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1 00:00:33,040 00:00:34,800 DAVID ATTENBOROUGH: A Perfect' Planet'. DAVID ATTENBOROUGH: A Perfect' Planet'.
2 00:00:44,480 00:00:49,000 There is a nuclear reactor 93 million miles away. There is a nuclear reactor 93 million miles away.
3 00:00:53,560 00:00:55,040 We call it the sun. We call it the sun.
4 00:00:57,840 00:01:00,920 Its rays, travelling through space, Its rays, travelling through space,
5 00:01:01,040 00:01:04,160 reach the Earth in just eight minutes... reach the Earth in just eight minutes...
6 00:01:06,520 00:01:07,680 ...and give power to life ...and give power to life
7 00:01:07,800 00:01:10,200 throughout the planet. throughout the planet.
8 00:01:15,680 00:01:18,760 Its daily and yearly rhythms Its daily and yearly rhythms
9 00:01:18,880 00:01:22,800 shape the existence of every creature on Earth... shape the existence of every creature on Earth...
10 00:01:26,600 00:01:30,880 ...and has clone so for over three billion years. ...and has clone so for over three billion years.
11 00:01:42,080 00:01:43,720 In the beginning... In the beginning...
12 00:01:45,320 00:01:47,560 ...there was light. ...there was light.
13 00:02:02,640 00:02:06,720 Surprisingly, perhaps, almost every part of the Earth's surface Surprisingly, perhaps, almost every part of the Earth's surface
14 00:02:06,840 00:02:11,360 receives the same quantity of sunlight each year... receives the same quantity of sunlight each year...
15 00:02:12,880 00:02:16,240 ...4,380 hours of it. ...4,380 hours of it.
16 00:02:19,080 00:02:24,200 But it's delivered in varying amounts at different times of the year, But it's delivered in varying amounts at different times of the year,
17 00:02:24,320 00:02:26,480 depending on where you are. depending on where you are.
18 00:02:31,400 00:02:35,080 It's only here in the tropics, close to the equator, It's only here in the tropics, close to the equator,
19 00:02:35,200 00:02:40,320 that there are 12 hours of guaranteed daily sunlight the year round. that there are 12 hours of guaranteed daily sunlight the year round.
20 00:02:44,840 00:02:49,400 And here, that has created a great richness of life - And here, that has created a great richness of life -
21 00:02:49,520 00:02:50,960 the tropical forest. the tropical forest.
22 00:02:54,520 00:02:59,480 Each leaf is a natural solar panel which collects the sun's energy Each leaf is a natural solar panel which collects the sun's energy
23 00:02:59,600 00:03:02,840 and fuels a multitude of plants. and fuels a multitude of plants.
24 00:03:04,960 00:03:08,400 And in Southeast Asia, gibbons live here. And in Southeast Asia, gibbons live here.
25 00:03:12,080 00:03:15,440 (WHOOPS) (WHOOPS)
26 00:03:15,560 00:03:16,720 (CALLS) (CALLS)
27 00:03:16,840 00:03:19,760 A five-year-old female... A five-year-old female...
28 00:03:21,440 00:03:24,800 ...and her lifelong partner are on a mission. ...and her lifelong partner are on a mission.
29 00:03:30,520 00:03:35,000 Every morning, they head out across their territory to look for ripe fruit. Every morning, they head out across their territory to look for ripe fruit.
30 00:03:42,760 00:03:46,920 There is one kind of tree here that they need more than any other. There is one kind of tree here that they need more than any other.
31 00:03:52,000 00:03:53,160 The fig tree. The fig tree.
32 00:03:58,800 00:04:03,480 These are the only plants in the entire forest that produce fruit These are the only plants in the entire forest that produce fruit
33 00:04:03,600 00:04:05,800 all year round. all year round.
34 00:04:05,920 00:04:09,080 Their flowers grow in dense clusters Their flowers grow in dense clusters
35 00:04:09,200 00:04:12,560 inside undeveloped figs, inside undeveloped figs,
36 00:04:12,680 00:04:15,360 but these have not yet been pollinated but these have not yet been pollinated
37 00:04:15,480 00:04:17,480 and are not yet edible. and are not yet edible.
38 00:04:17,600 00:04:20,440 The gibbons will have to wait. The gibbons will have to wait.
39 00:04:25,000 00:04:29,040 To produce ripe fruit, the fig still needs two things... To produce ripe fruit, the fig still needs two things...
40 00:04:30,240 00:04:32,040 ...a large dose of sunlight ...a large dose of sunlight
41 00:04:32,160 00:04:36,520 and some of the smallest creatures in the forest. and some of the smallest creatures in the forest.
42 00:04:39,480 00:04:42,080 Tiny fig wasps. Tiny fig wasps.
43 00:04:42,200 00:04:45,080 They're only two millimetres long. They're only two millimetres long.
44 00:04:47,240 00:04:51,560 The figs have a unique partnership with these insects. The figs have a unique partnership with these insects.
45 00:04:53,920 00:04:57,840 A female wasp has the space of just a single day A female wasp has the space of just a single day
46 00:04:57,960 00:05:02,560 when the fig will allow her to burrow into the undeveloped fruit. when the fig will allow her to burrow into the undeveloped fruit.
47 00:05:03,960 00:05:07,760 It's such a tight squeeze that her wings are ripped off. It's such a tight squeeze that her wings are ripped off.
48 00:05:10,160 00:05:13,600 But she's not going to use them again. But she's not going to use them again.
49 00:05:16,680 00:05:22,680 Once inside, she makes her way to the tiny, tightly packed internal flowers. Once inside, she makes her way to the tiny, tightly packed internal flowers.
50 00:05:26,320 00:05:29,680 And here within, she lays hundreds of eggs. And here within, she lays hundreds of eggs.
51 00:05:32,200 00:05:36,520 She then carefully unpacks fig pollen from her abdomen... She then carefully unpacks fig pollen from her abdomen...
52 00:05:38,960 00:05:42,320 ...and with it fertilises the tiny flowers. ...and with it fertilises the tiny flowers.
53 00:05:44,800 00:05:46,320 When she's finished laying, When she's finished laying,
54 00:05:46,440 00:05:48,800 she dies... she dies...
55 00:05:48,920 00:05:51,320 ...inside the unripe fig ...inside the unripe fig
56 00:05:51,440 00:05:54,400 alongside her eggs. alongside her eggs.
57 00:05:56,440 00:05:59,840 The sunlight now slowly ripens the figs The sunlight now slowly ripens the figs
58 00:05:59,960 00:06:03,240 and helps the young wasps inside to develop. and helps the young wasps inside to develop.
59 00:06:06,000 00:06:10,640 After just five weeks, the eggs start to hatch. After just five weeks, the eggs start to hatch.
60 00:06:11,880 00:06:15,920 The first to emerge are the golden, wingless males. The first to emerge are the golden, wingless males.
61 00:06:19,120 00:06:22,400 Things now become stranger than fiction. Things now become stranger than fiction.
62 00:06:25,880 00:06:30,720 These males start to mate with their unhatched sisters. These males start to mate with their unhatched sisters.
63 00:06:33,280 00:06:37,280 To reach them, they use a telescopic penis To reach them, they use a telescopic penis
64 00:06:37,400 00:06:39,520 that's twice their body length. that's twice their body length.
65 00:06:49,040 00:06:53,160 While their now-pregnant sisters are beginning to hatch, While their now-pregnant sisters are beginning to hatch,
66 00:06:53,280 00:06:58,280 the males themselves burrow their way to the outside world. the males themselves burrow their way to the outside world.
67 00:07:14,600 00:07:18,360 The brothers' final act is a chivalrous one. The brothers' final act is a chivalrous one.
68 00:07:23,040 00:07:28,280 They sacrifice themselves to marauding ants. They sacrifice themselves to marauding ants.
69 00:07:32,760 00:07:34,520 They're serving as decoys They're serving as decoys
70 00:07:34,640 00:07:37,360 so their sisters can take to the skies. so their sisters can take to the skies.
