|
National Geographic Eye of the Leopard
|
| 00:00:15 |
There is an extraordinary cat in this forest. |
| 00:00:19 |
The ultimate predator. |
| 00:00:21 |
A silent and often invisible killer. |
| 00:00:33 |
Every leopard has unique markings, |
| 00:00:36 |
has a small round spot to |
| 00:00:39 |
between the two solid whisker lines. |
| 00:00:42 |
This will always distinguish her from the others. |
| 00:00:48 |
This is the story of Legadema, |
| 00:00:51 |
a jewel of the forest, |
| 00:00:53 |
who reflects in the shine of her eyes |
| 00:00:58 |
running a gauntlet of death |
| 00:01:02 |
Her story through the |
| 00:01:23 |
This is her place, |
| 00:01:25 |
these flooded marsh lands of a place called Mombo |
| 00:01:32 |
It is Africa's garden of eden, |
| 00:01:34 |
with fertile floodplains filled |
| 00:01:38 |
It is the very best leopard |
| 00:01:41 |
and this is where Legadema must |
| 00:01:45 |
defend her space and disappear |
| 00:01:57 |
There is another leopard here, |
| 00:02:00 |
resting comfortably in the warm embrace |
| 00:02:04 |
Leopards have climbed this same tree for over |
| 00:02:10 |
But now, this leopard is queen here. |
| 00:02:18 |
And this is Legadema's mother, |
| 00:02:21 |
a strong willed leopardess that tolerates |
| 00:02:30 |
None that is, but this male. |
| 00:02:33 |
He asks no permission. |
| 00:02:35 |
He's the dominant leopard from |
| 00:02:38 |
a huge beast who prowls through her territory, |
| 00:02:51 |
He is a scar-faced survivor, |
| 00:02:54 |
hunter of at least 36 species in his range. |
| 00:02:58 |
Few are immune from his... |
| 00:03:01 |
...special talents. |
| 00:03:27 |
Variety is the key to his success. |
| 00:03:30 |
Specialist hunters die |
| 00:03:33 |
but leopards simply switch |
| 00:03:36 |
As a result, leopards stalk the forests from |
| 00:03:42 |
from coasts to mountain tops. |
| 00:03:44 |
The most prolific great cat on Earth. |
| 00:03:57 |
It all started for this |
| 00:04:00 |
three years ago to the day. |
| 00:04:31 |
It was a passionate and explosive affair |
| 00:04:34 |
with snarling exposed teeth |
| 00:04:38 |
When leopards mate, their intensity |
| 00:04:53 |
The couple shun food for a week |
| 00:05:08 |
And then quite suddenly, |
| 00:05:17 |
"Legadema" is the local setswana name for the |
| 00:05:23 |
It means |
| 00:05:31 |
3 months later, the new dominant male |
| 00:05:37 |
...became a father. |
| 00:05:40 |
Legadema was born. |
| 00:05:44 |
She first emerged into the sunlight |
| 00:05:47 |
senses alive, bristling with interest. |
| 00:05:51 |
Her eyes locked on something wonderful |
| 00:05:56 |
She ventured out... like an explorer. |
| 00:06:00 |
From that day on, |
| 00:06:08 |
Every leopard needs to learn quickly |
| 00:06:13 |
to master heights for hunting |
| 00:06:19 |
It takes time. |
| 00:06:25 |
And from the very beginning, a cub must draw |
| 00:06:30 |
to stalk, hunt and kill. |
| 00:06:33 |
For the survivors, it is hardwired. |
| 00:06:36 |
The first few days |
| 00:07:04 |
Legadema's first attack was a good start. |
| 00:07:07 |
Her intense focus on the kill - important, |
| 00:07:10 |
her inherited technique almost perfect, |
| 00:07:12 |
but she lacked something vital. |
| 00:07:24 |
She was still too innocent to understand |
| 00:07:35 |
Her mother knew them intimately. |
| 00:07:40 |
They have attacked before. |
| 00:07:42 |
Twice, they killed her cubs. |
| 00:07:44 |
Daily, they dog her every move, |
| 00:08:23 |
Each time she dropped her guard, |
| 00:08:27 |
Now, even though she was vicious in her defense, |
| 00:08:31 |
The den revealed. |
| 00:08:33 |
It would just be a matter of time |
| 00:08:37 |
All her hopes were now invested in this latest cub. |
| 00:09:06 |
A leopard's first instinct |
| 00:09:13 |
Invisibility is their best weapon |
| 00:09:17 |
So when the news of their den rippled |
| 00:09:20 |
the mother knew it was time to move on. |
| 00:09:27 |
It would be the first of many moves |
| 00:09:30 |
Each time, the cub would go into a typical "cat freeze", |
| 00:09:38 |
It was her earliest instinct. |
| 00:09:41 |
To feed them both, |
| 00:09:43 |
To hunt, she had to leave her cub vulnerable to the things |
| 00:09:51 |
Already little Legadema knew one voice in the |
| 00:09:56 |
her mother's secret message to her |
| 00:10:00 |
But she heard other calls as well. |
| 00:10:08 |
