0:00:02 > 0:00:05This is Kruger National Park in South Africa,
0:00:05 > 0:00:09home to some of the biggest, fastest and deadliest animals
0:00:09 > 0:00:11on the planet.
0:00:13 > 0:00:16CBBC have brought four British and four South African children
0:00:16 > 0:00:20to spend a month here, training to be rookie game rangers.
0:00:21 > 0:00:26Leading them on this adventure will be their mentors, ranger Rudi...
0:00:26 > 0:00:30It's taken me years to learn to be a ranger. They've got one month.
0:00:30 > 0:00:34- ..and guide Frankie.- In the bush, danger can be around any corner.
0:00:34 > 0:00:38So the Safari 8 needs to be alert and ready at any time.
0:00:38 > 0:00:42Eight kids, two mentors and one massive challenge -
0:00:42 > 0:00:46to lead two celebrity guests on the safari experience of a lifetime.
0:01:06 > 0:01:10Last time, the Safari 8 went camouflaged and undercover
0:01:10 > 0:01:14- in pursuit of poachers.- Different make-up than I'd usually wear.
0:01:14 > 0:01:17- Feel like the SAS. - I want everybody to follow me.
0:01:17 > 0:01:20And the team had a heart-stopping encounter with a rhino.
0:01:20 > 0:01:22Oh, my God!
0:01:22 > 0:01:26Today, the Safari 8 take on their most roarsome mission so far...
0:01:26 > 0:01:29I'm dead scared very easily.
0:01:29 > 0:01:34..learn the lie of the land to find their way from A to B...
0:01:34 > 0:01:37I don't think we're going the right way.
0:01:37 > 0:01:40..and discover how to deal with a medical emergency.
0:01:40 > 0:01:43You've been bitten by a black mamba, Tomas, don't move.
0:01:47 > 0:01:49It's another day in the Kruger National Park
0:01:49 > 0:01:52where our rookie rangers are honing their skills.
0:01:52 > 0:01:55- Good morning, kids. - Morning!- Good morning.
0:01:55 > 0:01:59With the Safari 8 now spending all of their time in the bush,
0:01:59 > 0:02:03Rudi and Frankie are keen to give them some first-aid training.
0:02:03 > 0:02:05First aid is probably one
0:02:05 > 0:02:07of your most important skills
0:02:07 > 0:02:11in the bush, because that could really mean between life and death
0:02:11 > 0:02:14for a person, especially if it's a snake bite or a broken leg.
0:02:14 > 0:02:19Remember, when you are in the bush, help is not around every corner.
0:02:19 > 0:02:21As a first-aider or as a guide,
0:02:21 > 0:02:23you need to be able to stabilise that person
0:02:23 > 0:02:26to such an extent that help can arrive.
0:02:26 > 0:02:29We're going to do broken bones, we're going to do snake bites
0:02:29 > 0:02:31and we're going to do hypothermia.
0:02:31 > 0:02:36Hypothermia happens when your body gets too hot and can't cool itself.
0:02:36 > 0:02:40In the bush where summer temperatures can reach 40 degrees,
0:02:40 > 0:02:44overheating is a very real risk. But with Rudi's South African accent,
0:02:44 > 0:02:48Tomas mishears this symptom as something entirely different.
0:02:48 > 0:02:52It's very sunny and very hot outside when you're walking in the bush
0:02:52 > 0:02:54and people can overheat quite quickly, OK?
0:02:54 > 0:02:57So how do you think we treat it? Tomas?
0:02:57 > 0:03:02If they start choking, you've to go like that on the stomach
0:03:02 > 0:03:04- to get the...- Why would they choke?
0:03:04 > 0:03:08- Cos they're overeating. - Not over-eating - over-HEATING!
0:03:08 > 0:03:11Oh, I thought you said overeating!
0:03:11 > 0:03:14Overheating. So basically you get too hot.
0:03:14 > 0:03:17The most important thing is keep the person calm at all times.
0:03:17 > 0:03:21Easiest way to do it is to lie them on their side,
0:03:21 > 0:03:25put a cold water cloth here on the neck,
0:03:25 > 0:03:29pour water over the head. And keep them in the shade.
0:03:29 > 0:03:32South Africa is home to some of the world's most deadly snakes,
0:03:32 > 0:03:36including the puff adder, black mamba and spitting cobra.
0:03:36 > 0:03:39So the Safari 8 must know what to do if someone is bitten.
0:03:40 > 0:03:45You tie it really tight, towards the heart, OK?
0:03:45 > 0:03:47You must bandage it tight, but not too tight.
0:03:47 > 0:03:49You just want to slow down the circulation.
0:03:49 > 0:03:54You must remember a snake bite is actually a protein, OK?
0:03:54 > 0:03:56So your body can fight it.
0:03:56 > 0:03:59Don't ever suck out the venom. It's not working.
