- 1 week ago
Step into the golden heart of Africa in Lions: Kings of the Savannah — Roar of the Wild, a breathtaking 4K UHD documentary that unveils the power, grace, and complex lives of the world’s most iconic predators. Episode 1 takes you deep into the vast savannah, where survival is a daily test of strength, strategy, and unity.
Witness the majestic lions as they rule their territory with unmatched authority—from thunderous roars that echo across the plains to silent, calculated hunts at dusk. This episode explores the intricate social bonds of the pride, highlighting the leadership of the lionesses, the protective might of the males, and the delicate upbringing of playful cubs learning the ways of the wild.
Captured in stunning ultra-high definition, every detail comes alive: rippling manes in the wind, intense amber eyes scanning the horizon, and dramatic encounters with rival predators. Expert narration and immersive sound design bring context to the raw beauty on screen, revealing how climate, prey movement, and competition shape the lions’ destiny.
Witness the majestic lions as they rule their territory with unmatched authority—from thunderous roars that echo across the plains to silent, calculated hunts at dusk. This episode explores the intricate social bonds of the pride, highlighting the leadership of the lionesses, the protective might of the males, and the delicate upbringing of playful cubs learning the ways of the wild.
Captured in stunning ultra-high definition, every detail comes alive: rippling manes in the wind, intense amber eyes scanning the horizon, and dramatic encounters with rival predators. Expert narration and immersive sound design bring context to the raw beauty on screen, revealing how climate, prey movement, and competition shape the lions’ destiny.
Category
🐳
AnimalsTranscript
00:00These are the Black Rocks in the south of Kenya's Maasai Mara Reserve,
00:11where three lionesses have raised nine cubs.
00:21Back in September 2017, the babies were just six weeks old,
00:25four females and five males.
00:30This is the true story of their rise to adulthood.
00:41Over five years, the young males could grow into a coalition,
00:45working together against rivals.
00:51First, though, their carefree childhood had to end.
01:00Because hunting never comes easy.
01:05Sometimes they were lucky to escape with their lives.
01:10The route to the top is hard.
01:15At two years of age, it's time for the lions to quit their creche on the Black Rocks.
01:28Their mothers have given birth again. There's no room for them now.
01:41These adolescents must look out for themselves.
01:44Always hungry, forever sparring over food.
01:46The males, stronger than their sisters, don't hesitate to press their advantage.
01:59One evening, it gets too much.
02:04Wrecked by hunger, the strongest male kills one of his sisters.
02:07Wrecked by hunger, the strongest male kills one of his sisters.
02:11Wrecked by hunger, the strongest male kills one of his sisters.
02:32The males and females go their separate ways.
02:47That makes it harder for the males.
02:49They rely on the speedy females to hunt.
02:53So the young males try their luck on prey that can't outpace them.
02:58But they have no chance against these giants.
03:04There is another risk they can take.
03:06Stealing from veteran lions.
03:18That's a mistake.
03:24Months later, one of the brothers will be wounded,
03:27trying something similar.
03:29Now he's maimed for life.
03:42This time, it was just a clip on the ear.
03:49They can steal hyenas' prey, so they're always looking out for a chance.
03:53Members of the buffalo herd intervene, scaring the hyenas off.
04:09It seems the lions have missed their chance.
04:11But danger averted that buffalo leave their sick comrade.
04:20The lions take courage.
04:28They're no longer after the hyenas' leftovers.
04:31They want the entire prize.
04:35That should do it.
04:36Till the herd come back in force.
04:42A new experience for the young males.
04:47The cow was so weak that help has come too late.
05:03The buffalo soon withdraw.
05:06The young lions once again smell success.
05:10The lions hold their nerve.
05:22They've earned a hearty meal and learned a valuable lesson.
05:27The landscape of the Mara Reserve.
05:48The brothers patrol here for two years.
05:53Sometimes alone, often together.
05:58Together, they're stronger and safer.
06:02By March 2021, the five brothers are four years old.
06:07Majestic young adult lions.
06:09Without territory of their own, they spend their time in an area roughly 25 kilometers north of their first home.
06:26As this leopard knows only too well, they've claimed enough of his prey.
06:32The lions have started to attract a lot of attention.
06:57And the Maasai have given them names to suit their characters.