Nearby the den, there had been growls |
| 00:10:13 |
Some hapless leopard, |
| 00:10:16 |
had been caught out in the open, |
| 00:10:20 |
a fatal error in lion country. |
| 00:10:27 |
Fate had saved Legadema. |
| 00:10:30 |
The lions on a direct route to her den were distracted |
| 00:10:39 |
Each dawn was a desperate mission |
| 00:10:44 |
For a cat that prefers to live like a ghost, |
| 00:10:47 |
running a gauntlet of detection demands |
| 00:10:56 |
The local baboon troop |
| 00:11:00 |
Over the years, the troop has grown |
| 00:11:14 |
They know their local leopard |
| 00:11:16 |
and always keep a wary eye scanning |
| 00:11:30 |
So each and every return |
| 00:11:33 |
Each time that Legadema |
| 00:11:36 |
was a success that none of the other cubs |
| 00:11:41 |
Mother and daughter lived one day at a time. |
| 00:12:03 |
Impala antelope are the |
| 00:12:07 |
They gather in herds of hundreds, |
| 00:12:11 |
they separate quietly |
| 00:12:15 |
to give birth. |
| 00:12:20 |
This glorious fragility |
| 00:12:24 |
and under the constant gaze of over |
| 00:12:28 |
few predators can sneak in undetected. |
| 00:12:32 |
Impala rely on this added help |
| 00:12:48 |
Suddenly, all the rules of the bush |
| 00:13:05 |
Baboons are mostly vegetarian, |
| 00:13:07 |
adding a few insects or possibly birds |
| 00:13:10 |
but when the alpha male charged in, |
| 00:13:15 |
it was a reminder that |
| 00:13:28 |
She couldn't resist. |
| 00:13:41 |
The smell of blood, |
| 00:13:44 |
She was programmed to respond. |
| 00:13:50 |
She left her cub |
| 00:13:56 |
But the kill put everyone on high alert. |
| 00:13:59 |
She had a cub in a new den, |
| 00:14:01 |
exposed in a forest running wild |
| 00:14:05 |
and a quick choice to make. |
| 00:14:07 |
Return to defend her cub, |
| 00:14:12 |
Her return, |
| 00:14:13 |
led them straight back to the den! |
| 00:14:27 |
If lions are her enemies, |
| 00:14:31 |
it is the baboons |
| 00:15:27 |
The fortress of branches |
| 00:15:30 |
despite the baboons |
| 00:15:36 |
They survived this attack, |
| 00:15:38 |
but for the young impressionable cub, |
| 00:15:40 |
the rules of engagement |
| 00:15:43 |
Baboons would be |
| 00:15:47 |
A hasty retreat up a tree |
| 00:15:49 |
baboons can go anywhere leopards can, |
| 00:15:53 |
It is war between them, |
| 00:15:54 |
a battle that the marauding baboons |
| 00:16:12 |
Each experience makes up who she is, |
| 00:16:15 |
and arms her for the future. |
| 00:16:18 |
For the time being, |
| 00:16:22 |
as the tension dissipated, |
| 00:16:27 |
Legadema safe in the soft folds |
| 00:16:39 |
But it was only a temporary respite. |
| 00:16:42 |
Now that the baboons had found them, |
| 00:16:46 |
just to make sure. |
| 00:16:49 |
The second den was no longer safe. |
| 00:16:51 |
It was time to move on again. |
| 00:16:55 |
That was nearly three years ago. |
| 00:16:58 |
And yet, |
| 00:17:00 |
as Legadema looks out across the forest, |
| 00:17:02 |
the distant bark of a baboon |
| 00:17:09 |
Somewhere across the forest, |
| 00:17:27 |
Legadema is aware of every movement. |
| 00:17:44 |
Something is wrong. |
| 00:18:10 |
Leopards usually live |
| 00:18:14 |
Her rasping calls at midday |
| 00:18:23 |
Even with so much distance between them, |
| 00:18:25 |
Legadema recognizes the call, |
| 00:18:28 |
a sound that from her birth signified |
| 00:18:35 |
Today it is still a magnet for her. |
| 00:18:39 |
She must respond. |
| 00:18:45 |
There is a certain... |
| 00:18:49 |
Approach carefully and discretely, |
| 00:18:52 |
even if you are a friend... |
| 00:18:54 |
...or you will be treated like an enemy. |
| 00:19:01 |
So Legadema bides her time, |
| 00:19:04 |
careful not to give herself |
| 00:19:07 |
but slowly heading north |
| 00:19:11 |
towards a meeting |
| 00:19:21 |
Legadema's delicate maneuvering towards |
| 00:19:27 |
She learned how to be alone |
| 00:19:39 |
When she was three months old, |
| 00:19:40 |
Legadema was already on her own |
| 00:19:44 |
It was a huge risk. |
| 00:19:46 |
At that age, cubs are desperate to see the world, |
| 00:19:50 |
The slightest movement nearby of anything even |
| 00:20:10 |
Some prey are not very accommodating. |
| 00:20:13 |
Monitor lizards are quick and dangerous, |
| 00:20:16 |
and her instincts told her to get around |
| 00:20:20 |
but when some thorns got behind her, |
| 00:20:23 |
her confidence was destroyed. |
