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Meet Gremlin, a young toque macaque.
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00:00:04,240 --> 00:00:06,560
She's just nine weeks old.
3
00:00:06,560 --> 00:00:08,920
She's tiny and very vulnerable,
4
00:00:08,920 --> 00:00:12,560
and for a little monkey,
this is a dangerous world.
5
00:00:12,560 --> 00:00:15,000
There are lethal predators.
6
00:00:17,040 --> 00:00:19,480
Brutal competition within the troop.
7
00:00:24,440 --> 00:00:27,640
Deadly threats
from a neighbouring tribe.
8
00:00:30,000 --> 00:00:33,560
One in three baby macaques die
before their first birthday.
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00:00:36,120 --> 00:00:40,600
Gremlin has a lot to learn,
and fast.
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00:00:41,600 --> 00:00:44,560
If she fails, she won't survive.
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00:00:47,360 --> 00:00:49,520
This is her story.
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00:01:23,280 --> 00:01:26,520
Gremlin belongs to a 70-strong troop
of macaques
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00:01:26,520 --> 00:01:29,880
living in the ruins of Polonnaruwa,
14
00:01:29,880 --> 00:01:32,080
an ancient city
in northern Sri Lanka.
15
00:01:53,040 --> 00:01:55,600
She's a normal, healthy baby,
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00:01:55,600 --> 00:01:58,760
totally dependent on the love
and support of her mother.
17
00:02:00,160 --> 00:02:03,640
That doesn't mean
her life is simple.
18
00:02:05,720 --> 00:02:08,560
Macaque society has
a very strict pecking order.
19
00:02:09,800 --> 00:02:13,240
Alpha male Hector rules
with a rod of iron.
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00:02:15,040 --> 00:02:17,280
That's tough for Gremlin.
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00:02:17,280 --> 00:02:20,720
Her mum is ranked
near the bottom of the heap.
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00:02:22,320 --> 00:02:25,560
Life is a struggle.
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00:02:25,560 --> 00:02:29,080
They're first in line for bullying,
and last in the queue for food.
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00:02:33,360 --> 00:02:38,440
For Gremlin, success and survival
depend on learning to fit in.
25
00:02:44,400 --> 00:02:47,560
It's a very steep learning curve.
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00:02:47,560 --> 00:02:50,400
The everyday lessons
she has to learn in her first year
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00:02:50,400 --> 00:02:51,920
are crucial to her survival.
28
00:03:01,160 --> 00:03:04,200
Cameraman Gavin Thurston
has filmed this troop before.
29
00:03:04,200 --> 00:03:07,920
Even so, it's a challenge
filming them again.
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00:03:07,920 --> 00:03:10,560
It's great to be back here
in Sri Lanka
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00:03:10,560 --> 00:03:14,200
and working with some of the same
monkeys I worked with 15 years ago.
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There's 68 animals in the group.
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00:03:16,000 --> 00:03:18,240
It's really difficult
to work out who's who
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00:03:18,240 --> 00:03:19,960
and who the main characters are.
35
00:03:30,280 --> 00:03:32,480
Luckily, Gremlin is distinctive.
36
00:03:32,480 --> 00:03:35,520
She has a white tip on her tail
and stands out from the crowd.
37
00:03:46,640 --> 00:03:49,720
These ruins are perfect territory
for the Temple Troop.
38
00:03:51,040 --> 00:03:54,840
There's 100 acres of prime forest
and plenty of food.
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00:03:56,640 --> 00:04:00,120
Life should be good for Gremlin.
40
00:04:02,040 --> 00:04:03,760
But there's a problem.
41
00:04:06,200 --> 00:04:09,640
A road borders
the Temple Troop's territory.
42
00:04:09,640 --> 00:04:13,480
On the other side,
a competing troop of macaques -
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00:04:13,480 --> 00:04:15,120
the Slumdogs.
44
00:04:17,840 --> 00:04:22,400
Territorial disputes are frequent
and sometimes vicious.
45
00:04:26,080 --> 00:04:28,440
With 5cm-long canine teeth,
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00:04:28,440 --> 00:04:31,440
injuries are often life-threatening.
47
00:04:31,440 --> 00:04:35,720
A tiny youngster like Gremlin
could easily be killed.
48
00:04:41,000 --> 00:04:43,680
It's always a very tense atmosphere
in the borderlands
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00:04:43,680 --> 00:04:45,360
between the two troops,
50
00:04:45,360 --> 00:04:47,400
and right now,
the Temple Troop have something
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00:04:47,400 --> 00:04:49,640
the Slumdogs desperately want -
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00:04:49,640 --> 00:04:51,040
a fig tree.
53
00:04:52,560 --> 00:04:55,360
It's just inside
the Temple Troop's territory.
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00:04:57,240 --> 00:04:59,200
It's a prime resource.
55
00:04:59,200 --> 00:05:01,520
Figs are rich in vitamins.
56
00:05:01,520 --> 00:05:06,960
A favourite food, there'll be plenty
for the whole troop to enjoy.
57
00:05:06,960 --> 00:05:09,120
The figs aren't ripe yet,
58
00:05:09,120 --> 00:05:13,200
but the Slumdogs have had their eyes
on the tree all winter.
59
00:05:13,200 --> 00:05:15,840
Both troops want it for themselves.
60
00:05:19,320 --> 00:05:22,400
Well, it's pretty clear,
this fig tree,
61
00:05:22,400 --> 00:05:26,360
which is right on the boundary
of the two groups' territories,
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00:05:26,360 --> 00:05:28,600
is quite a prize if you can win it.
63
00:05:28,600 --> 00:05:30,440
There's loads of fruit up here.
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00:05:34,720 --> 00:05:37,760
To Gremlin, for now,
it's just another tree.
65
00:05:39,840 --> 00:05:43,480
But both troops' leaders know
it's a valuable prize,
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00:05:43,480 --> 00:05:45,240
Hector for the Temple Troop
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00:05:45,240 --> 00:05:47,120
and Bad-eye for the Slumdogs.
