43,963 --> 00:43:47,243 but it's no good for us because we can't film them. 538 00:43:47,243 --> 00:43:50,123 The high number of large predators is thought to be linked 539 00:43:50,123 --> 00:43:52,163 to decades of elephant poaching. 540 00:43:53,923 --> 00:43:57,763 A time local guide Nick Murray remembers vividly. 541 00:44:01,403 --> 00:44:05,243 Ten years ago, we were having three to four elephants poached a day. 542 00:44:05,243 --> 00:44:10,083 Once the elephants are dead, the poachers come in and chop the tusks out. 543 00:44:10,083 --> 00:44:13,323 And that's all they want. They leave the carcases. 544 00:44:13,323 --> 00:44:15,243 Wild dogs rarely scavenge... 545 00:44:16,963 --> 00:44:19,083 ...but hyenas and lions will. 546 00:44:20,443 --> 00:44:24,083 Hyena populations here are at an all-time high. 547 00:44:25,003 --> 00:44:28,563 One of the theories why is because those carcasses fed 548 00:44:28,563 --> 00:44:31,603 prides of lions and hyena. 549 00:44:31,603 --> 00:44:33,403 And having free food around, 550 00:44:33,403 --> 00:44:37,203 those two main apex predators, their numbers just escalated. 551 00:44:37,883 --> 00:44:40,643 For the dogs, this is a disaster. 552 00:44:41,443 --> 00:44:44,963 They see any other predator as a competitor, and they kill them. 553 00:44:45,643 --> 00:44:47,803 The adults are killed by lions. 554 00:44:47,803 --> 00:44:50,043 But they don't eat them. Lions just kill them. 555 00:44:50,043 --> 00:44:53,283 But the hyenas will eat the puppies if they kill them. 556 00:44:54,643 --> 00:44:57,563 Anti-poaching manager Freedom Hlongwane 557 00:44:57,563 --> 00:45:01,163 is only too aware of the effects of the larger predators. 558 00:45:01,163 --> 00:45:05,043 This has now had a huge impact in the dog populations. 559 00:45:05,043 --> 00:45:08,323 Wild dogs are now heading towards total extinction. 560 00:45:09,083 --> 00:45:12,443 Which is why I'm working day and night 561 00:45:12,443 --> 00:45:14,723 in wildlife protection. 562 00:45:17,763 --> 00:45:20,443 Freedom and Nick's passion for conservation 563 00:45:20,443 --> 00:45:22,443 has driven them to take action. 564 00:45:22,443 --> 00:45:25,563 They now run the Bushlife Anti-Poaching Support Unit. 565 00:45:25,563 --> 00:45:28,363 We are basically a boots-on-the-ground approach, 566 00:45:28,363 --> 00:45:31,923 where we move rangers around the valley constantly, 567 00:45:31,923 --> 00:45:34,803 and we have set up remote bases in the bush, 568 00:45:34,803 --> 00:45:37,803 and we're just maintaining a permanent presence 569 00:45:37,803 --> 00:45:40,243 in the area to deter poaching. 570 00:45:40,243 --> 00:45:42,763 And their efforts are starting to pay off. 571 00:45:44,243 --> 00:45:47,883 For the last two years, we've had a zero-elephant poaching record, 572 00:45:47,883 --> 00:45:52,283 and that's a vast improvement from ten years ago. 573 00:45:53,083 --> 00:45:56,443 The poaching may now be less of a problem here in Mana Pools, 574 00:45:56,443 --> 00:45:59,203 but the vast amount of hyena remain. 575 00:46:02,843 --> 00:46:06,043 So, the dogs live a life constantly on the run, 576 00:46:06,923 --> 00:46:09,403 which is why it's taken the crew three weeks 577 00:46:09,403 --> 00:46:11,563 before they get a glimmer of hope. 578 00:46:13,643 --> 00:46:17,163 Yeah, we picked up on the telemetry, they're headed that way... 579 00:46:18,003 --> 00:46:20,163 ...so we're gonna need to follow. 580 00:46:22,723 --> 00:46:25,043 Ross Ross, Ross Ross, David. 581 00:46:26,523 --> 00:46:28,723 Go ahead, Dave. 582 00:46:28,723 --> 00:46:31,963 Hey, Ross. We've found the dogs. We've found the dogs. Over. 583 00:46:31,963 --> 00:46:34,643 Copy that, on our way. See you shortly. 584 00:46:35,723 --> 00:46:37,243 There they are. 585 00:46:39,883 --> 00:46:43,243 Nice, finally. Is that Violet there? 586 00:46:43,923 --> 00:46:47,363 Using a stabilised gimbal attached to the front of the vehicle, 587 00:46:47,363 --> 00:46:51,923 the team scramble to capture a few quick shots, as the dogs feast on an impala. 588 00:46:53,523 --> 00:46:55,443 Oh, oh, oh! It just ran across. 589 00:46:57,763 --> 00:47:00,723 But the dogs are instantly overwhelmed by hyenas. 