| 00:20:35 |
As Legadema wandered off further and further |
| 00:20:39 |
she went deeper into the unknown, |
| 00:20:43 |
but exposing herself to dangers |
| 00:21:10 |
Her mother had lost two cubs |
| 00:21:13 |
lost in an impossible maze |
| 00:21:17 |
or snatched up by some passing opportunist. |
| 00:21:20 |
But this time alone, established the style |
| 00:21:25 |
She was learning to be independent. |
| 00:21:37 |
The calls from her |
| 00:21:40 |
but Legadema can "feel" her presence. |
| 00:21:43 |
A distant monkey alarm pinpoints her, |
| 00:21:48 |
A sudden silence, |
| 00:21:52 |
She turns north to intercept her. |
| 00:22:00 |
When she hears the alarm nearby, |
| 00:22:04 |
The forest seems to |
| 00:22:07 |
and Legadema is as curious as any |
| 00:22:15 |
Monkeys litter the forest. |
| 00:22:17 |
Because of the ideal |
| 00:22:20 |
each troop can virtually see |
| 00:22:23 |
Fights break out, |
| 00:22:25 |
and Legadema leaves off going to meet |
| 00:22:34 |
It's worth the distraction. |
| 00:22:35 |
Monkeys have always held |
| 00:22:43 |
Her intense interest in monkeys started when she |
| 00:22:55 |
To catch a monkey is nearly impossible. |
| 00:22:57 |
It is a mind game, a careful calculation of |
| 00:23:10 |
As a young impressionable cub, |
| 00:23:13 |
Legadema watched every move |
| 00:23:18 |
What makes it such a challenge, |
| 00:23:20 |
is that these agile little apes |
| 00:23:23 |
cleverly understanding that |
| 00:23:27 |
but cannot support a leopard. |
| 00:23:33 |
Leopard know their limitations. |
| 00:23:40 |
The cub's keen eyes and pliable mind had watched |
| 00:23:50 |
With pawns that can leap from tree to tree |
| 00:23:55 |
and a queen wrestling with her next move. |
| 00:24:21 |
It was here, at this moment, |
| 00:24:24 |
She was watching this queen |
| 00:24:28 |
The key to monkey hunting |
| 00:24:32 |
keep them beneath you and |
| 00:24:35 |
and to hunt... down! |
| 00:24:41 |
From that moment on, she knew it too. |
| 00:24:44 |
Command the high tree tops, |
| 00:25:47 |
Leopards have an uncanny ability |
| 00:25:52 |
and mentally plan each foothold |
| 00:25:56 |
with a near vertical incline, |
| 00:26:07 |
Legadema's kill is a good one, |
| 00:26:11 |
It will throw the troop into disarray for weeks, |
| 00:26:15 |
But even though her meal may last a day or two, |
| 00:26:24 |
This knowledge of how to kill and how to survive, |
| 00:26:29 |
is a legacy keeping their bloodline alive |
| 00:26:35 |
Legadema is the only surviving cub |
| 00:26:40 |
chosen by fate, |
| 00:27:02 |
On her father's side, |
| 00:27:04 |
the Burnt Ebony male adds his own strong hunting |
| 00:27:15 |
His bigger body weight allows for a wider range |
| 00:27:20 |
but his greatest skill is his ability to clinically |
| 00:27:29 |
The result is often surprising. |
| 00:27:35 |
When the buffalo stream in from the swamp, |
| 00:27:37 |
Burnt Ebony doesn't move away, |
| 00:27:43 |
For a leopard to hunt buffalo |
| 00:27:45 |
they're too larger, |
| 00:27:50 |
But he knows what he is doing. |
| 00:28:01 |
In this part of the world, |
| 00:28:04 |
is a flag, fluttering its signal |
| 00:28:15 |
Burnt Ebony doesn't care. |
| 00:28:18 |
And he holds his course. |
| 00:28:44 |
Usually leopards bolt |
| 00:28:47 |
but when he strolls on with little more |
| 00:28:52 |
his confidence unnerves the lions. |
| 00:28:55 |
Besides, for them the air is filled |
| 00:29:32 |
His eyes miss nothing. |
| 00:29:38 |
His ears scan for the faintest clue. |
| 00:29:41 |
The stage is set. |
| 00:29:43 |
Impossible prey, the area's largest predators, |
| 00:29:49 |
This is exactly what Burnt Ebony |
| 00:29:54 |
But, he had better be aware. |
| 00:29:58 |
The hallmark of a leopard |
| 00:29:59 |
is his sharp mind and instincts, |
| 00:30:52 |
His signature is this death grip, |
| 00:30:58 |
This way he can kill right under |
| 00:31:02 |
and within a herd of buffalo, |
| 00:31:07 |
But most of all, |
| 00:31:22 |
The slightest smell of blood on the air |
| 00:31:29 |
But leopards can hoist twice their own |
| 00:31:35 |
so the baby buffalo takes little effort. |
| 00:31:47 |
But retreat is not an option |
| 00:31:50 |
He is always ready to turn and confront |
| 00:32:07 |
It's sometimes hard for us to appreciate |
| 00:32:09 |
that in this melee of strange looking animals |
| 00:32:14 |
many of these creatures actually |