71 00:07:42,120 00:07:46,120 The young females, loaded with pollen, live for just 48 hours, The young females, loaded with pollen, live for just 48 hours,
72 00:07:46,240 00:07:51,520 in which time they must find another fig tree at just the right stage in which time they must find another fig tree at just the right stage
73 00:07:51,640 00:07:56,080 into which they themselves can burrow, as their mothers did. into which they themselves can burrow, as their mothers did.
74 00:08:00,160 00:08:04,280 With the sun's helping hand, the figs are now ready to eat. With the sun's helping hand, the figs are now ready to eat.
75 00:08:13,200 00:08:16,640 The gibbons know all the fig trees in their territory. The gibbons know all the fig trees in their territory.
76 00:08:18,240 00:08:21,560 And each day they travel up to two miles And each day they travel up to two miles
77 00:08:21,680 00:08:25,400 to find one with fruit that's ready to eat. to find one with fruit that's ready to eat.
78 00:08:34,240 00:08:37,200 Ripe figs at last... Ripe figs at last...
79 00:08:38,480 00:08:42,240 ...a major part of their diet and available the year round. ...a major part of their diet and available the year round.
80 00:08:46,640 00:08:49,800 Thousands of animals rely on fig trees. Thousands of animals rely on fig trees.
81 00:08:54,360 00:09:00,160 This abundance is only possible in a world without seasons This abundance is only possible in a world without seasons
82 00:09:00,280 00:09:03,040 and constant daily sunlight. and constant daily sunlight.
83 00:09:10,880 00:09:14,240 But this 12-hour cycle of light and darkness But this 12-hour cycle of light and darkness
84 00:09:14,360 00:09:17,000 only happens close to the equator. only happens close to the equator.
85 00:09:19,120 00:09:22,960 Elsewhere, the amount of sunlight fluctuates across the year. Elsewhere, the amount of sunlight fluctuates across the year.
86 00:09:25,120 00:09:30,040 That is because the Earth does not spin in an upright way. That is because the Earth does not spin in an upright way.
87 00:09:30,160 00:09:33,080 Its axis is on a tilt. Its axis is on a tilt.
88 00:09:33,200 00:09:35,840 23.5 degrees. 23.5 degrees.
89 00:09:37,280 00:09:41,080 So as the Earth makes its annual orbit around the sun, So as the Earth makes its annual orbit around the sun,
90 00:09:41,200 00:09:43,880 keep your eye on the North Pole. keep your eye on the North Pole.
91 00:09:45,840 00:09:49,840 For the first half of the year, it's angled away from the sun, For the first half of the year, it's angled away from the sun,
92 00:09:49,960 00:09:53,960 bringing darkness and winter to the northern hemisphere. bringing darkness and winter to the northern hemisphere.
93 00:09:54,080 00:09:56,200 For the second part of the year, For the second part of the year,
94 00:09:56,320 00:10:00,560 the North Pole swings towards the sun, bringing summer. the North Pole swings towards the sun, bringing summer.
95 00:10:03,640 00:10:06,520 The Earth's tilt gives us the seasons. The Earth's tilt gives us the seasons.
96 00:10:10,120 00:10:15,920 And life has adapted to deal with even the most extreme changes in light. And life has adapted to deal with even the most extreme changes in light.
97 00:10:17,520 00:10:19,280 The High Arctic. The High Arctic.
98 00:10:19,400 00:10:22,640 After six months of being angled towards the sun, After six months of being angled towards the sun,
99 00:10:22,760 00:10:26,800 it begins six months of freezing darkness. it begins six months of freezing darkness.
100 00:10:33,000 00:10:35,720 This is Ellesmere Island, This is Ellesmere Island,
101 00:10:35,840 00:10:38,320 the closest land to the North Pole. the closest land to the North Pole.
102 00:10:40,000 00:10:40,960 It's winter, It's winter,
103 00:10:41,080 00:10:47,760 and for the last four long months, the only light here has come from the moon. and for the last four long months, the only light here has come from the moon.
104 00:10:50,200 00:10:53,880 Few creatures can survive this sustained darkness. Few creatures can survive this sustained darkness.
105 00:10:55,160 00:11:00,160 They have become specialists in living for months without sunlight. They have become specialists in living for months without sunlight.
106 00:11:00,280 00:11:02,720 (WIND HOWLS) (WIND HOWLS)
107 00:11:04,880 00:11:06,480 Muskox. Muskox.
108 00:11:06,600 00:11:09,040 Remnants of the last ice age. Remnants of the last ice age.
109 00:11:13,840 00:11:17,600 Having grazed all summer, they've built up fat reserves Having grazed all summer, they've built up fat reserves
110 00:11:17,720 00:11:21,680 that will enable them to survive the brutal cold of winter. that will enable them to survive the brutal cold of winter.
111 00:11:23,800 00:11:29,320 And this makes them a prime target for other sub-zero specialists. And this makes them a prime target for other sub-zero specialists.
112 00:11:37,760 00:11:39,960 (GROWLS) (GROWLS)
113 00:11:40,080 00:11:42,320 Arctic wolves. Arctic wolves.
114 00:11:45,000 00:11:49,440 The moon provides just enough light for them to see. The moon provides just enough light for them to see.
115 00:11:53,680 00:11:55,560 (SNIFFS) (SNIFFS)
116 00:11:58,000 00:12:01,480 This alpha female leads the hunt. This alpha female leads the hunt.
117 00:12:07,680 00:12:09,680 Target in sight. Target in sight.
118 00:12:11,080 00:12:16,040 If her pack is to survive, they need to make a large kill If her pack is to survive, they need to make a large kill
119 00:12:16,160 00:12:19,240 at least once every three weeks. at least once every three weeks.
120 00:12:30,760 00:12:34,720 The alpha female signals the start of the attack. The alpha female signals the start of the attack.
121 00:12:47,280 00:12:51,760 They run at the muskox and the herd panics. They run at the muskox and the herd panics.
122 00:13:04,960 00:13:07,640 The muskox close ranks. The muskox close ranks.
123 00:13:11,480 00:13:14,440 The wolves look for weakness. The wolves look for weakness.
124 00:13:16,200 00:13:18,240 (ROARS) (ROARS)
125 00:13:23,080 00:13:25,480 (ROARS) (ROARS)
126 00:13:25,600 00:13:26,960 (WOLVES WHINE E) (WOLVES WHINE E)
127 00:13:29,680 00:13:33,560 Charging risks isolation from the crowd. Charging risks isolation from the crowd.
128 00:13:33,680 00:13:35,440 (ROARS) (ROARS)
129 00:13:39,760 00:13:42,680 And that is just what the wolf pack wants. And that is just what the wolf pack wants.
130 00:13:42,800 00:13:45,200 (ROARS) (ROARS)
131 00:14:00,720 00:14:03,000 The wolves can sense victory. The wolves can sense victory.
132 00:14:18,760 00:14:21,120 But the herd comes to the rescue. But the herd comes to the rescue.
133 00:14:29,520 00:14:33,080 And once again, they close ranks. And once again, they close ranks.
134 00:14:36,560 00:14:41,120 Most winter hunts end in failure for the wolves. Most winter hunts end in failure for the wolves.
135 00:14:41,240 00:14:43,080 - (ROARS) - (WHINES) - (ROARS) - (WHINES)
136 00:14:52,640 00:14:55,480 As the long polar nights drag on, As the long polar nights drag on,
137 00:14:55,600 00:15:00,680 the hungry wolves turn to their only other source of food... the hungry wolves turn to their only other source of food...
138 00:15:03,880 00:15:06,320 ...arctic hares. ...arctic hares.
139 00:15:14,560 00:15:18,480 They've gathered together in their hundreds for safety. They've gathered together in their hundreds for safety.
140 00:15:36,000 00:15:40,960 Trying to catch one hare among hundreds is harder than you might think. Trying to catch one hare among hundreds is harder than you might think.
141 00:15:47,120 00:15:51,320 Even if they do catch one, it's not much of a meal. Even if they do catch one, it's not much of a meal.
