Sacrifices, Uprisings, & Rivalries | Savage Kingdom S2 & S4 MEGA Episode | Nat Geo Animals

(music) NARRATOR: Sisters of the southern pride, bound by blood they share all they have, including their young. For these sisters family is everything. And the family that eats together stays together. (growling) Or so the story goes. Tsebe, Queen of all Mombo, knows that danger is on their tail. Her battle torn ears are constantly listening. Three brothers descending from the north, intent on mating with the sisters and creating their own dynasty. Reaching the sister's territory, they like what they see. And what they like they take. Lured by the sister's seductive scent, the brothers press on. Every step brings them closer to Tsebe and her family. Tsebe drives the cubs forward trying to keep ahead of their remorseless pursuers. She knows that if the brothers catch up with them, (roars) they will demand mating rights and kill the youngsters if the sisters refuse. Death is on its way. Young Motshidi has no family, just an aching hunger. With no mother to teach her, the lone orphan does her best to hunt but this is a land of giants. Perhaps something more manageable. Smaller creatures make a bite sized snack but only when you can catch them. Motshidi must stop fooling around and learn to hunt large prey. This forest once bowed before her mother, but poor Motshidi is not her. Instead of a respected queen, she's nothing but a joke. If you're to inherit your mother's throne, Motshidi, you'll have to earn it. Tsebe would die protecting her family. But some threats you cannot fight. Her nightmare steps into the light. The first of the three tyrants. His brothers won't be far behind. He's a ticking bomb. Tsebe knows he could kill the youngsters in an instant. The young cub doesn't recognize death, even when it stares him in the face. Enough. The sisters can't take it any longer. They risk their own lives to save their young. Do not underestimate me. But he's not leaving. Not without a queen by his side. Tsebe faces an impossible choice, sacrifice herself or watch the youngsters die. Bruised, but not beaten, the tyrant won't give up. Fear and confusion infect the pride. (dramatic music) There is only one way to save the youngsters lives. Tsebe must sacrifice herself so the others can escape. Better her family torn in two, than torn to pieces. Tsebe and one sister lure their dangerous new admirer. While Thata leads the rest of the pride to safety and out of Tsebe life forever. (melancholic music) One last goodbye. Tsebe and her sisters surrender their freedom to save their family. A family fading into the dust of memory. (playful music) Mogolo's greying muzzle speaks of age and experience. As matriarch, she should lead her pack in search of today's water, but her old bones are tired. She longs to find a worthy successor, another strong female to take the reins. Her daughter Wame lives to follow in her footsteps, but she's young and yet to prove herself. Mogolo musters her strength as she has done so many times before. Right now nothing is more important than finding water. But young Wame is easily distracted and a terrible influence. The young just want to have fun. Mogolo is not amused. Wame's antics are wasting precious time. They must keep going. As the pack runs on their mouths run dry. In Mombo water is power, but someone has beaten them to it. The eternal enemy hyena. Wame and the young guns itch for a fight, but Mogolo has a cooler head. Intimidation is enough For now. Thanks to Mogolo, they win the waterhole without losing blood. It's an easy victory for Mogolo, but age is the battle she cannot win. If she's serious about her mother's crown, Motshidi should be hunting. But there's no hurrying charmed youth. Beginners luck, she catches a scent. Another leopard's leftovers, begging to be eaten. For Motshidi this is heaven. She savours every single mouthful well almost. Then experience says, go get it. But there's a killer on the roam, Motshidi. Unsure when she might eat again, Motshidi must decide stay safe in the tree or retrieve the lost morsel. (growls) Your decision Motshidi. Motshidi dances with death. This is a child's error. She escapes with one less life. (animal noises) But she can't escape humiliation. (hyenas sounds) A new sound rises. The hyena's runt, Khutlo Helpless. His anxious mother knows it. Not just a runt, a