0:03:59 > 0:04:03Let it slowly go through the body but get help as soon as possible.
0:04:03 > 0:04:05Lots of reassurance is also important
0:04:05 > 0:04:08in slowing down a patient's blood flow.
0:04:08 > 0:04:12- Help is on its way, Tomas, don't worry.- Thank you.
0:04:12 > 0:04:14- How are you doing? - Feeling a lot better.
0:04:14 > 0:04:17You guys must remember, if a person is bitten by a snake,
0:04:17 > 0:04:19he's not going to be this cool.
0:04:19 > 0:04:21Which is exactly how
0:04:21 > 0:04:24casualties Kushal and Tomas decide to play their parts.
0:04:24 > 0:04:26- I'm dying!- Quickly!
0:04:26 > 0:04:29Wait, Tomas, wait.
0:04:29 > 0:04:32Killing me!
0:04:32 > 0:04:36Don't move, Tomas. You'll be OK.
0:04:36 > 0:04:38I thought Noma
0:04:38 > 0:04:41understood everything she had to do,
0:04:41 > 0:04:44she was very calm and knew exactly what to do.
0:04:44 > 0:04:47And I think that a lot of people would put their lives in her hands.
0:04:47 > 0:04:49- Can you see, Tomas?- No.
0:04:49 > 0:04:52It's good that he did do that
0:04:52 > 0:04:54and then you know how to control when
0:04:54 > 0:04:57a person starts being dramatic about something like that.
0:04:57 > 0:05:00- Ow!- Sit down...- And staying composed seems to be a problem
0:05:00 > 0:05:04when it comes to the next lesson - broken bones.
0:05:04 > 0:05:08Kushal and his first aid was useless.
0:05:08 > 0:05:10He was overdramatic about the whole thing.
0:05:10 > 0:05:15- Oh!- Oh, Kushal!- Hold it there! - She can't move! >
0:05:15 > 0:05:17She needs to lie down. >
0:05:17 > 0:05:20Aspiring actress Ashleigh is putting in quite a performance
0:05:20 > 0:05:24- and that's putting Kushal off his bedside manner.- Such a bad patient!
0:05:24 > 0:05:28- I know, but she's in shock. - Put your arm there.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31She was screaming a lot, wouldn't listen, and I got panicked.
0:05:31 > 0:05:33That's not very good for a first-aider!
0:05:33 > 0:05:35- Relax!- Ah!- Stop screaming!
0:05:35 > 0:05:40I'm going to have to move your arm a bit, OK?
0:05:40 > 0:05:44Kushal was the worst cos he really started panicking.
0:05:44 > 0:05:46'He was calming himself down'
0:05:46 > 0:05:50and meantime Ashleigh was in a panic because her arm was broken.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53I'm the one with the broken arm!
0:05:53 > 0:05:55Think of what I showed you.
0:05:55 > 0:05:58In the bush I would probably place my trust in Noma
0:05:58 > 0:06:02because I know she will look after me until help arrives.
0:06:02 > 0:06:04I can see!
0:06:04 > 0:06:07Lots of laughter but not much first aid.
0:06:07 > 0:06:10Good job Frankie's team are applying themselves
0:06:10 > 0:06:13when it comes to applying bandages.
0:06:13 > 0:06:15Everyone in my group did quite well.
0:06:15 > 0:06:17Most had a good idea what to do.
0:06:17 > 0:06:20Make it tight, but not too tight.
0:06:20 > 0:06:22Putting on bandages was quite fun.
0:06:22 > 0:06:25We all enjoyed it. It was nice. Frankie explained it so well.
0:06:25 > 0:06:28So I think we all did really well.
0:06:28 > 0:06:31A bit tighter than this, but otherwise it's fine.
0:06:31 > 0:06:35I don't think the man with the snake bite's going to die!
0:06:38 > 0:06:41The Safari 8 need to know these bush basics for good reason.
0:06:41 > 0:06:46All the training is building to one final test, to lead a two-day safari
0:06:46 > 0:06:49in search of South Africa's Big Five.
0:06:49 > 0:06:52In less than two weeks, our rookie rangers will take charge
0:06:52 > 0:06:57and try to track rhino, elephant, lion, buffalo and leopard,
0:06:57 > 0:07:01a challenge which will stretch their stamina, skills and animal instincts
0:07:01 > 0:07:03to their limits.
0:07:03 > 0:07:06The Safari 8 are starting to find their feet in Kruger.
0:07:06 > 0:07:09But if they don't know how to get from A to B,
0:07:09 > 0:07:13they'll be completely lost. So next up is navigation.
0:07:13 > 0:07:15The most important thing is to know your area.
0:07:15 > 0:07:17So where's the camp?
0:07:17 > 0:07:19There. Southeast.
0:07:19 > 0:07:21No, where's the camp?
0:07:21 > 0:07:22- There.- No.
