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1 00:00:34,075 00:00:36,369 DAVID ATTENBOROUGH: A Perfect' Planet'. DAVID ATTENBOROUGH: A Perfect' Planet'.
2 00:01:05,315 00:01:07,234 Our secret weapon Our secret weapon
3 00:01:07,359 00:01:10,570 is...a hovercraft. is...a hovercraft.
4 00:01:10,695 00:01:12,322 And it's beautiful. And it's beautiful.
5 00:01:14,157 00:01:16,868 Argh! I can't feel my hands. Argh! I can't feel my hands.
6 00:01:24,876 00:01:27,754 - Whose idea was this? - (LAUGHS) - Whose idea was this? - (LAUGHS)
7 00:01:27,879 00:01:29,631 (GRUNTS) (GRUNTS)
8 00:01:29,756 00:01:31,675 (WIND GUSTS) (WIND GUSTS)
9 00:01:32,801 00:01:36,471 I'm wearing two pairs of socks, two pairs of trousers, thermals, I'm wearing two pairs of socks, two pairs of trousers, thermals,
10 00:01:36,596 00:01:40,433 thermals on top, two pairs of jumpers, three coats, two hats. thermals on top, two pairs of jumpers, three coats, two hats.
11 00:01:40,558 00:01:42,769 Er, so I think I should be all right. Er, so I think I should be all right.
12 00:01:42,894 00:01:45,855 Look what I just found under my mask. Look what I just found under my mask.
13 00:01:49,150 00:01:50,986 (ROCKFALL) (ROCKFALL)
14 00:01:53,446 00:01:55,282 Just keeps getting better. Just keeps getting better.
15 00:02:00,453 00:02:02,831 Right in the wrong spot. Right in the wrong spot.
16 00:02:19,597 00:02:21,933 DAVID: To tell the story of our Perfect Planet net, DAVID: To tell the story of our Perfect Planet net,
17 00:02:22,058 00:02:23,893 the team behind the series the team behind the series
18 00:02:24,019 00:02:27,772 filmed in some of the remotest places on Earth. filmed in some of the remotest places on Earth.
19 00:02:29,357 00:02:31,860 And few places are more isolated And few places are more isolated
20 00:02:31,985 00:02:35,488 than Ellesmere Island. than Ellesmere Island.
21 00:02:35,613 00:02:39,743 Here, the opportunity to film arctic wolves in the polar night Here, the opportunity to film arctic wolves in the polar night
22 00:02:39,868 00:02:44,748 is cameraman Rolf Steinmann's dream of a lifetime. is cameraman Rolf Steinmann's dream of a lifetime.
23 00:02:44,873 00:02:47,083 ROLF: We have a lot of luggage. ROLF: We have a lot of luggage.
24 00:02:47,208 00:02:49,252 This is a major expedition. This is a major expedition.
25 00:02:49,377 00:02:52,172 And there's one piece of luggage And there's one piece of luggage
26 00:02:52,297 00:02:55,175 that is very, very special to me. And it's... that is very, very special to me. And it's...
27 00:02:55,300 00:02:56,676 It's actually this book It's actually this book
28 00:02:56,801 00:02:58,303 by Jim Brandenburg. by Jim Brandenburg.
29 00:02:58,428 00:02:59,929 It's 30 years old. It's from the '80s. It's 30 years old. It's from the '80s.
30 00:03:00,055 00:03:02,766 And when I saw this book the first time, And when I saw this book the first time,
31 00:03:02,891 00:03:04,809 it really triggered a dream it really triggered a dream
32 00:03:04,934 00:03:07,062 to become a wildlife cameraman. to become a wildlife cameraman.
33 00:03:07,187 00:03:08,938 And this was the shot. And this was the shot.
34 00:03:09,064 00:03:10,857 It's unmatched to this day. It's unmatched to this day.
35 00:03:10,982 00:03:12,609 And when I saw it, And when I saw it,
36 00:03:12,734 00:03:14,611 I just wanted to experience it myself. I just wanted to experience it myself.
37 00:03:14,736 00:03:16,613 To go to Ellesmere now To go to Ellesmere now
38 00:03:16,738 00:03:18,907 and to film wolves is... and to film wolves is...
39 00:03:19,032 00:03:21,242 ...is my biggest dream coming true. ...is my biggest dream coming true.
40 00:03:21,368 00:03:26,331 If I'm honest, I'm not just excited about this shoot, If I'm honest, I'm not just excited about this shoot,
41 00:03:26,456 00:03:28,500 I'm also a little bit anxious. I'm also a little bit anxious.
42 00:03:28,625 00:03:31,628 I haven't worked in minus-50 degrees, I haven't worked in minus-50 degrees,
43 00:03:31,753 00:03:34,714 and actually trying to find wolves and actually trying to find wolves
44 00:03:34,839 00:03:37,300 in darkness in the polar night is something in darkness in the polar night is something
45 00:03:37,425 00:03:41,012 that has not even been tried by anyone. that has not even been tried by anyone.
46 00:03:48,019 00:03:53,775 Ellesmere Island lies just 500 miles from the North Pole. Ellesmere Island lies just 500 miles from the North Pole.
47 00:03:53,900 00:03:58,696 In winter, the sun doesn't rise for four months. In winter, the sun doesn't rise for four months.
48 00:04:00,448 00:04:03,493 The temperature regularly drops to minus-50 degrees... The temperature regularly drops to minus-50 degrees...
49 00:04:03,618 00:04:08,665 ...making it one of the coldest places on Earth. ...making it one of the coldest places on Earth.
50 00:04:10,792 00:04:15,547 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.
51 00:04:18,049 00:04:21,344 There's so much space. There's so much space.
52 00:04:21,469 00:04:24,597 It's really like a different planet. It's really like a different planet.
53 00:04:25,932 00:04:28,935 The wolves here can range for thousands of miles The wolves here can range for thousands of miles
54 00:04:29,060 00:04:32,021 across the frozen landscape. across the frozen landscape.
55 00:04:33,523 00:04:36,484 ROLF: If you look at that landscape, ROLF: If you look at that landscape,
56 00:04:36,609 00:04:38,611 how vast it is, how vast it is,
57 00:04:38,736 00:04:42,657 you can imagine how hard it is to find the wolves, you can imagine how hard it is to find the wolves,
58 00:04:42,782 00:04:45,577 a white animal in a white landscape. a white animal in a white landscape.
59 00:04:48,455 00:04:52,417 One wolf has a radio collar, One wolf has a radio collar,
60 00:04:52,542 00:04:58,047 but this kind of telemetry only gives a rough direction to explore. but this kind of telemetry only gives a rough direction to explore.
61 00:04:58,173 00:04:59,466 The fjord is just to the south, The fjord is just to the south,
62 00:04:59,591 00:05:03,178 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.
63 00:05:04,679 00:05:08,266 The team race towards the wolf's last broadcast position The team race towards the wolf's last broadcast position
64 00:05:08,391 00:05:09,434 and get lucky. and get lucky.
65 00:05:10,977 00:05:12,770 They find the whole pack, They find the whole pack,
66 00:05:12,896 00:05:14,772 and something never seen before. and something never seen before.
67 00:05:17,233 00:05:18,902 This is so incredible. This is so incredible.
68 00:05:19,027 00:05:20,403 (LAUGHS) (LAUGHS)
69 00:05:20,528 00:05:23,406 A herd of hundreds of arctic hares A herd of hundreds of arctic hares
70 00:05:23,531 00:05:27,285 are under attack from Rolf's white wolves. are under attack from Rolf's white wolves.
71 00:05:28,828 00:05:30,288 (LAUGHS) Wow. (LAUGHS) Wow.
72 00:05:31,915 00:05:33,750 We found our... We found our...
73 00:05:33,875 00:05:36,711 ...our pack of seven wolves, ...our pack of seven wolves,
74 00:05:36,836 00:05:39,797 in their full beauty, which is amazing. in their full beauty, which is amazing.
75 00:05:41,758 00:05:45,970 Filming the new behaviour ramps up the pressure on Rolf. Filming the new behaviour ramps up the pressure on Rolf.
76 00:05:46,095 00:05:50,016 Oh, God, the situation is just right in the wrong spot. Oh, God, the situation is just right in the wrong spot.
77 00:05:51,935 00:05:55,230 Rolf is well known for his self-criticism. Rolf is well known for his self-criticism.
78 00:06:00,902 00:06:04,656 You're amazing, but I'm stupid, unfortunately. You're amazing, but I'm stupid, unfortunately.
79 00:06:10,995 00:06:13,915 Luckily, we had two cameras, because my camera didn't work at all. Luckily, we had two cameras, because my camera didn't work at all.
80 00:06:14,040 00:06:18,586 The camera just froze up, figuratively and literally. The camera just froze up, figuratively and literally.
81 00:06:18,711 00:06:22,257 And I haven't really been able to sort out what the issue is. And I haven't really been able to sort out what the issue is.
82 00:06:22,382 00:06:23,841 Back to the drawing board, I guess. Back to the drawing board, I guess.
83 00:06:23,967 00:06:25,468 We'll take this camera back and thaw it out We'll take this camera back and thaw it out
84 00:06:25,593 00:06:28,930 and see if we can figure out what's wrong with it. and see if we can figure out what's wrong with it.