male runt in a world where females rule. Only a mother's blind love protects him. But soon he'll join the other young warriors. Welcome Khutlo to the playground from hell. As the dry season tightens its grip, the kingdom will wish this demonic tribe never existed. For this is where young bandits train, to exploit other's suffering. Where soldiers learn to fight tooth and claw. And where Khutlo chances of survival are as small and pathetic as he is. The water is theirs, but a leader's work is never done. Now the dogs need meat. Young Wame is hungry for action, but she has never led a hunt. Yet again, the aging Mologo must lead the charge. All she needs is a target. Mologo's experience delivers again. The dogs mark their territory with blood. But the smell of death attracts unsavoury visitors. The spawn of the devil, coming for the waterhole, the banquet. Coming for Mologo's head. (hyenas sound) Mologo's has only seconds to react, to assess the enemy and to counter-attack. The pack corners a commander. But the laughing devils are everywhere. An unstoppable force, with an insatiable greed. The dogs refuse to surrender and win back some of their kill. Chaos reigns as Mologo loses control of her pack. The hyena win the battle and today's waterhole. Mologo can only watch as the enemy tears her authority to shreds. Once she led this pack to victory, now she leads them to defeat. Thanks to Tsebe her family is finally safe. Unlike Tsebe herself. All three brothers are here, each with a boundless lust for heirs and empire. A lust that Tsebe and her sister must satisfy if they are to survive. And yet despite the threat, the sisters hold back. If they mate it will be on their terms. Tsebe knows she's flirting with death, but she needs a guarantee the brothers are worthy. The sisters want only the strongest to father their cubs, would-be kings, not hot-headed wannabes. But their delaying tactics are stirring up trouble. Three males and two females, something's gotta give. As the sisters toy with the tyrant's affections, jealously consumes them. Brother turns against brother. Lust once united the brothers now lust divides them. Tsebe is playing with fire. The more she tests the brothers, the more dangerous they become. How much longer can the sisters hold out? Khutlo's sister is stronger than he is. Female hyenas always are. Khutlo does his best to keep up. His mother tries to mould a warrior from a runt. But it's Khutlo sister who is bulking up, while Khutlo slips away. In a world where weakness is despised Khutlo's feebleness makes him a curiosity and an easy target. His mother defends him from the bullies. But he heads straight into trouble again. A mother can only take so much. She puts the tormentors in their place. If Khutlo is to survive his infancy, he must learn to fight back. You have no idea what is in store for you, little Khutlo. The pack licks its wounds. After losing to the hyena, Mologo stands alone. Her leadership on a knife edge. Wame on the other hand, spots an opportunity. A chance to prove herself. Allowing her aging mother to rest, Wame rallies the pack. Success could bring her the crown. (fast music) Wame's first attempt at leadership, a failure. Mologo days are numbered, but she's still the pack's best hope. Can she reassure the pack she still has it? Wame has much to learn as her mother attracts the alpha male and enjoys a leader's privilege. Mologo knows she must lead until Wame is ready. Her daughter is not her enemy, but time is. Motshidi scans the world she needs to conquer. A young impala would be the easiest target, but Motshidi wants more. This ram is twice her size. A trophy worthy of a queen for all to see. Hold on, Motshidi Finish it! Success at last. Lucky beginner or natural born killer, it makes no difference. Motshidi is finally earning her place and respect. The forest may soon be yours. (bird shrieks) Sekekama battles for his family's future. Zalika raises a murderous, young army against violent rivals. (squeaking) The innocent will have to fight for their share of the kingdom. (crunch) And there will be no mercy. (low growling) Tensions in the Marsh Pride are beginning to boil. (snarling) The shimmering heat takes its toll. Sekekama has a decision to make. His oldest son, Tsekedi, should have been expelled by now. (cub screeching) But the king has allowed him to stay. (roar) Now Tsekedi