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Waterholes are vital to the African ecosystem as bustling oases where elephants, lions, leopards and hundreds of other species meet and compete for water. Life at the Waterhole is a new three-part series from PBS, in partnership with BBC Studios Natural History Unit, that explores the daily drama of African wildlife at a unique waterhole rigged with partially submerged and weather-proofed cameras in Tanzania. The series was created by working with local Hadzabe and Maasai communities and hosted by renowned conservation scientist Dr. M. Sanjayan alongside award-winning wildlife cinematographer Bob Poole.

The competition for existing resources at African waterholes has even led to human-animal conflict. Despite the growing fight for resources, little is known about how these waterholes support so much life. The production worked with local communities and the BBC to build an artificial waterhole and outfit it with cameras. Within hours of construction, thirsty animals flock to drink, and the team uncovers the waterhole’s complex dynamics for the first time. Filmed over three periods—the middle of the dry season, the hottest time of year and the height of the first rains—the series reveals dramatic interactions and unlikely rivalries, as well as some unexpected moments of humor. As elephants, warthogs, giraffes, monkeys and big cats jostle for position, scientists gain a greater understanding of the important role of water in Africa as its wildlife faces the growing impact of climate change.

Wildlife cameraman Bob Poole grew up in Kenya, where his family spent much of their time with the abundant wildlife that thrived there during the 1960s and 1970s. His career began as a teenager while working on a film about elephants for National Geographic. With a university degree in Earth Science, he became a cinematographer, working around the world on natural history programs. An Emmy Award-winning filmmaker, his extensive credit list includes landmark shows for PBS, BBC and National Geographic. Working on the other side of the camera, Poole fronts shows and live TV for PBS, BBC and National Geographic. He tours with National Geographic LIVE, speaking in cities across the world, and is a Fellow with the Explorers Club. He currently calls Ketchum, Idaho, home.