0:07:22 > 0:07:24The camp is next to a river.
0:07:24 > 0:07:26Our land marker.
0:07:26 > 0:07:27Yes. Can you see the sun?
0:07:27 > 0:07:32- No.- Exactly, so you don't know where east or west is.
0:07:32 > 0:07:33Where's the wind coming from?
0:07:33 > 0:07:36- It's going that way. - No, it's going this way.
0:07:36 > 0:07:38- It's coming from the south. - Southeast.
0:07:38 > 0:07:42Keep that in mind when you're walking. All right, let's go.
0:07:42 > 0:07:44It's very important to navigate in the bush,
0:07:44 > 0:07:48especially on days like this where it's cloudy, you can't see the sun,
0:07:48 > 0:07:51um, so it's very difficult to keep our direction and it's,
0:07:51 > 0:07:54obviously walking in a certain direction,
0:07:54 > 0:07:57you need to know how to get your way back to where you want to be.
0:07:57 > 0:08:00Rudi and Frankie are leading the Safari 8 away from camp
0:08:00 > 0:08:02into unfamiliar territory.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05The team will have to find their own way back,
0:08:05 > 0:08:07but there's more to this walk than that.
0:08:07 > 0:08:09You're not just navigating,
0:08:09 > 0:08:12you need to be aware of dangerous animals and of spoor.
0:08:12 > 0:08:16You need to be aware of the wind direction, not just navigation.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19Our rookie rangers have all been given a compass
0:08:19 > 0:08:20to help them plot a route,
0:08:20 > 0:08:24but for some of the team, this is only confusing matters.
0:08:24 > 0:08:26- Say if camp was over there.- Yeah.
0:08:26 > 0:08:29Put it in that direction and that would be northeast.
0:08:29 > 0:08:31- No, it's be west, wouldn't it?- No.
0:08:31 > 0:08:33I've never used a compass before, and if I have,
0:08:33 > 0:08:36It's always those simple ones with north, west, east and south
0:08:36 > 0:08:38and even if you do use it
0:08:38 > 0:08:40it's either on a map that's drawn to scale,
0:08:40 > 0:08:43it's never where you have to actually point somewhere.
0:08:43 > 0:08:47The Safari 8 are struggling, so to try and get the team back on track,
0:08:47 > 0:08:50Rudi reminds them how to work out which way to go.
0:08:50 > 0:08:53- Wind direction? Where's the wind coming from?- That way.
0:08:53 > 0:08:55- Where's the sun?- Can't see it.
0:08:55 > 0:08:57- Behind the clouds.- Where's the camp?
0:08:57 > 0:09:02- Find southeast.- The camp's that way. - No. No, no.
0:09:02 > 0:09:03OK.
0:09:03 > 0:09:06Caroline isn't happy, and as the team move off,
0:09:06 > 0:09:10she's not convinced they're heading in the right direction.
0:09:10 > 0:09:13I'm not sure, but I don't think we're going the right way,
0:09:13 > 0:09:15because I figured out how to do it
0:09:15 > 0:09:18and the thing is we're supposed to be heading southeast.
0:09:18 > 0:09:20And this is not the right way to go back to camp
0:09:20 > 0:09:23cos you could even tell the camp was that way.
0:09:23 > 0:09:25I think the most confused was Caroline,
0:09:25 > 0:09:28she didn't really know how to use the compass yet.
0:09:28 > 0:09:31None of us did, but she was just really a bit confused.
0:09:31 > 0:09:33I think she got a bit lost when we were coming round,
0:09:33 > 0:09:36she thought we were going in a straight line
0:09:36 > 0:09:38but we were coming round in a big circle.
0:09:38 > 0:09:40OK, Manya, stop.
0:09:40 > 0:09:42Come back. There's some team members
0:09:42 > 0:09:46feeling that you've got the wrong direction there.
0:09:46 > 0:09:49So, where do you think we are going?
0:09:49 > 0:09:51- I think we're going... - Where should we go?
0:09:51 > 0:09:54That way. Through to the river, not away from it.
0:09:54 > 0:09:56The camp was southeast.
0:09:56 > 0:10:00If you turn it southeast, it was in the direction that we came.
0:10:00 > 0:10:04'Caroline did quite well, she had it right from the beginning.'
0:10:04 > 0:10:06She would have got to camp by herself,
0:10:06 > 0:10:08there wouldn't be a problem.
0:10:08 > 0:10:12OK, Kushal was the first talk. Kushal, in front.
0:10:12 > 0:10:13Thanks, Manya.
0:10:13 > 0:10:16It's team work, eh, you guys? Talk to each other.
0:10:16 > 0:10:20They can't argue amongst themselves, they have to work as a team,
0:10:20 > 0:10:23otherwise they're going to confuse the guests they take out as well.
0:10:23 > 0:10:25So, it's Kushal's turn to take charge.