| 00:32:17 |
The hyenas can tell him apart |
| 00:32:30 |
Legadema has inherited some |
| 00:32:35 |
but the hyenas and lions here |
| 00:32:40 |
It's a lesson she learned early on in life. |
| 00:32:57 |
She was a six month old cub then. |
| 00:32:59 |
Mother and daughter were spending |
| 00:33:02 |
They were comfortable, |
| 00:33:05 |
as they spent hours playing |
| 00:33:10 |
Legadema was becoming more of a companion |
| 00:33:24 |
On this day she was being shown the boundaries |
| 00:33:30 |
It was her first wet season. |
| 00:33:32 |
Butterflies and flowers |
| 00:33:36 |
luring her off into the forest, |
| 00:33:51 |
Distraction like this, can mean the |
| 00:33:56 |
in a place bristling with other predators. |
| 00:34:37 |
Fortunately for leopards, |
| 00:34:50 |
Suddenly, there were lions everywhere, |
| 00:34:53 |
young energetic lions that |
| 00:34:56 |
They are always keen to drag |
| 00:35:01 |
It is a dark competitive instinct |
| 00:35:04 |
and that day they had a |
| 00:35:08 |
But Legadema has an advantage |
| 00:35:12 |
Unlike lions, leopards have a |
| 00:35:17 |
When lions climb, their ankles slide sideways |
| 00:35:24 |
Even turning around is difficult, and they often |
| 00:35:31 |
Caught in a tree with lions |
| 00:35:34 |
Legadema's mother had |
| 00:35:37 |
if the growls and hisses in the distance |
| 00:35:44 |
To survive, she should stay |
| 00:35:47 |
But as a mother, |
| 00:36:17 |
Legadema's mother decided |
| 00:36:25 |
Too much excitement for one day, |
| 00:36:35 |
Legadema's alert awareness |
| 00:36:44 |
Together at last, |
| 00:36:47 |
mother and daughter |
| 00:36:50 |
that staring danger |
| 00:37:41 |
The two relieved cats |
| 00:37:45 |
even more connected by |
| 00:37:49 |
flying through the trees |
| 00:37:53 |
suspended in a world of their own, |
| 00:37:57 |
way above the dangers that lions |
| 00:38:25 |
Lions or no lions, |
| 00:38:31 |
A time to share each other's elation |
| 00:38:35 |
in a way that only mothers |
| 00:38:44 |
Each day, Legadema was adding |
| 00:38:49 |
emotions that would |
| 00:38:57 |
Today, this young female with a |
| 00:39:08 |
Those early games have taught her |
| 00:39:10 |
how to slip up and down trees in a blur of |
| 00:39:20 |
In a place like Mombo, any leopard runs the risk |
| 00:39:25 |
The predator scent that surrounds her |
| 00:40:05 |
Almost everything chases a cat here, |
| 00:40:28 |
A cat that can't find that hollowed out log to retreat to |
| 00:41:02 |
But this is her world. |
| 00:41:04 |
It is her place of comfort, |
| 00:41:05 |
in trees she has run up a hundred times, |
| 00:41:15 |
Her beautifully patterned fur |
| 00:41:19 |
but one creature in the treetops |
| 00:41:29 |
It is a constant irritation. |
| 00:41:32 |
When her eyes stray to squirrels, |
| 00:41:35 |
they know the trouble is coming their way. |
| 00:41:39 |
From her earliest days, |
| 00:41:40 |
Legadema's destiny would be intertwined with these |
| 00:41:47 |
Deep within her soul lurked a lethal killer, |
| 00:41:52 |
she couldn't quite get |
| 00:42:02 |
The mind was willing, |
| 00:42:07 |
Within her though, the quiet seeds of a supreme |
| 00:42:24 |
They taunted her for months with a |
| 00:42:28 |
and she had had enough. |
| 00:42:39 |
Their time had come! |
| 00:42:43 |
She was focused and ready. |
| 00:43:11 |
At three months old, she was agile enough, |
| 00:43:15 |
and ready to take her small fight |
| 00:44:20 |
Squirrel hunting is a bit like |
| 00:44:24 |
It's like unlocking a series |
| 00:44:27 |
a game of aerial hide and seek. |
| 00:44:33 |
Every nerve in her body danced |
| 00:44:37 |
alive at that moment of death, hungry for |
| 00:44:53 |
But at three months old, |
| 00:44:58 |
She had the heart of a hunter... |
| 00:45:01 |
but not the balance yet. |
| 00:45:09 |
She had the eye of a leopard, |
| 00:45:11 |
but not the best appreciation of |
| 00:45:16 |
She'd have to wait a while longer |
| 00:45:19 |
The chase had inflamed her passion |
| 00:45:24 |
Things were about to change. |
| 00:45:33 |
Today, Legadema is the most deadly |
| 00:45:43 |
For her, this was never merely |
| 00:45:47 |
Her fascination with squirrels has gone way beyond |
| 00:45:54 |
It is a battle of wills |
| 00:45:59 |
These tiny african squirrels have been fleeing |
| 00:46:04 |
They have almost become |
| 00:46:08 |
She has figured out how to hunt them down and |
