Sir David Attenborough’s new BBC series Kingdom captures a remarkable moment when a lion saves a pregnant hyena from a pack of wild dogs.
Filmed over five years in Zambia’s Luangwa Valley, the documentary follows lions, hyenas, leopards and wild dogs, revealing rare behaviours and intense rivalries. Executive producer Mike Gunton said: “Only nature could write a story like this.”
Narrated by Attenborough, the series features emotional and dramatic moments — from lion cubs opening their eyes to wild dogs rescuing one of their own from a crocodile. It also highlights human threats such as habitat loss and snare traps.
According to Dr Matthew Becker of the Zambia Carnivore Programme, the footage provides vital data on animal behaviour and survival. Despite the challenges, the filmmakers say Kingdom delivers a message of hope. “It’s a challenge,” said series editor Simon Blakeney, “but not hopeless.”
