A new David Attenborough-narrated documentary series, ‘Kingdom,’ has captured rare footage of a lion saving a pregnant hyena from wild dogs, highlighting unexpected alliances in the wild. The series follows four carnivore families in Zambia’s Luangwa Valley over five years, revealing intricate survival strategies and conservation challenges.
The documentary, produced by the BBC, showcases never-before-seen behaviors among Africa’s top predators. In one striking scene, a lion intervenes to protect a pregnant hyena from an attack by wild dogs, a moment that underscores the complex interactions between species. This incident is part of a broader narrative that includes hyenas using innovative tactics, such as hiding stolen carcasses underwater to mask their scent from rivals. The filming took place over five years, providing an intimate look at the daily lives of these animals.
Over the course of production, the crew documented the lives of lions, hyenas, wild dogs, and leopards, capturing poignant moments from birth to death. Viewers will see five-day-old lion cubs opening their eyes for the first time and a pack of wild dogs rescuing one of their own from the jaws of a crocodile. These scenes illustrate the resilience and adaptability of these predators in their natural habitat. The series aims to bring audiences closer to the raw realities of wildlife, emphasizing both the beauty and brutality of nature.
The series also highlights the significant threats these carnivores face, including habitat loss, snaring, and a declining prey base. Wire traps set for antelope often ensnare large mammals as by-catch, leading to injuries and deaths that ripple through the ecosystem. For example, one wild dog reappears after losing a leg to a snare, yet his pack welcomes him back and ensures he participates in hunts. Such stories reveal the social bonds and survival mechanisms that help these animals cope with human-induced pressures.
Behind the scenes, the Zambia Carnivore Programme collaborates with filmmakers to protect these animals. The footage serves as valuable data for conservation strategies, informing on topography, diet, movement, births, and deaths. Dr. Matthew Becker, CEO of the programme, emphasized that the series offers a message of optimism despite concerning trends. This partnership between science and filmmaking provides insights that could guide future conservation efforts.
Human activities are changing pack sizes, diets, and survival strategies, but conservation efforts are making a difference. The programme removes snares, safeguards dens, and supports law enforcement against illegal trade in ivory and bushmeat. Series producer Felicity Lanchester noted that everything about these species has been shaped by millions of years of competition, but humans are now altering that balance. The documentary underscores the urgency of addressing these challenges to preserve biodiversity.
‘Kingdom’ begins airing on BBC One at 18:20 GMT on Sunday and will be available on BBC iPlayer. The series aims to shed light on the need to protect these magnificent creatures and their habitats, offering hope through stunning visuals and compelling stories. By showcasing both the struggles and successes of conservation, it encourages viewers to appreciate and support efforts to safeguard wildlife for future generations.