| 00:46:13 |
Legadema relishes each morsel she catches. |
| 00:46:32 |
In the past three years, she must have reduced |
| 00:46:40 |
It is a passion for this leopard. |
| 00:47:07 |
It is an intoxicating reward. |
| 00:47:11 |
But with each kill, |
| 00:47:24 |
She hates being seen. |
| 00:47:26 |
All leopards do. |
| 00:47:29 |
When one animal sets off |
| 00:47:32 |
it ripples through the forest, |
| 00:47:35 |
And yet, it is a rare moment to glimpse a ghost |
| 00:47:47 |
Some, like the impala here, |
| 00:47:51 |
They sometimes follow, just to keep |
| 00:47:55 |
A leopard you can see, |
| 00:48:01 |
Their snorting calls add another layer |
| 00:48:04 |
to the complex network of information |
| 00:48:09 |
Legadema has found |
| 00:48:11 |
a scents that, |
| 00:48:14 |
she knows belongs to her mother. |
| 00:48:17 |
She came this way recently. |
| 00:48:19 |
But as Legadema inhales, |
| 00:48:23 |
She senses something new |
| 00:48:26 |
And a change she may not like. |
| 00:48:45 |
It is piglet season again! |
| 00:48:47 |
She'll interrupt anything for this. |
| 00:49:00 |
Two years ago, |
| 00:49:01 |
she was introduced to the delights of the pig season |
| 00:49:37 |
A leopard, her mother's size, |
| 00:49:41 |
They're aggressive and solidly built. |
| 00:49:44 |
The deep holes in the sand are where |
| 00:49:47 |
It's not as easy as it looks. |
| 00:49:49 |
If the mothers return, |
| 00:49:53 |
very vulnerable position! |
| 00:50:12 |
Her mother was expert at |
| 00:50:14 |
The strange and unfamiliar meat needed |
| 00:50:19 |
But this harvesting of warthogs, |
| 00:50:21 |
registered in her young mind as a very easy way |
| 00:50:29 |
And one by one, |
| 00:50:38 |
Legadema would have to wait nearly three years |
| 00:51:06 |
She is too eager. |
| 00:51:07 |
The old sow is too quick. |
| 00:51:15 |
Mistakes may be one way to learn, |
| 00:51:26 |
The furtive dash, for the safety of a den, |
| 00:51:33 |
Now she is back in the game. |
| 00:51:35 |
In a realm she remembers, |
| 00:51:38 |
But with the big pigs around, |
| 00:51:40 |
who knows for sure, |
| 00:52:03 |
Legadema now has a piglet |
| 00:52:07 |
She knows it. |
| 00:52:08 |
He knows it. |
| 00:52:09 |
Now, it's just a matter of time. |
| 00:52:12 |
And she adds her own variation |
| 00:52:16 |
"In time, somebody's nerve will break." |
| 00:52:38 |
It is her first warthog kill. |
| 00:52:39 |
A real hunt, |
| 00:52:40 |
not just the deep hole collecting that her |
| 00:52:47 |
The sows are back. |
| 00:52:49 |
She swiftly uses that internal |
| 00:53:00 |
And behind her, |
| 00:53:01 |
she has left enough chaos to open a chance |
| 00:53:12 |
Technically, this is her piglet as well, |
| 00:53:14 |
but Legadema has to simply watch the |
| 00:53:20 |
Warthogs often mount brave |
| 00:53:23 |
but the jackal's kill today |
| 00:53:36 |
Their interest may be |
| 00:53:39 |
Warthogs do eat meat sometimes, |
| 00:53:46 |
Eventually, tension eases, |
| 00:53:51 |
It's been another "first" for Legadema on her |
| 00:54:00 |
More and more she is gaining |
| 00:54:03 |
perhaps even learning skills |
| 00:54:09 |
And in a moment of elation, |
| 00:54:14 |
the reaction of a young predator still suspended |
| 00:55:03 |
That distinctive spot of hers has blood on it. |
| 00:55:06 |
And as always, |
| 00:55:11 |
All it takes is a glance. |
| 00:55:13 |
A perfect vertical ascent. |
| 00:55:24 |
There are seldom private |
| 00:55:27 |
Hyenas follow her around all the time, |
| 00:55:37 |
The swirling pre-storm breeze, carrying the |
| 00:55:46 |
The violent tropical rains, so typical of this season, |
| 00:55:57 |
The renewed forest will be like |
| 00:56:02 |
It will also wipe clean |
| 00:56:05 |
And Legadema will have to |
| 00:56:33 |
If the rain persists, |
| 00:56:37 |
If she can't hunt, she doesn't |
| 00:56:43 |
In bad weather, |
| 00:56:45 |
no warm kin to shelter with |
| 00:56:49 |
For leopards, the stakes are always high. |
| 00:57:14 |
But Legadema is not alone. |
| 00:57:19 |
Another leopard! |
| 00:57:21 |
Right in the heart of her territory. |
| 00:57:27 |
She has moved in under the cover of rain. |
| 00:57:35 |
Once again, Legadema transforms. |
| 00:57:37 |
She bristles with indignation, |
| 00:57:40 |
This will be the fight of her life. |
| 00:57:54 |
In her territory Legadema has |
| 00:57:58 |
but she is small. |
| 00:58:03 |
