Sir David Attenborough’s new BBC series Kingdom captures extraordinary scenes from Zambia’s Luangwa Valley — including a lion rescuing a pregnant hyena from a pack of wild dogs.
Filmed over five years, the series follows four rival carnivore families — lions, hyenas, leopards, and wild dogs — revealing fierce battles, rare cooperation, and emotional moments like newborn lion cubs opening their eyes.
Executive producer Mike Gunton said: “Only nature could write a story like this.” Scientists from the Zambia Carnivore Programme used the footage to study animal behaviour and conservation challenges such as poaching and habitat loss.
The show also features a wild dog returning to its pack after losing a leg to a snare — a symbol of both resilience and the growing threat from humans.
Despite the dangers, the filmmakers say Kingdom offers hope. “It’s a challenge,” said series editor Simon Blakeney, “but it’s not hopeless.”