68
00:05:51,240 --> 00:05:53,400
They're long-standing enemies.
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00:05:54,800 --> 00:05:57,760
Slumdog king Bad-eye got his injury
in a previous fight.
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00:06:07,240 --> 00:06:10,280
He's always on the lookout
for ways to settle the score.
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00:06:16,960 --> 00:06:19,200
For Gremlin, that spells danger.
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00:06:20,440 --> 00:06:23,280
If she strays too far
from her mother,
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00:06:23,280 --> 00:06:26,120
she could fall into
the hands of the Slumdogs.
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00:06:26,120 --> 00:06:28,360
They wouldn't hesitate to kill her.
75
00:06:39,480 --> 00:06:41,760
Suddenly, a warning call.
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00:06:46,840 --> 00:06:48,120
Dogs.
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00:06:55,200 --> 00:06:57,800
There are hundreds of feral dogs
in this forest.
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00:07:01,280 --> 00:07:04,000
A young monkey
would make a fine meal.
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00:07:10,640 --> 00:07:13,720
The best defence against them
is to give them a wide berth.
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00:07:15,000 --> 00:07:17,920
So Gremlin's mum quickly
carries her to safety.
81
00:07:19,120 --> 00:07:22,640
Surviving here demands
constant vigilance.
82
00:07:27,920 --> 00:07:31,120
Dogs are just one of
the many predators in the forest.
83
00:07:41,880 --> 00:07:43,520
Living in a large troop means
84
00:07:43,520 --> 00:07:45,720
there's always a set of eyes
on the lookout.
85
00:07:46,800 --> 00:07:50,400
And because macaques use different
calls for different predators,
86
00:07:50,400 --> 00:07:54,720
the troop always know
whether it's a snake, dog,
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00:07:54,720 --> 00:07:56,720
or hawk that's threatening them.
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00:08:02,200 --> 00:08:04,240
For Gremlin,
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00:08:04,240 --> 00:08:06,880
it's one of the benefits
of living in an extended family.
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00:08:09,120 --> 00:08:11,360
Despite their rigid hierarchy,
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00:08:11,360 --> 00:08:14,800
every individual monkey plays
its part in the troop's safety.
92
00:08:17,240 --> 00:08:20,480
Gremlin must learn the full
repertoire of macaque calls
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00:08:20,480 --> 00:08:21,680
as quickly as she can.
94
00:08:31,840 --> 00:08:36,880
And by far the most important
warning call to learn is this one.
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00:08:36,880 --> 00:08:38,560
SQUEAKING
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00:08:43,760 --> 00:08:47,080
One of the sentries has spotted
a Slumdog near the border.
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00:08:49,160 --> 00:08:53,600
The sentry's tail arches into
a prominent curve over his back.
98
00:08:59,560 --> 00:09:03,480
That tail up there, that signifies
to the females there's danger
99
00:09:03,480 --> 00:09:05,320
and they should be moving back.
100
00:09:08,600 --> 00:09:11,040
The whole troop knows the signal.
101
00:09:11,040 --> 00:09:13,920
Gremlin's mum quickly
retreats to safety.
102
00:09:21,440 --> 00:09:24,480
Gremlin must learn to watch
for danger signs
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00:09:24,480 --> 00:09:26,280
or she'll be in trouble.
104
00:09:38,480 --> 00:09:41,400
The Slumdogs are testing boundaries.
105
00:09:41,400 --> 00:09:43,680
They've got the fig tree
in their sights...
106
00:09:43,680 --> 00:09:45,400
and with reason.
107
00:09:49,720 --> 00:09:53,920
While Hector's Temple Troop live
the good life in prime forest...
108
00:09:57,560 --> 00:10:00,960
..Bad-eye and his Slumdogs
take risks just to eat.
109
00:10:02,760 --> 00:10:06,440
They steal scraps from the local
market and rubbish bins.
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00:10:12,720 --> 00:10:14,720
To the Slumdogs,
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that fig tree looks like paradise.
112
00:10:25,440 --> 00:10:27,640
Warriors from both sides
square up to each other.
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00:10:31,880 --> 00:10:35,960
Gremlin's troop prepare
to defend their territory.
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00:10:37,880 --> 00:10:41,680
Their success depends
on Hector's skills as a leader.
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00:10:45,080 --> 00:10:48,360
His border scouts give him
early warnings on enemy movements.
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00:10:55,800 --> 00:10:58,880
As the Slumdogs continue to advance,
117
00:10:58,880 --> 00:11:02,120
all the males go
to battle-ready status.
118
00:11:02,120 --> 00:11:05,000
They stand on their hind legs to get
a better look at the opposition,
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00:11:05,000 --> 00:11:07,040
and to intimidate them.
120
00:11:09,280 --> 00:11:14,000
If the invaders don't retreat,
battle-hardened veterans stand firm,
121
00:11:14,000 --> 00:11:15,840
ready to stop the advance.
122
00:11:26,600 --> 00:11:31,240
Life for male macaques
can be violent and short.
123
00:11:31,240 --> 00:11:34,280
Hector and Bad-eye
have seen many monkeys killed
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00:11:34,280 --> 00:11:35,880
and injured in gang wars.
125
00:11:35,880 --> 00:11:38,320
It's an impasse.
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00:11:39,960 --> 00:11:42,760
Neither side is prepared to fight.
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00:11:45,960 --> 00:11:48,280
The figs aren't ripe yet.
128
00:11:48,280 --> 00:11:51,320
There are easier pickings for
the Slumdogs in the market place.
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00:11:52,520 --> 00:11:53,760
For now.
130
00:12:21,800 --> 00:12:26,080
Little Gremlin has no idea of
the trouble brewing all around her.
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00:12:26,080 --> 00:12:29,720
She takes a nap, safe and secure
in her mother's arms.
132
00:12:32,000 --> 00:12:35,200
But if war breaks out,
she will be in mortal danger.
133
00:13:09,240 --> 00:13:11,840
A new day dawns.