07:04This is Olomina, the lame one.
07:07No scars on his face.
07:09He neither joins the hunt nor fights.
07:12But sexually, he's the most active of all.
07:18As an adolescent, he trespassed on other males' territory.
07:22Now, he has difficulty walking.
07:25Olosiadu, the stay-behind.
07:30He's a cautious soul, often isolating himself from his brothers.
07:40Lorkolup, the tag-along, has a permanently runny nose.
07:46They think a buffalo hoof broke the bridge.
07:51Constant pain holds him back.
07:55With the radio collar, scientists track the brothers.
07:59Olpadan, the hunter, always in the lead and first to the prey.
08:11Supremely self-confident and relaxed.
08:13He's a real fighter.
08:15On the left, Olobor, the sister killer.
08:20He's the boss.
08:22Very self-contained.
08:24The strongest male.
08:26He can be ruthlessly aggressive.
08:28Together, these two define the fate of the group.
08:40In the spring of 2021, observers had a surprise.
08:44The arrival of the five lions' mothers.
08:47The females were forced from their territory when a big pride invaded from the east.
09:06Actually, the boys are too old to be with their mothers.
09:11It's an unusual setup, as the mothers aren't alone.
09:14They've brought the young they've been raising in the meantime.
09:17Three young males and two females.
09:24Thirteen lions altogether.
09:26A formidable group.
09:28The young play while the five brothers look to their experienced mothers to capture prey for them all.
09:35These fascinating new surroundings require thorough exploration.
09:55Rambunctious juveniles could warn off prey.
09:58At other times, their enthusiasm will come in useful.
10:05You wouldn't call this a proper pride.
10:15It's more a loose grouping of convenience to hunt together.
10:24In every other way, the interests of the mothers and their older sons diverge.
10:29For one thing, mating with your half-sisters is out of the question, let alone with your mother.
10:41But the brothers' urge to reproduce is growing stronger.
10:45The thirteen lead a nomadic life, claiming no territory of their own and avoiding other lions.
11:00It's May 2021.
11:12In the rainy season, the grass is growing fast.
11:16That should attract herbivores.
11:18But the hungry cats are having trouble finding prey.
11:21Finally, they come across a buffalo herd in a valley.
11:33A single bull has strayed into bushland next to the stream.
11:37The young brothers and sisters are raring to go.
11:40They still have to learn a buffalo in broken country is dangerous prey.
11:54The powerful males hold back.
12:04They're hoping the females will do all the hard work.
12:07The dragon fox and insects do all the way back in shape.
12:30They exist in a garde well.
12:35A one-ton bull is a powerful opponent.
12:49Even 13 lions haven't managed to cause him real difficulties.
13:01They let him go on his way.
13:05East Africa's long rains start in April and continue to the end of May.
13:23Right now, there's plenty of food for the herbivores so they can move to the best places.
13:28That means they leave the low-lying wet areas where their hooves could pick up fungal infections.
13:42For others, the saturated regions are perfect.
13:51Warthogs are truly in their element now.
14:07Pastures, hog wallows, and water wherever they look.
14:17Antelopes mostly prefer shorter grass.
14:20It's especially nutritious and they can spot predators far away.
14:30They often gather for long periods in a small area, trimming the grass with their grazing.
14:36In recent decades, heavier rainfall has brought lusher vegetation to the northern Serengeti.
14:46Over wide stretches, grass grows over a metre high in the rainy season.
14:52Since most hooved animals dislike high, stringy grass, many big cats leave the region too.
15:09So the rainy season brings advantages for the rootless lions from Black Rocks.
15:22Two months, hundreds of square kilometres, free of competition.
15:27No need to fear territorial disputes with local lions.
15:32But it's tough finding prey.
15:45For emergency rations, they often turn to warthogs.
15:53The problem is they're hard to spot in the tall grass.
15:57Lions and hogs can be tens of metres apart with neither noticing.
16:01That's why the lionesses start looking for the holes hogs use at night.
16:17In the early morning, many are still occupied.
16:27It's not that they're places of protection.
16:30Young hogs are very sensitive to cold, and the holes are there to keep them warm.
16:35This one's in deep. It's not going to be easy to reach.
16:53Digging it out is hard work, and hogs can be unpleasant adversaries.