590 00:47:02,363 --> 00:47:04,803 That hyena on the left is coming in. 591 00:47:12,723 --> 00:47:14,203 (BARKING AND SHRIEKING) 592 00:47:16,283 --> 00:47:19,083 And they disappear into the wilderness once more. 593 00:47:31,763 --> 00:47:36,523 Freedom has a theory that Violet and her family have headed many kilometres east, 594 00:47:36,523 --> 00:47:38,643 out of their usual territory, 595 00:47:38,643 --> 00:47:41,403 to avoid the excessive number of hyenas. 596 00:47:41,403 --> 00:47:43,283 FREEDOM: Morning, elephants. 597 00:47:43,283 --> 00:47:45,603 The crew head west. 598 00:47:55,283 --> 00:47:57,283 After hours of driving... 599 00:47:58,323 --> 00:47:59,803 Oh, there they are. 600 00:47:59,803 --> 00:48:01,163 ...success. 601 00:48:01,163 --> 00:48:02,883 Hello, dogs, dogs. 602 00:48:03,603 --> 00:48:05,683 Freedom's instincts were right. 603 00:48:05,683 --> 00:48:07,683 Alpha female Violet 604 00:48:07,683 --> 00:48:11,043 has relocated her pack 60 kilometres east. 605 00:48:11,043 --> 00:48:12,883 I've just been with the dogs now. 606 00:48:12,883 --> 00:48:15,643 If you would get here as quick as you can, 607 00:48:15,643 --> 00:48:18,683 you might have a good chance of finding them. Thank you. 608 00:48:20,363 --> 00:48:24,363 We've heard from Freedom that he's found the dogs, which is great news. 609 00:48:24,363 --> 00:48:25,923 It's about a 2.5-hour drive. 610 00:48:25,923 --> 00:48:29,363 The amount Violet's moving the pack around is quite unprecedented. 611 00:48:29,363 --> 00:48:32,083 She's never really gone as far as this before. 612 00:48:32,083 --> 00:48:34,643 Last couple of years, she's lost a lot of pups, 613 00:48:34,643 --> 00:48:38,603 but they seem to be keeping away from hyenas and lions so far, so... 614 00:48:38,603 --> 00:48:42,083 For filming it's really tricky, but for the safety of the pups, 615 00:48:42,083 --> 00:48:44,883 I think it's a good thing, and she's doing a good job. 616 00:48:46,843 --> 00:48:48,523 BRIONY: They're actually there. 617 00:48:50,363 --> 00:48:52,723 Ah, you beautiful, beautiful dogs. 618 00:48:55,603 --> 00:48:57,203 (YAPPING) 619 00:48:59,923 --> 00:49:03,323 The pack have found a safe haven, so now the team have 620 00:49:03,323 --> 00:49:07,323 a golden opportunity to capture the dogs' most intimate moments. 621 00:49:11,723 --> 00:49:14,443 And for that, they have a special tool. 622 00:49:18,163 --> 00:49:21,883 A robotic buggy, called an AGITO, 623 00:49:21,883 --> 00:49:24,723 opens up a window into their world. 624 00:49:24,723 --> 00:49:27,803 BRIONY: Look how interested they are in the AGITO. 625 00:49:27,803 --> 00:49:30,763 ROB: They started looking at themselves in the lens. 626 00:49:36,203 --> 00:49:39,323 The dogs are completely at ease with the silent buggy. 627 00:49:43,923 --> 00:49:46,243 Hiding her puppies in this safe place, 628 00:49:46,243 --> 00:49:48,603 deep in the wilderness, 629 00:49:48,603 --> 00:49:50,363 Violet's tactic has paid off. 630 00:49:54,323 --> 00:49:57,443 NICK: In her first litter, she lost all but one puppy. 631 00:49:57,443 --> 00:49:59,843 Her second litter, she lost all but two puppies. 632 00:49:59,843 --> 00:50:03,563 And now this is her third litter and she's lost one only so far. 633 00:50:03,563 --> 00:50:06,243 So it seems like she's adapting to the circumstances 634 00:50:06,243 --> 00:50:10,683 and she's moved away from areas of high hyena and lion populations 635 00:50:10,683 --> 00:50:13,843 and run off into the wilderness area 636 00:50:13,843 --> 00:50:16,403 where there's lower densities of predators. 637 00:50:17,803 --> 00:50:21,643 The fight to protect African wild dogs is far from over. 638 00:50:24,443 --> 00:50:27,923 With only 700 breeding pairs left in the wild, 639 00:50:27,923 --> 00:50:31,083 their numbers across Africa are still in decline, 640 00:50:31,083 --> 00:50:34,003 and every survivor is precious. 641 00:50:34,003 --> 00:50:36,923 But thanks to the dedication of people like Freedom and Nick, 642 00:50:36,923 --> 00:50:40,963 wild dog numbers here at Mana Pools have stabilised. 643 00:50:40,963 --> 00:50:43,483 And for now, at least, 644 00:50:43,483 --> 00:50:46,883 Violet and her family continue to thrive. 645 00:51:11,563 --> 00:51:14,283 AccessibleCustomerService@sky.uk