0:00:02 > 0:00:04This is Moja -
0:00:04 > 0:00:07a five month old lion cub.
0:00:09 > 0:00:13He and his single mum, Nyota, face the world alone
0:00:13 > 0:00:17and these are the most critical weeks of his life.
0:00:18 > 0:00:20It's May in Kenya's Masai Mara.
0:00:22 > 0:00:26For lions, this is the hardest time of year.
0:00:30 > 0:00:32Food is scarce.
0:00:32 > 0:00:34Moja is starving.
0:00:39 > 0:00:43Planet Earth Live have sent a film crew to follow the drama
0:00:43 > 0:00:45as it happens.
0:00:50 > 0:00:54If Moja is to make it, it will be down to his mum, Nyota.
0:00:56 > 0:01:00She must provide him with enough food to keep him alive...
0:01:04 > 0:01:08..and protect him from the dangers of life on the African plains.
0:01:08 > 0:01:10LIONS GROWL
0:01:12 > 0:01:15This is Moja's story.
0:01:46 > 0:01:50At five months old, Moja still suckles.
0:01:50 > 0:01:53But he can't survive on milk alone.
0:01:58 > 0:02:00Every two days, he needs meat.
0:02:02 > 0:02:05But in May, that's a problem.
0:02:05 > 0:02:06THUNDER CRACKS
0:02:19 > 0:02:21It's the rainy season...
0:02:22 > 0:02:24..and prey is scarce.
0:02:28 > 0:02:30Six weeks from now,
0:02:30 > 0:02:33when the grass has grown tall enough to support them,
0:02:33 > 0:02:36vast herds of wildebeest and zebra will begin to migrate here
0:02:36 > 0:02:38from the Serengeti.
0:02:44 > 0:02:46Until then,
0:02:46 > 0:02:48times are hard.
0:03:09 > 0:03:12Moja and Nyota are outcasts.
0:03:14 > 0:03:18They live without the protection of a pride,
0:03:18 > 0:03:21and in an area no other lions want.
0:03:23 > 0:03:25What little game there is,
0:03:25 > 0:03:28favours higher ground and richer soils -
0:03:31 > 0:03:34areas controlled by the four rival prides that surround them.
0:03:39 > 0:03:42Lion prides protect their territory fiercely.
0:03:42 > 0:03:47If Moja or Nyota stray, they risk being killed.
0:03:51 > 0:03:54With so little prey on her patch,
0:03:54 > 0:03:56Nyota must hunt at every opportunity.
0:04:01 > 0:04:04Neither she nor Moja have eaten for days.
0:04:07 > 0:04:11Hunting takes energy and Nyota doesn't have much to spare.
0:04:15 > 0:04:17So taking on an impala,
0:04:17 > 0:04:21one of the fastest runners on the savanna, is a risk.
0:04:46 > 0:04:48This time, it doesn't pay off.
0:04:51 > 0:04:56If Nyota fails again, Moja could face starvation.
0:05:04 > 0:05:05Just two miles to the south,
0:05:05 > 0:05:09the Ridge Pride have secured one of the best territories
0:05:09 > 0:05:11in the Masai Mara.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20Even in the rainy season, there's plenty on the menu.
0:05:23 > 0:05:28But it's important to pick the right prey. Some animals are too big.
0:05:28 > 0:05:29HIPPO GRUNTS
0:05:37 > 0:05:40HIPPO GRUNTS
0:05:43 > 0:05:46Even the more manageable meals, still present a challenge.
0:05:49 > 0:05:52Topi are known by locals as the policeman of the plains.
0:05:54 > 0:05:58Incredibly alert and with amazing peripheral vision.
0:05:58 > 0:06:00THEY SNORT AND GRUNT
0:06:00 > 0:06:03Some animals are extremely fast.
0:06:03 > 0:06:07Thomson gazelles can clock 50 mph.