142 00:16:02,240 00:16:06,240 Sometimes you just have to admit defeat. Sometimes you just have to admit defeat.
143 00:16:12,240 00:16:15,120 (GROWLS) (GROWLS)
144 00:16:16,960 00:16:20,480 But life is about to get better for the wolves. But life is about to get better for the wolves.
145 00:16:32,560 00:16:38,880 For the first time in six months, the sun rises above the horizon. For the first time in six months, the sun rises above the horizon.
146 00:16:48,320 00:16:54,520 Its appearance marks the beginning of half a year of continuous light. Its appearance marks the beginning of half a year of continuous light.
147 00:16:56,800 00:17:01,600 The sun's warmth will allow the muskox to give birth, The sun's warmth will allow the muskox to give birth,
148 00:17:01,720 00:17:06,840 and that will provide easier hunting for the wolves. and that will provide easier hunting for the wolves.
149 00:17:19,160 00:17:21,240 It's early spring, It's early spring,
150 00:17:21,360 00:17:25,760 and much of North America is still locked in ice. and much of North America is still locked in ice.
151 00:17:29,120 00:17:31,920 As our tilted planet orbits the sun, As our tilted planet orbits the sun,
152 00:17:32,040 00:17:35,640 the northern hemisphere receives increasing sunlight... the northern hemisphere receives increasing sunlight...
153 00:17:38,760 00:17:43,160 ...and wakens an animal with an almost supernatural ability. ...and wakens an animal with an almost supernatural ability.
154 00:17:51,840 00:17:54,400 It is frozen solid, It is frozen solid,
155 00:17:54,520 00:17:56,320 like a block of ice, like a block of ice,
156 00:17:56,440 00:17:59,360 and has been all winter. and has been all winter.
157 00:18:02,600 00:18:04,440 An ordinary-looking frog... An ordinary-looking frog...
158 00:18:06,400 00:18:08,880 ...but an extraordinary one. ...but an extraordinary one.
159 00:18:10,000 00:18:11,760 A wood frog. A wood frog.
160 00:18:12,920 00:18:15,680 Its heart has stopped beating completely. Its heart has stopped beating completely.
161 00:18:21,360 00:18:23,400 But as the sun's power increases, But as the sun's power increases,
162 00:18:23,520 00:18:26,760 almost miraculously, it begins to change. almost miraculously, it begins to change.
163 00:18:35,920 00:18:38,000 Its frozen blood is melting Its frozen blood is melting
164 00:18:38,120 00:18:41,320 and begins to flow through its veins... and begins to flow through its veins...
165 00:18:44,040 00:18:47,600 ...as its heart begins to beat again. ...as its heart begins to beat again.
166 00:18:47,720 00:18:51,120 (HEARTBEAT) (HEARTBEAT)
167 00:18:55,000 00:18:58,240 The wood frog is cryogenic. The wood frog is cryogenic.
168 00:19:01,160 00:19:03,480 In just 12 hours, In just 12 hours,
169 00:19:03,600 00:19:08,000 it thaws and comes back to life, as if by magic. it thaws and comes back to life, as if by magic.
170 00:19:13,000 00:19:14,800 This defrosting ability This defrosting ability
171 00:19:14,920 00:19:18,760 means it's ready for the moment when, at last, means it's ready for the moment when, at last,
172 00:19:18,880 00:19:21,360 spring arrives. spring arrives.
173 00:19:24,880 00:19:27,200 All across the northern hemisphere, All across the northern hemisphere,
174 00:19:27,320 00:19:30,400 the sun's warmth is bringing dramatic change. the sun's warmth is bringing dramatic change.
175 00:19:54,200 00:19:57,960 As the sun rises higher and spring takes hold, As the sun rises higher and spring takes hold,
176 00:19:58,080 00:20:01,960 the warming air reaches the ground and the rocks beneath. the warming air reaches the ground and the rocks beneath.
177 00:20:07,160 00:20:11,200 Here, thousands of animals begin to stir. Here, thousands of animals begin to stir.
178 00:20:15,240 00:20:16,800 Garter snakes, Garter snakes,
179 00:20:16,920 00:20:20,600 one of Canada's most northerly reptiles. one of Canada's most northerly reptiles.
180 00:20:22,880 00:20:25,240 After six months of hibernation, After six months of hibernation,
181 00:20:25,360 00:20:28,160 the males are the first to emerge. the males are the first to emerge.
182 00:20:29,200 00:20:32,160 They haven't eaten for months. They haven't eaten for months.
183 00:20:32,280 00:20:37,400 Even so, it's not food that is on their minds, it's something else... Even so, it's not food that is on their minds, it's something else...
184 00:20:39,360 00:20:41,760 ...females. ...females.
185 00:20:41,880 00:20:45,480 But they stand no chance of doing anything about that But they stand no chance of doing anything about that
186 00:20:45,600 00:20:48,480 until they've charged their batteries. until they've charged their batteries.
187 00:20:55,000 00:20:56,960 Snakes are cold-blooded Snakes are cold-blooded
188 00:20:57,080 00:21:01,880 and they need to absorb the sun's heat before they're able to move quickly. and they need to absorb the sun's heat before they're able to move quickly.
189 00:21:08,280 00:21:12,000 After a few hours, the males are raring to go. After a few hours, the males are raring to go.
190 00:21:15,880 00:21:18,160 20,000 snakes, 20,000 snakes,
191 00:21:18,280 00:21:20,680 the largest emergence of reptiles the largest emergence of reptiles
192 00:21:20,800 00:21:23,280 anywhere on Earth. anywhere on Earth.
193 00:21:37,520 00:21:40,760 Now a few females appear. Now a few females appear.
194 00:21:44,360 00:21:46,920 They're much bigger than the males... They're much bigger than the males...
195 00:21:49,080 00:21:51,800 ...and warming will take them longer. ...and warming will take them longer.
196 00:21:53,040 00:21:55,080 She releases a scent, a pheromone, She releases a scent, a pheromone,
197 00:21:55,200 00:21:58,160 that attracts the males. that attracts the males.
198 00:21:58,280 00:22:01,400 They outnumber her a hundred to one. They outnumber her a hundred to one.
199 00:22:05,360 00:22:10,800 To speed her own return to activity, she will absorb heat from them. To speed her own return to activity, she will absorb heat from them.
200 00:22:17,840 00:22:20,760 Intoxicated by her scent, the males compete for her, Intoxicated by her scent, the males compete for her,
201 00:22:20,880 00:22:24,120 wrapping themselves around her. wrapping themselves around her.
202 00:22:41,360 00:22:44,360 She now has hundreds of males on top of her, She now has hundreds of males on top of her,
203 00:22:44,480 00:22:47,000 making mating near impossible. making mating near impossible.
204 00:22:48,360 00:22:52,760 But she has a way of weeding out the men from the boys. But she has a way of weeding out the men from the boys.
205 00:22:54,680 00:22:59,760 She'll make a daring ascent of the nearby cliff. She'll make a daring ascent of the nearby cliff.
206 00:23:02,280 00:23:07,040 She barges her way through the crowd to get to the rock face. She barges her way through the crowd to get to the rock face.
207 00:23:18,400 00:23:22,960 As she climbs, only the strongest, fittest males can keep up with her. As she climbs, only the strongest, fittest males can keep up with her.
208 00:23:58,800 00:24:00,680 She's made it to the top. She's made it to the top.
209 00:24:00,800 00:24:05,840 Only a few of her suitors have managed to rise to the occasion, Only a few of her suitors have managed to rise to the occasion,
210 00:24:05,960 00:24:08,800 and she may reward them all. and she may reward them all.
211 00:24:14,760 00:24:19,640 This entire mating jamboree only lasts for one short week This entire mating jamboree only lasts for one short week
212 00:24:19,760 00:24:21,520 in the year. in the year.
213 00:24:27,960 00:24:29,040 And when it's over, And when it's over,
214 00:24:29,160 00:24:31,920 they all move off into the forest. they all move off into the forest.