0:10:25 > 0:10:28He doesn't think they're on the right course,
0:10:28 > 0:10:30but he doesn't have a clue where to go either.
0:10:30 > 0:10:33- Please help me quickly.- No.- I'm going to kill you all.- Go for it.
0:10:33 > 0:10:35'I think Kushal was most confused.'
0:10:35 > 0:10:38He was really adamant he knew where the camp was
0:10:38 > 0:10:41and as soon as I gave him the lead, he fell apart.
0:10:41 > 0:10:44He started asking me all the time, "Am I going right?"
0:10:44 > 0:10:47- Will I have to keep on the path? - You don't have to.
0:10:47 > 0:10:51Eventually, our rookie rangers do reach the top of the riverbank
0:10:51 > 0:10:52across from their camp,
0:10:52 > 0:10:55but it's more by luck than any navigation skills.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58This was a very short walk, OK?
0:10:58 > 0:11:01Final challenge is not going to be such a short walk.
0:11:01 > 0:11:04We might be much further from the river,
0:11:04 > 0:11:06and then your people's going to get dehydrated,
0:11:06 > 0:11:09they're going to get hypothermia,
0:11:09 > 0:11:13one will break his leg, other one will get a snake bite.
0:11:13 > 0:11:15And it might be a different river.
0:11:15 > 0:11:17What do you think about that?
0:11:17 > 0:11:19'We really did a very small circle,'
0:11:19 > 0:11:23but because of the overcast weather, they were really mixed up.
0:11:23 > 0:11:28Honestly, no lies, who knew the camp was down there?
0:11:28 > 0:11:32- Not me. I thought the river bed was down there.- Yeah.
0:11:32 > 0:11:35Honestly, I thought I knew the way, but I actually didn't,
0:11:35 > 0:11:37so it was quite embarrassing.
0:11:37 > 0:11:40I saw the river bed, but I thought we were miles off it.
0:11:40 > 0:11:42- I thought we had to go around, actually.- Yeah.
0:11:42 > 0:11:46Not only did the team completely lose their bearings,
0:11:46 > 0:11:48they've also lost some of Rudi's respect.
0:11:48 > 0:11:51The Safari 8 really did badly today.
0:11:51 > 0:11:56I was a little bit disappointed, there's a bit of practice needed.
0:11:59 > 0:12:05The Kruger National Park is the size of six million football pitches,
0:12:05 > 0:12:07and home to 147 species of mammal.
0:12:07 > 0:12:11As rookie rangers, the Safari 8 must learn all they can
0:12:11 > 0:12:13about this rich environment.
0:12:13 > 0:12:17So, it's time to test their knowledge in Biodiversity Challenge!
0:12:17 > 0:12:21The all-natural, eco-friendly brain-busting animal quiz.
0:12:21 > 0:12:23Five rounds, two teams, one winner.
0:12:23 > 0:12:25Ashleigh and Manya are the captains.
0:12:25 > 0:12:28Rudi and Frankie, the question masters.
0:12:28 > 0:12:30Victory will win back the respect of the mentors,
0:12:30 > 0:12:34defeat will incur a punishment, washing down the game viewer.
0:12:34 > 0:12:36Right, starter questions.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39I roam the bush in herds made up of hundreds of animals.
0:12:39 > 0:12:41Team Ashleigh:
0:12:41 > 0:12:42Buffalo.
0:12:42 > 0:12:43That is the correct answer.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48OK, your bonus question, just to this team.
0:12:48 > 0:12:53When an old male buffalo leaves the herd, what nickname is he given?
0:12:56 > 0:12:58Ashleigh, have you got an answer?
0:12:58 > 0:12:59A Dagga Boy.
0:12:59 > 0:13:01That is the correct answer.
0:13:01 > 0:13:03Round two,
0:13:03 > 0:13:04starter question.
0:13:04 > 0:13:07I can carry twice my own body weight.
0:13:08 > 0:13:09Team Ashleigh.
0:13:09 > 0:13:11Is it a dung beetle?
0:13:11 > 0:13:14I'll carry on. I hunt mostly at night.
0:13:15 > 0:13:17Team Manya.
0:13:17 > 0:13:18Hyena.
0:13:18 > 0:13:19OK, I'll carry on.
0:13:21 > 0:13:24I am the smallest of the big cats.
0:13:25 > 0:13:26Team Manya.
0:13:26 > 0:13:27Leopard.
0:13:27 > 0:13:29Well done.
0:13:29 > 0:13:30Well done, man. Well done.
0:13:30 > 0:13:32Bonus question,
0:13:32 > 0:13:36what kind of trees do leopards prefer to hang out in?
0:13:39 > 0:13:41Manya, do you have an answer?
0:13:42 > 0:13:44Baobab.
0:13:44 > 0:13:46Leopards prefer to hang out in soft trees,
0:13:46 > 0:13:49like Marulas and Baobabs and fig trees.
0:13:49 > 0:13:51- Yes!- I'll give you those points.
0:13:51 > 0:13:53Round three, starter question.
0:13:53 > 0:13:55I can run much faster than a human.
0:13:57 > 0:13:58Team Ashleigh.
0:13:59 > 0:14:01Cheetah.
0:14:01 > 0:14:04No. Next part of the clue,
0:14:04 > 0:14:07reaching speeds of 50kms per hour.
0:14:09 > 0:14:10Team Manya.
0:14:10 > 0:14:12An elephant.
0:14:12 > 0:14:14I'll continue. I'm a herbivore.
0:14:15 > 0:14:16Tomas!
0:14:16 > 0:14:18Team Ashleigh.
0:14:18 > 0:14:19Rhino.
0:14:19 > 0:14:21That is the correct answer.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24How did you get that?! Oh, well!
0:14:24 > 0:14:26Bonus questions,
0:14:26 > 0:14:29what is the main substance that rhino horns are made off?
0:14:31 > 0:14:33Ashleigh, have you got an answer?
0:14:33 > 0:14:36Uh, compacted hair.
0:14:36 > 0:14:38It is actually made out of keratin,
0:14:38 > 0:14:41the same stuff that all hair and nails are made of.
0:14:41 > 0:14:42So that's the wrong answer.
0:14:42 > 0:14:44Round four.
0:14:44 > 0:14:46Your starter question is as follows,
0:14:46 > 0:14:48I am the only animal with four knees.
0:14:50 > 0:14:51Team Manya.
0:14:51 > 0:14:53An elephant.
0:14:53 > 0:14:55That is...correct.
0:14:55 > 0:14:56Yes!
0:14:56 > 0:14:57Well done, Manya.
0:14:57 > 0:14:59Bonus questions,
0:14:59 > 0:15:03how do you work out an elephant's height from only its footprint?
0:15:03 > 0:15:05You ready with your answer, Manya?
0:15:05 > 0:15:10You x the circumference of the foot by 3 to get the shoulder height.
0:15:10 > 0:15:12Which foot, though?
0:15:12 > 0:15:13The front foot.
0:15:13 > 0:15:14That is correct.
0:15:14 > 0:15:16Well done, Manya!
0:15:16 > 0:15:18So it's all to play for in round five.
0:15:18 > 0:15:22Starter question, I can hear a distress call of a young buf...
0:15:22 > 0:15:23Team Ashleigh.
0:15:23 > 0:15:25Is it a lion?
0:15:25 > 0:15:26That is the correct answer.
0:15:28 > 0:15:30I gathered you worked out we're doing the big five?
0:15:30 > 0:15:35Bonus question, on average, how many hours does a lion sleep every day?
0:15:38 > 0:15:40Ashleigh, have you got an answer?
0:15:40 > 0:15:41Sssssix?
0:15:41 > 0:15:43Can we have two?
0:15:43 > 0:15:4716 hours?
0:15:49 > 0:15:53A lion will sleep up to 22 hours a day.
0:15:53 > 0:15:54Oh, well.
0:15:54 > 0:15:56After five rounds, it's neck and neck,
0:15:56 > 0:15:59with both teams on 40 points, it's tie-breaker time.
0:15:59 > 0:16:04And because a ranger's job is about more than just the Big Five animals,
0:16:04 > 0:16:07Rudi and Frankie's decider is about a less exciting,
0:16:07 > 0:16:10but very important Kruger resident.
0:16:10 > 0:16:14I've got glands on the back of my feet.
0:16:17 > 0:16:20Males fight over territories.
0:16:23 > 0:16:28It's the animal that mostly get fed on by predators.
0:16:31 > 0:16:32Team Manya.
0:16:32 > 0:16:34Impala.
0:16:34 > 0:16:35Well done.
0:16:35 > 0:16:37- Yeah!- Well done, guys.
0:16:37 > 0:16:40So, it's success and high standing for Team Manya,
0:16:40 > 0:16:44defeat and car washing forfeit for Team Ashleigh.
0:16:44 > 0:16:45Right!
0:16:48 > 0:16:50A lot of litter in here.
0:16:59 > 0:17:03I'm not happy, but we lost so we have to, like, live with it.
0:17:03 > 0:17:05This is not part of a ranger's job.
0:17:05 > 0:17:07I'm not sure that, to protect animals,
0:17:07 > 0:17:09they have to learn how to clean cars!
0:17:09 > 0:17:11With true ranger's spirit,
0:17:11 > 0:17:14Tomas, Ashleigh, Sifiso and Caroline take defeat on the chin
0:17:14 > 0:17:18and make sure that washing the viewer isn't a wash out.
0:17:18 > 0:17:19Are you ready, kids?
0:17:19 > 0:17:21Aye, aye, Captain!
0:17:21 > 0:17:24- I can't hear you!- Aye, aye, Captain!
0:17:28 > 0:17:32It's late afternoon and the Safari 8 are travelling across Kruger.
0:17:32 > 0:17:36They don't know it, but they're on a surprise mission
0:17:36 > 0:17:39to meet South Africa's largest carnivore
0:17:39 > 0:17:41and take part in a very special study.
0:17:41 > 0:17:45- We've got a bit of surprise for you tonight.- ALL: Oooh!
0:17:45 > 0:17:47You're going to be really hands on with lions.
0:17:47 > 0:17:49All: Yay!
0:17:52 > 0:17:57Now that you all scream, now the lions are gone and that's the first rule of lion capture, is...
0:17:59 > 0:18:01WHISPERS: No talking.
0:18:01 > 0:18:03The safari kids are in a privileged position,
0:18:03 > 0:18:06they're going to assist in a darting of lions
0:18:06 > 0:18:08and get a bit of a hands-on experience.
0:18:08 > 0:18:10Something that you don't get to do everyday.
0:18:10 > 0:18:12For me, it's also a new experience,
0:18:12 > 0:18:14it's something I haven't done before,
0:18:14 > 0:18:16so I'm also looking forward to it.
0:18:16 > 0:18:18We've got bait for them,
0:18:18 > 0:18:22and we're going to start calling them with buffalo sounds.
0:18:22 > 0:18:24BUFFALO CALL
0:18:24 > 0:18:28So, as soon as they come in, it needs to be silent, OK?
0:18:28 > 0:18:30- Do you understand the meaning of silence?- Yes.
0:18:30 > 0:18:32- Are you sure?- Yes.
0:18:32 > 0:18:36Studying lions up close is important to help combat disease,
0:18:36 > 0:18:41it can also be a dangerous business, so before the team get started,
0:18:41 > 0:18:44Kruger vet, Dr Skolk has some serious safety advice.
0:18:44 > 0:18:48At any time, when you hear somebody shout, "Get into a vehicle,"
0:18:48 > 0:18:52you get into a vehicle. Doesn't matter whether it's this vehicle
0:18:52 > 0:18:56or any other vehicle, just get into a safety spot as quickly as possible.
0:18:56 > 0:18:58Vehicles are a safe refuge
0:18:58 > 0:19:01because most predators only see them as big rocks or trees,
0:19:01 > 0:19:03this means lions can't tell the difference
0:19:03 > 0:19:05between an empty game viewer
0:19:05 > 0:19:08and one full of potentially tasty rookie rangers.
0:19:08 > 0:19:13Will we be sitting in here watching, or will we be in an enclosed area?
0:19:13 > 0:19:15Who shot the best with the dart gun?
0:19:16 > 0:19:18In our rookie's first week of ranger training,
0:19:18 > 0:19:21it was Tomas who had his eye on the target.
0:19:21 > 0:19:23Tomas is actually going to sit in the vehicle
0:19:23 > 0:19:25where they're going to dart the lion,
0:19:25 > 0:19:29- and the rest of you are going to sit in the vehicle.- Look at his eyes!
0:19:29 > 0:19:30I know, I'm happy.
0:19:30 > 0:19:32'I can't put into words, I am speechless
0:19:32 > 0:19:34'because it's such a great experience
0:19:34 > 0:19:37'and I was happy with just seeing them from a distance,'
0:19:37 > 0:19:41but now I actually get to go in the car and actually watch them assist,
0:19:41 > 0:19:43dart the animal, which is absolutely amazing.
0:19:43 > 0:19:46With the kudu carcass set out as bait,
0:19:46 > 0:19:50all our rookie rangers need to do is sit tight and wait.
0:19:50 > 0:19:55But it's some unexpected and very welcome visitors who arrive first.
0:19:55 > 0:19:58They are magnificent!
0:20:00 > 0:20:02So many. Look at the babies.
0:20:02 > 0:20:05Look at all the bubbas! How cute is that?
0:20:05 > 0:20:10Kruger is home to 12,000 elephants, so large herds aren't uncommon.
0:20:10 > 0:20:13As well as breathing, lifting and trumpeting,
0:20:13 > 0:20:15elephants use their trunks for smelling
0:20:15 > 0:20:19which helps them to keep track of each other and sense humans.
0:20:19 > 0:20:22While the team are distracted by the elephant herd,
0:20:22 > 0:20:24Rudi's ranger sense are working overtime.
0:20:24 > 0:20:25Sssh, this side.
0:20:28 > 0:20:29The lions are coming.
0:20:36 > 0:20:41As the lion's approach, Rudi makes sure the team are out of harm's way,
0:20:41 > 0:20:44while Tomas is in a safe darting enclosure.
0:20:46 > 0:20:49There's a male lion right over there
0:20:49 > 0:20:51and he's a got a really big mane
0:20:51 > 0:20:53and he's just looking and now he's crawling forward.
0:20:53 > 0:20:54Oh, my...
0:20:54 > 0:21:00I'm just speechless. It just looks so amazing.
0:21:00 > 0:21:01It's coming a bit close now.
0:21:11 > 0:21:13That is amazing.
0:21:13 > 0:21:16Drawn in by the buffalo distress calls,
0:21:16 > 0:21:19which lions can hear from 8 kilometres away,
0:21:19 > 0:21:22it's not long before three hungry brothers
0:21:22 > 0:21:24are fighting over the kudu carcass.
0:21:30 > 0:21:33We try and dart animals all together,
0:21:33 > 0:21:36because you can see how aggressive they are at a carcass,
0:21:36 > 0:21:38so if one lion goes down,
0:21:38 > 0:21:41sleeping, the other ones will actually kill him.
0:21:52 > 0:21:56Dr Skolk is darting the lions with a sedative
0:21:56 > 0:21:58to put them into a deep sleep.
0:21:58 > 0:22:01It takes the lion by surprise, but the sting is quickly over.
0:22:01 > 0:22:03GUN FIRES
0:22:06 > 0:22:09Stand really still just next to me.
0:22:10 > 0:22:13There's one. OK. See the dart's in?
0:22:14 > 0:22:15That was quite a shock.
0:22:15 > 0:22:19When Skolk shot the first dart, I kind of jumped,
0:22:19 > 0:22:23because they were just staring at me and Skolk,
0:22:23 > 0:22:24and I thought, "Oh-oh."
0:22:29 > 0:22:32That's what you want. You want all of them asleep at once.
0:22:32 > 0:22:34We can work on all of them.
0:22:34 > 0:22:37He's going to go to sleep now.
0:22:37 > 0:22:39They're getting more relaxed.
0:22:39 > 0:22:41Now he's sleeping, that one closest to us.
0:22:41 > 0:22:44Lying with his head in the carcass!
0:22:44 > 0:22:48Only when the vets are sure that the lions are fast asleep
0:22:48 > 0:22:51does Rudi edge the team in for a closer look.
0:22:51 > 0:22:53OK, stay in the vehicle, eh?
0:22:53 > 0:22:55Tomas has the best seat in the house.
0:22:55 > 0:22:58It's amazing. It's actually right in front of me.
0:22:58 > 0:23:01A proper lion!
0:23:01 > 0:23:04A predator at the top of the food chain is right in front of me.
0:23:04 > 0:23:06The lions are being moved from the carcass
0:23:06 > 0:23:09in case other animals come in to feed.
0:23:09 > 0:23:12The tallest of the big cats, these males each weigh the same as
0:23:12 > 0:23:16Kushal, Noma, Sifiso and Caroline all put together.
0:23:16 > 0:23:20It's so much better to see them live than to see in a picture.
0:23:20 > 0:23:23We are about a metre and half away from a lion.
0:23:23 > 0:23:25This is too good.
0:23:25 > 0:23:27This is the first time ever
0:23:27 > 0:23:30that children have helped out on a lion study in Kruger,
0:23:30 > 0:23:32and the Safari 8 are keen to get hands-on.
0:23:32 > 0:23:34Feel how rough the tongue is.
0:23:34 > 0:23:37Whoa! It's got, like, hairs on it!
0:23:37 > 0:23:41So they can lick themselves clean. It's almost like a comb.
0:23:41 > 0:23:44It's time for the team to collect some scientific data.
0:23:44 > 0:23:45- OK.- 920.
0:23:45 > 0:23:47Right, thank you, guys.
0:23:47 > 0:23:51Disease is the biggest threat to the wellbeing of lions,
0:23:51 > 0:23:54so bloods are being taken for a health check.
0:23:54 > 0:23:58It is absolutely phenomenal how warm the blood is,
0:23:58 > 0:24:03because it's straight out of the lion and it's red, it's royal red.
0:24:03 > 0:24:05It's unbelievable.
0:24:05 > 0:24:07This is the one they catch animals with.
0:24:07 > 0:24:09Big dewclaw.
0:24:09 > 0:24:10It's really, really sharp.
0:24:10 > 0:24:12- Really sharp, yeah.- Really sharp.
0:24:12 > 0:24:17Inspecting the lions' teeth and nose can show the age of the animals.
0:24:17 > 0:24:20The noses are all black by the age of five years old,
0:24:20 > 0:24:22so this one is under five.
0:24:22 > 0:24:27It's best and greatest and fantastic-est experience ever.
0:24:27 > 0:24:29I'm really feeling happy today
0:24:29 > 0:24:32that I can touch and then get to see all of these things.
0:24:32 > 0:24:33I'm really happy.
0:24:33 > 0:24:37Although the lions are fast asleep from the sedative,
0:24:37 > 0:24:39their eyes stay open.
0:24:39 > 0:24:42But even a sleeping Leo can give a fright.