17:00While the young hunters hesitate, a lioness keeps watch.
17:07A lioness keeps watch.
17:09In the rainy season, boars seek females in estrus, especially not in the night.
17:12A lioness keeps watch.
17:14A lioness keeps watch.
17:15A lioness keeps watch.
17:20While the young hunters hesitate, a lioness keeps watch.
17:32In the rainy season, boars seek females in oestrus, especially near holes kept in constant
17:39use.
17:41And here's a hopeful Romeo.
17:45In her time, the female has caught hundreds of hogs.
17:49She knows exactly what to do.
17:55Another female blocks the escape route.
18:04It's over in seconds.
18:06Everyone piles in.
18:11As so often, Olobor the strong takes his lion's share.
18:31The others know the rules.
18:37A pride male's duty is to protect the young.
18:45In this grouping, however, the males have no offspring to protect.
18:50The females get nothing back for their hard work.
18:54In the long run, that will be a problem.
19:03With so few animals to hunt, the young lions will chase anything that moves.
19:18Hunger takes them into unfamiliar regions where they could easily meet other lions.
19:24They're very unsettled.
19:37For weeks, they dare not cross the Rungai River.
19:40That might mean entering another pride's territory.
19:49But curiosity and hunger finally get the better of them.
19:53They must have a powerful urge to cross.
20:18These cats do not like water, especially when it's deeper than expected.
20:25Faith is playing outside.
20:49All that effort, only to discover the hunting is no better on the other side.
21:19One morning, they come across a single hippopotamus that hasn't reached the safety of his usual
21:32pool.
21:35This arouses the brothers' hunting instincts.
21:49This prey can't run away from them, but it may turn the tables.
22:15Each lion is probing for weakness.
22:20It's almost like a game.
22:23Interestingly, the females hold back, almost as though they're not sure of this one.
22:31The younger brothers and sisters are excited.
22:35What are the tactics?
22:43The hippo has to stay on his feet.
22:49If he does, little can happen to him for now, beyond a couple of scratches.
23:00But after a while, it gets too much for him.
23:03He leaves the small pool.
23:05It wasn't really keeping him safe.
23:17He has momentum, and he makes for the nearby bushes.
23:30This is a dangerous situation for the lion.
23:36The massive hippo could swing him into the trees.
23:44But Orpadan can't let go now.
23:53A hippo weighs six times more than a lion.
23:58But Orpadan has a firm grip on his hindquarters and brings him down.
24:03Briefly, down, but not out.
24:25Unable to restrain their offspring, the mothers half-heartedly join in.
24:30They know they must exhaust the hippo until he passes out.
24:55Another hour.
25:16The hippo is steaming.
25:19These huge animals have difficulty releasing the enormous heat generated by their muscles.
25:25But his circulation seems to remain stable.
25:34He fights his way from pond to pond, always finding a new place to cool off.
25:44After hours of combat, the lions are exhausted, taking longer and longer breaks.
25:49They can swap with each other, and so keep the pressure up.
25:55Who will reach their limits first?
25:58This pond protects the hippo's flank.
26:04This pond protects the hippo's flank.
26:08The big cats must watch out in the thorny thickets.
26:11Even the stubborn young females are gradually tiring.
26:23The hippo's flank.
26:36The hippo has taken almost six hours.
26:40The hippo hasn't left a decisive opening.
26:47Hippos rarely fall victim to lions, and they're not high on a lion's prey list, even in hard
26:53times like this.
26:56Finally, it's a drawl.
26:58Both parties, side by side, exhausted.
27:02The hippo will live on.
27:09Wherever the lions look, buffalo are the only reliable food source, with three herds moving
27:15through the high, stringy grass along the Rungai River.
27:22Most herbivores wouldn't eat this grass, and they would avoid this place.
27:26These wild cattle are comfortable chewing and digesting the fibrous vegetation.
27:34A herd can be 800 strong, limitless meat, but the price?
27:40Buffalo are tougher to hunt than other herd animals, not only because of their size.
27:48It has to do with their social structure.
27:50Herds consist of closely related cows, accompanied by bulls who have joined from outside.
27:56So a buffalo herd isn't an agglomeration of individual animals, but a community, aunts,
28:04sisters and cousins, with their young.