134
00:13:11,840 --> 00:13:13,600
After a good night's sleep,
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00:13:13,600 --> 00:13:16,920
Gremlin wakes up with a troop
of very relaxed monkeys.
136
00:13:28,440 --> 00:13:31,600
Macaques live in highly structured
social groups.
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00:13:31,600 --> 00:13:33,920
They have a rigid caste system.
138
00:13:33,920 --> 00:13:36,000
You're born into your social ranking
139
00:13:36,000 --> 00:13:40,880
and the only way to change it
is to leave the group.
140
00:13:54,040 --> 00:13:56,920
That's fine if you're high up
the social ladder.
141
00:14:03,360 --> 00:14:06,400
Hector enjoys
the very best food and drink
142
00:14:06,400 --> 00:14:10,280
and a plentiful supply of servants
to groom him throughout the day.
143
00:14:29,160 --> 00:14:32,800
If you're at the bottom
of the social ladder, like Gremlin,
144
00:14:32,800 --> 00:14:35,000
the future's not so rosy.
145
00:14:35,000 --> 00:14:37,080
So, what do you do then?
146
00:14:42,400 --> 00:14:48,440
Meet Poppin, the lowest-ranking
adult in the troop,
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lower, even, than Gremlin's mum.
148
00:14:50,560 --> 00:14:53,640
She's totally subservient,
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grooming everyone above her.
150
00:15:02,040 --> 00:15:05,360
Sadly, her status is unlikely
to ever change.
151
00:15:14,440 --> 00:15:17,880
Gavin first filmed her 15 years ago.
152
00:15:19,480 --> 00:15:22,800
She was in the same position
then as now,
153
00:15:22,800 --> 00:15:26,080
absolutely bottom of the pile.
154
00:15:26,080 --> 00:15:29,680
She even had to give up food
stored in her cheek pouches
155
00:15:29,680 --> 00:15:31,680
to a higher-ranking female.
156
00:15:48,160 --> 00:15:51,000
I first came here in 1998.
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00:15:51,000 --> 00:15:52,760
She's 21 years old now,
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00:15:52,760 --> 00:15:56,000
she must have been about 12 or 13
when I was here last time,
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00:15:56,000 --> 00:15:57,520
but she's still in pretty good nick.
160
00:15:57,520 --> 00:15:59,760
I think she's wearing better than me,
in some ways!
161
00:16:02,800 --> 00:16:07,680
Amazingly, Poppin is one of the most
successful monkeys in the troop.
162
00:16:07,680 --> 00:16:11,280
She's lived longer than any of them,
raised eight baby monkeys
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00:16:11,280 --> 00:16:13,160
and she's got another on the way.
164
00:16:15,000 --> 00:16:18,840
Not bad for someone at the bottom
of the social ladder.
165
00:16:27,560 --> 00:16:29,760
It's all about politics.
166
00:16:29,760 --> 00:16:32,880
Poppin has made alliances
across the troop
167
00:16:32,880 --> 00:16:34,960
and consorts
with all the right males.
168
00:16:36,520 --> 00:16:40,320
She's especially attentive
to Hector.
169
00:16:40,320 --> 00:16:45,040
It's her way of ensuring he looks
after both her and her offspring.
170
00:16:50,120 --> 00:16:54,920
For Gremlin, political grooming
is an important skill to learn.
171
00:16:57,560 --> 00:17:00,000
But grooming's
not just about politics.
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00:17:00,000 --> 00:17:03,240
There's a more basic reason, too.
173
00:17:10,840 --> 00:17:13,400
The forest is full of insects.
174
00:17:13,400 --> 00:17:17,680
Grooming is a great way
to keep bug free.
175
00:17:17,680 --> 00:17:20,000
And if there's no-one around
to groom you,
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00:17:20,000 --> 00:17:22,600
there's nothing better
than a good old scratch.
177
00:18:11,160 --> 00:18:15,600
There are over 15 monkeys under
the age of two in the Temple Troop.
178
00:18:15,600 --> 00:18:18,880
The adults allow the youngsters
plenty of freedom
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00:18:18,880 --> 00:18:20,320
to explore and play.
180
00:18:21,840 --> 00:18:26,000
But discipline and respect
must be strictly maintained.
181
00:18:38,800 --> 00:18:40,280
Like all youngsters,
182
00:18:40,280 --> 00:18:43,680
Gremlin must learn
to express respect for adults
183
00:18:43,680 --> 00:18:46,640
through a complex series
of postures, facial expressions
184
00:18:46,640 --> 00:18:48,960
and calls.
185
00:18:48,960 --> 00:18:52,600
She'll have to learn them
very quickly in order to survive.
186
00:18:54,320 --> 00:18:56,000
As such a low ranking monkey,
187
00:18:56,000 --> 00:18:58,920
Gremlin won't get anywhere
without learning to say
188
00:18:58,920 --> 00:19:02,960
"sorry", "excuse me"
and "thank you".
189
00:19:05,600 --> 00:19:09,360
Adults will not hesitate
to remind her who's boss.
190
00:19:18,840 --> 00:19:21,720
These are painful lessons
for a baby macaque,
191
00:19:21,720 --> 00:19:24,920
especially so when you have no idea
what you've done wrong.
192
00:19:26,360 --> 00:19:29,960
The truth is, of course,
she hasn't done anything wrong.
193
00:19:29,960 --> 00:19:32,440
She's simply the lowest of the low
194
00:19:32,440 --> 00:19:36,120
and is being told this
in no uncertain terms.
195
00:19:36,120 --> 00:19:39,600
It's a good reminder
of who she can approach safely
196
00:19:39,600 --> 00:19:42,520
and who's best left well alone!
197
00:20:04,120 --> 00:20:06,880
Macaque society
is all about respect,
198
00:20:06,880 --> 00:20:09,600
and Hector is top of the heap.
199
00:20:09,600 --> 00:20:12,640
He won't tolerate
signs of insubordination.
