Once Upon a Time in Tsavo

In arid regions across Africa, a remarkable relationship between elephants and termites creates a waterhole – a green oasis which is central to every animal’s life. The story follows an extraordinary community of creatures, that call the waterhole ‘home’ over a season in their lives. They range from a family of elephants to a pair of hornbills (aka ‘Zazu’ of The Lion King) alongside dung-beetles, chameleons, bullfrogs, geese and killifish.

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Created By

Victoria Stone Mark Deeble

Status

Ended

Original Name

Kenia - Eine Oase im Sand

First Air Date

October 14, 2023

Last Air Date

October 14, 2023

Seasons

Episodes

Language

English

Production Companies

Waterhole Films Terra Mater Factual Studios NHK The WNET Group

Networks

PBS ARTE

S01E02

Fight to survive

A waterhole can exist for a hundred years. But every year it goes through a profound change. The arc spans from decline to rebirth. The water is slowly evaporating and the level of the waterhole in Kenya's Tsavo National Park is beginning to fall. When the seeds of the grasses ripen in the surrounding bushland, a true force of nature appears at the waterhole. The sky darkens as the blood-billed weavers arrive at the start of the dry season. They are considered the most common birds in the world and their flocks consist of tens of thousands of animals. They come from the north, where they raised their young in huge breeding colonies.

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