In a wildlife story with Shakespearean overtones, life becomes very dangerous for "royal" twin baboons in Zimbabwe when their father is overthrown, and his position as leader is taken over by a dominant male from a neighboring troop. With the new king come new alliances, throwing the social order into turmoil and unleashing potentially deadly intrigue.
Survival for the entire troop is daunting. They face months of drought, shortage of food through the dry season, and threats from predators. As times get tougher, their inherent rivalries intensify. They bicker among themselves while they warily watch the new king, trying to protect themselves and their babies from his attacks. This harrowing portrait of life along the banks of the Zambezi River is not for the faint of heart. Death can strike at any time, and no one is safe from harm.