200
00:20:16,920 --> 00:20:18,920
If he looks you in the eye,
201
00:20:18,920 --> 00:20:22,600
you have to express submission
or face a beating.
202
00:20:24,560 --> 00:20:26,160
As he surveys his subjects,
203
00:20:26,160 --> 00:20:28,720
they chatter their teeth
in homage to their king.
204
00:20:43,120 --> 00:20:44,400
Right, that...
205
00:20:45,560 --> 00:20:48,000
..that is him showing he's boss.
206
00:20:48,000 --> 00:20:50,400
And Gremlin has to learn
how to deal with that
207
00:20:50,400 --> 00:20:52,080
so she doesn't get beaten up.
208
00:20:52,080 --> 00:20:55,960
Not even her mum
can save Gremlin from Hector.
209
00:20:55,960 --> 00:20:59,240
Gremlin's caught his eye.
210
00:21:01,760 --> 00:21:04,200
Hector expects all the youngsters
211
00:21:04,200 --> 00:21:08,000
to show him the proper respect,
no matter how young they are.
212
00:21:10,320 --> 00:21:13,600
If Gremlin plays this right,
she'll escape punishment.
213
00:21:16,000 --> 00:21:21,880
If she gets it wrong, Hector's
punishment will be swift and hard.
214
00:21:35,280 --> 00:21:38,040
Bingo! She's nailed it.
215
00:21:42,040 --> 00:21:45,880
Wow! Well, that doesn't seem
very significant in human terms,
216
00:21:45,880 --> 00:21:48,520
but that teeth chatter
that Gremlin's doing there
217
00:21:48,520 --> 00:21:50,360
is effectively her first words.
218
00:21:50,360 --> 00:21:52,640
She's learnt to say,
"Excuse me, don't hit me."
219
00:21:54,040 --> 00:21:55,720
Really sweet.
220
00:21:58,920 --> 00:22:04,120
This strictly enforced caste system
is there for a very good reason.
221
00:22:06,000 --> 00:22:08,640
Without it,
every time someone finds
222
00:22:08,640 --> 00:22:11,080
a food source,
there'll be a feeding frenzy.
223
00:22:11,080 --> 00:22:16,320
Only the fittest, strongest males
would get to eat.
224
00:22:16,320 --> 00:22:19,600
With a well-ordered feeding line,
there's space and time
225
00:22:19,600 --> 00:22:22,480
for weaker females and offspring
to get a feed too.
226
00:22:23,520 --> 00:22:25,880
Even if they're last in the queue.
227
00:22:28,880 --> 00:22:30,960
With the fig tree growing riper
228
00:22:30,960 --> 00:22:34,200
and competition growing
with the Slumdogs,
229
00:22:34,200 --> 00:22:38,280
discipline in the ranks
will be crucial in the coming weeks.
230
00:22:42,560 --> 00:22:46,240
For now,
Gremlin's learnt a vital skill.
231
00:22:46,240 --> 00:22:50,000
She's said her first words,
and saved herself from a beating.
232
00:23:17,880 --> 00:23:20,920
As May progresses,
the temperature starts to rise.
233
00:23:30,400 --> 00:23:33,960
It's a good time for Gremlin
to learn the best places
234
00:23:33,960 --> 00:23:35,360
to drink and cool off.
235
00:23:36,560 --> 00:23:38,760
There's plenty of water,
at the moment,
236
00:23:38,760 --> 00:23:41,040
but a few months from now,
in the dry season,
237
00:23:41,040 --> 00:23:43,680
knowing where to go will be vital.
238
00:23:47,760 --> 00:23:49,000
The Temple Troop are lucky.
239
00:23:49,000 --> 00:23:52,760
They have plenty of good
water sources in their territory.
240
00:23:55,520 --> 00:23:59,640
The dry season lasts three months,
with hardly a drop of rain.
241
00:23:59,640 --> 00:24:01,000
Like the fig tree,
242
00:24:01,000 --> 00:24:05,000
the troop will defend
their water sources jealously.
243
00:24:09,520 --> 00:24:14,160
On the Slumdogs' side of the road,
it's a different story.
244
00:24:14,160 --> 00:24:18,280
The Slumdogs don't have the luxury
of a pool on their territory.
245
00:24:18,280 --> 00:24:21,000
They have to make do
with any water they can find.
246
00:24:26,760 --> 00:24:28,320
It's another reason why Bad-eye
247
00:24:28,320 --> 00:24:30,840
is so envious
of the Temple Troop's territory.
248
00:24:32,560 --> 00:24:35,480
The combination of water
and a ripening fig tree
249
00:24:35,480 --> 00:24:37,120
is worth its weight in gold.
250
00:24:49,080 --> 00:24:50,920
The figs are not ripe yet,
251
00:24:50,920 --> 00:24:53,240
but the troop know it won't be long.
252
00:25:00,080 --> 00:25:01,360
The trouble is,
253
00:25:01,360 --> 00:25:03,720
the Slumdogs know that too.
254
00:25:06,000 --> 00:25:10,160
A scouting party crosses the road
to test the Temple Troop.
255
00:25:13,120 --> 00:25:16,720
The Temple Troop react immediately.
256
00:25:16,720 --> 00:25:21,200
The two sides exchange
facial threats and postures.
257
00:25:21,200 --> 00:25:25,680
Flashing their eyelids and raising
their eyebrows at each other.
258
00:25:27,480 --> 00:25:28,720
This could kick off.
259
00:25:30,120 --> 00:25:33,600
Time for Gremlin
to make a swift exit...
260
00:25:35,160 --> 00:25:37,000
..with a little help from mum.
261
00:25:44,720 --> 00:25:47,160
Gremlin's escape is just in time.
262
00:25:49,840 --> 00:25:52,880
Neither side has backed down.
263
00:25:54,000 --> 00:25:55,920
The conflict is escalating.
264
00:25:57,160 --> 00:25:59,800
A showdown looks inevitable,
265
00:25:59,800 --> 00:26:02,400
but why don't they attack
immediately?