She must use every advantage against |
| 00:58:07 |
She needs to make |
| 00:58:21 |
The intruder's attack is confident and |
| 00:58:26 |
Unfortunately, it is a case |
| 00:58:29 |
This is no intruder, |
| 00:58:35 |
She has just challenged her own mother! |
| 00:58:37 |
And has taken a beating as a result. |
| 00:58:58 |
Her mother's rage is obvious, |
| 00:58:59 |
even to the hyenas that are shadowing |
| 00:59:08 |
It is a rage born from |
| 00:59:16 |
Legadema's error of judgment |
| 00:59:19 |
but this conflict has been |
| 00:59:23 |
Two females sharing a territory |
| 00:59:29 |
They are now locked in a terrible |
| 00:59:49 |
If Legadema is to be allowed |
| 00:59:52 |
she will have to be very careful |
| 00:59:55 |
or the violence between them |
| 01:00:00 |
But how could the bond between |
| 01:00:06 |
It all started a year and a half ago. |
| 01:00:10 |
Legadema was not yet two years old. |
| 01:00:13 |
She was feeling more confident each day, |
| 01:00:15 |
surviving quite well on squirrels |
| 01:00:20 |
But she was still totally dependent |
| 01:00:34 |
Nearly two years after the traumatic |
| 01:00:37 |
she was well aware of the dangers |
| 01:00:48 |
She'd had to retreat just too often. |
| 01:01:06 |
The distant calls of a baboons |
| 01:01:09 |
an instant reaction to run and hide. |
| 01:01:11 |
While the baboon troop was secure in its success |
| 01:01:19 |
The brew of hormones and well |
| 01:01:23 |
and forced her forward. |
| 01:01:25 |
Although they told her to run, |
| 01:01:27 |
something else urged her to go closer |
| 01:01:35 |
The alpha male is always the biggest threat. |
| 01:01:39 |
His forward-looking eyes |
| 01:01:43 |
Apes have evolved stereoscopic vision, |
| 01:01:46 |
to be able to accurately judge distance |
| 01:01:50 |
but this also makes them better at |
| 01:02:00 |
They're intelligent enough to piece together an |
| 01:02:06 |
The shape of an ear is enough for them to assemble |
| 01:02:12 |
And bring the alpha male closer to his ambition, |
| 01:02:51 |
It was madness! |
| 01:02:52 |
A wild and reckless risk. |
| 01:03:04 |
But by some miracle of fate, |
| 01:03:06 |
Legadema silenced the baboon before |
| 01:03:10 |
In that instant, Legadema, |
| 01:03:14 |
made one of |
| 01:03:17 |
She was suddenly a slayer |
| 01:03:27 |
Quite suddenly, |
| 01:03:27 |
this already momentous kill |
| 01:03:32 |
Something moved in the |
| 01:03:35 |
A day old newborn. |
| 01:03:41 |
It took a moment for |
| 01:03:46 |
She has always been curious. |
| 01:03:55 |
But instead of a swift bite to the neck, |
| 01:03:57 |
Legadema stopped... |
| 01:04:00 |
then lay down with the baboon. |
| 01:04:03 |
She didn't know how to react. |
| 01:04:11 |
Hyenas would normally send her |
| 01:04:15 |
she gently lifted the baby |
| 01:04:27 |
Only then did she return |
| 01:04:30 |
It was an aggressive defense, |
| 01:04:33 |
protecting the baby, |
| 01:04:53 |
Legadema's eyes |
| 01:04:57 |
and, strangely, this newborn |
| 01:05:01 |
reaching out to her, |
| 01:05:03 |
most likely, imprinting on |
| 01:05:18 |
Most likely imprinting on |
| 01:05:19 |
His new surrogate mother. |
| 01:05:20 |
And legadema seemed to |
| 01:05:23 |
Be caught up in her own |
| 01:05:24 |
Internal conflict. |
| 01:05:26 |
A young leopard at a |
| 01:05:27 |
Confusing crossroads of life, |
| 01:06:02 |
Perhaps, something more... |
| 01:06:06 |
started to grow within her |
| 01:06:54 |
Finally, both settled down to sleep, |
| 01:06:58 |
exhausted by the event, |
| 01:07:00 |
cuddling for hours against the winter chill. |
| 01:07:37 |
It was the cold that finally made |
| 01:07:41 |
And legadema left the |
| 01:07:46 |
But, for a moment, the night had |
| 01:07:51 |
Africa is so good at |
| 01:07:55 |
just when we think that |
| 01:07:59 |
There are many myths and legends |
| 01:08:03 |
where the owls call your name and |
| 01:08:10 |
Another layer of mystery was added, |
| 01:08:13 |
the night the leopard |
| 01:08:34 |
When her mother came back |
| 01:08:36 |
Legadema had quite a surprise |
| 01:08:53 |
She could smell blood, and knew |
| 01:09:10 |
Greetings between them then were always an |
| 01:09:14 |
but this time, when her mother darted up |
| 01:09:18 |
Legadema's reaction was a shock to her. |
| 01:09:28 |
It was a vicious attack. |
| 01:09:30 |
Her mother's surprising retreat was |
| 01:09:36 |
and Legadema's right |
