Insights into the BBC documentary series, DYNASTIES.

Lions have been described in David Attenborough’s own words as the “Ultimate symbol of majesty and, of Africa”. No other creature, big or small is more fabled for its legendary strength and charisma both in ancient and modern culture. Yet a ghastly shadow lingers over us. Human wildlife conflict, coupled with global warming, is driving lions to extinction. Lions number less than half of what they used to over 20 years ago.

Dynasties documents the lives of Kenya’s most famous lions, the Marsh pride. For reference, the marsh pride lands are home to one of the seventh wonders of the world, the annual wildebeest’s crossing over the Mara River.

At its height, the Marsh pride was a powerful lion pride numbering over twenty strong. But the show is filmed at a time when the Male lions of the marsh pride have abandoned their cubs and lionesses. With no alpha male lions to protect them, the Marsh pride is left under the charge of a powerful lioness called Charmed. Charmed and her sister are the only remaining adults in the pride, meaning hunting for food is even harder as most hunts end in failure .

Charmed has two sons, juveniles who are yet to come into maturity. As teenagers in lion terms, they are incapable of hunting. Charmed cubs are her dynasty. Her cubs will form the next generation of lions that will roam the Kenyan savanna's’ for ages to come. This dynasty, however, faces untold ruin and tragedy.

A cow carcass seemingly abandoned by the nearby Maasai community’s livestock represents a reprieve from the hunger the Marsh pride faces during the dry season. However, the cow carcass is laced with poison. Charmeds sister, Sienna and her son are most affected after feeding on the dead cow. This moment mirrors different scenarios all over the world where human beings are taking to poisoning and killing wild animals to avoid injury either to themselves, or their property. Needless to say, hundreds of lions have fallen victim to poisoning.

As the show comes to a close, we get snippets into background scenes where Kenya Wildlife Service agents try to rescue Charmeds poisoned cub, in vain.

I would love to divulge everything about this documentary but I believe the best experience anyone could have is to watch it.