266
00:26:02,400 --> 00:26:05,480
These look like friendly exchanges.
267
00:26:05,480 --> 00:26:07,720
They're not.
268
00:26:07,720 --> 00:26:11,160
These opposing fighters
are sizing each other up,
269
00:26:11,160 --> 00:26:14,120
searching for each other's
weaknesses,
270
00:26:14,120 --> 00:26:17,040
checking status,
and sniffing out fear.
271
00:26:17,040 --> 00:26:19,960
It's a test of who will crack first.
272
00:26:19,960 --> 00:26:22,720
They're daring each other
to launch an attack.
273
00:26:24,640 --> 00:26:27,240
They're also getting reacquainted.
274
00:26:27,240 --> 00:26:30,720
It's likely that many of
these monkeys grew up together.
275
00:26:30,720 --> 00:26:33,440
Young male macaques
are evicted from their troop
276
00:26:33,440 --> 00:26:35,120
before they reach adulthood.
277
00:26:37,200 --> 00:26:39,560
This is partly
to prevent in-breeding,
278
00:26:39,560 --> 00:26:43,040
and partly the alpha male trying
to preserve his dominance.
279
00:26:48,920 --> 00:26:51,760
These strength tests happen
because no-one wants to get hurt
280
00:26:51,760 --> 00:26:54,080
unless it's absolutely necessary.
281
00:26:54,080 --> 00:26:58,400
And no-one wants to hurt
a relative or an old friend.
282
00:26:58,400 --> 00:27:01,640
So they check each other's IDs
and strength,
283
00:27:01,640 --> 00:27:03,960
and hope for a last minute reprieve.
284
00:27:09,640 --> 00:27:12,280
For today, it's enough.
285
00:27:12,280 --> 00:27:16,600
Both sides retreat.
Diplomacy wins the day.
286
00:27:17,880 --> 00:27:21,880
It's proof of just how complex
these monkey's lives are.
287
00:27:21,880 --> 00:27:25,880
They'll risk their lives
to defend their territory...
288
00:27:27,720 --> 00:27:30,760
..but they'll try
every other avenue first.
289
00:27:32,200 --> 00:27:34,200
This time, it paid off...
290
00:27:34,200 --> 00:27:38,840
and the frontline troops grab
some well-earned R and R.
291
00:28:20,560 --> 00:28:22,880
It's great fun for the big guys.
292
00:28:26,680 --> 00:28:30,040
If you're small,
it's best to stay away.
293
00:28:31,520 --> 00:28:35,360
Besides, Gremlin still has
important lessons to learn.
294
00:28:35,360 --> 00:28:37,240
She's not yet weaned.
295
00:28:37,240 --> 00:28:39,520
But soon she'll be
foraging for herself.
296
00:28:39,520 --> 00:28:42,080
It's never too early
to learn what's on the menu.
297
00:28:55,120 --> 00:28:57,360
Macaques will eat
pretty much anything
298
00:28:57,360 --> 00:28:59,760
and there's plenty to choose from -
299
00:28:59,760 --> 00:29:05,920
termites, caterpillars, birds' eggs,
flowers and seedpods.
300
00:29:22,280 --> 00:29:23,840
Just like hamsters,
301
00:29:23,840 --> 00:29:26,760
they can store food
in specially adapted cheek pouches,
302
00:29:26,760 --> 00:29:28,800
so they can eat it in safety later.
303
00:29:31,880 --> 00:29:36,720
Gremlin has to find out for herself
what the really tasty things are.
304
00:29:36,720 --> 00:29:39,800
The only way she can do that
is to experiment.
305
00:29:55,160 --> 00:29:58,840
From time to time, predictably,
that means trying something...
306
00:29:58,840 --> 00:30:01,040
and regretting it.
307
00:30:15,320 --> 00:30:18,360
One delicacy she hasn't tried yet
is fig.
308
00:30:21,080 --> 00:30:24,200
It's still a little while
before they'll be ripe.
309
00:30:29,760 --> 00:30:31,840
That's just as well,
310
00:30:31,840 --> 00:30:36,200
because to reach them,
first she must learn to climb.
311
00:30:40,760 --> 00:30:43,520
It's a vital skill
for every young macaque.
312
00:30:49,840 --> 00:30:52,280
Trees...
313
00:30:52,280 --> 00:30:55,760
and temple walls
are where the action is.
314
00:31:03,040 --> 00:31:07,120
Toque macaques are one of
the most agile monkeys in the world.
315
00:31:22,160 --> 00:31:25,080
Their hands and feet are
incredibly dextrous.
316
00:31:33,800 --> 00:31:36,040
And their tails are
a handy counter-balance
317
00:31:36,040 --> 00:31:38,160
during even the trickiest
manoeuvres.
318
00:32:04,040 --> 00:32:07,240
Gremlin has all the tools she needs
to be an expert climber.
319
00:32:14,360 --> 00:32:16,800
Learning to use them takes time.
320
00:32:21,840 --> 00:32:23,320
With the figs ripening,
321
00:32:23,320 --> 00:32:26,360
the Temple Troop
has a problem on its hands.
322
00:32:34,240 --> 00:32:36,080
It's a large territory to guard.
323
00:32:37,920 --> 00:32:39,640
The best they can do
324
00:32:39,640 --> 00:32:42,920
is conduct regular combat patrols
around the perimeter.
325
00:32:42,920 --> 00:32:46,320
Along the way, they can check
on the ripeness of the figs,
326
00:32:46,320 --> 00:32:48,080
and on what the Slumdogs are up to.
327
00:32:49,720 --> 00:32:53,800
Diplomatic tensions
between the troops are high.
328
00:32:55,560 --> 00:32:58,920
The Temple Troop must make sure
the Slumdogs know they're there.
329
00:33:07,760 --> 00:33:11,840
Scouts maintain a constant watch
against intruders.
330
00:33:13,640 --> 00:33:17,720
And when they spot one,
they shake the branches in alarm.