215 00:24:34,400 00:24:38,160 There, they disperse to lead solitary lives There, they disperse to lead solitary lives
216 00:24:38,280 00:24:39,880 searching for food searching for food
217 00:24:40,000 00:24:42,040 until winter drives them back until winter drives them back
218 00:24:42,160 00:24:45,640 to the shelter of the rocks below ground. to the shelter of the rocks below ground.
219 00:24:54,560 00:24:59,520 It's June, halfway through the Earth's annual journey around the sun, It's June, halfway through the Earth's annual journey around the sun,
220 00:24:59,640 00:25:03,440 and summer has arrived in the northern hemisphere. and summer has arrived in the northern hemisphere.
221 00:25:07,680 00:25:12,400 Karak Lake in Canada, north of the Arctic Circle. Karak Lake in Canada, north of the Arctic Circle.
222 00:25:14,640 00:25:16,360 The summer will be brief, The summer will be brief,
223 00:25:16,480 00:25:19,640 but there is sunlight for 24 hours every clay... but there is sunlight for 24 hours every clay...
224 00:25:23,200 00:25:27,560 ...so the next few months are vital for every living thing here. ...so the next few months are vital for every living thing here.
225 00:25:33,200 00:25:35,880 And this arctic fox knows it. And this arctic fox knows it.
226 00:25:40,560 00:25:41,720 (SQUEAKS) (SQUEAKS)
227 00:25:43,320 00:25:46,480 Winter has been hard for her, Winter has been hard for her,
228 00:25:46,600 00:25:49,840 and now with a new family to support, and now with a new family to support,
229 00:25:49,960 00:25:53,400 she must make the most of the summer's abundance. she must make the most of the summer's abundance.
230 00:25:57,640 00:26:02,200 Her three-week-old pups have just emerged from the den. Her three-week-old pups have just emerged from the den.
231 00:26:08,760 00:26:10,320 (SQUEALS) (SQUEALS)
232 00:26:13,280 00:26:15,520 Each of these little bundles of fur Each of these little bundles of fur
233 00:26:15,640 00:26:20,440 needs nearly 300 calories of food every clay... needs nearly 300 calories of food every clay...
234 00:26:23,080 00:26:25,000 ...a tall order for Mum. ...a tall order for Mum.
235 00:26:26,400 00:26:27,480 (HONKING) (HONKING)
236 00:26:27,600 00:26:30,920 But a solution for her problem is just arriving. But a solution for her problem is just arriving.
237 00:26:34,480 00:26:35,840 Snow geese. Snow geese.
238 00:26:35,960 00:26:40,560 They have flown over a thousand miles from the United States, They have flown over a thousand miles from the United States,
239 00:26:40,680 00:26:44,520 timing their arrival to coincide with the end of the snow. timing their arrival to coincide with the end of the snow.
240 00:26:44,640 00:26:47,200 (HONKING) (HONKING)
241 00:26:58,080 00:27:01,040 More than half a million will spend the summer here, More than half a million will spend the summer here,
242 00:27:01,160 00:27:03,440 nesting and feeding on the grass. nesting and feeding on the grass.
243 00:27:05,040 00:27:10,440 There's fierce competition between couples for the safest nesting sites. There's fierce competition between couples for the safest nesting sites.
244 00:27:19,360 00:27:23,520 The losers will have to nest on the outskirts of the colony, The losers will have to nest on the outskirts of the colony,
245 00:27:23,640 00:27:27,440 the first part to be raided by the foxes. the first part to be raided by the foxes.
246 00:27:43,920 00:27:47,320 Mother is after eggs. Mother is after eggs.
247 00:27:48,440 00:27:51,320 But getting them is not going to be easy. But getting them is not going to be easy.
248 00:27:59,280 00:28:02,240 (HONKING) (HONKING)
249 00:28:11,800 00:28:15,800 The geese will risk their lives to protect their eggs. The geese will risk their lives to protect their eggs.
250 00:28:15,920 00:28:20,640 If they lose them, they can't produce another clutch this season. If they lose them, they can't produce another clutch this season.
251 00:28:26,280 00:28:28,160 The fox wins. The fox wins.
252 00:28:30,480 00:28:32,720 (HONKS) (HONKS)
253 00:28:37,200 00:28:40,280 She gives the first eggs to her young pups... She gives the first eggs to her young pups...
254 00:28:44,680 00:28:46,920 ...and then heads back for more. ...and then heads back for more.
255 00:28:50,520 00:28:52,400 (HONKS) (HONKS)
256 00:28:59,000 00:29:01,440 (HONKING) (HONKING)
257 00:29:11,480 00:29:14,680 Some of the eggs she stashes away. Some of the eggs she stashes away.
258 00:29:17,640 00:29:21,120 They will be food to help her through the coming winter. They will be food to help her through the coming winter.
259 00:29:21,240 00:29:23,600 (HONKS) (HONKS)
260 00:29:40,000 00:29:41,960 In just three weeks, In just three weeks,
261 00:29:42,080 00:29:46,000 she will steal over 800 eggs from the geese. she will steal over 800 eggs from the geese.
262 00:29:56,280 00:30:00,120 But eating a big egg is not easy But eating a big egg is not easy
263 00:30:00,240 00:30:02,440 if one is rather small. if one is rather small.
264 00:30:05,920 00:30:10,680 It's a technique the pups haven't quite yet cracked. It's a technique the pups haven't quite yet cracked.
265 00:30:11,720 00:30:14,800 Mum shows how it's clone. Mum shows how it's clone.
266 00:30:24,360 00:30:26,960 (CHEEPS) (CHEEPS)
267 00:30:27,080 00:30:31,280 Goslings are now hatching all across the colony. Goslings are now hatching all across the colony.
268 00:30:33,280 00:30:37,080 And they will need all the food they can get to build up their fat And they will need all the food they can get to build up their fat
269 00:30:37,200 00:30:39,360 before their journey south. before their journey south.
270 00:30:41,720 00:30:46,920 Now that the chicks have hatched, they can all find safety on the water. Now that the chicks have hatched, they can all find safety on the water.
271 00:30:48,160 00:30:49,560 (HONKING AND CHEEPING) (HONKING AND CHEEPING)
272 00:30:55,160 00:30:56,280 (SQUEALS) (SQUEALS)
273 00:30:56,400 00:31:01,080 In these brief sunlit months, there's time for the cubs to play. In these brief sunlit months, there's time for the cubs to play.
274 00:31:04,040 00:31:07,360 But there is no playtime for Mum. But there is no playtime for Mum.
275 00:31:21,080 00:31:23,280 But the Arctic is warming, But the Arctic is warming,
276 00:31:23,400 00:31:24,680 and the timing of the seasons and the timing of the seasons
277 00:31:24,800 00:31:26,720 and the migration of the geese and the migration of the geese
278 00:31:26,840 00:31:29,400 is becoming unpredictable. is becoming unpredictable.
279 00:31:37,200 00:31:40,400 Although the sun stays above the horizon continuously Although the sun stays above the horizon continuously
280 00:31:40,520 00:31:42,200 throughout the Arctic summer, throughout the Arctic summer,
281 00:31:42,320 00:31:45,680 its rays are comparatively feeble. its rays are comparatively feeble.
282 00:31:49,520 00:31:52,920 Closer to the equator, in our planet's deserts, Closer to the equator, in our planet's deserts,
283 00:31:53,040 00:31:54,960 cloud cover is rare. cloud cover is rare.
284 00:32:08,240 00:32:11,120 The sun here is not a friend, The sun here is not a friend,
285 00:32:11,240 00:32:13,320 but an enemy. but an enemy.
286 00:32:19,760 00:32:22,880 (WIND GUSTS) (WIND GUSTS)
287 00:32:23,000 00:32:24,600 Africa. Africa.
288 00:32:25,840 00:32:28,600 The Sahara. The Sahara.
289 00:32:31,800 00:32:34,400 Few creatures can live here. Few creatures can live here.
