Saving Sirga: Journey into the Heart of a Lion

Watch Saving Sirga: Journey into the Heart of a Lion

  • 2016
  • 1 Season

Saving Sirga: Journey into the Heart of a Lion is a documentary television series that explores the captivating relationship between a young conservationist, Valentin Gruener, and Sirga, an orphaned lion cub that he rescued in Botswana, Africa. Valentin, who has been passionate about saving endangered wildlife since his teenage years, found Sirga when she was just a few weeks old, abandoned by her mother in the wild. Instead of leaving her to her fate, Valentin decided to take her in and raise her as his own.

Over the course of the series, the viewers are taken on a heart-warming and poignant journey as Valentin and Sirga share their daily routine, from feeding, sleeping, and playing together like best friends, to training exercises to prepare Sirga for the wild. The bond between the two is undeniable, and the love and respect that they share are awe-inspiring.

As Sirga grows up, Valentin decides that it is time for her to re-integrate back into the wild, even though the risks are high. The series documents the struggles and challenges that they face along the way, including dealing with poachers, human-wildlife conflicts, and the harsh realities of the African bush.

What sets this series apart from other wildlife documentaries is the way in which Valentin is portrayed. He is not just a caretaker or a conservation activist; he is a genuine friend to Sirga. He understands her in ways that others cannot, and he is committed to giving her the best life possible.

Moreover, the series sheds light on the plight of African lions and the impact of habitat loss, poaching, and trophy hunting on their populations. It drives home the importance of conservation efforts, and how individuals like Valentin can make a difference in the fight to save endangered species.

Overall, Saving Sirga: Journey into the Heart of a Lion is an emotionally captivating and educational series that showcases the beauty of the bond between humans and animals, while highlighting the urgency of protecting our planet's wildlife.

Saving Sirga: Journey into the Heart of a Lion is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (6 episodes). The series first aired on August 28, 2016.

Saving Sirga: Journey into the Heart of a Lion
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Seasons
Episode 6
6. Episode 6
August 28, 2016
The end of the next dry season brings the series strands together. Sirga chases eland. Three male lions are moved into an electrified enclosure. A scientist comes to take samples of maggots that are found in the slaughtered wildebeest's horns. Val moves a one-eyed lion into another enclosure. On a morning hunt Sirga chases down a wildebeest calf.
Episode 5
5. Episode 5
August 28, 2016
Explores whether capturing lions is better than shooting them. Large predators are hardwired to live, fight and die on their own terms and it takes constant vigilance to keep them safe in captivity. Captivity might be better than death, but it isn't a long-term solution either.
Episode 4
4. Episode 4
August 28, 2016
Highlights the vulnerability of captive-bred predators in the Kalahari. Val and Sirga go hunting. They swim in a seasonal pan and encounter a puff adder, lizards and a large tortoise, Val gives the orphaned wild dog puppies their first rabies vaccination. Sirga is learning to hunt. She chases wildebeest and takes down a hartebeest. Val visits Two weeks after the hartebeest kill Sirga falls ill.
Episode 3
3. Episode 3
August 28, 2016
Dramatic changes in the rainy season transforms the Kalahari and exposes Sirga's vulnerability when it comes to hunting antelope that are strong and well-nourished. It follows the emergence, mating and pro-creation of African Bull frogs a seasonal phenomenon, and Sirga's unique encounter with African Bull Frogs on a pan.
Episode 2
2. Episode 2
August 28, 2016
Narrows the focus down to Val and Sirga and Grasslands. Val and Sirga go out on a hunt. Sirga chases kudu , plays with a small tortoise and learns about the dangers Oryx horns pose to a young lioness. Val goes with Willie to take an Oryx to an isolated San settlement in the no-man's-land between the farms and the Central Kalahari game Reserve.
Episode 1
1. Episode 1
August 28, 2016
Establishes the setting, the bond between Val and Sirga and the back story of human/predator conflict. It starts with Sirga as a small cub, Willie the lion hunter's confession and rogue lions feasting on cattle. It establishes the captive rogue lions, what it takes to feed and look after them.
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Where to Watch Saving Sirga: Journey into the Heart of a Lion
Saving Sirga: Journey into the Heart of a Lion is available for streaming on the website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Saving Sirga: Journey into the Heart of a Lion on demand at Amazon Prime and Tubi TV.
  • Premiere Date
    August 28, 2016