331
00:33:21,320 --> 00:33:23,440
These males will climb up
and find a dead branch,
332
00:33:23,440 --> 00:33:25,960
try to snap bits off,
but really shake those braches,
333
00:33:25,960 --> 00:33:28,440
trying to intimidate their foe.
334
00:33:30,160 --> 00:33:33,080
The signal is new to Gremlin.
335
00:33:33,080 --> 00:33:35,760
She's eager to investigate,
336
00:33:35,760 --> 00:33:38,120
and gives her elder sister the slip.
337
00:34:00,760 --> 00:34:02,840
She has no idea the signal means
338
00:34:02,840 --> 00:34:06,040
the Slumdogs are probing
the Temple Troop's defences.
339
00:34:07,920 --> 00:34:11,760
This is not the time
for Gremlin to get curious.
340
00:34:36,760 --> 00:34:39,800
Bad-eye and Hector watch intently.
341
00:34:41,800 --> 00:34:45,440
Each weighing up the strengths
and weaknesses of the enemy.
342
00:34:46,560 --> 00:34:51,160
Body for body, pound for pound,
the two sides are equally matched.
343
00:34:54,400 --> 00:34:56,280
A last-minute warning
344
00:34:56,280 --> 00:35:00,080
prompts the youngsters and females
to seek safety.
345
00:35:07,280 --> 00:35:10,280
Gremlin's mum finally manages
to grab her
346
00:35:10,280 --> 00:35:12,680
and carry her back
from the front line.
347
00:35:30,800 --> 00:35:34,200
As the Slumdogs advance, the lead
Temple soldiers beat a retreat.
348
00:35:41,040 --> 00:35:46,680
Bad-eye pushes forward. He's gaining
the advantage without a fight.
349
00:35:52,920 --> 00:35:55,320
Hector must make a decision.
350
00:35:55,320 --> 00:35:57,760
He's always prepared to fight.
351
00:35:57,760 --> 00:36:00,400
But the advantage
has to outweigh the risk.
352
00:36:02,480 --> 00:36:07,280
Right now,
the fig tree isn't worth it.
353
00:36:10,880 --> 00:36:12,800
Time for a tactical withdrawal.
354
00:36:19,120 --> 00:36:20,520
Hector's very wise.
355
00:36:20,520 --> 00:36:22,840
He knows this fruiting fig
isn't ripe yet.
356
00:36:22,840 --> 00:36:26,720
It's not worth fighting,
and possibly getting injured for,
over that,
357
00:36:26,720 --> 00:36:30,080
but over the next few days
when this tree comes into full fruit,
358
00:36:30,080 --> 00:36:32,600
I think this battle's
really going to kick off.
359
00:36:38,600 --> 00:36:41,360
When the Slumdogs realise
the figs aren't yet ripe,
360
00:36:41,360 --> 00:36:44,240
they drift back
to their own territory.
361
00:36:52,640 --> 00:36:54,680
Hector's a canny leader.
362
00:36:54,680 --> 00:36:56,960
He'll fight tooth and nail
when those figs are ripe,
363
00:36:56,960 --> 00:36:58,920
but not now.
364
00:37:00,960 --> 00:37:04,400
For the moment,
life goes back to normal.
365
00:37:12,320 --> 00:37:17,480
The troop runs patrols,
gathers food, or simply rests.
366
00:37:30,000 --> 00:37:34,080
And the youngsters do what
youngsters everywhere do best -
367
00:37:34,080 --> 00:37:35,640
they play.
368
00:37:37,520 --> 00:37:40,440
This is an important part
of Gremlin's development.
369
00:37:40,440 --> 00:37:44,360
It builds her dexterity,
hones her communication skills,
370
00:37:44,360 --> 00:37:46,280
and reinforces social bonds.
371
00:37:59,440 --> 00:38:03,320
Even the older kids
can't resist getting involved.
372
00:38:03,320 --> 00:38:06,800
Although Gremlin is getting
very tricky to keep hold of.
373
00:38:28,360 --> 00:38:31,360
Even mum is beginning
to feel the strain.
374
00:38:45,760 --> 00:38:47,640
Gremlin's learning fast,
375
00:38:47,640 --> 00:38:50,840
especially about the complexities
of macaque communication.
376
00:38:50,840 --> 00:38:53,840
Every day brings new examples
of how the troop maintains
377
00:38:53,840 --> 00:38:56,120
its social hierarchy,
378
00:38:56,120 --> 00:38:58,440
and just how important that is.
379
00:39:09,720 --> 00:39:12,560
It's easy to make mistakes.
380
00:39:12,560 --> 00:39:16,600
Showing respect and knowing how
to apologise are vital life skills.
381
00:39:25,760 --> 00:39:28,280
It's the only way to avoid a beating
382
00:39:28,280 --> 00:39:30,640
from someone higher up
the social scale.
383
00:39:47,440 --> 00:39:51,360
Sometimes, even teeth-chattering
isn't enough.
384
00:40:02,800 --> 00:40:06,000
This is Kinda, the daughter
of the troop's top female.
385
00:40:07,200 --> 00:40:10,960
In human terms,
she's an out-and-out bully.
386
00:40:10,960 --> 00:40:13,640
She's used to getting her own way...
387
00:40:13,640 --> 00:40:16,600
and if she doesn't,
she won't hesitate
388
00:40:16,600 --> 00:40:18,480
to inflict a nasty bite.
389
00:40:20,400 --> 00:40:22,640
She's decided that it's about time
for Gremlin
390
00:40:22,640 --> 00:40:24,720
to start doing her bidding.
391
00:40:24,720 --> 00:40:27,000
She clearly wants Gremlin
to come with her,
392
00:40:27,000 --> 00:40:30,000
perhaps to do some grooming.
393
00:40:30,000 --> 00:40:33,400
Gremlin's mum, sitting behind her,
can't intervene.
394
00:40:35,440 --> 00:40:38,560
Kinda carries a lot
of political clout in the troop,
395
00:40:38,560 --> 00:40:41,960
Gremlin must deal with this herself.