290 00:32:38,480 00:32:40,080 Get caught out in the open Get caught out in the open
291 00:32:40,200 00:32:42,080 at the wrong time of day at the wrong time of day
292 00:32:42,200 00:32:44,360 and it's game over. and it's game over.
293 00:32:44,480 00:32:46,760 (WIND GUSTS) (WIND GUSTS)
294 00:32:50,360 00:32:51,680 By ten in the morning, By ten in the morning,
295 00:32:51,800 00:32:54,280 the temperature on the surface of the sand the temperature on the surface of the sand
296 00:32:54,400 00:32:56,640 is pushing 60 degrees Celsius. is pushing 60 degrees Celsius.
297 00:32:58,040 00:33:02,000 Even the toughest will soon have to take cover. Even the toughest will soon have to take cover.
298 00:33:06,160 00:33:12,320 But one creature is waiting underground for the sun to get even hotter. But one creature is waiting underground for the sun to get even hotter.
299 00:33:18,560 00:33:20,680 Temperatures are now so high Temperatures are now so high
300 00:33:20,800 00:33:24,360 that everything else has to shelter. that everything else has to shelter.
301 00:33:30,080 00:33:35,440 The desert now belongs to the Earth's greatest solar specialist... The desert now belongs to the Earth's greatest solar specialist...
302 00:33:36,680 00:33:39,760 ...the Saharan silver ant. ...the Saharan silver ant.
303 00:33:42,240 00:33:43,240 At midday, At midday,
304 00:33:43,360 00:33:45,560 when the sun is at its fiercest, when the sun is at its fiercest,
305 00:33:45,680 00:33:46,920 they emerge they emerge
306 00:33:47,040 00:33:49,440 to look for creatures killed by the scorching heat. to look for creatures killed by the scorching heat.
307 00:33:52,160 00:33:55,920 They're one of the fastest insects on Earth, and they need to be, They're one of the fastest insects on Earth, and they need to be,
308 00:33:56,040 00:33:59,520 with just five minutes to find food before the heat kills them. with just five minutes to find food before the heat kills them.
309 00:34:03,320 00:34:06,680 Getting lost would mean certain death, Getting lost would mean certain death,
310 00:34:06,800 00:34:09,280 so every few seconds they spin round, so every few seconds they spin round,
311 00:34:09,400 00:34:11,680 taking a bearing from the sun. taking a bearing from the sun.
312 00:34:20,680 00:34:22,080 When others are frying, When others are frying,
313 00:34:22,200 00:34:25,120 these ants have solar tech these ants have solar tech
314 00:34:25,240 00:34:28,200 to stop them from overheating... to stop them from overheating...
315 00:34:32,120 00:34:35,680 ...special glassy hairs and shining bodies ...special glassy hairs and shining bodies
316 00:34:35,800 00:34:38,760 that reflect the sun's lethal rays. that reflect the sun's lethal rays.
317 00:34:41,080 00:34:43,400 It buys them precious time. It buys them precious time.
318 00:34:51,200 00:34:53,920 To get their prize back as quickly as possible To get their prize back as quickly as possible
319 00:34:54,040 00:34:57,680 to their underground den demands teamwork. to their underground den demands teamwork.
320 00:35:04,920 00:35:08,800 But shelter is a long way away. But shelter is a long way away.
321 00:35:10,680 00:35:13,400 Any technique will do. Any technique will do.
322 00:35:13,520 00:35:16,160 The push-and-slide. The push-and-slide.
323 00:35:19,280 00:35:21,000 The spin. The spin.
324 00:35:24,160 00:35:26,680 Even dune-surfing. Even dune-surfing.
325 00:35:37,400 00:35:40,720 The nest is still 70 metres away. The nest is still 70 metres away.
326 00:35:51,480 00:35:54,600 Some are already collapsing in the heat. Some are already collapsing in the heat.
327 00:35:57,000 00:35:59,840 Reinforcements are needed urgently. Reinforcements are needed urgently.
328 00:36:01,560 00:36:06,400 Now the heat whips up violent gusts of hot desert air. Now the heat whips up violent gusts of hot desert air.
329 00:36:10,080 00:36:12,280 For an ant, these are hurricanes. For an ant, these are hurricanes.
330 00:36:18,280 00:36:20,200 (WIND HOWLS) (WIND HOWLS)
331 00:36:33,480 00:36:36,280 They must get their prize underground as soon as possible, They must get their prize underground as soon as possible,
332 00:36:36,400 00:36:40,960 and blown sand has blocked the entrance to their den. and blown sand has blocked the entrance to their den.
333 00:36:41,080 00:36:44,680 Any longer out here and they will be toast. Any longer out here and they will be toast.
334 00:36:50,640 00:36:53,360 One final effort. One final effort.
335 00:37:07,320 00:37:10,080 The last of the team race home. The last of the team race home.
336 00:37:13,520 00:37:17,080 Shade at last. Shade at last.
337 00:37:25,040 00:37:29,680 Much of the land on our planet could become as scorched and lifeless as this Much of the land on our planet could become as scorched and lifeless as this
338 00:37:29,800 00:37:34,920 if we allow our activities to continue to change the atmosphere. if we allow our activities to continue to change the atmosphere.
339 00:37:39,320 00:37:44,200 The Sahara alone has expanded by an area twice the size of France The Sahara alone has expanded by an area twice the size of France
340 00:37:44,320 00:37:47,120 in just the last hundred years... in just the last hundred years...
341 00:37:47,240 00:37:50,080 (WIND GUSTS) (WIND GUSTS)
342 00:37:50,200 00:37:55,480 ...part of a global desert invasion that threatens a third of all land. ...part of a global desert invasion that threatens a third of all land.
343 00:38:00,960 00:38:03,800 The sun can certainly be a lethal threat, The sun can certainly be a lethal threat,
344 00:38:03,920 00:38:05,720 but it could also be our saviour. but it could also be our saviour.
345 00:38:07,240 00:38:10,360 The solar energy that strikes our planet in just an hour The solar energy that strikes our planet in just an hour
346 00:38:10,480 00:38:14,960 contains more power than that used by all of humanity contains more power than that used by all of humanity
347 00:38:15,080 00:38:17,400 in an entire year. in an entire year.
348 00:38:26,840 00:38:31,880 By October, as the Earth completes its annual journey around the sun, By October, as the Earth completes its annual journey around the sun,
349 00:38:32,000 00:38:36,720 day lengths in the northern hemisphere are shortening once again. day lengths in the northern hemisphere are shortening once again.
350 00:38:38,920 00:38:40,680 (BIRDSONG) (BIRDSONG)
351 00:38:40,800 00:38:44,360 The sun's power is diminishing. The sun's power is diminishing.
352 00:38:44,480 00:38:49,600 Trees are beginning to shut down their solar panels. Trees are beginning to shut down their solar panels.
353 00:38:49,720 00:38:54,240 The green chlorophyll with which they collected the sun's energy The green chlorophyll with which they collected the sun's energy
354 00:38:54,360 00:38:57,800 is broken down chemically and reabsorbed. is broken down chemically and reabsorbed.
355 00:39:06,200 00:39:10,480 And the forests turn from emerald to gold. And the forests turn from emerald to gold.
356 00:39:12,760 00:39:14,760 It's autumn. It's autumn.
357 00:39:18,200 00:39:23,000 Once again, the living world away from the tropics is transformed. Once again, the living world away from the tropics is transformed.
358 00:39:26,480 00:39:28,760 Plants stop growing, Plants stop growing,
359 00:39:28,880 00:39:33,400 and many animals begin to prepare for tough times ahead. and many animals begin to prepare for tough times ahead.
360 00:39:42,480 00:39:45,520 The forests of central China... The forests of central China...
361 00:39:47,120 00:39:50,640 ...home to the golden snub-nosed monkey. ...home to the golden snub-nosed monkey.
362 00:39:55,120 00:39:57,920 They will not survive the fast-approaching winter They will not survive the fast-approaching winter
363 00:39:58,040 00:40:02,000 unless they stock up on calorie-rich food. unless they stock up on calorie-rich food.