28:12Unlike antelopes that swap between herds and show no solidarity, buffalo support one another.
28:26And yet, in every big group, there are some who can't keep up, or are simply too careless, peeling off to go their own way.
28:35The lions have spotted a female on her own.
28:44She noticed them too late.
28:46They surround her out of the high grass.
28:56Working together, they distract the cow, so she can't use her lethal horns.
29:01One of the lionesses dares a frontal attack.
29:09She needs to grip the cow's muzzle.
29:12The brothers hold back, letting the mothers get on with the dangerous work.
29:26500 meters away, the herd is grazing.
29:37Buffalo have poor eyesight, but the cow's bleating attracts their attention.
29:46The cavalry's coming.
29:47You don't mess with angry buffalo.
30:06Even Orpada knows that.
30:10All that wasted effort, the lions have nothing.
30:30They'll have to keep following the herd, in hopes of a better chance.
30:34At least the yellow-throated longclaw gets something.
30:43Trampled grass is perfect nest material.
30:52Lions are powerful but slow, so they have to concentrate on the bigger prey animals.
30:58Buffalo, too, depend on their strength, but also on their solidarity.
31:04A kind of balance has grown between the two species.
31:09Aerial views show groups of friendly buffalo coming together,
31:12close relations behaving like a big family.
31:15This group's solidarity is surprisingly effective.
31:25Seriously ill, even blind buffalo are protected by their family groups.
31:30They survive, carried along by the community.
31:34On the move, a herd functions like a single organism,
31:43with pathfinders and animals to defend the flanks.
31:49And also stragglers.
31:53Like this elderly male, he's frail.
31:59And he needs longer rest stops.
32:04The hungry lionesses are doing what they must.
32:18Following the herd, watching for gaps in the security system.
32:27Or for stragglers that lost contact with the herd.
32:34Like the old bull that rested a bit too long.
32:46In the late afternoon, he seeks to rejoin the herd.
32:50That's the lionesses' cue.
32:55He's old.
32:55His eyes and ears are way past their best.
32:59The females easily lay their trap.
33:04They're the hungriest, least aware of the dangers.
33:12The younger females are first.
33:13They're the hungriest, least aware of the dangers.
33:17Ollobor and Orpadan are away, checking out the territory.
33:32The lionesses and their daughters must bring the buffalo down on their own.
33:42Only then do Lorcolupo and Olosiadu deign to join.
33:47Orlomina holds back entirely as usual.
33:53The females are generous, there's enough food for several days, so they won't be arguing
33:58over shares.
34:05Almost every day brings a heavy rain shower.
34:12The lions trail through saturated plains after the buffalo.
34:24They lost contact in the night.
34:26They've been searching for hours.
34:28The rain has washed away the tracks.
34:37In this undulating country, 500 buffalo can simply disappear.
34:44The lions can see as far as the next hillock.
34:54Late in the morning, they reestablish contact.
35:00Now they take their time studying the herd across the valley.
35:10Looking for calves, born during the rainy season.
35:21Sometimes a mother and her calf get separated from the bigger group.
35:24That's what the lions are waiting for.
35:36Even 13 lions couldn't grab a calf inside the herd.
35:45But there's a small group of stragglers.
35:54The cats try to spin off the defenders, breaking up the formation.
36:09In the turmoil, Olobor grabbed a calf, but the defenders are here at once.
36:18He has to let go to save his life.
36:27The badly wounded calf won't survive.
36:30The lions have time.
36:31They encourage the herd to move on.
36:40This prey is far too small for the group.
36:47Once again, Olobor becomes violent.
36:54These outbursts of rage are becoming unbearable for the three mothers.
37:06They gain nothing from being with their powerful sons, but they can no longer drive them out
37:11of the territory as they did before.
37:20The only solution may be to split off from the males.
37:30June.
37:32The rainy season is over.
37:35The five brothers are now confident enough to advertise their presence far and wide.
37:45It seems there are no other claims on this region.
37:53Olobor and Orpadan are often away together patrolling.
37:57They rarely see their mothers and their younger siblings.
38:05Luckily the five brothers haven't yet encountered the previous pride males.
38:11But they noticed them a long time ago.
38:20Two old males.