396
00:40:44,040 --> 00:40:48,560
Despite being mauled, Gremlin does
her best to appear submissive.
397
00:40:48,560 --> 00:40:53,520
It's the only way
to keep Kinda at bay.
398
00:41:02,800 --> 00:41:04,960
Eventually, the bully gets bored.
399
00:41:07,280 --> 00:41:11,000
Gremlin and her mum
make a swift exit.
400
00:41:18,120 --> 00:41:20,200
Safe, at last.
401
00:42:25,360 --> 00:42:29,200
After a few days of intense sunshine
there's great news for the troop.
402
00:42:30,840 --> 00:42:33,600
The figs are finally ripe.
403
00:42:53,760 --> 00:42:57,080
It's time for a juicy
and nutritious feast.
404
00:43:14,320 --> 00:43:17,760
Gremlin's climbing practice
finally pays off.
405
00:43:19,840 --> 00:43:22,720
She can climb high enough
to enjoy the figs for herself.
406
00:43:34,640 --> 00:43:38,920
There's plenty of room for the whole
troop to feed alongside each other -
407
00:43:38,920 --> 00:43:41,120
no need for fighting.
408
00:43:43,920 --> 00:43:46,800
There are enough figs left
to last for days.
409
00:43:49,240 --> 00:43:51,880
It's just a peaceful family meal.
410
00:43:55,920 --> 00:43:58,800
Followed by a nice relaxing nap.
411
00:44:16,000 --> 00:44:18,520
There's trouble ahead, though.
412
00:44:18,520 --> 00:44:21,520
The Slumdogs have spotted
the figs are ripe.
413
00:44:21,520 --> 00:44:24,800
They've seen an opportunity.
414
00:44:30,080 --> 00:44:33,720
The Temple Troop have
dropped their guard.
415
00:44:47,720 --> 00:44:49,560
They make their move.
416
00:44:49,560 --> 00:44:52,400
They quickly cross no-man's-land.
417
00:45:01,600 --> 00:45:05,440
Dozing in the trees,
the Temple Troop don't even notice.
418
00:45:07,680 --> 00:45:11,400
Up above, Gremlin is totally unaware
of the danger.
419
00:45:11,400 --> 00:45:15,360
Like most youngsters,
she never sleeps for long.
420
00:45:19,000 --> 00:45:22,960
With mum fast asleep
she decides to explore on her own.
421
00:45:45,200 --> 00:45:48,680
Down below, the Slumdogs close in.
422
00:45:48,680 --> 00:45:54,520
Finally, a Temple Troop scout
spots them and raises the alarm.
423
00:45:55,560 --> 00:45:59,680
Branches shake, tails go up,
eyes flash.
424
00:45:59,680 --> 00:46:01,880
It's code red.
425
00:46:13,280 --> 00:46:16,440
Hector and Bad-eye weigh up
their battle plans.
426
00:46:16,440 --> 00:46:17,720
Lives are at stake.
427
00:46:20,280 --> 00:46:22,680
Gremlin's out on her own.
428
00:46:22,680 --> 00:46:25,640
She must find her mum now and leave
with the rest of the females.
429
00:46:25,640 --> 00:46:29,680
If the Slumdogs catch her alone,
they'll show no mercy.
430
00:46:34,000 --> 00:46:37,520
Hector and his foot soldiers
rush forward.
431
00:46:37,520 --> 00:46:40,440
They're hoping to hold off
the Slumdogs at the road.
432
00:46:40,440 --> 00:46:44,200
If they cross it,
they could easily lose the fig tree.
433
00:46:51,040 --> 00:46:54,080
Battle lines are drawn.
434
00:46:54,080 --> 00:46:57,120
The foot soldiers
mock-charge each other,
435
00:46:57,120 --> 00:46:59,600
testing to see who will back down.
436
00:47:01,480 --> 00:47:04,880
No-one's going anywhere.
There's too much at stake.
437
00:47:06,280 --> 00:47:08,560
It's too late for diplomacy now.
438
00:47:09,880 --> 00:47:12,160
There's only one way to end this...
439
00:47:18,240 --> 00:47:19,480
..war.
440
00:47:23,520 --> 00:47:25,560
SCREECHING
441
00:47:29,680 --> 00:47:31,760
CAR HORNS BLARE
442
00:48:03,360 --> 00:48:07,200
There's a mother! There's a mother
with a baby, right in the middle.
443
00:48:12,880 --> 00:48:15,000
YELPING
444
00:48:46,000 --> 00:48:48,280
The battlefield lies empty.
445
00:48:50,240 --> 00:48:53,120
The Temple Troop
have beaten off the Slumdogs.
446
00:48:57,800 --> 00:49:00,240
The fig tree is still theirs.
447
00:49:13,080 --> 00:49:14,640
But there are casualties.
448
00:49:17,560 --> 00:49:19,640
In the chaos of war,
449
00:49:19,640 --> 00:49:23,560
some mothers and their young
were caught up in the fight.
450
00:49:23,560 --> 00:49:26,400
Some monkeys didn't make it.
451
00:49:29,680 --> 00:49:32,280
For Gavin, it's a shocking reminder
452
00:49:32,280 --> 00:49:34,760
of how brutal
Gremlin's world can be.
453
00:49:39,760 --> 00:49:43,320
I had no idea that these animals
would fight as seriously as that.
454
00:49:43,320 --> 00:49:46,480
This male here has been
pretty seriously injured.
455
00:49:46,480 --> 00:49:49,360
At the moment, we don't know
whether he's from Temple Troop
456
00:49:49,360 --> 00:49:50,480
or from the Slumdogs.
457
00:49:53,440 --> 00:49:59,720
Sadly, his wounds are too severe.
He never rejoined his troop.
458
00:50:03,160 --> 00:50:06,720
Before the Temple Troop can regroup,
459
00:50:06,720 --> 00:50:10,320
a sudden storm tears
through the forest.
460
00:50:10,320 --> 00:50:12,760
The Troop are already edgy.
