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Dominion

Episode 4 of 6

The search for a home brings tragedy and triumph as baby hippo Mafuta faces new dangers. Crocodile Magamba defends her hatchlings, and Duma the cheetah struggles to make friends.

The families of the Serengeti find themselves competing for a home. Kali and her pride have taken over Bakari’s kopje. Overwhelmed by sheer numbers, there seems to be no escape for him and his troop. But when the lions fall asleep, he sees his chance.

At the river, Mafuta, the baby hippo, is also in trouble. The great hippo bull has died fighting for his family, and Mafuta’s mother tries in vain to keep crocodiles from desecrating his body. In the ensuing chaos, Mafuta is swept away. His mother realises too late, just as hundreds of wildebeest cross the river and block her path to him.

Further along the river, Magamba, the crocodile, has her work cut out trying to keep her newly hatched babies safe. Her hatchlings make an easy meal for hungry birds stalking the reeds, but Magamba soon shows her power. However, she can’t guard her young forever and must leave them to find food.

Bakari leads his troop in search of a new home, but blinded by the long grass, they run right into the path of Duma and the cheetah coalition. Previously, Duma had to be rescued from his own wildebeest hunt by the other males and is now desperate to redeem himself. He decides to take on Bakari.

Mafuta’s future is also uncertain. Without his father to protect the pod, an invading hippo, determined to take over, now has no-one to stop him. As the river crossings continue, a half-starved Magamba struggles to hunt. She faces an endless onslaught of hooves and is overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of wildebeest. After many attempts, exhausted and hungrier than ever, she has one final chance at success.

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58 minutes

Signed Audio described

Last on

Mon 9 Oct 2023 16:15

Credits

Role Contributor
Narrator Adjoa Andoh
Photographer Warren Samuels
Photographer Matthew Goodman
Photographer Luke Gent
Photographer Stephen Downer
Photographer Tobias Samuels
Editor Stuart Napier
Editor Imogen Pollard
Music Will Gregory
Producer Gabriella Russell
Executive Producer Simon Fuller
Director John Downer

Broadcasts

How we made Serengeti

How we made Serengeti

The process of bringing the dramatised Natural History series to the screen.