Big Cats 24/7

[On radio] Narrator: Early riser Rea is hoping to find Nosi and the other lioness mothers.

[On radio] [Panting] Djenguet: The lions are just currently headed into the grass, into this tall grass here.

We're currently with Nosi, Mmakgosi, and Magogo.

They've just left the cubs nearby.

They are stalking a huge herd of zebras just in front of us.

Narrator: To feed their cubs, these lionesses must make a kill.

Djenguet: At the moment, the herd is completely unaware of what's happening.

[Snorts] So these 3 mums have been joined by another lioness, so they're actually 4.

4 lionesses will have a very good chance with zebra.

Narrator: Hunting as a group helps lions take down much larger prey.

[Zebra barking] Djenguet: It's started.

[Barking continues] Djenguet: They've got it.

[Grunts] It's done.

One of the zebras is done.

We need to reposition.

I can see 3 lionesses with the zebra there.

On the way with the cubs is Mmakgosi.

This will be great for Mathata and all his siblings.

We've got the females placing dust over the internal organs just to hide that scent.

They don't want scavengers coming.

If vultures came, it would be a good indication for other lions to come.

Schulte to Brinke: Rea for Vianet.

Rea for Vianet.

Copy?

[Beep] Vianet, Vianet.

The mums have done it.

They've made a kill.

We've got a zebra kill here.

We're just close to-- just north of the 4 palms.

Schulte to Brinke, on radio: Excellent.

Message received.

Can already see Mathata jumping, jumping on a kill.

Oh, this is great.

What?

Ahh... This, for me, is massive relief.

I was worrying about the cubs not being able to eat.

I know the cubs are going to be gaining more energy.

They're going to be gaining some--some strength.

Mathata is trying to play with the mouth of the zebra... as if he was still alive and he's trying to kill it.

Narrator: At 6 months old, Mathata needs to eat over 4 pounds of meat a day to keep on track with his development.

This meal will feed the mothers and cubs for at least 3 days.

Schulte to Brinke: You know, everything to them right now is play, play, play, but he's also going to be doing, when he grows up-- hunting for themselves and hunting successfully.

I feel like for the next few days, there will be more play.

There will be more, you know, energy.

There will be more excitement.

[Grunting]