0:06:07 > 0:06:09Impalas are almost as quick,
0:06:09 > 0:06:13but with the added advantage of safety in numbers.
0:06:19 > 0:06:22Lions can run at 30 mph.
0:06:23 > 0:06:28They prefer slower prey. And one animal is ideal.
0:06:30 > 0:06:32Warthog.
0:06:32 > 0:06:33WARTHOG GRUNTS
0:06:36 > 0:06:38For the Ridge Pride with a team of hunters,
0:06:38 > 0:06:40these are the perfect snack.
0:07:12 > 0:07:14WATER SPLASHES
0:07:14 > 0:07:16WARTHOG SQUEALS
0:07:18 > 0:07:21Working together, means hunger here is at bay.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24PRIDE GROWL CONTENTEDLY
0:07:41 > 0:07:43Moja is still starving.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46He hasn't eaten meat for a week.
0:07:51 > 0:07:53Nyota needs to make a kill.
0:07:56 > 0:07:58WARTHOGS GRUNT
0:08:02 > 0:08:04Just the opportunity she's been waiting for.
0:08:09 > 0:08:10A baby warthog.
0:08:35 > 0:08:37WARTHOG SQUEALS
0:08:41 > 0:08:44Normally, Nyota would share her kill with Moja.
0:08:54 > 0:08:56But she's also weak from hunger.
0:08:58 > 0:09:01If she starves any longer, she won't produce enough milk.
0:09:07 > 0:09:10Lionesses need an average of five kilos meat a day.
0:09:12 > 0:09:14The piglet is barely enough.
0:09:22 > 0:09:25She eats every last piece.
0:09:26 > 0:09:28Moja is left with nothing.
0:09:38 > 0:09:41It seems tough, but Moja relies on his mum for everything.
0:09:45 > 0:09:48If she doesn't survive these lean times,
0:09:48 > 0:09:50Moja's life is also over.
0:10:02 > 0:10:04Today, all he gets is milk.
0:10:15 > 0:10:18Nyota needs to make another kill soon,
0:10:18 > 0:10:22this time big enough for both of them.
0:10:31 > 0:10:33The grass is growing taller every day.
0:10:37 > 0:10:40But the migration is still weeks away.
0:10:43 > 0:10:44Food is scarce.
0:10:45 > 0:10:47The rain, relentless.
0:11:04 > 0:11:08For Nyota and Moja's neighbours, the Ridge Pride, life is easier.
0:11:13 > 0:11:17While the adults relax, the cubs and adolescents play.
0:11:27 > 0:11:29But this isn't just fun and games.
0:11:29 > 0:11:32It's where they learn how to be a lion.
0:11:36 > 0:11:38THEY GROWL
0:11:40 > 0:11:43Learning to stalk,
0:11:43 > 0:11:45to hunt,
0:11:45 > 0:11:48and honing their skills for the future.
0:11:52 > 0:11:55It's part of family life.
0:11:59 > 0:12:03Moja is missing out on these vital lion lessons.
0:12:07 > 0:12:11He spends his days hidden away, while mum goes out to hunt.
0:12:15 > 0:12:20But today, perhaps through desperation, is different.
0:12:25 > 0:12:28He follows his mum out onto the plains.
0:12:38 > 0:12:40The grass is now so tall,
0:12:40 > 0:12:43that even scouting for prey is a challenge.
0:12:54 > 0:12:57Elephants are too big a risk for a single lioness.
0:13:02 > 0:13:03With little to choose from,
0:13:03 > 0:13:07this is a bad time of year to be a warthog.
0:13:07 > 0:13:10WARTHOG GRUNTS
0:13:42 > 0:13:45WARTHOG SQUEALS
0:13:47 > 0:13:50LION GROWLS
0:13:50 > 0:13:52NYOTA PANTS
0:13:56 > 0:14:00Moja approaches cautiously.
0:14:10 > 0:14:13NYOTA CALLS MOJA
0:14:27 > 0:14:31He's in luck. At last he gets a meal.