0:24:42 > 0:24:44Oh, my God!
0:24:44 > 0:24:46It's all right. Don't worry.
0:24:47 > 0:24:50I'm a ranger. I don't get sacred very easily.
0:24:50 > 0:24:51LION GRUNTS
0:24:51 > 0:24:53It's OK, it's OK.
0:24:55 > 0:24:58It was really, really soft and the mane was much rougher
0:24:58 > 0:25:01and the claws were so sharp and the teeth were so big.
0:25:01 > 0:25:03It was really awesome.
0:25:03 > 0:25:08Right now the thermometer is up the lion's bum,
0:25:08 > 0:25:10because we are measuring its temperature.
0:25:10 > 0:25:12There we go, what's the number?
0:25:12 > 0:25:1538.4 centigrade.
0:25:15 > 0:25:18It feels very exciting being this close.
0:25:18 > 0:25:20It's an opportunity of a lifetime.
0:25:20 > 0:25:22It's like I'm dreaming.
0:25:22 > 0:25:25It's like I'm just going to wake up right now.
0:25:25 > 0:25:28The lions are also being fitted with microchips,
0:25:28 > 0:25:31so that vets will be able to track them.
0:25:31 > 0:25:34So that chip will be active in the lion for as long as it lives.
0:25:34 > 0:25:36This research will help the vets
0:25:36 > 0:25:39protect lion numbers in Kruger for the future,
0:25:39 > 0:25:41but Rudi has a more immediate concern.
0:25:43 > 0:25:44Ss-ss! Hey! Guys!
0:25:44 > 0:25:48A lioness from the same pride as the sedated males
0:25:48 > 0:25:51has been spotted by the other rangers on patrol.
0:25:51 > 0:25:55She's also hungry and that means she could be dangerous.
0:25:58 > 0:26:01Don't touch me with your gloves!
0:26:01 > 0:26:03The arrival of the lioness is a reminder
0:26:03 > 0:26:06of just how unpredictable the bush can be,
0:26:06 > 0:26:09so Rudi is suitably cautious.
0:26:10 > 0:26:13Right, all the Safari 8 kids, in the vehicle, please.
0:26:15 > 0:26:18See this, she's getting aggressive now.
0:26:18 > 0:26:20Lions are far less fearful of people after dark,
0:26:20 > 0:26:25and our rookies are learning that a ranger must always be on guard.
0:26:25 > 0:26:28She's really hungry. That's why she's getting closer.
0:26:28 > 0:26:32She knows the males are not here. She can't hear any growling,
0:26:32 > 0:26:34so she knows it's going to be safe to come in.
0:26:34 > 0:26:36She's not really scared.
0:26:36 > 0:26:39To make sure the Safari 8 are totally safe,
0:26:39 > 0:26:42Rudi calls an early end to their research.
0:26:42 > 0:26:44The rangers will keep a watch on the lioness
0:26:44 > 0:26:47until her male companions are safely awake.
0:26:49 > 0:26:53Wow! The lion capture was absolutely amazing.
0:26:53 > 0:26:56We never, ever get to touch lions. They're so cool!
0:26:56 > 0:26:58This is like something you do in a million years.
0:26:58 > 0:27:00The lion capture was AMAZING!
0:27:00 > 0:27:03It was so incredible. It was awesome.
0:27:03 > 0:27:05Its teeth are like the size of my little finger.
0:27:05 > 0:27:08That big! That is really big for a tooth.
0:27:08 > 0:27:10And they were still young males.
0:27:10 > 0:27:12They were still under five. I learnt so much.
0:27:12 > 0:27:15It's hard to believe how far we've actually come
0:27:15 > 0:27:18and how little there is to go and that after this,
0:27:18 > 0:27:22we're going to have so many memories of this whole experience.
0:27:22 > 0:27:24It's really going to be hard,
0:27:24 > 0:27:26but we have to be strong as a Safari 8 team.
0:27:26 > 0:27:29We have to learn every single day and try our best.
0:27:29 > 0:27:32Done! That's a wrap.
0:27:32 > 0:27:36Next time, the Safari 8 hit the road and the beach
0:27:36 > 0:27:39as they take a well-earned break at the coast.
0:27:41 > 0:27:44Our rookie rangers are all at sea on a whale-spotting mission.
0:27:44 > 0:27:46Oh, there's a fin!
0:27:46 > 0:27:47I think I'm going to be sick.
0:27:47 > 0:27:50And the team have to face up to some hard truths
0:27:50 > 0:27:53in their mid-way reports.
0:27:53 > 0:27:56I'm going to reprimand you a bit now.
0:27:56 > 0:27:58How do you think it's gone for you?
0:27:58 > 0:27:59Is that a trick question?
0:27:59 > 0:28:01Tomorrow, it's going to get tough.
0:28:01 > 0:28:03I'm not going to like this.