lusts for power and speaks out of turn. Challenging rule and ruler. (roaring) Deliberate contempt. Give an inch, and they'll take it all. On your knees. You are all my subjects. Teemana and Molao have heard it all before. Steer clear of the king. But everything they need is on his marsh. Sekekama may rule. But the Pale Pack needs their share. And they will fight for it. They may be only five. But Molao and his brother are exceptional hunters. Molao leads this heist. A tactical strike, deep into enemy territory. Stay low, eyes open, ears back. (zebra braying) (lion roaring) The Marsh Pride does not take prisoners, and the Pale Pack can't afford to lose a single member. (grunt) Teemana barely has enough soldiers as it is. (grunting) (chirping) (squealing) No point running. We can go on forever. (barking) (warthog wailing) Attack formation. Hit him from all sides. (growling and grunting) (dogs squeaking) But be quick with it; there's no time to kill. Eat him alive. His suffering is over. They must hurry; news travels fast in the great marsh. Rivals are watching. Where there's one, there will be more. The marsh's last water hole is becoming a sanctuary. Zalika, queen of the Shadow Army, covets this water. (hyenas yipping) Control it, and she could rule the world. But she's not alone. (yipping) Molao. They have a painful history. (growling and snarling) The Pale Pack killed Zalika's daughter. This will not happen again. Molao and his brother are forced to retreat. But Zalika's victory is short-lived. The Marsh Pride is here. (grumbling) We do not tolerate vermin. (whooping) Zalika has no choice but to leave. The Marsh Pride has her outnumbered and outgunned. (elephant grumbling) (panting) The cracks are starting to show. (elephant trumpets) Trouble is brewing. Zalika is not the only one with a grudge against the king. If the Marsh Pride lowers its guard, she will be ready. Her rebel army grows in the shadows. Future foot soldiers, built to conquer the great marsh. Born with teeth, they fight from day one. Zalika's den is no nursery. This is a training camp. To take the marsh, they must face their greatest fears head-on. (trumpeting) One monster at a time. While her child soldiers train, Zalika gathers intelligence. To fuel their growing army, the sisters roam in search of the dead and the dying... for the wounded... and the weak. (warthogs grunting) (howling) Under the cloak of darkness, they feast on the fallen. (bellowing) But no secret stays hidden for long. The stench of death carries. Molao and his brother have arrived with the whole clan. (heartbeat) A specter at the feast. Molao's brother leads the attack. (squawking) There are too many teeth to risk a fight. She will be back. Next time, with reinforcements. (flies buzzing) Hurry, get your fill. And clear out. Back through enemy territory. Back to the den. To the insatiable hunger of their bloodthirsty young. Renegades in training. Behold, the future of the Pale Pack. know it's dangerous to remain in one place. The family can't stay here much longer. Zalika's spy. Do not let her escape untouched. Teach her a lesson. Run for your life. And tell Zalika to stay away. (whimpering) But somewhere in the clash, Molao's brother is wounded. Their bravest hunter is out of commission. Without his brother, Molao knows they're in serious trouble. (purring) Sekekama's fortune shrinks by the day. As the marsh dries out, the herds head north in search of food. The Marsh Pride must seize what's left before it's gone. Everyone must do their part. (wildebeest lowing) Matsumi and her sisters are the real talent. (growl) (wildebeest bellowing) Eager to kill, Tsekedi and his brothers rush in before the king. Their disrespect knows no bounds. (wildebeest groaning) How many times must you be told? Wait your turn. The victim seizes on the chaos. You will pay for this. Hunting is hard enough. Hunting the same victim twice is wasted energy. (groaning) Sekekama allowed his sons to stay, and this is how they repay him. Their lack of discipline nearly cost the pride everything. The king is not amused. Especially with Tsekedi, the ringleader. His oldest son will pay the penalty for disrespect. No supper for you. Left to wallow in resentment, a hungry lion is an angry lion. Sekekama's iron rule is all that's keeping these cubs alive. He knows how dangerous Tsekedi is. But his world is crumbling fast. And like it or not, they are strongest together. The Marsh Pride's wealth is vanishing as the exodus continues. (birds squawking) The pride looks for leadership. Sekekama weighs up what's left in his kingdom. (birds chirping) Best stay out of his way. He's in no mood for competition. (whoop) Zalika builds her secret army in the midst of hell. They're growing strong. Vicious. But the older they get, the harder it is to keep them secret. And Sekekama is on the warpath. Zalika returns from the night shift, to find her den as silent as the grave. (sniffing) The message is clear. Sekekama shows no mercy. Curse the tyrant. (bark) (whining) There is no time to mourn. Zalika loses one of her own. It's the price of building an army. (wings purring) Molao and Teemana don't have that luxury. (squeaking and yipping) They need every single member of the pack. With Molao's brother wounded, there are not enough soldiers to survive. The pups are still young, but they must learn to kill... now. Quiet down. This is not a game. Molao zeros in on a victim. But his cover is blown. (warthog grunting) The pups have not yet learned stealth. This could be a youthful lesson. (fly buzzing) Split up. Circle the target. (snort) (braying) But teeth and hooves can maim and shatter. At the first sign of danger... the pups run for cover. Too young for duty. Fighting each other is more fun. But games won't fill empty bellies. Tsekedi and his brothers know where they stand with their father, so they curry favor with their mothers. The real power behind the throne. Wise Matsumi plays politics well. Balancing loyalty to her sons and duty to her king. She's not immune to Tsekedi's flattery. But if he were ever to rule, he would kill her cubs. Sekekama knows what this means. He's seen it all before... when he became king. That must not happen. Some lines you cross only once. No more warnings. This is war. Sekekama's raw power reminds the queens which sides they are on. But Tsekedi is his son. It's more than just a slap in the face. Tsekedi's blow sends shock waves. If the king can be hurt, he can be overthrown. Nothing will ever be the same again. The Pale Pack faces its own turmoil. They've not eaten in days. They must kill soon. With Molao's brother still out of action, it's now up to the pups. (warbling) Finally, they're beginning to show promise. Close. But close doesn't eat. Now the whole marsh is on alert. Despite their failure, Molao sees a glimmer of hope. They will be hunters and lead the Pale Pack. Just not today. Zalika has spies everywhere. Watching her enemies' mistakes. (distant zebra braying) In the aftermath of the failed coup, Tsekedi lies low. He landed a lucky blow, but he took a beating. And he knows right now Sekekama could destroy him. Tsekedi persuades his brothers-- it's time we left. No one tries to stop them. Farewell, young princes. His three treacherous sons intend to prove they have what it takes. What they lack in experience, they make up for with arrogance. (buffalo lowing) Tsekedi leads with ignorance. Only fools would rush in. This is no victim. This is a lion killer. With gut-piercing horns and a temper to match. Run and hide, little boys. You're nobody on your own. (vultures squawking) Zalika's army is coming of age. They thrive on chaos... and finally have the numbers. Time to test their newfound power... on an assassin. They've been beaten to this feast. Alone, Zalika is no match. But her new shadow army could devastate this loner. Be afraid. They are fearless... and rising fast. Teemana leads her hungry family back to the den. But something is wrong. There's a sweet smell of blood in the air. There, in the trees. The trophy of an assassin, a dog killer. There's no choice now. Molao knows they must leave. Their hideout has been compromised. Molao's injured brother must keep up. Forced from their home before they're ready, the pups have to adapt quickly to life on the run. Scavenge whatever you can. You will need your strength. It is the worst of times. The once-great marsh is dust and bone. Sekekama's sons have gone, but he still has mouths to feed. His river is dry. The animals have left. Only hunger remains. His queens still have faith in their king. But for how long? They have company. The two younger princes are back. To beg forgiveness. Tsekedi could not lead them after all. In their wake, tail between his