0:14:47 > 0:14:50But all too soon, there's trouble.
0:14:51 > 0:14:53HYENA YELPS
0:14:55 > 0:14:59At this time of year, prey is scarce for everyone.
0:15:04 > 0:15:06These hyenas are hungry too.
0:15:08 > 0:15:13Nyota's warthog is a chance for an easy meal.
0:15:16 > 0:15:18Hyenas live in clans of up to 80.
0:15:18 > 0:15:22They can, and do, hunt for themselves.
0:15:23 > 0:15:26But they're just as happy stealing other hunters' kills.
0:15:34 > 0:15:38With so many in a clan, they'll even take on a pride of lions.
0:15:43 > 0:15:45And a clan of hyena certainly wouldn't hesitate
0:15:45 > 0:15:48to take on a single lioness and her cub.
0:15:55 > 0:15:59If Nyota defends her kill, Moja's life will be in danger.
0:16:03 > 0:16:05These hyena would easily kill him.
0:16:09 > 0:16:12But he desperately needs to eat.
0:16:19 > 0:16:21As dusk falls, Nyota must choose,
0:16:21 > 0:16:25risk Moja's life by letting him stay and feed,
0:16:25 > 0:16:29or leave her hard-earned kill to the jaws of the clan.
0:16:55 > 0:16:59Next morning, the film crew returns to discover Nyota and Moja's fate.
0:17:11 > 0:17:14First impressions don't look good.
0:17:19 > 0:17:23The hyenas are still here and the warthog's carcass is stripped bare.
0:17:29 > 0:17:32But was it just the kill they stole,
0:17:32 > 0:17:34or was Moja harmed in the crossfire?
0:17:52 > 0:17:54A safe distance away
0:17:54 > 0:17:57both Moja and Nyota seem unscathed.
0:18:00 > 0:18:03But how much did either of them get to eat?
0:18:14 > 0:18:15In their no man's land,
0:18:15 > 0:18:18hunger isn't the only threat Moja and Nyota face.
0:18:22 > 0:18:26They're surrounded by the neighbours from hell.
0:18:28 > 0:18:31It's not just the hyenas they need to be wary of.
0:18:34 > 0:18:37One of the biggest threats to Nyota is other lionesses.
0:18:46 > 0:18:50She's competition for their food and will not be tolerated.
0:18:55 > 0:18:59Lionesses are the main hunters in most prides.
0:19:00 > 0:19:03Fights are short but incredibly savage.
0:19:14 > 0:19:16They could kill Nyota or chase her away,
0:19:16 > 0:19:19leaving Moja exposed and vulnerable.
0:19:20 > 0:19:23But Moja is in danger even by Nyota's side.
0:19:25 > 0:19:29Not from females, but from nomadic males.
0:19:33 > 0:19:34Lone males walk these plains
0:19:34 > 0:19:37and if one was to find Moja he would kill him,
0:19:37 > 0:19:40with the intention of fathering his own family with Nyota.
0:19:49 > 0:19:53It's a harsh reality of lion life.
0:19:55 > 0:20:00Males kill a quarter of all the cubs that are born.
0:20:02 > 0:20:07This is Tamu, a single lioness,
0:20:07 > 0:20:09and much like Nyota
0:20:09 > 0:20:12she gave birth in a no man's land between surrounding prides.
0:20:18 > 0:20:23Her cubs were extremely vulnerable to attack by nearby males,
0:20:23 > 0:20:25wanting to father their own dynasty.
0:20:29 > 0:20:34However much she tried to hide them away one male tried his luck.
0:20:54 > 0:20:57In a brave attempt to save her young family,
0:20:57 > 0:20:58Tamu chased him off.
0:21:06 > 0:21:09But the fight wasn't without its casualties.
0:21:16 > 0:21:19One of her cubs died within hours.
