Ep 6. The Great Feast

The Great Feast, the sixth episode of the first season of Nature’s Great Events, takes us on an awe-inspiring journey through the lush plains of Kenya, where one of the largest gatherings of wildlife on the planet is about to take place. Every year, millions of animals including zebras, wildebeests and gazelles, embark on an epic migration in search of fresh grazing lands to the Mara River, a hazardous journey that is fraught with danger, including crocodile-infested waters and predatory big cats.

Narrated by Sir David Attenborough, this episode highlights the migration of thousands of wildebeests, zebras and gazelles from the Serengeti (Tanzania) to the Maasai Mara (Kenya), following the annual rainfall pattern. With the onset of the dry season, the animals converge near the river to drink and forage. However, the river is also a haven for crocodiles, who lie in wait, ready to snap up any unwary antelope. The spectacle of hundreds of wildebeests and zebras flowering the river, defying the crocs makes for edge-of-the-seat suspense.

As always, the visuals in the show are simply breathtaking, and the filming team deserves immense credit for capturing the true essence of this once-in-a-lifetime spectacle. From the panoramic vistas of the Serengeti grasslands to the ferocious currents of the Mara River, the show takes us on a thrilling ride that is both exhilarating and eye-opening.

What sets this episode apart is the attention to detail in depicting the interconnected web of life in the animal kingdom. From scavengers like hyenas to predator cats like cheetahs, lions, and leopards, each species has a vital role to play in this ecosystem, which in turn, is a life-sustaining force for humans and animals alike.

One particularly interesting segment focuses on a troupe of baboons, who make the most of the animal migration by snatching leftovers from the kill sites of predators. We also see how the migration is a boon for resident birds like vultures and eagles, who feast on the carcasses of animals left behind.

As the season progresses, the lack of rain takes its toll on the animals and forces them to travel great distances in search of water. And while the episode is filled with heartwarming moments of resilience and survival, it also highlights the darker side of the animal kingdom, with predators closing in on their prey at every turn.

Throughout it all, Sir David Attenborough’s authoritative narration adds a sense of gravitas to the proceedings, giving us a deeper understanding of the natural world and underscoring the sheer power and majesty of Mother Nature.

One of the most awe-inspiring moments in the episode is the famous river crossing, where wildebeests and zebras attempt to cross the Mara River's crocodile-infested waters. It's a perilous journey, and not all of them make it. However, those who do make it provide sustenance for the predators who rely on them for food. The adrenaline-fueled moment is tailored to create tension while highlighting survival instincts across the different groups of animals.

Overall, The Great Feast is a fascinating and enthralling episode that showcases the sheer majesty and power of nature in all its forms. It's a testament to the show's extraordinary cinematography and the team's dedication to capturing the natural world in stunning detail, making it accessible to a wider audience. The episode is a reminder that the world is rich in biodiversity, with natural treasures that we must work to preserve for generations to come.