364 00:40:04,760 00:40:09,720 Top of their autumn menu - pine cones. Top of their autumn menu - pine cones.
365 00:40:11,000 00:40:13,120 They grew during the summer sunlight They grew during the summer sunlight
366 00:40:13,240 00:40:15,040 and are rich in fats. and are rich in fats.
367 00:40:20,080 00:40:21,840 Few are now left, Few are now left,
368 00:40:21,960 00:40:24,640 and time to gather them is running out. and time to gather them is running out.
369 00:40:31,560 00:40:34,480 Dominant males patrol the troop, Dominant males patrol the troop,
370 00:40:34,600 00:40:37,120 making sure they get the pick of the crop. making sure they get the pick of the crop.
371 00:40:37,240 00:40:39,880 (SCREECHING) (SCREECHING)
372 00:40:40,000 00:40:42,600 As the number of pine cones dwindles, As the number of pine cones dwindles,
373 00:40:42,720 00:40:45,440 tensions between rival families increase. tensions between rival families increase.
374 00:40:45,560 00:40:47,840 (SCREECHING) (SCREECHING)
375 00:40:54,080 00:40:59,640 Mere threats between two males may not be enough to settle disputes. Mere threats between two males may not be enough to settle disputes.
376 00:41:03,720 00:41:06,400 (SCREECHES) (SCREECHES)
377 00:41:06,520 00:41:09,160 Conflict is in the air. Conflict is in the air.
378 00:41:11,120 00:41:13,320 There's going to be a fight. There's going to be a fight.
379 00:41:42,600 00:41:45,040 (SCREECHES) (SCREECHES)
380 00:41:45,160 00:41:47,000 Vital food is at stake, Vital food is at stake,
381 00:41:47,120 00:41:49,920 so every pine cone is worth fighting for. so every pine cone is worth fighting for.
382 00:42:14,000 00:42:15,000 (SCREECHES) (SCREECHES)
383 00:42:16,320 00:42:20,960 The victor and his family enjoy the spoils of war. The victor and his family enjoy the spoils of war.
384 00:42:25,120 00:42:28,400 The losers get no more than a few dead leaves The losers get no more than a few dead leaves
385 00:42:28,520 00:42:32,680 and will have fewer energy reserves for the coming winter. and will have fewer energy reserves for the coming winter.
386 00:42:36,880 00:42:39,400 The sun's power dims. The sun's power dims.
387 00:42:41,120 00:42:43,240 Temperatures drop. Temperatures drop.
388 00:42:47,680 00:42:50,680 Everything slows down. Everything slows down.
389 00:42:53,440 00:42:57,520 Ahead lies months of crippling cold. Ahead lies months of crippling cold.
390 00:42:57,640 00:42:59,160 (WHINES) (WHINES)
391 00:43:16,440 00:43:20,280 Most of the life on Earth away from the tropics Most of the life on Earth away from the tropics
392 00:43:20,400 00:43:24,240 has managed to adapt to the changing seasons, has managed to adapt to the changing seasons,
393 00:43:24,360 00:43:26,320 but there are some creatures but there are some creatures
394 00:43:26,440 00:43:30,800 that have found a way to avoid the cold of winter altogether. that have found a way to avoid the cold of winter altogether.
395 00:43:32,120 00:43:34,880 Snares Island, New Zealand, Snares Island, New Zealand,
396 00:43:35,000 00:43:37,360 deep in the southern hemisphere. deep in the southern hemisphere.
397 00:43:37,480 00:43:38,960 (CAWING) (CAWING)
398 00:43:39,080 00:43:43,760 Here, sooty shearwaters have been nesting throughout the long summer Here, sooty shearwaters have been nesting throughout the long summer
399 00:43:43,880 00:43:46,200 and gorging themselves on fish. and gorging themselves on fish.
400 00:43:48,160 00:43:51,880 As a result, they've piled on quite a few pounds. As a result, they've piled on quite a few pounds.
401 00:43:54,880 00:43:56,120 But the sun is now fading, But the sun is now fading,
402 00:43:56,240 00:43:58,960 and the southern winter is approaching. and the southern winter is approaching.
403 00:44:00,480 00:44:02,960 No time to hang around. No time to hang around.
404 00:44:03,080 00:44:04,960 (CAWING) (CAWING)
405 00:44:11,440 00:44:13,360 When you're a touch tubby, When you're a touch tubby,
406 00:44:13,480 00:44:14,960 launching into the air... launching into the air...
407 00:44:16,680 00:44:18,000 ...is a leap of faith. ...is a leap of faith.
408 00:44:20,920 00:44:24,600 They won't see land again for four weeks. They won't see land again for four weeks.
409 00:44:30,120 00:44:32,200 Setting off across the Pacific, Setting off across the Pacific,
410 00:44:32,320 00:44:37,200 they're starting on one of the longest journeys made by any living thing. they're starting on one of the longest journeys made by any living thing.
411 00:44:39,800 00:44:42,320 Their aim - to avoid the consequences Their aim - to avoid the consequences
412 00:44:42,440 00:44:44,320 of the Earth's tilt of the Earth's tilt
413 00:44:44,440 00:44:48,840 and follow the sun's warmth as it dwindles in the south and follow the sun's warmth as it dwindles in the south
414 00:44:48,960 00:44:51,160 and increases in the north. and increases in the north.
415 00:45:03,080 00:45:06,840 For those who survive the 10,000-mile marathon, For those who survive the 10,000-mile marathon,
416 00:45:06,960 00:45:09,560 there will be a great prize. there will be a great prize.
417 00:45:14,280 00:45:17,920 The reward for travelling from one end of the planet to the other The reward for travelling from one end of the planet to the other
418 00:45:18,040 00:45:21,200 is long summer days the year round. is long summer days the year round.
419 00:45:24,720 00:45:26,600 This is their destination... This is their destination...
420 00:45:28,800 00:45:31,040 ...Alaska's Aleutian Islands. ...Alaska's Aleutian Islands.
421 00:45:35,040 00:45:38,240 While the south of our planet is slipping into autumn... While the south of our planet is slipping into autumn...
422 00:45:39,840 00:45:42,840 ...here, summer is just beginning. ...here, summer is just beginning.
423 00:45:52,840 00:45:54,680 Below the waves, Below the waves,
424 00:45:54,800 00:45:58,000 vast clouds of plankton are blooming... vast clouds of plankton are blooming...
425 00:45:59,680 00:46:01,920 ...triggered by the sunlight. ...triggered by the sunlight.
426 00:46:02,040 00:46:04,600 These tiny marine organisms These tiny marine organisms
427 00:46:04,720 00:46:07,600 are food for crustaceans - krill. are food for crustaceans - krill.
428 00:46:10,880 00:46:13,120 This is the sun-filled bounty This is the sun-filled bounty
429 00:46:13,240 00:46:16,200 for which the shearwaters have crossed the planet. for which the shearwaters have crossed the planet.
430 00:46:23,240 00:46:24,600 By cheating the tilt, By cheating the tilt,
431 00:46:24,720 00:46:28,520 they're able to enjoy the riches of summer the year round. they're able to enjoy the riches of summer the year round.
432 00:46:35,440 00:46:40,640 But shearwaters are not the only ones to visit the warming seas. But shearwaters are not the only ones to visit the warming seas.
433 00:46:42,360 00:46:45,680 (WHALE SONG) (WHALE SONG)
434 00:46:47,200 00:46:49,400 Humpback whales. Humpback whales.
435 00:46:51,520 00:46:53,480 They've been breeding in the tropics... They've been breeding in the tropics...
436 00:46:54,720 00:46:57,400 ...and haven't fed for six months. ...and haven't fed for six months.
437 00:47:08,040 00:47:10,080 Up to 6,000 whales Up to 6,000 whales
438 00:47:10,200 00:47:13,000 are now heading for these islands - are now heading for these islands -
439 00:47:13,120 00:47:16,240 the only place where they can find food the only place where they can find food
440 00:47:16,360 00:47:18,720 in the quantities they need. in the quantities they need.