0:21:40 > 0:21:47Unless Nyota can keep Moja safe, she risks losing him to any rogue male.
0:22:05 > 0:22:08If Nyota was part of a pride, life would be different.
0:22:14 > 0:22:17Just six miles north is the Acacia Pride.
0:22:28 > 0:22:31There are eight cubs in this large, extended family.
0:22:34 > 0:22:37And a visit from their dads is always a highlight.
0:22:47 > 0:22:51These impressive males control two prides in the Masai Mara,
0:22:51 > 0:22:53dividing their time between them.
0:23:06 > 0:23:09Males play an active role in protecting their own cubs.
0:23:09 > 0:23:13They want to make sure their own offspring survive.
0:23:17 > 0:23:21The larger the pride, the stronger it is.
0:23:24 > 0:23:28And a large pride demands a large territory.
0:23:34 > 0:23:39One way to stake that claim is to roar.
0:23:39 > 0:23:42THEY ROAR
0:23:42 > 0:23:44The message is loud and clear,
0:23:44 > 0:23:48we're together and we are strong.
0:23:55 > 0:23:57Even the youngsters have a go.
0:24:02 > 0:24:04Roaring binds the pride together.
0:24:04 > 0:24:08And it's so loud, it warns off other lions for miles around.
0:24:25 > 0:24:28Moja and Nyota don't make a sound.
0:24:31 > 0:24:35The last thing they want is anyone to know where they are.
0:24:48 > 0:24:51THUNDER RUMBLES
0:24:54 > 0:24:57As May wears on, the rain persists.
0:25:00 > 0:25:02The grass grows even taller.
0:25:04 > 0:25:09Just weeks from now, the plains will fill with migrating animals.
0:25:09 > 0:25:13But Moja must eat in the next few days, or he'll starve.
0:25:21 > 0:25:24The trouble is, there's not much prey to choose from.
0:25:27 > 0:25:30And mum Nyota is at a disadvantage.
0:25:33 > 0:25:35She rarely risks hunting at night.
0:25:44 > 0:25:47Lions are perfectly designed to hunt in the dark.
0:25:50 > 0:25:52White fur under their eyes reflects light upwards,
0:25:52 > 0:25:55and a reflective coating on the back of the eye
0:25:55 > 0:25:57helps its light-detecting power.
0:25:58 > 0:26:01They can see in almost total darkness.
0:26:06 > 0:26:08It's their night vision that gives them the edge.
0:26:13 > 0:26:15Their prey is hyper-alert,
0:26:15 > 0:26:18and most species can run faster than lions, and for longer.
0:26:25 > 0:26:26Lions are sprinters.
0:26:26 > 0:26:28Their acceleration is awesome
0:26:28 > 0:26:32but they need to get close before they strike.
0:26:44 > 0:26:47Night is the perfect time for an ambush.
0:27:09 > 0:27:12But for Nyota, hunting during the day is a much safer bet.
0:27:15 > 0:27:18Yes, there are fewer hunting opportunities
0:27:18 > 0:27:20but there's also less competition.
0:27:24 > 0:27:29She simply can't risk a run-in with the surrounding prides.
0:27:30 > 0:27:33The good news for Moja is she's made another kill.
0:27:34 > 0:27:37The bad news is, Moja isn't here to eat it.
0:27:40 > 0:27:42She tries dragging the warthog.
0:27:42 > 0:27:45But it's not much smaller than she is,
0:27:45 > 0:27:46and she's close to exhaustion.
0:27:55 > 0:27:59Nyota has no choice, she leaves the kill to search for Moja.
0:28:10 > 0:28:12It's a risky strategy.
0:28:17 > 0:28:21Hyenas can sniff out a carcass from two and a half miles away.
0:28:23 > 0:28:27If Nyota leaves the kill for long, she'll lose it.
0:28:31 > 0:28:33The crew have an agonising wait,
0:28:33 > 0:28:36hoping that mum and cub will get back in time.
