Africa's Super Seven Page #4

to judge which one to bring down.

A big male is the closest

and most vulnerable.

He's too big for a single cheetah,

but three could bring him down ...

if her cubs cooperate.

Mom stays back,

encouraging her cubs to do the work.

Only coming in to help pin down the prey.

The impala is a fighter.

Mom lets one of her cubs

learn the most important lesson

how to apply the strangulating

death hold around the neck.

At last the cheetah youngsters

have made their first kill.

And itps a spectacular success.

Now they must be alert to other predators

who would steal their meal.

It's best to drag it

under cover to be safe.

he cheetahs will eat well ...

but already they've been spotted,

and their position is being

broadcast far and wide ...

...by vultures.

The Hyena mum has already seen the birds.

This is worth investigating

There is only one problem-

her route runs straight past the lions.

For a single hyena this is dangerous.

She tries to put some distance

between her and them

She must travel fast and be alert.

She knows sheps being watched...

...and now followed.

But itps not the lioness

she should be worried about -

the real danger is the big male.

The leopard has also detected an intruder.

He could stay up in his tree,

but this visitor is special...

He marks a tree to advertise his presence.

And soon his message is answered ...

by a female leopard.

Itps not long before the two meet ...

For the male leopard this could

be the end of a perfect day.

In just 20 minutes the cheetahs have

already devoured most of their meal.

They know they have to eat quickly

they could be chased off at any time.

This too has been a good day

for the cheetahs.

The cubs have proved that they

can now fend for themselves.

Now it's the hyena's turn to feed.

The vultures are still far away.

It may take some time to reach them ...

But before she walks much further-

another discovery ...

the old buffalo carcass

that scared the rhinos.

This will do just fine.

It may already be rotting

but this wonpt deter the hyena.

She has a strong stomach

and is well-adapted to scavenging

even the oldest carcasses.

Most importantly this gruesome

meal will replenish her milk supply

for her waiting cubs.

It's nearly three opclock.

The male leopard has had a full day,

and itps not over yet.

The female is in season.

She manoeuvres herself in front of him-

an invitation to mate.

This is a quick but frequent union.

The female will solicit his services

round the clock for the next three days.

Meal over, and her belly full,

the Hyena can now get back to the den.

However to get there she must

travel back through lion territory.

This is always a dangerous adventure

for a lone hyena,

but she has no alternative.

She's been away nearly 24 hours.

Her cubs will be desperate.

The Hyena mum is approaching

the border of the lions' territory.

Soon she will be free of danger.

But she missed one crucial thing

the male lion, who moved off on patrol.

He is moving right towards her.

And now has her in his sights.

She's taking care to

watch out for the lionesses

but critically,

she hasnpt looked behind her.

He unleashes his full power and fury.

Within seconds he has her in his mouth ...

and throttles the life out of her.

The rest of the pride encourage him on.

Strangely, even though theypve killed her,

they will not eat her.

They view the dead hyena

as a pest, not prey.

By killing the hyena the lion

has taken three lives ...

without their mother

the hyena cubs cannot survive.

The Super Seven are now six.

Just one single day has brought

extraordinary change to Mala Mala.

For some it has brought tragedy.

For others- good fortune.

Some have learned valuable lessons.

For others itps too late.

One thing is certain ...

every day will test these animals.

And no two days are ever the same.

But itps the very challenges

these animals meet every day

which sharpen their senses,

strengthens their bodies,

makes them Africa's Super Seven.

Itps now past three o'clock.

The day is over.

Another is about to begin.

And once again, as the animals stir

for the approaching night ...

anything can happen.

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