legs, the prodigal son returns. (cub mews) Humiliated. Sekekama now has a choice: forgive his son, or punish him as a traitor... and exile Tsekedi for good. His majesty chooses mercy. Sekekama knows the risk. (mew) But is willing to gamble for the reward. He needs their unified strength. They don't know it yet, but Sekekama is on the brink of an audacious decision. There is not enough food here. He has no choice but to abandon his beloved marsh. His loyal pride follows into the unknown. Ruling only where they stand, they leave their home behind. Finally, the tyrants have gone. Zalika's been waiting for this moment. A new era can begin. She moves unchallenged into a once-forbidden land. Even the precious water hole is now hers. (elephant roars) Fresh with a new-fallen giant. This windfall is her Shadow Army's gruesome reward. Zalika's reward is the kingdom. She has finally done it. She is absolute ruler of the marsh. All hail the queen. The northern queens seek vengeance. But their enemies are already at the gate. The pack of 20 will not back down. Intruders turn their Eden into dust. Sekekama invades foreign lands... as fractures grow within his own family. All will fight. But only one will rule. (wind whistling) Sekekama gambles everything on a hunch. The drought destroyed their marsh. Now he leads his family into unknown, hostile territory. His queen, Matsumi, trusts him. (snorting) But he'd better be right. His crown and their lives are at stake. This is nothing like home. Not so easy here. Each miss undermines Sekekama's authority. His oldest son, Tsekedi, is just waiting for him to fail. Mistakes can kill. But Sekekama believes he's on the right track. Keep moving. There's no turning back now. holds the last remaining waterhole in the north. They've been here for generations. They know this land. Something's not right. Quick, get the pups to safety. The King is here. His queens advance. Everyone else can leave. Sekekama's gamble pays off. He delivers an oasis. Even his harshest critics drink to their father's success. (distant roaring) Abandoned queen of the North, Satau, knows that call. Bloody tyrant. Sekekama exiled her and her sisters to this wasteland... to raise their seven cubs in poverty. Satau still craves revenge. But her young pride is not ready for war. Not yet. Sekekama would destroy them. (lowing) The King makes himself at home. He knows food is drawn to water... like moths to a flame. His loyal queens maneuver a victim... right into their trap. (growling and shrieking) This is Sekekama's prize. No one dares question. But his oldest son is conflicted. Tsekedi is hungry for power. But drought is no time to revolt. There are other heavyweights in this strange new kingdom. Play the good son and lead the cubs to safety. This should win you favor with Father. Letting his rebellious son stay is a risk. But Sekekama can use a good lieutenant to weather these troubling times. won't be bested by bullies. This is their land. Cunning... confident. They form a ring of terror around the waterhole. And have their pick of prey. Strategy and numbers ensure their success. Every frenzied kill is a theft from Sekekama. The pack of 20 will stay here and take all they can... until they win back their waterhole. Sekekama is going nowhere. His queens lie in wait for their next victim. Tsekedi grows impatient. He's ambitious. A chip off the old block. Life on the fringe can be unpredictable. What is this? Battle-scarred and unafraid. That wants to share our oasis? The cubs have never seen anything like it. Even Sekekama yields. He never shows fear. Is this a chink in his armor? Is the old man getting soft? Refugees once again, the Northern Pride lies low. Satau has come too far to give up now. Burning with revenge, she goes it alone... straight towards her enemy's lair. (buffalo grunting) The buffalo don't yet know the respect due to their new sovereigns. They'll learn. They have no idea how delicious they look. Time to earn your keep, son. Nice try. Now watch how it's done. Father and son claim victory together. A volatile alliance. But one that could save them all. (crickets chirping) The Marsh Pride is bloated by their success... off-guard and vulnerable... unaware of the cold-blooded killer lurking in the shadows. Satau hopes to find the King in trouble. An opportunity to settle the score. Oh, how wrong could she be. (hyena whooping) This is suicide. All alone with her mortal enemies. She's at Sekekama's mercy. Grovel, and he may let you live. Satau's mission is a humiliating failure. Sekekama's gloating will ring in her ears forever. The Marsh Pride's success fuels Tsekedi's confidence. He learns from a King himself. The rush of power at his father's side is addictive. Some day Sekekama will fall. And Tsekedi will be there to take his place. Patience. (jackal howling) Dominance has a downside. Now only the brave or the foolish dare to come close. The queens keep vigilant watch. Even petty thieves are dealt with. The Marsh Pride's murderous spree is turning this land into their own death-trap. (bird squawking) (wind howling) Food no longer comes to them. The feast is over. But Sekekama's young cubs' demands do not stop. He has no choice but to search. And he needs the whole pride's help. There's not a heartbeat out here. Tsekedi sees no point to this. Insubordination will not be tolerated. How dare you? (roaring and growling) Pull your weight or leave my pride. Go, lick your wounds. The family's feud does not go unnoticed. The pack knows how to keep their cool, but other tempers flare in the brutal heat. (bird hooting) The scout returns to share the news. (chattering) The Marsh Pride is divided. This is their moment. (elephant roaring) Only a brooding and bruised Tsekedi guards their waterhole now. Time to move in and take back what's ours. But a wounded ego can be a dangerous thing. One sulking prince against a pack of 20. He could kill them. But where do you begin? Without back-up from Father... Tsekedi loses his nerve. The waterhole goes back to the dogs. They misjudged their adversary. He is not alone. (snarling and growling) Did you really think it was over? (bird calling) The Prince returns with the full force of the throne. (lion snarling) Gather your pups and get out of here. The pack is powerless. Underestimate a ruthless foe, and pay a terrible price. They've lost a brother, a son, and a priceless soldier. It's too dangerous to stay now. They have to leave for a life on the run. Once an Eden, this land is now just a graveyard. Only giants remain. What now, Sekekama? The aging king faces another terrible gamble. Follow the herds into hell... or stay and pray something turns up. Roll the dice one more time, old man. Tsekedi watches eagerly. If Father fails, he will be ready. (squawking and chirping) He looks to his brothers to forge a rebellion. Three on one could topple a weakened king. Sekekama decides they will stay. But only monsters come here now. He knows better than to take on this beast. It's not that old, but it's untouchable. Tsekedi sees opportunity. If Father won't do it, I shall be the hero. He's leading the family into a fight they cannot win. NARRATOR: This monster is far too dangerous. Tsekedi's awkward attempt to lead only reveals the limits of his ambition. (hippo grunting) Sekekama is no fool. He's seen him plotting with his brothers. There is a penalty for treachery. This is my pride. Remember who killed your older brother. The younger princes are quick to beg forgiveness and pledge their loyalty to the King. Without his brothers' support, Tsekedi has no chance. But Sekekama still allows the rebel to stay. He has need of him. Only together could they take down a giant. Just one. And that would feed the whole family. Normally untouchable, the drought has left them tired and weary... nervous... and vulnerable. The seed is sown. Wear them down. We will not relent... even if it takes all night. (thunder) Darkness only fuels their terror. (elephants roaring) This is where Sekekama excels. He has the will. Together they have the muscle. All they need is one mistake. Tonight is the night. (crying) The whole family will feast. Sekekama's victory is more than just a meal. It's a triumph. With Tsekedi by his side, he achieves the unthinkable... and delivers salvation. But now the job is done. His rebel son is redundant. The storms are coming. There's no room at the top for two. Tsekedi must go... for good. But Sekekama is unleashing a monster. A future monarch from his own royal stock. Tsekedi's blood pumps with the wisdom of a king... the power of a god. For Sekekama, the best is behind him. His son, however, is entering his prime. When Tsekedi returns from exile, no one, not even Sekekama, will be able to stop him.