85 00:06:29,055 00:06:30,390 ROLF: This is a crazy start. ROLF: This is a crazy start.
86 00:06:30,515 00:06:32,850 I mean, we...we...we couldn't... We... I mean, we...we...we couldn't... We...
87 00:06:32,976 00:06:36,479 We didn't really expect to film hunting behaviour. We didn't really expect to film hunting behaviour.
88 00:06:36,604 00:06:40,733 And the first thing we film is hunting, so... And the first thing we film is hunting, so...
89 00:06:42,110 00:06:44,070 It's pretty amazing. It's pretty amazing.
90 00:06:46,114 00:06:48,575 A day later, the wolves disappear A day later, the wolves disappear
91 00:06:48,700 00:06:51,536 out of range of the telemetry. out of range of the telemetry.
92 00:06:51,661 00:06:57,292 Now I think we realise how hard it will be to find the wolves if we don't just Now I think we realise how hard it will be to find the wolves if we don't just
93 00:06:57,417 00:06:59,627 run into them. run into them.
94 00:06:59,752 00:07:02,547 And with this new reality dawning on the team, And with this new reality dawning on the team,
95 00:07:02,672 00:07:04,465 they get a sudden reminder they get a sudden reminder
96 00:07:04,591 00:07:09,304 of the dangers of operating in Ellesmere's extreme conditions. of the dangers of operating in Ellesmere's extreme conditions.
97 00:07:09,429 00:07:11,556 While trying to get on the snowmobile earlier, While trying to get on the snowmobile earlier,
98 00:07:11,681 00:07:15,435 I slipped forward and hit the throttle and, of course, at this temperature I slipped forward and hit the throttle and, of course, at this temperature
99 00:07:15,560 00:07:18,646 a plastic throttle lever is really, really brittle a plastic throttle lever is really, really brittle
100 00:07:18,771 00:07:20,565 and it just shattered and broke off. and it just shattered and broke off.
101 00:07:20,690 00:07:22,400 So here we are, 20km from home, So here we are, 20km from home,
102 00:07:22,525 00:07:25,153 and I no longer have a throttle and I no longer have a throttle
103 00:07:25,278 00:07:27,238 to make the sled move. to make the sled move.
104 00:07:27,363 00:07:31,075 Fortunately, we have some crafty folks here with us Fortunately, we have some crafty folks here with us
105 00:07:31,200 00:07:34,287 that have cobbled together a little bit of a throttle pull cord that have cobbled together a little bit of a throttle pull cord
106 00:07:34,412 00:07:36,289 that I can try to simultaneously yank on that I can try to simultaneously yank on
107 00:07:36,414 00:07:38,333 while also holding on to the handlebar, while also holding on to the handlebar,
108 00:07:38,458 00:07:42,337 but it's a reminder, I guess, of just how easily things can go from being OK but it's a reminder, I guess, of just how easily things can go from being OK
109 00:07:42,462 00:07:44,172 to being bad very, very quickly. to being bad very, very quickly.
110 00:07:44,297 00:07:46,341 (ENGINE STARTS) (ENGINE STARTS)
111 00:07:51,220 00:07:55,725 ROLF: If the Skidoos don't work out there, it can change quite quickly ROLF: If the Skidoos don't work out there, it can change quite quickly
112 00:07:55,850 00:08:00,730 from everything's under control to out of control. from everything's under control to out of control.
113 00:08:00,855 00:08:02,982 This day was really brutal. This day was really brutal.
114 00:08:03,107 00:08:05,610 We have no clue where the wolves are. We have no clue where the wolves are.
115 00:08:05,735 00:08:08,237 So that's a bit worrying. So that's a bit worrying.
116 00:08:08,363 00:08:10,323 The temperatures are dropping now The temperatures are dropping now
117 00:08:10,448 00:08:12,492 and it's serious. and it's serious.
118 00:08:13,534 00:08:15,536 That was well clone back here. That was well clone back here.
119 00:08:15,662 00:08:17,580 That was not easy. That was not easy.
120 00:08:17,705 00:08:20,500 And it was bloody cold, honestly. And it was bloody cold, honestly.
121 00:08:20,625 00:08:22,460 Well done. Well done.
122 00:08:23,670 00:08:26,297 My whole arm and shoulder's cramped up My whole arm and shoulder's cramped up
123 00:08:26,422 00:08:28,758 through the last hour and a half of driving. through the last hour and a half of driving.
124 00:08:28,883 00:08:30,885 But it worked. But it worked.
125 00:08:31,010 00:08:33,554 But there's no time to lick wounds. But there's no time to lick wounds.
126 00:08:33,680 00:08:38,559 After a few hours' sleep, the search for the white wolves will have to begin again. After a few hours' sleep, the search for the white wolves will have to begin again.
127 00:08:41,604 00:08:44,232 Thousands of miles away in Mongolia, Thousands of miles away in Mongolia,
128 00:08:44,357 00:08:47,819 an even greater challenge is about to get going. an even greater challenge is about to get going.
129 00:08:47,944 00:08:53,032 There are few things more daunting for a wildlife film crew There are few things more daunting for a wildlife film crew
130 00:08:53,157 00:08:58,079 than the prospect of finding an extremely rare animal in a vast area. than the prospect of finding an extremely rare animal in a vast area.
131 00:09:00,707 00:09:04,460 But that is the mission in Mongolia's Gobi Desert - But that is the mission in Mongolia's Gobi Desert -
132 00:09:04,585 00:09:07,964 to film the wild Bactrian camel, to film the wild Bactrian camel,
133 00:09:08,089 00:09:10,341 an animal numbering less than 500 an animal numbering less than 500
134 00:09:10,466 00:09:13,886 in a wilderness of half a million square miles. in a wilderness of half a million square miles.
135 00:09:19,058 00:09:22,353 We're all loaded up. We've got 40 cases of gear, we've got nine vehicles. We're all loaded up. We've got 40 cases of gear, we've got nine vehicles.
136 00:09:22,478 00:09:24,605 We're off, we're heading to the Gobi. We're off, we're heading to the Gobi.
137 00:09:28,818 00:09:31,738 Setting off from the capital of Ulaanbaatar Setting off from the capital of Ulaanbaatar
138 00:09:31,863 00:09:35,867 is a five-day journey to reach the edge of the Gobi. is a five-day journey to reach the edge of the Gobi.
139 00:09:41,914 00:09:43,666 With so few wild camels left, With so few wild camels left,
140 00:09:43,791 00:09:48,463 the crew know that just spotting one will be difficult enough. the crew know that just spotting one will be difficult enough.
141 00:09:50,006 00:09:54,886 So, with the odds against them, they decide on an unscheduled stop. So, with the odds against them, they decide on an unscheduled stop.
142 00:09:58,181 00:09:59,682 We've driven - I don't know, We've driven - I don't know,
143 00:09:59,807 00:10:03,478 what? - 600 miles from Ulaanbaatar, across the Altai Mountains, what? - 600 miles from Ulaanbaatar, across the Altai Mountains,
144 00:10:03,603 00:10:06,773 and we are now at the beginning of the Gobi proper. and we are now at the beginning of the Gobi proper.
145 00:10:06,898 00:10:10,902 The wild camels are still probably about 200 miles that way The wild camels are still probably about 200 miles that way
146 00:10:11,027 00:10:14,655 before we should start to see them, but we've stopped off en route... before we should start to see them, but we've stopped off en route...
147 00:10:14,781 00:10:19,118 ...at this place. This is Mother Mountain, which is culturally significant ...at this place. This is Mother Mountain, which is culturally significant
148 00:10:19,243 00:10:21,329 across the whole of Mongolia. across the whole of Mongolia.
149 00:10:21,454 00:10:23,873 People come here to pray. And, interestingly... People come here to pray. And, interestingly...
150 00:10:23,998 00:10:29,337 ...the mountain is shaped like a wild camel, with two humps, ...the mountain is shaped like a wild camel, with two humps,
151 00:10:29,462 00:10:31,798 so we have come to pray for camels. so we have come to pray for camels.
152 00:10:34,550 00:10:39,972 And hoping for a bit of divine assistance is worth every step to the top. And hoping for a bit of divine assistance is worth every step to the top.
153 00:10:48,481 00:10:50,733 So, we've said our prayers to the mountain. So, we've said our prayers to the mountain.
154 00:10:50,858 00:10:54,237 Somewhere out there there's some wild camels, Somewhere out there there's some wild camels,
155 00:10:54,362 00:10:57,615 so it's time to go and see if we can find them. so it's time to go and see if we can find them.
156 00:11:06,249 00:11:07,542 It's slow going, It's slow going,
157 00:11:07,667 00:11:11,796 but these camping trucks will double up as the team's home but these camping trucks will double up as the team's home
158 00:11:11,921 00:11:14,757 for the next five weeks. for the next five weeks.
159 00:11:33,693 00:11:36,320 1,000 miles later, 1,000 miles later,
160 00:11:36,445 00:11:40,533 the convoy reaches the Gobi and makes camp. the convoy reaches the Gobi and makes camp.