0:28:48 > 0:28:52Finally, there's movement on the horizon.
0:29:08 > 0:29:12And with no sign of the hyena, Moja has a decent meal at last.
0:30:17 > 0:30:20Nyota won't have to hunt again for a day or two.
0:30:25 > 0:30:27And thanks to her determination,
0:30:27 > 0:30:29Moja is gathering strength.
0:30:33 > 0:30:38It's time for the important business, of play.
0:30:54 > 0:30:55Like any toddler,
0:30:55 > 0:30:57he occasionally steps out of line.
0:31:03 > 0:31:08But when Nyota's away, Moja explores his world alone.
0:31:10 > 0:31:14Playtime would be more fun and more valuable with other lions.
0:31:18 > 0:31:21Moja is missing out on some important lessons.
0:31:30 > 0:31:34Lessons his neighbours, the Acacia cubs are excelling in.
0:31:36 > 0:31:39Playing hard makes these guys as tough as they come.
0:31:51 > 0:31:55Any cub showing weakness is an easy target and quickly toughens up.
0:32:00 > 0:32:01They'll take on anyone.
0:32:05 > 0:32:07Whatever the consequences.
0:32:15 > 0:32:18Having a strong pride has added advantages.
0:32:20 > 0:32:21When a huge buffalo strays too close
0:32:21 > 0:32:25it's time for the cubs to watch and learn.
0:33:11 > 0:33:15Today buffalo's not on the menu. But the cubs show no fear.
0:33:22 > 0:33:26Moja and Nyota would never confront such a large animal.
0:33:28 > 0:33:30Without the backup of a pride, it would be suicide.
0:33:35 > 0:33:38Lions and buffaloes are mortal enemies
0:33:38 > 0:33:41and Moja could end up in the firing line.
0:33:48 > 0:33:52Buffaloes will try to kill lion cubs at any opportunity.
0:33:57 > 0:34:00They may be small now, but they'll be a threat in the future.
0:34:21 > 0:34:22Cubs trampled to death.
0:34:36 > 0:34:38But when a lone buffalo meets a pride
0:34:38 > 0:34:39the tables are turned.
0:35:07 > 0:35:09In these lean times for the lions...
0:35:12 > 0:35:14..this is a meal worth fighting for.
0:35:28 > 0:35:31Nyota could never take on a buffalo alone.
0:35:33 > 0:35:35She needs smaller prey.
0:35:42 > 0:35:44It's now been days since Moja last ate.
0:35:49 > 0:35:51And as the rainy season wears on,
0:35:51 > 0:35:53food is scarcer than ever.
0:35:56 > 0:35:59But Nyota is determined and extremely patient.
0:36:06 > 0:36:10She spends hours watching and stalking potential prey.
0:36:16 > 0:36:19She even memorises every warthog den on her patch.
0:36:31 > 0:36:33Eventually her patience pays off.
0:36:35 > 0:36:40Another warthog, this time a huge male with deadly tusks.
0:36:56 > 0:36:59She needs to get close before she attacks.
0:37:00 > 0:37:02The bushes provide the perfect cover.
0:37:39 > 0:37:41Mission accomplished.
0:37:42 > 0:37:44Now she must protect her kill.
0:37:48 > 0:37:50The boar is as big as she is.
0:37:54 > 0:37:57It takes all her strength to drag it into cover.
0:38:10 > 0:38:12It's slow and exhausting work.
0:38:25 > 0:38:28A hidden island is the perfect place to defend her kill.
0:38:36 > 0:38:39She calls Moja in to feast.
0:38:50 > 0:38:55After the meal, a rare opportunity for mum and her cub to relax.
0:39:28 > 0:39:34But time away from the kill is an open invitation to scavengers.
0:39:41 > 0:39:43Within hours hyenas move in.
0:39:50 > 0:39:53Not far behind...the vultures.
0:40:01 > 0:40:04It won't be long before adult males get wind of the meal.
