In the heart of Zambia, in an area of South Luangwa National Park known as Nsefu, top predators clash over territory – with its last remaining watering holes attracting all kinds of animals.
And in footage captured for BBC's Kingdom, an African wild dog family show just how far they'll go to protect their own.
When Flint finds himself in the grip of a crocodile's jaws, his brother and alpha female Storm embark on a brave rescue mission to try and save him.
Writing about the encounter on the BBC website, field producer Lauren Jackson explained "It was gut-wrenching to see, but we stayed, frozen in horror and hearts in mouths, as they risked their own demise in trying to save him.
"It's the first time this behaviour has been recorded and a phenomenal testament to the bonds of these dogs."
Watch the agonising footage below.
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Top image: three-legged wild dog (Lycaon pictus) Flint in BBC's Kingdom.
