Sir David Attenborough’s new BBC series Kingdom has captured a remarkable scene of a lion saving a pregnant hyena from wild dogs in Zambia’s Luangwa Valley.
Filmed over five years, the documentary follows lions, hyenas, leopards and wild dogs, revealing their rivalries and rare behaviours — from a hyena hiding food underwater to a wild dog pack rescuing one of their own from a crocodile.
Executive producer Mike Gunton said: “Only nature could write this script.” The series, narrated by Attenborough, also highlights human impacts such as habitat loss and snare traps.
Scientific consultant Dr Matthew Becker from the Zambia Carnivore Programme said the footage offers vital data on animal survival. Despite the dangers, he described the project as “a message of optimism.”
Producer Simon Blakeney added: “It’s a challenge, but it’s not hopeless.”