0:40:06 > 0:40:08Putting Moja's life at risk.
0:40:16 > 0:40:18Nyota has no choice.
0:40:18 > 0:40:19She abandons the kill.
0:40:22 > 0:40:25And leads Moja back out onto the plains.
0:40:31 > 0:40:34Once again, they're exposed and vulnerable.
0:40:34 > 0:40:36They need to find cover, and fast.
0:40:50 > 0:40:51Over the next few days,
0:40:51 > 0:40:53our crews watch as Moja and Nyota
0:40:53 > 0:40:56head into enemy territory in search of food.
0:41:06 > 0:41:08Bringing Nyota face to face
0:41:08 > 0:41:10with females from the rival Paradise Pride.
0:41:17 > 0:41:18There's little game left.
0:41:18 > 0:41:22Competition for what remains is fierce.
0:41:40 > 0:41:41Nyota's on the trail of a warthog.
0:41:43 > 0:41:46Risking a close encounter with the pride proves she's desperate.
0:41:59 > 0:42:02She's lucky the pride ignore her.
0:42:09 > 0:42:11Unlucky that they claim her prize.
0:42:36 > 0:42:39Yet again, Nyota and Moja go hungry.
0:42:52 > 0:42:55Life as a single parent is never easy.
0:42:59 > 0:43:03As Moja gets older, his demand for food will grow.
0:43:07 > 0:43:10This puts ever more pressure on Nyota.
0:43:12 > 0:43:13But there is hope.
0:43:14 > 0:43:17Single lions can raise a family.
0:43:25 > 0:43:26This is Joy.
0:43:28 > 0:43:29A year ago,
0:43:29 > 0:43:33she was part of one of the strongest prides in the Masai Mara.
0:43:38 > 0:43:40She gave birth to four cubs
0:43:40 > 0:43:42and the pride was going from strength to strength.
0:43:50 > 0:43:52But then her life was torn apart.
0:43:58 > 0:44:03Four determined young males were intent on taking over the pride.
0:44:08 > 0:44:11If they succeeded they'd kill every single cub in the family.
0:44:16 > 0:44:18Joy was forced to make a life or death decision.
0:44:21 > 0:44:24Stay and risk losing her cubs,
0:44:24 > 0:44:25or flee.
0:44:30 > 0:44:33She fled, taking her own cubs,
0:44:33 > 0:44:36and a much younger cub belonging to her sister.
0:44:40 > 0:44:45Life on the run with five hungry mouths to feed seemed impossible.
0:44:53 > 0:44:57For a while reports came back that they were eking a fragile existence
0:44:57 > 0:45:00on the edge of her old pride's territory.
0:45:07 > 0:45:09Then nothing.
0:45:09 > 0:45:10No sign of Joy or the cubs.
0:45:12 > 0:45:14Everyone feared the worst.
0:45:32 > 0:45:34Against all the odds
0:45:34 > 0:45:37the Planet Earth Live crew found Joy alive and well,
0:45:37 > 0:45:39with three of her cubs.
0:45:48 > 0:45:52As the cubs grow up, the more they can help and protect each other.
0:46:04 > 0:46:07There are still dangers ahead.
0:46:07 > 0:46:09But already they've beaten the odds.
0:46:52 > 0:46:56Nyota does have a chance to get Moja through these critical weeks.
0:46:57 > 0:47:01She just needs to find enough food to keep Moja alive
0:47:01 > 0:47:03until the migration begins to arrive.
0:47:12 > 0:47:15The neighbouring Acacia pride have an easier life.
0:47:25 > 0:47:29This is prime territory for game, and for lions.
0:47:37 > 0:47:40It's all about strategy.
0:47:40 > 0:47:42The lionesses surround their target.
0:47:49 > 0:47:52A herd of resident eland have strayed too close.
0:48:14 > 0:48:16But a calf won't feed the pride for long.