| 01:09:50 |
If it had all ended there, |
| 01:09:54 |
But they were back. |
| 01:09:55 |
Combing the forest for their |
| 01:10:01 |
Despite her success, |
| 01:10:05 |
The nightmarish attacks by baboons |
| 01:10:10 |
She had the confidence to defend |
| 01:10:13 |
but not against the baboons. |
| 01:10:19 |
She abandoned her kill. |
| 01:10:53 |
Flipping back from the aggressive adult |
| 01:10:58 |
was Legadema's only defense against |
| 01:11:03 |
She could smell the impala on her mother |
| 01:11:05 |
and knew that there was a |
| 01:11:09 |
A mother's bond to her cub |
| 01:11:11 |
especially at this time, when she is tied |
| 01:11:15 |
but starting to feel the tug of |
| 01:11:20 |
Although it had been Legadema herself |
| 01:11:25 |
she seemed reluctant to leave |
| 01:11:33 |
All that it now needed |
| 01:11:40 |
The smell of blood again. |
| 01:11:42 |
Leopards have a powerful ability to pinpoint the |
| 01:11:48 |
or meat, for this starting to turn. |
| 01:11:54 |
Slipping back into her role |
| 01:11:57 |
she didn't wait to be invited this time. |
| 01:12:01 |
She didn't know that |
| 01:12:03 |
That she had changed the rules. |
| 01:12:09 |
The usual suspects were not far off, |
| 01:12:12 |
driven to excitement |
| 01:12:15 |
just a leap away from |
| 01:12:43 |
Hyenas snapped at them, |
| 01:12:44 |
and Legadema's decision to move |
| 01:12:48 |
But it was nearly double her weight. |
| 01:12:51 |
Uncooperative limbs snagging everywhere. |
| 01:13:05 |
Claws clutched |
| 01:13:10 |
It was a mistake. |
| 01:13:12 |
In leopard terms, maybe one |
| 01:13:15 |
when frustrated hyenas are just waiting for |
| 01:13:39 |
Even a pride of lions will think twice about mounting |
| 01:13:44 |
but Legadema wasn't ready |
| 01:13:47 |
Perhaps she realized that it was her fault. |
| 01:13:51 |
The low growls from her mother behind her, |
| 01:14:16 |
The lone hunter needs to cut its losses |
| 01:14:21 |
Legadema hadn't quite grasped that yet. |
| 01:14:36 |
Her mother, as always, |
| 01:14:39 |
It was over. |
| 01:14:41 |
But her stiff legged walk |
| 01:14:43 |
Her hisses rose to a constant growl, |
| 01:14:52 |
Her exposed fangs were a clear signal |
| 01:15:13 |
Now, her display focused on |
| 01:15:16 |
her own confused cub, |
| 01:15:23 |
She spat her fury at her daughter, |
| 01:15:26 |
as if she was a lifelong enemy |
| 01:15:40 |
No longer a slayer of baboons, |
| 01:15:45 |
Legadema regressed to submissive displays, |
| 01:15:49 |
in a desperate attempt to stop |
| 01:16:10 |
It was an intense moment, |
| 01:16:13 |
so defining a shift that, |
| 01:16:16 |
Legadema would no longer be |
| 01:16:20 |
It was over. |
| 01:16:21 |
They both knew it. |
| 01:16:25 |
And that is how her childhood ended, |
| 01:16:29 |
and that is how it is today. |
| 01:16:36 |
As if sensing her vulnerability, |
| 01:16:39 |
there is already an intruder. |
| 01:16:45 |
She's been aware of him for months: |
| 01:16:48 |
a slight pungent scent against a palm tree, |
| 01:16:51 |
the easily followed trail |
| 01:16:55 |
the odd unaccounted four warthog kill, |
| 01:17:20 |
Leopards have a way of molding into |
| 01:17:25 |
This young male oozes confidence. |
| 01:17:32 |
She's known he would be |
| 01:17:35 |
And now, he has caught up at last. |
| 01:18:09 |
But his approach is not aggressive. |
| 01:18:12 |
In fact, he takes his time to |
| 01:18:17 |
It is a display intended for her, |
| 01:18:20 |
to convey his total confidence. |
| 01:18:31 |
It's a mistake, of course. |
| 01:18:33 |
His flaunting moves only attract the attention of |
| 01:18:42 |
These baboons have had years |
| 01:18:50 |
This time the alpha male doesn't quite |
| 01:18:55 |
His acrobatic threats start |
| 01:19:00 |
The battle cry goes out: |
| 01:19:04 |
"Leopard!" |
| 01:19:07 |
Legadema has heard these blood chilling calls |
| 01:19:12 |
She has never seen a leopard |
| 01:19:16 |
with so little fear of her old enemies. |
| 01:19:22 |
And thanks to the years of intimidating |
| 01:19:26 |
their confidence is still running high... |
| 01:19:41 |
Even females and young try their hand |
| 01:19:46 |
But they are met with an unflinching stare from |
| 01:19:52 |
ready to strike. |
| 01:20:08 |
This confidence rattles them. |
| 01:20:12 |
Instead of driving home their attack, |
| 01:20:16 |
Any leopard they know, would expect |
| 01:20:22 |
But they can sense that |
| 01:20:25 |
there is something unknown |
| 01:20:29 |
...not too veiled threats. |
| 01:20:42 |
As the baboons make a discrete withdrawal, |
| 01:20:51 |
It's time to find out about |
| 01:20:57 |
Her soft sneezing and coughing |
| 01:21:01 |
a tentative introduction and a test |
| 01:21:20 |
He isn't her enemy. |
| 01:21:22 |
But this young male carries a |
| 01:21:26 |
This is Burnt Ebony's son. |
| 01:21:30 |
Her unknown half brother, |
| 01:21:45 |
If she encourages him now, |
| 01:21:48 |
and possibly alter the outcome of a long line |
| 01:21:58 |
But something just isn't right |
| 01:22:14 |
Time is her best defense. |
| 01:22:17 |
At Mombo, males wander 40 miles or more |
| 01:22:23 |
The scale and space is in itself |
| 01:22:28 |
Perhaps, by the time she |
| 01:22:31 |
he will be long gone |
| 01:22:38 |
One last rite of passage |
| 01:22:46 |
No leopard has genuinely come of age |
| 01:23:25 |
From the beginning, her mother |
| 01:23:29 |
And a good teacher. |
| 01:23:34 |
When Legadema was just 4 months old, |
| 01:23:39 |
Even then, for this |
| 01:23:43 |
impala was the prey of choice. |
| 01:23:46 |
It was a vitally important introduction. |
| 01:23:48 |
She could learn a lot |
| 01:23:50 |
relying on her play instincts |
| 01:23:53 |
but it was only with a live animal |
| 01:23:56 |
and see a real example of what it means |
| 01:24:06 |
She had a diligent tutor. |
| 01:24:11 |
This would cement the foundations |
| 01:24:15 |
And she tasted the slightly tangy fragrance |
| 01:24:24 |
The cub was still much too enthralled |
| 01:24:28 |
But something within her |
| 01:24:39 |
Legadema was beginning |
| 01:24:42 |
even the catch. |
| 01:24:44 |
She recognized that |
| 01:24:47 |
but her mother wasn't |
| 01:24:50 |
It was a confusing, |
| 01:24:54 |
Those first moments of innocent |
| 01:24:58 |
The beauty of innocence is in its total acceptance |
| 01:25:03 |
The cubs apparent harshness is no more than |
| 01:25:07 |
that has been going on since leopards |
| 01:25:12 |
a process that builds predators. |
| 01:25:18 |
Something triggered inside. |
| 01:25:20 |
The chase and the catch |
| 01:25:29 |
Three years of practice |
| 01:25:33 |
watching a male impala, |
| 01:25:37 |
This will be her final test. |
| 01:25:39 |
Coming of age ends here! |
| 01:25:41 |
This is where she earns her birthright. |
| 01:25:52 |
Eyes like honey, |
| 01:25:57 |
Teeth honed for the kill. |
| 01:26:02 |
She is as supple as silk. |
| 01:26:12 |
A magical coat of fur turns her invisible. |
| 01:26:22 |
Soft pads cushion her movement |
| 01:26:33 |
She is focused now, |
| 01:26:35 |
a product of her instincts, |
| 01:26:40 |
She is ready, the genetic |
| 01:27:18 |
She has done it! |
| 01:27:27 |
She can survive now, |
| 01:27:31 |
a living ghost of the forest. |
| 01:27:33 |
She is a leopardess at last. |
| 01:27:49 |
Her mother again. |
| 01:27:51 |
Haunting the forest with her calls. |
| 01:27:54 |
It is not over. |
| 01:28:00 |
Legadema has to approach. |
| 01:28:03 |
Even though she knows it is dangerous, |
| 01:28:09 |
She must either mend the rift or |
| 01:28:13 |
If she's forced to leave, she will be cast adrift in |
| 01:28:19 |
But as the only cub of her mother, |
| 01:28:40 |
Just beyond the ebony forest where she herself |
| 01:28:47 |
It is a fitting arena for |
| 01:28:52 |
Then her mother uses that |
| 01:28:56 |
A disarming call for Legadema. |
| 01:28:59 |
It's been a secret message between them |
| 01:29:04 |
It makes her hesitate. |
| 01:29:06 |
This isn't the aggression she anticipated. |
| 01:29:11 |
And then, she knows. |
| 01:29:13 |
This secret call is not hers anymore. |
| 01:29:19 |
After all this time, two new cubs. |
| 01:29:27 |
This changes everything. |
| 01:30:09 |
The mother sees her one grown cub in |
| 01:30:14 |
There is no animosity in her eyes, just silent |
| 01:30:21 |
Legadema is no longer the inheritor. |
| 01:30:24 |
There are others, |
| 01:30:28 |
Perhaps it's time for |
| 01:30:32 |
finally time to create her own legacy. |
| 01:30:48 |
We admire them, |
| 01:30:50 |
They are our wild side, |
| 01:30:55 |
We share an ancient past with these great cats, |
| 01:31:02 |
And yet, like the reflection in those |
| 01:31:08 |
If those eyes close on us forever, |
| 01:31:10 |
the world will be a sadder |
| 01:31:14 |
Until we, too, suffer their fate. |