441 00:47:23,480 00:47:27,880 The shearwaters begin to dive into a huge shoal of krill. The shearwaters begin to dive into a huge shoal of krill.
442 00:47:33,880 00:47:36,320 The humpbacks attack from below. The humpbacks attack from below.
443 00:47:43,240 00:47:48,160 Each year, a million shearwaters join the whales Each year, a million shearwaters join the whales
444 00:47:48,280 00:47:50,880 in these dramatic feeding frenzies. in these dramatic feeding frenzies.
445 00:48:04,320 00:48:08,360 It's one of the greatest gatherings of life on Earth. It's one of the greatest gatherings of life on Earth.
446 00:48:09,720 00:48:12,640 And it only happens because some whales And it only happens because some whales
447 00:48:12,760 00:48:14,480 and some birds and some birds
448 00:48:14,600 00:48:18,640 have found a way to live in a summer that never ends. have found a way to live in a summer that never ends.
449 00:48:38,520 00:48:43,560 DAVID: Rolf Steinmann has Wanted to be a wildlife cameraman since he was a child, DAVID: Rolf Steinmann has Wanted to be a wildlife cameraman since he was a child,
450 00:48:43,680 00:48:47,240 even if he has to remind himself from time to time. even if he has to remind himself from time to time.
451 00:48:47,360 00:48:50,160 I'm a lucky cameraman. I'm a lucky cameraman.
452 00:48:50,280 00:48:51,840 I'm a lucky cameraman. I'm a lucky cameraman.
453 00:48:51,960 00:48:54,080 I'm a lucky cameraman... I'm a lucky cameraman...
454 00:48:54,200 00:48:58,520 To those who've worked with Rolf, his love of the wild is legendary. To those who've worked with Rolf, his love of the wild is legendary.
455 00:48:58,640 00:48:59,800 You know, if he's not on location, You know, if he's not on location,
456 00:48:59,920 00:49:02,680 he's at home watching every other wildlife documentary that's ever been made. he's at home watching every other wildlife documentary that's ever been made.
457 00:49:02,800 00:49:06,560 I think Rolf is motivated by the beauty in the world. I think Rolf is motivated by the beauty in the world.
458 00:49:06,680 00:49:09,000 I think he really has this pure heart. I think he really has this pure heart.
459 00:49:09,120 00:49:11,960 Rolf alone with nature is Rolf at his best. Rolf alone with nature is Rolf at his best.
460 00:49:12,080 00:49:14,400 Rolf is a man obsessed. Rolf is a man obsessed.
461 00:49:14,520 00:49:19,920 The opportunity to be the first to film arctic wolves in the polar night The opportunity to be the first to film arctic wolves in the polar night
462 00:49:20,040 00:49:22,840 is Rolf's dream of a lifetime. is Rolf's dream of a lifetime.
463 00:49:22,960 00:49:25,080 ROLF: We have a lot of luggage. ROLF: We have a lot of luggage.
464 00:49:25,200 00:49:27,320 This is a major expedition. This is a major expedition.
465 00:49:27,440 00:49:29,960 And there's one piece of luggage And there's one piece of luggage
466 00:49:30,080 00:49:32,840 that is very, very special to me. And it's... that is very, very special to me. And it's...
467 00:49:32,960 00:49:34,640 It's actually this book It's actually this book
468 00:49:34,760 00:49:36,280 by jim Brandenburg. by jim Brandenburg.
469 00:49:36,400 00:49:37,880 It's 30 years old. It's from the '80s. It's 30 years old. It's from the '80s.
470 00:49:38,000 00:49:40,320 And when I saw this book the first time, And when I saw this book the first time,
471 00:49:40,440 00:49:42,080 it really triggered a dream it really triggered a dream
472 00:49:42,200 00:49:44,560 to become a wildlife cameraman. to become a wildlife cameraman.
473 00:49:44,680 00:49:46,560 And this was the shot. And this was the shot.
474 00:49:46,680 00:49:48,120 It's unmatched to this day. It's unmatched to this day.
475 00:49:48,240 00:49:51,480 And when I saw it, I just wanted to experience it myself. And when I saw it, I just wanted to experience it myself.
476 00:49:51,600 00:49:53,360 To go to Ellesmere now To go to Ellesmere now
477 00:49:53,480 00:49:55,600 and to film wolves is... and to film wolves is...
478 00:49:55,720 00:49:57,920 ...is my biggest dream coming true. ...is my biggest dream coming true.
479 00:49:58,960 00:50:02,720 If I'm honest, I'm not just excited about this shoot, If I'm honest, I'm not just excited about this shoot,
480 00:50:02,840 00:50:05,160 I'm also a little bit anxious. I'm also a little bit anxious.
481 00:50:05,280 00:50:08,160 I haven't worked in minus-50 degrees, I haven't worked in minus-50 degrees,
482 00:50:08,280 00:50:10,960 and actually trying to find wolves and actually trying to find wolves
483 00:50:11,080 00:50:13,240 in darkness in the polar night is something in darkness in the polar night is something
484 00:50:13,360 00:50:16,800 that has not even been tried by anyone. that has not even been tried by anyone.
485 00:50:23,520 00:50:29,040 Ellesmere Island lies just 500 miles from the North Pole. Ellesmere Island lies just 500 miles from the North Pole.
486 00:50:29,160 00:50:33,760 In the winter, the sun doesn't rise for four months. In the winter, the sun doesn't rise for four months.
487 00:50:34,840 00:50:38,440 The temperature regularly drops to minus-50 degrees... The temperature regularly drops to minus-50 degrees...
488 00:50:39,800 00:50:43,320 ...making it one of the coldest places on Earth. ...making it one of the coldest places on Earth.
489 00:50:45,200 00:50:49,920 ROLF: It's such an unreal place. It's like a...like a frozen dream. ROLF: It's such an unreal place. It's like a...like a frozen dream.
490 00:50:52,120 00:50:54,680 There's so much space. There's so much space.
491 00:50:54,800 00:50:57,160 It's really like a different planet. It's really like a different planet.
492 00:51:00,280 00:51:03,200 The wolves here can range for thousands of miles The wolves here can range for thousands of miles
493 00:51:03,320 00:51:05,720 across the frozen landscape. across the frozen landscape.
494 00:51:07,120 00:51:10,120 ROLF: If you look at that landscape, ROLF: If you look at that landscape,
495 00:51:10,240 00:51:12,040 how vast it is, how vast it is,
496 00:51:12,160 00:51:15,680 you can imagine how hard it is to find the wolves, you can imagine how hard it is to find the wolves,
497 00:51:15,800 00:51:18,720 a white animal in a white landscape. a white animal in a white landscape.
498 00:51:21,480 00:51:24,280 One wolf has a radio collar, One wolf has a radio collar,
499 00:51:24,400 00:51:29,520 but this kind of telemetry only gives a rough direction to explore. but this kind of telemetry only gives a rough direction to explore.
500 00:51:30,800 00:51:32,120 The fjord is just to the south, The fjord is just to the south,
501 00:51:32,240 00:51:35,600 so I think the best plan is cut across on the ice and see if we can find a way up. so I think the best plan is cut across on the ice and see if we can find a way up.
502 00:51:36,640 00:51:40,440 The team race towards the wolf's last broadcast position The team race towards the wolf's last broadcast position
503 00:51:40,560 00:51:41,520 and get lucky. and get lucky.
504 00:51:41,640 00:51:44,800 They find the whole pack, They find the whole pack,
505 00:51:44,920 00:51:47,760 and something never seen before. and something never seen before.
506 00:51:49,080 00:51:50,680 This is so incredible. This is so incredible.
507 00:51:50,800 00:51:52,000 (LAUGHS) (LAUGHS)
508 00:51:52,120 00:51:54,840 A herd of hundreds of arctic hares A herd of hundreds of arctic hares
509 00:51:54,960 00:51:57,840 are under attack from Rolf's white wolves. are under attack from Rolf's white wolves.
510 00:52:00,200 00:52:01,600 (LAUGHS) Wow. (LAUGHS) Wow.
511 00:52:03,080 00:52:04,920 We found our... We found our...
512 00:52:05,040 00:52:07,760 ...our pack of seven wolves, ...our pack of seven wolves,
513 00:52:07,880 00:52:10,800 in their full beauty, which is amazing. in their full beauty, which is amazing.
514 00:52:12,400 00:52:16,640 Filming the new behaviour ramps up the pressure on Rolf. Filming the new behaviour ramps up the pressure on Rolf.
515 00:52:16,760 00:52:20,520 Oh, God, the situation is just right in the wrong spot. Oh, God, the situation is just right in the wrong spot.
516 00:52:22,640 00:52:25,640 Rolf is well known for his self-criticism. Rolf is well known for his self-criticism.
517 00:52:26,960 00:52:28,320 SOPHIE: He '5 a perfectionist. SOPHIE: He '5 a perfectionist.
518 00:52:28,440 00:52:30,720 You know, he wants that image to be You know, he wants that image to be
519 00:52:30,840 00:52:31,960 absolutely perfect. absolutely perfect.
520 00:52:33,360 00:52:36,960 You're amazing, but I'm stupid, unfortunately. You're amazing, but I'm stupid, unfortunately.
521 00:52:40,440 00:52:43,720 DAVID: A day later, the wolves disappear DAVID: A day later, the wolves disappear
522 00:52:43,840 00:52:46,480 out of range of the telemetry. out of range of the telemetry.
523 00:52:46,600 00:52:48,080 It said they were here, It said they were here,
524 00:52:48,200 00:52:52,800 but now they aren't here and we don't get any signal from the telemetry, but now they aren't here and we don't get any signal from the telemetry,
525 00:52:52,920 00:52:58,240 so now I think we realise how hard it will be to find the wolves so now I think we realise how hard it will be to find the wolves
526 00:52:58,360 00:53:00,280 if we don't just run into them. if we don't just run into them.
527 00:53:01,720 00:53:04,240 With no wolves to film, Rolf is determined With no wolves to film, Rolf is determined
528 00:53:04,360 00:53:07,600 to capture the beauty of the landscape with a drone. to capture the beauty of the landscape with a drone.
529 00:53:18,080 00:53:20,280 We just can't get the thing in the air. We just can't get the thing in the air.
530 00:53:20,400 00:53:24,280 Um, the motors, they've physically frozen solid. Um, the motors, they've physically frozen solid.
531 00:53:24,400 00:53:27,520 And the drone's not the only thing that's freezing. And the drone's not the only thing that's freezing.
532 00:53:27,640 00:53:31,480 Look what I just found under my mask. Look what I just found under my mask.
533 00:53:31,600 00:53:32,720 (LAUGHS) (LAUGHS)
534 00:53:50,680 00:53:55,120 A plan to warm up the drone with a hairdryer and a duffel bag A plan to warm up the drone with a hairdryer and a duffel bag
535 00:53:55,240 00:53:59,400 could mean that the world record for the coldest flight is still on. could mean that the world record for the coldest flight is still on.
536 00:54:01,880 00:54:03,120 Success! Success!
537 00:54:10,400 00:54:13,400 But the cold soon takes its toll on jesse, But the cold soon takes its toll on jesse,
538 00:54:13,520 00:54:14,960 the drone operator. the drone operator.
539 00:54:15,080 00:54:18,360 Argh! I'm sorry, I can't feel my hands. Argh! I'm sorry, I can't feel my hands.
540 00:54:18,480 00:54:22,120 ROLF: I think we have to drift to the right a little bit more. ROLF: I think we have to drift to the right a little bit more.
541 00:54:22,240 00:54:24,240 When you're on a shoot with Rolf, When you're on a shoot with Rolf,
542 00:54:24,360 00:54:26,560 he'll just keep going and going he'll just keep going and going
543 00:54:26,680 00:54:28,400 and 901719- and 901719-
544 00:54:28,520 00:54:31,520 We can fly towards the big mountain. I can get the... We can fly towards the big mountain. I can get the...
545 00:54:31,640 00:54:33,480 - Argh! - ...the big mountain, you know... - Argh! - ...the big mountain, you know...
546 00:54:33,600 00:54:35,840 - Yeah. - ...like more centred. - Yeah. - ...like more centred.
547 00:54:35,960 00:54:38,280 JESSE Argh! My hands! JESSE Argh! My hands!
548 00:54:38,400 00:54:42,000 Come on, it's coming, it's coming. You just fly straight, Jesse. Come on, it's coming, it's coming. You just fly straight, Jesse.
549 00:54:42,120 00:54:44,960 But I'm losing my sensation in my hands, Rolf. Let's... But I'm losing my sensation in my hands, Rolf. Let's...
550 00:54:45,080 00:54:46,720 - KIERAN: Roll on it... -jESSE: Let's record. - KIERAN: Roll on it... -jESSE: Let's record.
551 00:54:46,840 00:54:48,640 Come on, do it. Come on, do it.
552 00:54:51,040 00:54:54,400 KIERAN: This feels like a totally different planet. It's really crazy. KIERAN: This feels like a totally different planet. It's really crazy.
553 00:54:54,520 00:54:57,560 ROLF: OK, and I think now we could do a forward view. ROLF: OK, and I think now we could do a forward view.
554 00:54:57,680 00:54:58,600 KIERAN: Yeah. KIERAN: Yeah.
555 00:54:58,720 00:55:02,520 ROLF: Perfect, jesse. You can go a bit slower. If you can, go a bit slower. ROLF: Perfect, jesse. You can go a bit slower. If you can, go a bit slower.
556 00:55:02,640 00:55:04,320 JESSE: My fingers are hurting. JESSE: My fingers are hurting.
557 00:55:06,200 00:55:07,280 Argh! Argh!
558 00:55:07,400 00:55:08,960 KIERAN: That looks really cool. KIERAN: That looks really cool.
559 00:55:09,080 00:55:11,600 It's incredible. It's incredible.
560 00:55:15,760 00:55:18,400 With no sighting of the wolves in weeks, With no sighting of the wolves in weeks,
561 00:55:18,520 00:55:21,920 the team decide to follow their prey instead. the team decide to follow their prey instead.
562 00:55:23,280 00:55:24,440 Muskoxen. Muskoxen.
563 00:55:25,680 00:55:26,920 And the tactic pays off. And the tactic pays off.
564 00:55:28,640 00:55:30,920 The herd is being shadowed by the wolves. The herd is being shadowed by the wolves.
565 00:55:31,040 00:55:33,680 (ROARS) (ROARS)
566 00:55:37,120 00:55:39,320 They are very close to a herd of muskoxen there They are very close to a herd of muskoxen there
567 00:55:39,440 00:55:41,080 and something might happen. and something might happen.
568 00:55:45,960 00:55:49,400 Rolf is in the perfect spot to capture the first arctic wolf hunt Rolf is in the perfect spot to capture the first arctic wolf hunt
569 00:55:49,520 00:55:53,000 ever filmed in the polar night. ever filmed in the polar night.
570 00:56:00,720 00:56:04,640 God, there was some good stuff, I think, if I got it in focus. God, there was some good stuff, I think, if I got it in focus.
571 00:56:06,440 00:56:11,160 With the shots in the can, there is a magical experience for Rolf... With the shots in the can, there is a magical experience for Rolf...
572 00:56:12,320 00:56:15,240 ...one he's dreamed of since he was a child. ...one he's dreamed of since he was a child.
573 00:56:22,400 00:56:24,400 It doesn't get better than this. It doesn't get better than this.
574 00:56:29,520 00:56:32,240 Oh, my God. This is an absolutely... Oh, my God. This is an absolutely...
575 00:56:32,360 00:56:34,440 ...dream of a lifetime. ...dream of a lifetime.
576 00:56:38,600 00:56:42,560 Honestly, you are the most beautiful living being I've ever seen. Honestly, you are the most beautiful living being I've ever seen.
577 00:56:44,000 00:56:45,360 Incredible. Incredible.