0:48:19 > 0:48:21Hunting takes up a lot of energy.
0:48:25 > 0:48:28There are too many hungry mouths and not enough meat to go round.
0:48:39 > 0:48:43Life can be a struggle, even for the most successful prides.
0:48:47 > 0:48:50At least Moja's meals are only shared between two.
0:48:58 > 0:49:02The grass is now so high Nyota uses a tree to search for prey.
0:49:20 > 0:49:22Moja is getting weaker by the day.
0:49:28 > 0:49:29Even climbing is a struggle.
0:49:55 > 0:49:57Nyota spots a kongoni...
0:49:59 > 0:50:01..one of the fastest antelopes in the Mara.
0:50:03 > 0:50:07An almost impossible target even for a well-fed pride.
0:50:11 > 0:50:13But it may be her last opportunity
0:50:13 > 0:50:16to get Moja through the next few days.
0:50:19 > 0:50:22The long grass helps cover her approach.
0:50:31 > 0:50:34Finally, success.
0:50:43 > 0:50:47This is the best meal the crews have seen Moja eat in over a month.
0:50:51 > 0:50:53He and his mum feed uninterrupted for two days.
0:51:02 > 0:51:05Finally Moja's belly is full.
0:51:09 > 0:51:11And soon, there will be game everywhere.
0:51:23 > 0:51:24Five months ago,
0:51:24 > 0:51:27hundreds of thousands of wildebeest and other animals
0:51:27 > 0:51:29had grazed these plains flat.
0:51:31 > 0:51:34They moved on to graze in the Serengeti as they do every year.
0:51:41 > 0:51:45Since then the grass in the Mara has been replenishing.
0:52:13 > 0:52:18It's the end of May, the worst of the rain is over, the grass is tall.
0:52:28 > 0:52:33One of the largest migrations on the planet is about to arrive.
0:52:38 > 0:52:43Here, at last, the advance party, the very first of the zebra.
0:52:52 > 0:52:54Crossing the river and into the lions' territory
0:52:54 > 0:52:56signals the beginning of better times.
0:53:20 > 0:53:23For the lions the famine is almost over.
0:53:26 > 0:53:28This really is just the beginning.
0:53:32 > 0:53:36On its way from the grasslands of the Serengeti
0:53:36 > 0:53:39one of the greatest feasts on earth.
0:54:31 > 0:54:35The Masai Mara will once again teem with life.
0:54:39 > 0:54:42For Nyota and the other lions,
0:54:42 > 0:54:43hunger will be a distant memory.
0:55:20 > 0:55:24Moja has survived the hardest weeks of his life.
0:55:30 > 0:55:34Thanks to the strength and determination of his mum.
0:55:41 > 0:55:44In a pride, cubs usually leave when they're two.
0:55:46 > 0:55:48Moja could stay with Nyota until he's four.
0:55:54 > 0:55:56He needs that extra time,
0:55:56 > 0:56:00to develop the hunting skills he'll need to go it alone
0:56:00 > 0:56:02out on the open plains.
0:56:12 > 0:56:13Eventually he will leave.
0:56:15 > 0:56:17Like the males that once threatened his life,
0:56:17 > 0:56:20he will be a nomad looking for a home.
0:56:24 > 0:56:27Moja's ultimate goal will be to take over a pride.
0:56:33 > 0:56:36But on his own he can't reign supreme.
0:56:39 > 0:56:42Moja will need to team up and form a coalition.
0:56:46 > 0:56:50Together they can overpower old and tired males
0:56:50 > 0:56:53and father cubs of their own.
0:57:14 > 0:57:19One day Moja could be king of his own dynasty.
0:57:42 > 0:57:43Since filming finished,
0:57:43 > 0:57:47Moja and Nyota are still doing well in their no man's land.
0:57:51 > 0:57:53Moja is gathering strength.
0:57:57 > 0:58:00His story continues.
0:58:19 > 0:58:24Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd