Jackals live in a nuclear family and they mate for life. Our two Jackal families are neighbors on the Short Grass plains between Naabi Hill & the Gol Kopjes. The “Gol” pair Storm & Zabar have three young pups just out the den, and the Naabi Hill couple, Hunter and White Tip, have 5 older pups. Only three are to survive.

This film will highlight the intimate relationships, the politics and the extraordinary bond that holds the jackal families together. These are families that do everything as one. They hunt together, eat together, and defend their home together. And that’s just as well because they wouldn’t stand a chance on their own. Life on the plains isn’t easy. Competition is fierce, and there are always larger, stronger predators around who could do serious damage to the jackals. Staying together, united as a family, is the jackal’s sure way to success.

Being so small the pups are easy targets for a multitude of predators like eagle, snakes and hyenas. They are targeted from their first steps out of their den at three weeks old. Now the real battle to protect them begins.

The pups also have to fight a battle amongst themselves, for top position. The dominant pup will be able to stay behind and help the parents with next year’s litter. Its chances of survival will be greater too.

“Meet the Jackals” is the story of two Golden Jackal couples who need all their strength and wits to take their young families from infancy to adulthood and survive the many challenges on the Serengeti Short Grass Plains.