38:22For years they defended their territory by the river and they bear the scars to prove it.
38:28They no longer have the confidence for a direct confrontation and they withdraw.
38:37If they don't get into fights, they can survive for several years in their old territory.
38:53They leave the interlopers to get on with it in this difficult but rewarding territory.
39:00To several months of the year the Rungi River flows, attracting herbivores.
39:06Buffalo herds use the valley all year round, almost guaranteeing the lion's survival.
39:25The two veterans live quietly in the bush near the stream, scavenging other predators' prey
39:31or digging out the occasional warthog.
39:33But the real owners of this territory are three adult females and their adolescent offspring.
39:48They conquered and now defend the region.
39:52Every couple of years they take new pride males.
40:02Now the five brothers are here.
40:06And the first couplings soon happen.
40:14This union might not yet produce offspring, but for the brothers it's the first step to
40:19claiming the territory as their own.
40:31Lame Olomina can't keep up with his brothers.
40:34They won't let him approach their new partners.
40:39But he too feels the growing urges.
40:49So he tries his luck with his half-sisters and aunts.
40:53That understandably doesn't go down too well.
41:04The lionesses of the Rungi River, on the other hand, seem content with the new situation.
41:28But there is a problem here.
41:32The three females already have adolescent offspring, three daughters and a son.
41:44The new masters of the valley might not take to the young male.
41:51And Olobor has already noticed his presence.
42:07The young male is scared.
42:12But he'd like to stay with his mother.
42:16Olobor doesn't see it that way.
42:21Olobor could hurt the adolescent badly, but his mother's presence holds him back.
42:46And she definitely takes her son's side.
43:14Olobor's hold on his territory is too new.
43:30This is just a demonstration of power.
43:33Over the next few days, the Rungi River is a turbulent place.
43:50But not principally because of the brothers.
43:53The territory still belongs to the three females, and they reject the lionesses that came with
43:59the five males.
44:05Again and again, they chase away the mothers of the five brothers.
44:09The mothers can't compete with their confident female rivals.
44:13They leave the Rungi Valley forever, ending the short reunion with their sons.
44:18Olobor and his brothers are now truly in control.
44:45It means weeks of uncertainty for the three daughters and the son of the Rungi Pride females.
44:54Relieved sisters welcome their brother back to the group.
44:57So far, he's made it without serious injuries.
45:04The young females have nothing to fear from the big males.
45:08After all, they're potential future partners.
45:11But they keep their distance for the time being.
45:15Over the coming weeks, they wander the edges of their mother's territory.
45:28Since they're not yet sexually mature, the five brothers ignore them.
45:34The adolescent male is still a potential rival.
45:38He must be careful.
45:45The two strongest brothers, Olobor and Orpadan, roam far and wide, leaving their markers everywhere,
45:53new lords of a big territory.
46:03By mid-2021, they control almost a hundred square kilometers.
46:08The lionesses' Rungi River territory and the great expanse of plains to the south,
46:15where the buffaloes spend the rainy season.
46:18Orpadan and Olobor are responsible for security.
46:35Day after day, they patrol the edges of the territory, far from the rest of the Pride.
46:41Olobor still has the blonde mane of a young lion.
46:53But together with Orpadan, he's the dominant male of the Pride.
46:58He's constantly venturing into foreign territories.
47:17One day, he goes too far, deep into a neighboring Pride's domain.
47:27For the dominant males there, it's a massive challenge.
47:44Olobor sees them too late.
47:48Too late to flee.
47:52This could be the end.
48:06He seems paralyzed by fear.
48:10He mustn't provoke them any further.
48:17Things have gone too far.
48:20There are iron laws among lions.
48:23Olobor has transgressed.
48:26He's mauled to within an inch of his life.
48:46He'll be out of circulation for months.
48:49A severe setback for the newly formed Pride.
48:57But the brothers must go on.
49:00And soon, there's an important development.
49:04The wildebeest migration streams through the territory, bringing relief from the precarious dependency on buffalo.
49:20But when these herds leave again, the lions face the ultimate test against their arch enemies, the buffalo.
49:35The buffalo.
49:36The buffalo.
49:37The buffalo.
49:38The buffalo.
49:39The lads, theach.
49:40Themans of the
Be the first to comment