161 00:11:44,912 00:11:48,332 Wow. Well, we have woken up on our first morning, Wow. Well, we have woken up on our first morning,
162 00:11:48,457 00:11:52,920 and it's about an hour and a half before sunrise and, rather foolishly, and it's about an hour and a half before sunrise and, rather foolishly,
163 00:11:53,045 00:11:58,175 we let the fire go out last night, so it's a cool minus-20 in here. we let the fire go out last night, so it's a cool minus-20 in here.
164 00:11:58,301 00:12:02,763 Everything is frozen solid - toothpaste, hot sauce for breakfast, Everything is frozen solid - toothpaste, hot sauce for breakfast,
165 00:12:02,889 00:12:06,726 even the AP's pee bottle, so that's nice. even the AP's pee bottle, so that's nice.
166 00:12:08,060 00:12:12,398 Outside, the Mongolian team are getting things warmed up... Outside, the Mongolian team are getting things warmed up...
167 00:12:12,523 00:12:15,151 ...starting with their truck. ...starting with their truck.
168 00:12:15,276 00:12:18,362 (ENGINE FAILS TO START) (ENGINE FAILS TO START)
169 00:12:18,487 00:12:22,491 The vehicle of our ranger... The vehicle of our ranger...
170 00:12:22,617 00:12:24,577 ...it is completely frozen. ...it is completely frozen.
171 00:12:24,702 00:12:27,288 The fuel line's completely frozen, so they've got a blowtorch The fuel line's completely frozen, so they've got a blowtorch
172 00:12:27,413 00:12:29,206 under the fuel line under the fuel line
173 00:12:29,332 00:12:33,085 to try and defrost it before we can get going, so... to try and defrost it before we can get going, so...
174 00:12:33,210 00:12:35,713 Yeah... That's nice and safe, isn't it? Yeah... That's nice and safe, isn't it?
175 00:12:35,838 00:12:40,259 Meanwhile, assistant producer Toby is contemplating Meanwhile, assistant producer Toby is contemplating
176 00:12:40,384 00:12:42,678 another weather-related issue. another weather-related issue.
177 00:12:42,803 00:12:46,140 I've just come out to go to the loo. I've just come out to go to the loo.
178 00:12:46,265 00:12:49,602 And the toilet tent has blown away in the night. And the toilet tent has blown away in the night.
179 00:12:49,727 00:12:51,520 I'm going to have to try and find it. I'm going to have to try and find it.
180 00:12:51,646 00:12:55,983 But in the meantime, it means that I'm slightly exposed. But in the meantime, it means that I'm slightly exposed.
181 00:12:56,108 00:12:58,361 (ENGINE STILL FAILING TO START) (ENGINE STILL FAILING TO START)
182 00:13:05,618 00:13:07,870 (ENGINE STARTS) (ENGINE STARTS)
183 00:13:07,995 00:13:09,705 Yay! Yay!
184 00:13:11,666 00:13:15,628 Finding a scarce animal in an area the size of Belgium Finding a scarce animal in an area the size of Belgium
185 00:13:15,753 00:13:18,798 is clearly no small task... is clearly no small task...
186 00:13:20,633 00:13:21,842 ...but impossible ...but impossible
187 00:13:21,968 00:13:25,137 without the help of local researchers. without the help of local researchers.
188 00:13:26,931 00:13:32,645 Each day the team scour thousands of square miles. Each day the team scour thousands of square miles.
189 00:13:34,855 00:13:36,899 It's a huge area and there's only 450 camels, It's a huge area and there's only 450 camels,
190 00:13:37,024 00:13:41,320 so it really is a bit like a needle in a haystack. so it really is a bit like a needle in a haystack.
191 00:13:43,197 00:13:45,282 A truly enormous haystack. A truly enormous haystack.
192 00:13:54,125 00:13:56,502 - 450 camels. - (LAUGHS) Yes. - 450 camels. - (LAUGHS) Yes.
193 00:13:56,627 00:13:59,672 28,000 square miles. Easy, yeah? 28,000 square miles. Easy, yeah?
194 00:14:00,756 00:14:06,220 And when scanning the horizon for camels, mistakes are all too easy. And when scanning the horizon for camels, mistakes are all too easy.
195 00:14:06,345 00:14:08,055 Another bush. Another bush.
196 00:14:09,098 00:14:11,058 A bush. Sorry. A bush. Sorry.
197 00:14:11,183 00:14:15,604 Often there's not even a bush to look at. Often there's not even a bush to look at.
198 00:14:15,730 00:14:18,482 - See anything? - Nothing. - See anything? - Nothing.
199 00:14:18,607 00:14:20,985 Another hill climbed. Another hill climbed.
200 00:14:21,110 00:14:22,903 Another trail followed. Another trail followed.
201 00:14:23,029 00:14:24,488 Another dead end. Another dead end.
202 00:14:24,613 00:14:28,075 Thankfully, the experts remain positive. Thankfully, the experts remain positive.
203 00:14:28,200 00:14:31,620 I hope we can see them soon. Yeah, yeah. I hope we can see them soon. Yeah, yeah.
204 00:14:34,540 00:14:36,459 Two weeks since leaving the UK. Two weeks since leaving the UK.
205 00:14:36,584 00:14:41,213 Just hoping that we haven't...been slightly overambitious on this one. Just hoping that we haven't...been slightly overambitious on this one.
206 00:14:41,338 00:14:44,425 Getting slightly worried it might actually be impossible. Getting slightly worried it might actually be impossible.
207 00:14:50,014 00:14:52,016 - Hmm... - Good support there. Thanks. - Hmm... - Good support there. Thanks.
208 00:14:52,141 00:14:53,267 We'll get it, we'll get it. We'll get it, we'll get it.
209 00:14:53,392 00:14:54,935 - We'll get it. - We'll get it. - We'll get it. - We'll get it.
210 00:14:56,687 00:14:59,857 In East Africa, theVokano team In East Africa, theVokano team
211 00:14:59,982 00:15:04,236 are about to face an equally daunting assignment. are about to face an equally daunting assignment.
212 00:15:05,362 00:15:08,282 Lake Natron in Tanzania Lake Natron in Tanzania
213 00:15:08,407 00:15:12,870 is one of the world's roof most toxic bodies of water. is one of the world's roof most toxic bodies of water.
214 00:15:14,038 00:15:17,833 Yet once every few years, when the centre dries out, Yet once every few years, when the centre dries out,
215 00:15:17,958 00:15:22,338 it's brought to life by thousands of breeding flamingos. it's brought to life by thousands of breeding flamingos.
216 00:15:27,635 00:15:29,929 But to reach the colony out in the middle, But to reach the colony out in the middle,
217 00:15:30,054 00:15:34,725 there's only one way to cross this soft soda sludge. there's only one way to cross this soft soda sludge.
218 00:15:38,104 00:15:41,148 It's finally here. Our secret weapon It's finally here. Our secret weapon
219 00:15:41,273 00:15:44,944 is...a hovercraft. is...a hovercraft.
220 00:15:46,529 00:15:47,822 And it's beautiful. And it's beautiful.
221 00:15:50,241 00:15:56,997 Having shipped it from the UK, Darren is keen to test that all systems are go. Having shipped it from the UK, Darren is keen to test that all systems are go.
222 00:16:02,419 00:16:06,173 (WHIRS) (WHIRS)
223 00:16:06,298 00:16:08,259 Getting it off the trailer is one thing, Getting it off the trailer is one thing,
224 00:16:08,384 00:16:13,222 but at least the hovercraft's fans that give it lift are working well enough. but at least the hovercraft's fans that give it lift are working well enough.
225 00:16:34,702 00:16:35,828 (COUGHING) (COUGHING)
226 00:16:35,953 00:16:37,705 (DARREN LAUGHS) (DARREN LAUGHS)
227 00:16:37,830 00:16:40,249 Come on, guys, what do you think? Come on, guys, what do you think?
228 00:16:40,374 00:16:42,501 We know she works. We know she works.
229 00:16:42,626 00:16:45,880 But maybe some of these guys' lungs don't now. But maybe some of these guys' lungs don't now.
230 00:16:46,005 00:16:51,218 125 miles away, on the edge of Lake Natron, 125 miles away, on the edge of Lake Natron,
231 00:16:51,343 00:16:56,599 cameraman Matt Aeberhard is trying to camouflage his hides. cameraman Matt Aeberhard is trying to camouflage his hides.
232 00:16:56,724 00:16:58,392 Those are our blinds, Those are our blinds,
233 00:16:58,517 00:17:01,395 so you can't camouflage those on the flat. so you can't camouflage those on the flat.
234 00:17:01,520 00:17:03,564 And the best thing that we can do And the best thing that we can do
235 00:17:03,689 00:17:06,817 is actually turn them into a little cluster of flamingos. is actually turn them into a little cluster of flamingos.
236 00:17:11,947 00:17:13,866 It's pretty cool, huh? It's pretty cool, huh?
237 00:17:17,494 00:17:23,834 Hide complete, all that's needed is transport out to the colony. Hide complete, all that's needed is transport out to the colony.
238 00:17:23,959 00:17:28,088 And after a ten-hour cross-country journey, And after a ten-hour cross-country journey,
239 00:17:28,214 00:17:30,591 Darren arrives with his secret weapon. Darren arrives with his secret weapon.
240 00:17:30,716 00:17:33,260 And it's an instant hit. And it's an instant hit.
241 00:17:33,385 00:17:36,055 It's the new local tourist attraction. It's the new local tourist attraction.
242 00:17:37,097 00:17:38,265 You like it? You like it?
243 00:17:39,642 00:17:44,146 The first job is to get the hovercraft into service and plot a route out The first job is to get the hovercraft into service and plot a route out
244 00:17:44,271 00:17:46,357 to the nesting flamingos. to the nesting flamingos.
245 00:18:05,334 00:18:08,295 The volcanic spring water is soon replaced The volcanic spring water is soon replaced
246 00:18:08,420 00:18:12,508 by a crust of razor-sharp salt crystals. by a crust of razor-sharp salt crystals.
247 00:18:15,261 00:18:20,349 And for a machine that relies on a relatively delicate blow-up bottom, And for a machine that relies on a relatively delicate blow-up bottom,
248 00:18:20,474 00:18:23,060 that's a problem. that's a problem.
249 00:18:23,185 00:18:25,813 So here we are, out on the soda, and this area here So here we are, out on the soda, and this area here
250 00:18:25,938 00:18:30,609 is probably the best example of how incredibly harsh this stuff is. is probably the best example of how incredibly harsh this stuff is.
251 00:18:30,734 00:18:35,864 I mean, it is...awful. I mean, it is...awful.
252 00:18:35,990 00:18:38,909 So what we have here are the plates of dried-out soda So what we have here are the plates of dried-out soda
253 00:18:39,034 00:18:41,578 which form on the mud substrate underneath. which form on the mud substrate underneath.
254 00:18:41,704 00:18:43,956 And it just batters the hovercraft. And it just batters the hovercraft.
255 00:18:44,081 00:18:46,667 We just cannot travel across this stuff. We just cannot travel across this stuff.
256 00:18:46,792 00:18:48,460 It's impossible. It's impossible.
257 00:18:48,585 00:18:53,757 If I was to skim my hand across that, I would cut it to shreds. If I was to skim my hand across that, I would cut it to shreds.
258 00:18:53,882 00:18:58,470 But crossing the soda crust is the only way out to the colony, But crossing the soda crust is the only way out to the colony,
259 00:18:58,595 00:19:01,724 so Matt and Darren have to hope for the best. so Matt and Darren have to hope for the best.
260 00:19:05,644 00:19:10,691 Unfortunately, the best position for his flamingo-covered hide Unfortunately, the best position for his flamingo-covered hide
261 00:19:10,816 00:19:12,943 has a rather soggy floor. has a rather soggy floor.
262 00:19:16,155 00:19:18,782 Until the eggs hatch and the chicks fledge, Until the eggs hatch and the chicks fledge,
263 00:19:18,907 00:19:24,371 Darren and Matt will use the hovercraft to commute out to the hide, Darren and Matt will use the hovercraft to commute out to the hide,
264 00:19:24,496 00:19:26,665 where Matt will spend the whole day, where Matt will spend the whole day,
265 00:19:26,790 00:19:32,046 then negotiate the darkness back to camp. then negotiate the darkness back to camp.
266 00:19:42,723 00:19:47,728 Each day, it's off at sunrise, Each day, it's off at sunrise,
267 00:19:47,853 00:19:51,607 and then 12 hours simmering in the mud. and then 12 hours simmering in the mud.
268 00:19:51,732 00:19:56,278 When the mud dries, it leaves massive amounts of salt, When the mud dries, it leaves massive amounts of salt,
269 00:19:56,403 00:20:00,824 very scratchy, nasty and aggressive salts. very scratchy, nasty and aggressive salts.
270 00:20:00,949 00:20:04,661 But sitting shin deep in toxic sludge But sitting shin deep in toxic sludge
271 00:20:04,787 00:20:06,914 is a price worth paying for the view. is a price worth paying for the view.
272 00:20:07,039 00:20:11,043 And Matt is soon rewarded with the birth of a chick And Matt is soon rewarded with the birth of a chick
273 00:20:11,168 00:20:14,797 right in front of his hide. right in front of his hide.
274 00:20:20,761 00:20:22,054 (CHICK CHEEPS) (CHICK CHEEPS)
275 00:20:22,179 00:20:25,474 (CHEEPING) (CHEEPING)
276 00:20:30,396 00:20:32,773 (CHICK CHEEPS) (CHICK CHEEPS)
277 00:20:34,817 00:20:36,860 The daily commute, however, The daily commute, however,
278 00:20:36,985 00:20:39,571 is taking its toll on the hovercraft. is taking its toll on the hovercraft.
279 00:20:42,157 00:20:46,078 And it's left the team grounded at just the wrong time. And it's left the team grounded at just the wrong time.
280 00:20:46,203 00:20:48,705 - (ENGINE FAILS TO START) - Oh, come on! - (ENGINE FAILS TO START) - Oh, come on!
281 00:20:50,416 00:20:55,003 On the other side of the planet, the Oceans team have just arrived On the other side of the planet, the Oceans team have just arrived
282 00:20:55,129 00:21:00,342 in the Galápagos Islands and are on their way to a quarantining facility. in the Galápagos Islands and are on their way to a quarantining facility.
283 00:21:04,930 00:21:08,016 Galápagos is home to many unique species. Galápagos is home to many unique species.
284 00:21:09,393 00:21:11,895 And to keep it that way, the authorities And to keep it that way, the authorities
285 00:21:12,020 00:21:15,315 keep a very close eye on what people bring to the islands. keep a very close eye on what people bring to the islands.
286 00:21:21,196 00:21:25,409 What they're looking for is any sign of any potential contamination, What they're looking for is any sign of any potential contamination,
287 00:21:25,534 00:21:29,037 any material in, like, the Velcro of a bag, any material in, like, the Velcro of a bag,
288 00:21:29,163 00:21:32,541 or sand or soil in the bottom of your shoe... or sand or soil in the bottom of your shoe...
289 00:21:32,666 00:21:35,586 ...basically, anything that could contain biological material, ...basically, anything that could contain biological material,
290 00:21:35,711 00:21:39,173 because if any seed gets on the island and takes hold, then it could be because if any seed gets on the island and takes hold, then it could be
291 00:21:39,298 00:21:40,883 catastrophic for the wildlife... catastrophic for the wildlife...
292 00:21:43,802 00:21:46,513 ...the problem being that when you've got 40 cases of kit, ...the problem being that when you've got 40 cases of kit,
293 00:21:46,638 00:21:50,434 all of which regularly travel the world to pretty much any conceivable habitat, all of which regularly travel the world to pretty much any conceivable habitat,
294 00:21:50,559 00:21:53,896 it's a very long and tedious process. it's a very long and tedious process.
295 00:21:54,021 00:21:57,941 They're going to check your shoes, check your clothes, shake it. They're going to check your shoes, check your clothes, shake it.
296 00:21:58,066 00:21:59,109 - Wow. - Wow.
297 00:21:59,234 00:22:00,944 They're going to go through my underwear. They're going to go through my underwear.
298 00:22:01,069 00:22:04,072 - Yeah. - Good job it's all clean! - Yeah. - Good job it's all clean!
299 00:22:04,198 00:22:06,033 They will know all your secrets. They will know all your secrets.
300 00:22:09,786 00:22:11,330 We've had all the bags checked. We've had all the bags checked.
301 00:22:11,455 00:22:14,833 There's no sign of any contamination, which is good. There's no sign of any contamination, which is good.
302 00:22:14,958 00:22:19,004 But just to make doubly sure, now all of our personal bags, all of our clothes, But just to make doubly sure, now all of our personal bags, all of our clothes,
303 00:22:19,129 00:22:25,010 anything like that, basically sticks in the deep freeze for 48 hours. anything like that, basically sticks in the deep freeze for 48 hours.
304 00:22:27,012 00:22:32,226 Two days later, the team collect their equipment and clothing. Two days later, the team collect their equipment and clothing.
305 00:22:32,351 00:22:36,271 They are now ready to set out for Fernandina Island, They are now ready to set out for Fernandina Island,
306 00:22:36,396 00:22:37,898 the location of the shoot. the location of the shoot.
307 00:22:40,150 00:22:42,986 - "Come to the Galápagos," they said. - Yeah, right. - "Come to the Galápagos," they said. - Yeah, right.
308 00:22:43,111 00:22:46,657 - "See the beautiful sunshine," they said. - Don't forget your umbrella! - "See the beautiful sunshine," they said. - Don't forget your umbrella!
309 00:22:46,782 00:22:49,743 Never leave home without it. Never leave home without it.
310 00:22:50,869 00:22:56,917 It's a 24-hour journey to the uninhabited and volcanic island of Fernandina. It's a 24-hour journey to the uninhabited and volcanic island of Fernandina.
311 00:23:01,713 00:23:08,387 This seemingly barren landscape is home to two incredible lizards... This seemingly barren landscape is home to two incredible lizards...
312 00:23:12,558 00:23:14,893 ...the land iguana ...the land iguana
313 00:23:15,018 00:23:17,229 and the marine iguana. and the marine iguana.
314 00:23:19,815 00:23:21,650 And there are two parts to their story And there are two parts to their story
315 00:23:21,775 00:23:25,028 that cameraman Richard Wollocombe has wanted to film that cameraman Richard Wollocombe has wanted to film
316 00:23:25,153 00:23:29,533 since he first came to these islands 25 years ago. since he first came to these islands 25 years ago.
317 00:23:29,658 00:23:34,705 And on A Perfect Manet, he got his chance. And on A Perfect Manet, he got his chance.
318 00:23:38,834 00:23:41,044 Driven by powerful currents, Driven by powerful currents,
319 00:23:41,169 00:23:46,008 the cold Pacific Ocean slams into Fernandina '5 shores. the cold Pacific Ocean slams into Fernandina '5 shores.
320 00:23:48,594 00:23:51,221 The marine iguanas must brave these waves every day, The marine iguanas must brave these waves every day,
321 00:23:51,346 00:23:54,683 because these are the only lizards in the world because these are the only lizards in the world
322 00:23:54,808 00:23:57,519 to get all their food from the sea. to get all their food from the sea.
323 00:24:00,480 00:24:05,402 Their journey through the big surf is what Richard and the team are here to film... Their journey through the big surf is what Richard and the team are here to film...
324 00:24:06,903 00:24:09,197 ...but from underwater. ...but from underwater.
325 00:24:09,323 00:24:14,494 It looks fairly benign from the surface here, but underneath it's really shallow. It looks fairly benign from the surface here, but underneath it's really shallow.
326 00:24:14,620 00:24:18,332 And there's all these really sharp rocks with lots of jagged edges. And there's all these really sharp rocks with lots of jagged edges.
327 00:24:18,457 00:24:20,542 So if we were ta ken by the wave, So if we were ta ken by the wave,
328 00:24:20,667 00:24:25,255 it would cut us up really badly, I think. it would cut us up really badly, I think.
329 00:24:29,176 00:24:32,179 - Whose idea was this? - (LAUGHS) - Whose idea was this? - (LAUGHS)
330 00:24:33,639 00:24:37,309 I'm a glutton for punishment. Did you know? I'm a glutton for punishment. Did you know?
331 00:24:40,562 00:24:42,814 The waves are certainly punishing. The waves are certainly punishing.
332 00:24:44,650 00:24:46,443 With these dangerous conditions, With these dangerous conditions,
333 00:24:46,568 00:24:51,657 extra protection is clearly needed for Richard and dive buddy Rafael, extra protection is clearly needed for Richard and dive buddy Rafael,
334 00:24:51,782 00:24:55,535 so what better than surf helmets? so what better than surf helmets?
335 00:25:03,377 00:25:07,547 It isn't long before Richard realises what he's up against. It isn't long before Richard realises what he's up against.
336 00:25:11,051 00:25:15,889 The relentless churning of the water makes it difficult to stay the right way up, The relentless churning of the water makes it difficult to stay the right way up,
337 00:25:16,014 00:25:18,725 let alone film the iguanas. let alone film the iguanas.
338 00:25:25,023 00:25:29,403 In between the waves, the iguanas briefly appear. In between the waves, the iguanas briefly appear.
339 00:25:33,699 00:25:36,993 But Richard barely has time to line up a shot But Richard barely has time to line up a shot
340 00:25:37,119 00:25:40,122 before the iguana disappears behind another wave. before the iguana disappears behind another wave.
341 00:25:48,380 00:25:53,260 In the violent surge, the iguanas have learned to hold on to the rocks... In the violent surge, the iguanas have learned to hold on to the rocks...
342 00:25:54,928 00:25:59,474 ...a trick Richard is quick to copy to avoid being swept away. ...a trick Richard is quick to copy to avoid being swept away.
343 00:26:00,892 00:26:04,479 That, however, only leaves one hand to film with. That, however, only leaves one hand to film with.
344 00:26:12,654 00:26:16,366 But with adrenaline carrying him through, But with adrenaline carrying him through,
345 00:26:16,491 00:26:21,204 Richard is able to get perfect shots of iguanas in the surf. Richard is able to get perfect shots of iguanas in the surf.
346 00:26:31,882 00:26:35,802 I don't need to go to the gym for months after that! I don't need to go to the gym for months after that!
347 00:26:37,429 00:26:40,182 Well clone, mate. Good job. Well clone, mate. Good job.
348 00:26:43,477 00:26:45,645 Back in Mongolia's Gobi Desert, Back in Mongolia's Gobi Desert,
349 00:26:45,771 00:26:50,734 it's taken the team two weeks to spot their first camel. it's taken the team two weeks to spot their first camel.
350 00:26:52,360 00:26:56,323 But unfortunately, it spotted them first. But unfortunately, it spotted them first.
351 00:26:58,116 00:26:59,326 Very far away. Very far away.
352 00:26:59,451 00:27:03,455 Poaching has made the surviving camels very nervous, Poaching has made the surviving camels very nervous,
353 00:27:03,580 00:27:07,751 and once they start running, they can keep going for miles. and once they start running, they can keep going for miles.
354 00:27:09,544 00:27:11,379 (WIND GUSTS) (WIND GUSTS)
355 00:27:11,505 00:27:14,007 And when winter winds kick off, And when winter winds kick off,
356 00:27:14,132 00:27:17,761 all signs of camel vanish. all signs of camel vanish.
357 00:27:17,886 00:27:21,097 So, for about the last 24 hours, we've been experiencing the Gobi winds. So, for about the last 24 hours, we've been experiencing the Gobi winds.
358 00:27:21,223 00:27:23,183 It's been gusting up to 70mph all night, It's been gusting up to 70mph all night,
359 00:27:23,308 00:27:26,102 and the temps have probably been down to almost negative-50 with the wind-chill. and the temps have probably been down to almost negative-50 with the wind-chill.
360 00:27:26,228 00:27:29,189 We just have to hunker down. We can't film in this. We just have to hunker down. We can't film in this.
361 00:27:32,108 00:27:35,987 When the gale eases, the search reveals new hope. When the gale eases, the search reveals new hope.
362 00:27:36,112 00:27:39,783 We've got a load of fresh camel tracks here. We've got a load of fresh camel tracks here.
363 00:27:43,620 00:27:45,956 Ana' all tracks head one way - Ana' all tracks head one way -
364 00:27:46,081 00:27:50,919 towards the even more remote, mountainous Southern Gobi. towards the even more remote, mountainous Southern Gobi.
365 00:27:53,296 00:27:56,883 The team must decide if they should follow. The team must decide if they should follow.
366 00:27:57,008 00:27:58,802 Do you think that landscape Do you think that landscape
367 00:27:58,927 00:28:02,389 - is likely to be better for us? - I think... - is likely to be better for us? - I think...
368 00:28:02,514 00:28:04,182 More camels and closer encounters? More camels and closer encounters?
369 00:28:04,307 00:28:06,726 What's your gut telling you? What's your gut telling you?
370 00:28:09,271 00:28:15,485 Because of the wintertime, we need to see some snow to see camels. Because of the wintertime, we need to see some snow to see camels.
371 00:28:16,903 00:28:23,869 To survive in this waterless desert, the camels depend on finding snow. To survive in this waterless desert, the camels depend on finding snow.
372 00:28:26,788 00:28:30,208 So, with none in sight, the team decide to try their luck So, with none in sight, the team decide to try their luck
373 00:28:30,333 00:28:33,128 in the icy mountains to the south. in the icy mountains to the south.
374 00:28:37,883 00:28:42,804 Sure enough, there's snow, and plenty of it. Sure enough, there's snow, and plenty of it.
375 00:28:42,929 00:28:45,682 Our route is taking us through Our route is taking us through
376 00:28:45,807 00:28:49,352 a sort of mountain pass, but the big trucks a sort of mountain pass, but the big trucks
377 00:28:49,477 00:28:52,063 we don't think are going to be able to get through these holes, we don't think are going to be able to get through these holes,
378 00:28:52,188 00:28:55,525 so we're filling the holes with rocks. so we're filling the holes with rocks.
379 00:28:57,777 00:29:03,199 But even with road repairs, the terrain soon becomes too much for the trucks But even with road repairs, the terrain soon becomes too much for the trucks
380 00:29:03,325 00:29:07,120 and the team are forced to go on without them, and the team are forced to go on without them,
381 00:29:07,245 00:29:12,083 leaving them somewhat more exposed to winter conditions. leaving them somewhat more exposed to winter conditions.
382 00:29:13,209 00:29:16,129 It's been down to minus-25 over the last week, It's been down to minus-25 over the last week,
383 00:29:16,254 00:29:21,593 so a very thin canvas tent will be a whole new experience in the Gobi Desert for us! so a very thin canvas tent will be a whole new experience in the Gobi Desert for us!
384 00:29:21,718 00:29:26,097 I'm wearing currently two pairs of trousers, thermals, thermals on top, I'm wearing currently two pairs of trousers, thermals, thermals on top,
385 00:29:26,222 00:29:29,351 two pairs of jumpers, three coats, two hats. two pairs of jumpers, three coats, two hats.
386 00:29:29,476 00:29:31,770 So I think I should be all right. So I think I should be all right.
387 00:29:31,895 00:29:33,855 (WIND WHISTLES) (WIND WHISTLES)
388 00:29:35,607 00:29:38,735 - All right, Eddie? - Oh, I'm terrific, yeah... - All right, Eddie? - Oh, I'm terrific, yeah...
389 00:29:38,860 00:29:40,820 Really terrific. Really terrific.
390 00:29:40,946 00:29:42,322 Oh... Oh...
391 00:29:42,447 00:29:44,616 I'm all cosy. I'm all cosy.
392 00:29:46,076 00:29:49,162 I'm not. I'm cold. Really cold. I'm not. I'm cold. Really cold.
393 00:29:55,418 00:30:00,382 As Adiya predicted, with snow come camels. As Adiya predicted, with snow come camels.
394 00:30:01,508 00:30:03,927 The signs are everywhere. The signs are everywhere.
395 00:30:06,721 00:30:12,477 But having travelled so far, they can't risk anything ruining this chance. But having travelled so far, they can't risk anything ruining this chance.
396 00:30:12,602 00:30:17,607 The camels don't seem to like the cars, so now we walk. The camels don't seem to like the cars, so now we walk.
397 00:30:20,110 00:30:22,278 We've been walking for about five miles now. We've been walking for about five miles now.
398 00:30:22,404 00:30:25,949 And hiking across this landscape, it really does give you And hiking across this landscape, it really does give you
399 00:30:26,074 00:30:29,828 a new-found respect for the camels. a new-found respect for the camels.
400 00:30:34,374 00:30:37,669 We've seen some camels way out on the plain here, We've seen some camels way out on the plain here,
401 00:30:37,794 00:30:42,007 but in order not to scare them, John's going to head out on his own. but in order not to scare them, John's going to head out on his own.
402 00:30:55,186 00:30:57,647 Yeah. Yeah, I can see him. Yeah. Yeah, I can see him.
403 00:30:57,772 00:30:59,733 - He's, urn... He's... - Going to south. - He's, urn... He's... - Going to south.
404 00:30:59,858 00:31:03,737 Yeah, he's going to the south. He's just this side of the ridge. Yeah, he's going to the south. He's just this side of the ridge.
405 00:31:10,744 00:31:14,706 - The camels go to john. - The camels are coming to john? - The camels go to john. - The camels are coming to john?
406 00:31:14,831 00:31:16,207 -Yes! Yes! -Yes! Yes!
407 00:31:21,296 00:31:22,380 (WALKIE-TALKIE BEEPS) (WALKIE-TALKIE BEEPS)
408 00:31:22,505 00:31:25,550 JOHN: Can you grab the bags and come down to where I am now, by these bushes, JOHN: Can you grab the bags and come down to where I am now, by these bushes,
409 00:31:25,675 00:31:28,303 and we'll see if we can't slip down into the oasis? and we'll see if we can't slip down into the oasis?
410 00:31:34,309 00:31:37,062 This is just amazing. It's hard-fought, This is just amazing. It's hard-fought,
411 00:31:37,187 00:31:39,981 but the reward is so worth it, but the reward is so worth it,
412 00:31:40,106 00:31:45,028 because right now we're about 100 metres away because right now we're about 100 metres away
413 00:31:45,153 00:31:50,408 from some of the rarest and hardiest mammals on the planet. from some of the rarest and hardiest mammals on the planet.
414 00:31:52,786 00:31:54,788 What a privilege. What a privilege.
415 00:31:56,498 00:32:01,878 DAVID: The team film behaviour very few people have seen... DAVID: The team film behaviour very few people have seen...
416 00:32:03,922 00:32:08,093 ...rare images of one of the world's most endangered creatures. ...rare images of one of the world's most endangered creatures.
417 00:32:09,677 00:32:12,764 Once widespread across Central Asia, Once widespread across Central Asia,
418 00:32:12,889 00:32:17,227 this uninhabited desert is the wild camel's final home. this uninhabited desert is the wild camel's final home.
419 00:32:18,978 00:32:23,191 Were it not for Adiya's team, it might have disappeared altogether. Were it not for Adiya's team, it might have disappeared altogether.
420 00:32:23,316 00:32:29,572 But because of their work, we may yet save this icon of the Gobi. But because of their work, we may yet save this icon of the Gobi.
421 00:32:35,954 00:32:39,791 In Tanzania, at the edge of Lake Natron, In Tanzania, at the edge of Lake Natron,
422 00:32:39,916 00:32:42,794 the damage to the hovercraft is being assessed. the damage to the hovercraft is being assessed.
423 00:32:44,003 00:32:46,548 So, here's a damaged skirt. So, here's a damaged skirt.
424 00:32:46,673 00:32:52,137 Its blow-up bottom has literally been ripped apart. Its blow-up bottom has literally been ripped apart.
425 00:32:52,262 00:32:56,558 We've trashed 52 of these that now need to be repaired. We've trashed 52 of these that now need to be repaired.
426 00:32:56,683 00:32:58,226 It's like travelling over sandpaper. It's like travelling over sandpaper.
427 00:32:58,351 00:33:03,857 So, what do you do when your hovercraft needs replacement skirts So, what do you do when your hovercraft needs replacement skirts
428 00:33:03,982 00:33:06,401 and you're in the middle of nowhere? and you're in the middle of nowhere?
429 00:33:06,526 00:33:10,488 Enter the local Maasai tribe, Enter the local Maasai tribe,
430 00:33:10,613 00:33:13,992 well known for their needlework skills. well known for their needlework skills.
431 00:33:14,117 00:33:17,036 These guys do just the most amazing beadwork, These guys do just the most amazing beadwork,
432 00:33:17,162 00:33:21,082 you know, stitching beads onto rawhide, leather. you know, stitching beads onto rawhide, leather.
433 00:33:21,207 00:33:22,667 Yeah. Yeah.
434 00:33:22,792 00:33:24,961 They should be able to do these pretty quickly. They should be able to do these pretty quickly.
435 00:33:26,379 00:33:29,966 There are only a few places in the world that specialise in hovercraft maintenance, There are only a few places in the world that specialise in hovercraft maintenance,
436 00:33:30,091 00:33:34,554 and Lake Natron is now officially one of those hot spots. and Lake Natron is now officially one of those hot spots.
437 00:33:34,679 00:33:38,766 So if you're in the need of any hovercraft services, you know where to go. So if you're in the need of any hovercraft services, you know where to go.
438 00:33:43,563 00:33:46,983 Two days [a tel; and after a [of of serious sewing, Two days [a tel; and after a [of of serious sewing,
439 00:33:47,108 00:33:49,277 the hovercraft is ready to ride again. the hovercraft is ready to ride again.
440 00:33:49,402 00:33:52,155 So, these are the final product. So, these are the final product.
441 00:33:52,280 00:33:56,409 The, erm...Maasai women have been working for two days now The, erm...Maasai women have been working for two days now
442 00:33:56,534 00:34:01,080 repairing around about 50 to 60 of these skirts. repairing around about 50 to 60 of these skirts.
443 00:34:01,206 00:34:04,751 You can see where the damage was, but they've clone a beautiful job. You can see where the damage was, but they've clone a beautiful job.
444 00:34:04,876 00:34:10,173 And, hopefully, this is going to get Pole Pole back on the water again. And, hopefully, this is going to get Pole Pole back on the water again.
445 00:34:10,298 00:34:13,927 Pole Pole. That means slow in Swahili! Pole Pole. That means slow in Swahili!
446 00:34:16,137 00:34:18,223 (WHIRRING) (WHIRRING)
447 00:34:22,602 00:34:24,062 That's more like it. That's more like it.
448 00:34:28,650 00:34:32,654 You look like the new... Tanzanian bobsleigh team! You look like the new... Tanzanian bobsleigh team!
449 00:34:32,779 00:34:34,864 (LAUGHS) Yeah. (LAUGHS) Yeah.
450 00:34:39,160 00:34:43,998 And getting back on the lake couldn't have come at a better time, And getting back on the lake couldn't have come at a better time,
451 00:34:44,123 00:34:47,168 as the chicks are now on the move. as the chicks are now on the move.
452 00:34:47,293 00:34:49,462 (SQUAWKING) (SQUAWKING)
453 00:34:54,217 00:34:57,136 Sadly, the new hide position is no drier, Sadly, the new hide position is no drier,
454 00:34:57,262 00:35:02,058 though perhaps it's not quite as toxic. though perhaps it's not quite as toxic.
455 00:35:02,183 00:35:06,604 I'm in a luxury palace of a blind, compared to the ones we had on the soda. I'm in a luxury palace of a blind, compared to the ones we had on the soda.
456 00:35:06,729 00:35:10,984 We have an enormous créche of We have an enormous créche of
457 00:35:11,109 00:35:15,697 hundreds of thousands of birds just pouring into the lagoon from the salt mud, hundreds of thousands of birds just pouring into the lagoon from the salt mud,
458 00:35:15,822 00:35:19,158 just constantly chatting to each other. just constantly chatting to each other.
459 00:35:19,284 00:35:21,869 The printed flamingos around the sides The printed flamingos around the sides
460 00:35:21,995 00:35:25,665 relax the birds amazingly and actually I think relax the birds amazingly and actually I think
461 00:35:25,790 00:35:28,668 act almost like a magnet for them. act almost like a magnet for them.
462 00:35:28,793 00:35:32,297 Without those, I don't think we stand a chance Without those, I don't think we stand a chance
463 00:35:32,422 00:35:34,549 of working from a blind quite like this. of working from a blind quite like this.
464 00:35:36,509 00:35:41,597 But the massive créche attracts some unwelcome visitors. But the massive créche attracts some unwelcome visitors.
465 00:35:43,766 00:35:46,978 Predators - marabou storks. Predators - marabou storks.
466 00:35:50,231 00:35:53,484 To do justice to the behaviour that will soon follow, To do justice to the behaviour that will soon follow,
467 00:35:53,609 00:35:57,488 Matt knows he'll need Darren's help. Matt knows he'll need Darren's help.
468 00:35:57,613 00:35:59,824 Mate, how quickly can you scramble out here? Mate, how quickly can you scramble out here?
469 00:35:59,949 00:36:03,244 - MATT: just firing up the drone now. - OK, see you soon. Bye. - MATT: just firing up the drone now. - OK, see you soon. Bye.
470 00:36:11,461 00:36:15,757 These marabous, they know exactly what they are doing. These marabous, they know exactly what they are doing.
471 00:36:18,176 00:36:22,138 Soon, thousands of panicked chicks are on the move, Soon, thousands of panicked chicks are on the move,
472 00:36:22,263 00:36:26,517 desperately trying to avoid the predators. desperately trying to avoid the predators.
473 00:36:41,532 00:36:45,620 And it's a scene that will live long in Matt's memory. And it's a scene that will live long in Matt's memory.
474 00:36:47,663 00:36:50,917 We just had this unbelievable interaction We just had this unbelievable interaction
475 00:36:51,042 00:36:54,462 between the creche here and some marabou storks. between the creche here and some marabou storks.
476 00:36:54,587 00:36:57,423 I mean, it was literally like... I mean, it was literally like...
477 00:36:58,716 00:37:00,968 ...war had been declared. ...war had been declared.
478 00:37:02,512 00:37:04,555 I mean, that's one of the...the... I mean, that's one of the...the...
479 00:37:04,680 00:37:09,352 ...the...most amazing, and frightening, ...the...most amazing, and frightening,
480 00:37:09,477 00:37:11,729 and freaky wildlife scenes and freaky wildlife scenes
481 00:37:11,854 00:37:14,774 I've ever, ever seen. I've ever, ever seen.
482 00:37:14,899 00:37:17,485 And believe me, I've seen a few. And believe me, I've seen a few.
483 00:37:19,278 00:37:24,033 And few places are more challenging than Lake Natron, And few places are more challenging than Lake Natron,
484 00:37:24,158 00:37:26,035 but, to quote Matt, but, to quote Matt,
485 00:37:26,160 00:37:30,581 if you can deal with the acrid and sulphurous stink of the soda, if you can deal with the acrid and sulphurous stink of the soda,
486 00:37:30,706 00:37:34,252 the stinging eyes and the chemical attack on your legs, the stinging eyes and the chemical attack on your legs,
487 00:37:34,377 00:37:36,462 then you could be rewarded then you could be rewarded
488 00:37:36,587 00:37:41,467 with one of the greatest spectacles on Earth. with one of the greatest spectacles on Earth.
489 00:37:44,011 00:37:45,721 Back in the Galápagos, Back in the Galápagos,
490 00:37:45,847 00:37:48,975 with one iguana story in the can, with one iguana story in the can,
491 00:37:49,100 00:37:52,145 the team go in pursuit of another. the team go in pursuit of another.
492 00:37:56,524 00:38:01,404 On the shore, land iguanas have to battle a very different force. On the shore, land iguanas have to battle a very different force.
493 00:38:03,865 00:38:07,285 Each year, these dragons of the Galápagos Each year, these dragons of the Galápagos
494 00:38:07,410 00:38:13,291 migrate up to the top of Fernandina's active volcano... migrate up to the top of Fernandina's active volcano...
495 00:38:13,416 00:38:16,627 ...a journey of ten days across razor-sharp lava, ...a journey of ten days across razor-sharp lava,
496 00:38:16,752 00:38:22,300 before descending into its heart to lay their eggs in the ashy floor. before descending into its heart to lay their eggs in the ashy floor.
497 00:38:24,302 00:38:29,682 It's this behaviour Richard and the team plan to film. It's this behaviour Richard and the team plan to film.
498 00:38:29,807 00:38:31,684 And the scale of the expedition And the scale of the expedition
499 00:38:31,809 00:38:36,772 is one that's rarely been attempted in the Galápagos. is one that's rarely been attempted in the Galápagos.
500 00:38:36,898 00:38:39,025 To increase their chances of success, To increase their chances of success,
501 00:38:39,150 00:38:44,030 they've enlisted the help of Galápagos expert Tui de Roy, they've enlisted the help of Galápagos expert Tui de Roy,
502 00:38:44,155 00:38:48,701 one of the few people to have been to the bottom of Fernandina's crater. one of the few people to have been to the bottom of Fernandina's crater.
503 00:38:53,372 00:38:58,127 To reach the top takes the crew ten gruelling hours. To reach the top takes the crew ten gruelling hours.
504 00:39:07,470 00:39:13,184 When they finally arrive on the rim, the experience doesn't disappoint. When they finally arrive on the rim, the experience doesn't disappoint.
505 00:39:14,894 00:39:16,729 I can't believe it. I can't believe it.
506 00:39:16,854 00:39:19,774 It's absolutely awe-inspiring. It's absolutely awe-inspiring.
507 00:39:21,692 00:39:24,153 I just can't believe the iguanas I just can't believe the iguanas
508 00:39:24,278 00:39:30,701 actually manage to navigate down these slopes into the bowl of this volcano. actually manage to navigate down these slopes into the bowl of this volcano.
509 00:39:32,036 00:39:37,083 More people have been into space than to the bottom of Fernandina's crater. More people have been into space than to the bottom of Fernandina's crater.
510 00:39:37,208 00:39:41,379 But that is exactly where Richard and the team must go But that is exactly where Richard and the team must go
511 00:39:41,504 00:39:44,382 if they're to film the nesting iguanas. if they're to film the nesting iguanas.
512 00:39:46,842 00:39:49,178 After searching for four days, After searching for four days,
513 00:39:49,303 00:39:54,225 Tui finds just one passable route down, but it's far from easy. Tui finds just one passable route down, but it's far from easy.
514 00:39:56,227 00:40:01,107 Assistant producer Toby wants to be clear with everyone what is at stake. Assistant producer Toby wants to be clear with everyone what is at stake.
515 00:40:01,232 00:40:03,734 (IN SPANISH) (IN SPANISH)
516 00:40:21,794 00:40:24,755 The team heads out across the crater rim The team heads out across the crater rim
517 00:40:24,880 00:40:28,551 to where Tui found the route down. to where Tui found the route down.
518 00:40:30,094 00:40:32,722 As they enter the lip of the volcano, As they enter the lip of the volcano,
519 00:40:32,847 00:40:35,391 the sound of rockfall is all around. the sound of rockfall is all around.
520 00:40:35,516 00:40:38,352 (ROCKFALL) (ROCKFALL)
521 00:40:38,477 00:40:39,770 Rockfall! Rockfall!
522 00:40:46,485 00:40:51,532 Regular earthquakes make the crater walls very unstable. Regular earthquakes make the crater walls very unstable.
523 00:40:52,992 00:40:57,538 If something were to happen now, the team will be on their own. If something were to happen now, the team will be on their own.
524 00:40:57,663 00:41:01,375 Any rescue here would take days to organise. Any rescue here would take days to organise.
525 00:41:03,711 00:41:08,174 Not far away, some iguanas are making their own descent, Not far away, some iguanas are making their own descent,
526 00:41:08,299 00:41:11,385 disturbing the loose surface as they go. disturbing the loose surface as they go.
527 00:41:23,022 00:41:26,400 [fa creature only a sixth the size of a person can start [fa creature only a sixth the size of a person can start
528 00:41:26,525 00:41:30,321 a deadly avalanche of razor-sharp rocks, a deadly avalanche of razor-sharp rocks,
529 00:41:30,446 00:41:33,658 what can a whole film crew do? what can a whole film crew do?
530 00:41:36,744 00:41:40,998 It's clear the crew are going to have to be extremely cautious. It's clear the crew are going to have to be extremely cautious.
531 00:41:41,123 00:41:44,335 Just keeps getting better. Just keeps getting better.
532 00:41:46,962 00:41:51,717 On the steepest slopes, the equipment needs to be lowered with ropes. On the steepest slopes, the equipment needs to be lowered with ropes.
533 00:41:56,806 00:42:01,477 With rocks falling all around, the longer they're on the slopes, With rocks falling all around, the longer they're on the slopes,
534 00:42:01,602 00:42:05,064 the greater the risk of an accident. the greater the risk of an accident.
535 00:42:07,108 00:42:10,653 But when one misstep can start an avalanche, But when one misstep can start an avalanche,
536 00:42:10,778 00:42:14,115 hurrying is impossible. hurrying is impossible.
537 00:42:25,751 00:42:29,755 Finally, the prize of the crater floor is in sight. Finally, the prize of the crater floor is in sight.
538 00:42:29,880 00:42:33,592 Look, just below there is where the iguanas are nesting. Look, just below there is where the iguanas are nesting.
539 00:42:33,718 00:42:36,345 We're very close to it now. We're very close to it now.
540 00:42:36,470 00:42:40,474 All that lies between them is a stretch of loose lava All that lies between them is a stretch of loose lava
541 00:42:40,599 00:42:43,561 that has cascaded down the slopes... that has cascaded down the slopes...
542 00:42:43,686 00:42:44,812 (FLIES BUZZ) (FLIES BUZZ)
543 00:42:44,937 00:42:49,358 ...sadly crushing one iguana in the process. ...sadly crushing one iguana in the process.
544 00:42:56,657 00:42:59,452 After a nine-hour descent, After a nine-hour descent,
545 00:42:59,577 00:43:03,038 they reach the crater floor. they reach the crater floor.
546 00:43:07,084 00:43:09,211 We're actually in the crater now, We're actually in the crater now,
547 00:43:09,336 00:43:11,922 surrounded by these vertical walls. surrounded by these vertical walls.
548 00:43:12,047 00:43:16,427 It's been epic, but it was terrifying. It's been epic, but it was terrifying.
549 00:43:18,220 00:43:21,724 I just can't believe we really made it down here. I just can't believe we really made it down here.
550 00:43:21,849 00:43:24,143 Sometimes I doubted that, Sometimes I doubted that,
551 00:43:24,268 00:43:27,313 you know, we would actually make it. you know, we would actually make it.
552 00:43:27,438 00:43:29,774 And there they were - iguanas, And there they were - iguanas,
553 00:43:29,899 00:43:35,029 using the warm volcanic ash to incubate their eggs. using the warm volcanic ash to incubate their eggs.
554 00:43:43,078 00:43:48,793 The word dragon has been used many times, but it does somehow bring up that feeling, The word dragon has been used many times, but it does somehow bring up that feeling,
555 00:43:48,918 00:43:54,423 because you're in such a hostile, such an un...unhuman kind of place. because you're in such a hostile, such an un...unhuman kind of place.
556 00:43:54,548 00:43:58,677 It's so basic, so raw, so real, It's so basic, so raw, so real,
557 00:43:58,803 00:44:00,971 and to them it is home. and to them it is home.
558 00:44:01,096 00:44:03,808 We tried to figure out how many people have been here. We tried to figure out how many people have been here.
559 00:44:03,933 00:44:06,644 We've come up with maybe 30. We've come up with maybe 30.
560 00:44:06,769 00:44:09,230 That's not very many for all of history. That's not very many for all of history.
561 00:44:12,942 00:44:16,362 RICHARD: My God, what an incredible place this is. RICHARD: My God, what an incredible place this is.
562 00:44:17,947 00:44:21,700 It's such a vivid feeling to be constantly challenged It's such a vivid feeling to be constantly challenged
563 00:44:21,826 00:44:24,745 by the forces of nature like that. by the forces of nature like that.
564 00:44:24,870 00:44:29,834 But they have to do this every year in order to survive. But they have to do this every year in order to survive.
565 00:44:29,959 00:44:33,379 I'll never forget, for as long as I live. I'll never forget, for as long as I live.
566 00:44:33,504 00:44:36,048 What an adventure! What an adventure. What an adventure! What an adventure.
567 00:44:38,676 00:44:41,929 On Ellesmere, with the wolves nowhere to be seen, On Ellesmere, with the wolves nowhere to be seen,
568 00:44:42,054 00:44:47,601 Rolf is determined to capture the beauty of the landscape with a drone. Rolf is determined to capture the beauty of the landscape with a drone.
569 00:44:58,529 00:45:00,823 We just can't get the thing in the air. We just can't get the thing in the air.
570 00:45:00,948 00:45:05,619 Um, the motors, they have physically frozen solid. Um, the motors, they have physically frozen solid.
571 00:45:05,744 00:45:09,832 The team resort to manual manipulation. The team resort to manual manipulation.
572 00:45:09,957 00:45:12,418 - We're warming it up. - (LAUGHTER) - We're warming it up. - (LAUGHTER)
573 00:45:12,543 00:45:14,128 Its lights are flashing. Its lights are flashing.
574 00:45:14,253 00:45:18,549 - Must be doing something good. - I think it's excited. - Must be doing something good. - I think it's excited.
575 00:45:19,967 00:45:22,469 And the drone's not the only thing that's freezing. And the drone's not the only thing that's freezing.
576 00:45:22,595 00:45:26,849 Look what I just found under my mask. Look what I just found under my mask.
577 00:45:46,660 00:45:52,499 A plan to warm up the drone with a hairdryer and duffel bag could mean A plan to warm up the drone with a hairdryer and duffel bag could mean
578 00:45:52,625 00:45:57,212 the world record for the coldest flight is still on. the world record for the coldest flight is still on.
579 00:45:58,213 00:45:59,548 Success! Success!
580 00:46:02,426 00:46:04,595 Fingers crossed, it works. Fingers crossed, it works.
581 00:46:05,888 00:46:07,306 Let's do it. Let's do it.
582 00:46:11,018 00:46:14,146 But the cold soon takes its toll on Jesse, But the cold soon takes its toll on Jesse,
583 00:46:14,271 00:46:15,856 the drone operator. the drone operator.
584 00:46:15,981 00:46:19,318 Argh! I'm sorry, I can't feel my hands. Argh! I'm sorry, I can't feel my hands.
585 00:46:19,443 00:46:23,447 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.
586 00:46:23,572 00:46:26,575 We can fly towards the big mountain. I can get the... We can fly towards the big mountain. I can get the...
587 00:46:26,700 00:46:28,619 - Argh! - ...the big mountain, you know... - Argh! - ...the big mountain, you know...
588 00:46:28,744 00:46:30,955 - Yeah. - ...like more centred. - Yeah. - ...like more centred.
589 00:46:31,080 00:46:33,624 JESSE: Argh! My hands! JESSE: Argh! My hands!
590 00:46:33,749 00:46:38,045 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.
591 00:46:38,170 00:46:40,673 But I'm losing my sensation in my hands, Rolf. Let's... But I'm losing my sensation in my hands, Rolf. Let's...
592 00:46:40,798 00:46:42,424 KIERAN: Roll on it. KIERAN: Roll on it.
593 00:46:42,549 00:46:44,426 - JESSE: Let's record. - ROLF: Come on, do it. - JESSE: Let's record. - ROLF: Come on, do it.
594 00:46:47,054 00:46:50,432 KIERAN: This feels like a totally different planet. It's really crazy. KIERAN: This feels like a totally different planet. It's really crazy.
595 00:46:50,557 00:46:53,560 ROLF: OK, and I think now we could do a forward view. ROLF: OK, and I think now we could do a forward view.
596 00:46:53,686 00:46:54,812 KIERAN: Yeah. KIERAN: Yeah.
597 00:46:54,937 00:46:59,608 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.
598 00:46:59,733 00:47:02,611 JESSE: My fingers are hurting. JESSE: My fingers are hurting.
599 00:47:02,736 00:47:03,946 Argh! Argh!
600 00:47:04,071 00:47:05,614 KIERAN: That looks really cool. KIERAN: That looks really cool.
601 00:47:05,739 00:47:08,367 It's incredible. It's incredible.
602 00:47:16,333 00:47:18,502 With no sighting of the wolves in weeks, With no sighting of the wolves in weeks,
603 00:47:18,627 00:47:22,089 the team decide to follow their prey instead. the team decide to follow their prey instead.
604 00:47:22,214 00:47:24,800 Muskoxen. Muskoxen.
605 00:47:26,093 00:47:27,386 And the tactic pays off. And the tactic pays off.
606 00:47:29,179 00:47:33,183 The herd is being shadowed by the wolves. The herd is being shadowed by the wolves.
607 00:47:34,476 00:47:36,729 (MUSKOX GRUNTS) (MUSKOX GRUNTS)
608 00:47:38,022 00:47:40,315 They are very close to a herd of muskoxen there They are very close to a herd of muskoxen there
609 00:47:40,441 00:47:42,151 and something might happen. and something might happen.
610 00:47:47,197 00:47:48,824 Rolf is in the perfect spot Rolf is in the perfect spot
611 00:47:48,949 00:47:54,580 to capture the first arctic wolf hunt ever filmed in the polar night. to capture the first arctic wolf hunt ever filmed in the polar night.
612 00:48:03,672 00:48:06,717 There was some good stuff, I think, if I got it in focus. There was some good stuff, I think, if I got it in focus.
613 00:48:08,218 00:48:13,724 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...
614 00:48:15,100 00:48:19,146 ...one he's dreamed of since he was a child. ...one he's dreamed of since he was a child.
615 00:48:25,235 00:48:27,821 It doesn't get better than this. It doesn't get better than this.
616 00:48:33,035 00:48:35,037 Oh, my God. This is an absolutely... Oh, my God. This is an absolutely...
617 00:48:35,162 00:48:37,331 ...dream of a lifetime. ...dream of a lifetime.
618 00:48:41,668 00:48:47,174 Honestly, you are the most beautiful living being I've ever seen. Honestly, you are the most beautiful living being I've ever seen.
619 00:48:47,299 00:48:48,884 Incredible. Incredible.