461
00:50:14,000 --> 00:50:17,560
Now, they flee into the deep forest
in complete disarray.
462
00:50:17,560 --> 00:50:19,040
Gremlin is nowhere to be seen.
463
00:50:23,760 --> 00:50:26,520
If she's lost,
the noise of the storm
464
00:50:26,520 --> 00:50:30,040
will cover any contact calls
to find her mother or the troop.
465
00:50:40,000 --> 00:50:43,800
As darkness falls,
Gavin continues to search.
466
00:50:57,080 --> 00:51:00,400
It's just unfortunate
the noise of that storm
467
00:51:00,400 --> 00:51:02,560
stopped them regrouping
after the battle.
468
00:51:02,560 --> 00:51:04,240
I still haven't found Gremlin.
469
00:51:07,960 --> 00:51:10,520
I just hope she's OK in the morning.
470
00:51:27,840 --> 00:51:31,120
Next day,
the Temple Troop has regrouped.
471
00:51:32,960 --> 00:51:36,480
It's an opportunity to relax,
lick their wounds
472
00:51:36,480 --> 00:51:38,800
and re-establish social bonds.
473
00:51:46,080 --> 00:51:49,960
Hector is basking in the glory
of his victory,
474
00:51:49,960 --> 00:51:52,600
the centre of his subjects'
attention.
475
00:51:52,600 --> 00:51:56,320
He's getting old and near the end
of his reign, but he's fine for now.
476
00:52:02,040 --> 00:52:05,040
But what about Gremlin?
477
00:52:05,040 --> 00:52:08,320
I am concerned
that I can't see Gremlin.
478
00:52:21,320 --> 00:52:25,280
There she is!
Right on the edge of the group.
479
00:52:30,480 --> 00:52:32,480
Gremlin's had a lucky escape.
480
00:52:32,480 --> 00:52:34,720
Somehow she managed
to find her mother
481
00:52:34,720 --> 00:52:37,880
and the troop during the night.
482
00:52:37,880 --> 00:52:40,120
She's had the fright of her life
483
00:52:40,120 --> 00:52:43,680
and perhaps learnt
her most valuable lesson so far -
484
00:52:43,680 --> 00:52:45,480
always stay close to mum!
485
00:53:03,760 --> 00:53:06,000
And there's more good news -
486
00:53:06,000 --> 00:53:08,840
the troop is now one member
stronger.
487
00:53:17,560 --> 00:53:19,920
Poppin has given birth
to a healthy baby.
488
00:53:25,320 --> 00:53:27,600
Little Richard
is just a few hours old.
489
00:53:31,960 --> 00:53:34,560
And he has so much to learn.
490
00:53:37,080 --> 00:53:41,160
Poppin's status in the troop
is even lower than Gremlin's mum.
491
00:53:43,280 --> 00:53:47,040
So the new arrival automatically
takes the bottom rung of the ladder.
492
00:53:50,960 --> 00:53:54,160
Gremlin's status
has moved up a notch.
493
00:54:28,320 --> 00:54:29,920
Even after giving birth,
494
00:54:29,920 --> 00:54:33,480
Poppin, will still have to keep up
her duties as a servant.
495
00:54:35,760 --> 00:54:37,200
But she's tired.
496
00:54:41,280 --> 00:54:45,000
At 23,
she's coming to the end of her life.
497
00:54:54,680 --> 00:54:58,000
Hopefully, she can last
the next few years
498
00:54:58,000 --> 00:55:00,680
and give her ninth baby
a good start.
499
00:55:00,680 --> 00:55:03,400
He could have a great future,
500
00:55:03,400 --> 00:55:06,240
even though he's off
to a wobbly beginning.
501
00:55:08,480 --> 00:55:11,160
Males get kicked out of the family
when they mature.
502
00:55:11,160 --> 00:55:16,080
So, one day, this tiny monkey
will be forced to join a new troop.
503
00:55:16,080 --> 00:55:19,440
He's bottom of the heap here,
but in the future,
504
00:55:19,440 --> 00:55:22,920
if he proves himself, who knows?
505
00:55:25,760 --> 00:55:27,800
If he becomes an alpha male,
506
00:55:27,800 --> 00:55:31,280
then humble Poppin will have
given birth to a king.
507
00:55:31,280 --> 00:55:33,480
An epic tale of rags to riches,
508
00:55:33,480 --> 00:55:36,200
all down to Poppin's
political skills.
509
00:55:41,800 --> 00:55:45,040
Males change their fortunes
by switching troops.
510
00:55:46,040 --> 00:55:48,640
Gremlin is stuck where she is.
511
00:55:48,640 --> 00:55:51,760
So, what does the future
hold for her?
512
00:55:51,760 --> 00:55:55,440
It's been a critical few months
and she's learnt a lot.
513
00:55:57,000 --> 00:55:59,080
Being born into a low-caste family
514
00:55:59,080 --> 00:56:01,680
is always going to cause problems
for her.
515
00:56:01,680 --> 00:56:05,880
But Poppin is proof that you can be
very successful in monkey society
516
00:56:05,880 --> 00:56:09,840
even when you're bottom of the heap,
as long as you play your part
517
00:56:09,840 --> 00:56:12,040
in the dark games
of monkey politics.
518
00:56:12,040 --> 00:56:16,920
Gremlin would do well to watch
Poppin closely, and learn.
519
00:56:19,800 --> 00:56:22,760
Outside threats are harder
to handle.
520
00:56:22,760 --> 00:56:25,080
The Slumdogs will always be there,
521
00:56:25,080 --> 00:56:28,680
and there will be more battles
over that fig tree.
522
00:56:28,680 --> 00:56:32,160
But Gremlin's early brush with
the enemy has taught her a lot.
523
00:56:37,640 --> 00:56:39,880
For Gavin,
revisiting the Temple Troop
524
00:56:39,880 --> 00:56:42,280
has been a memorable experience.
525
00:56:42,280 --> 00:56:44,520
It's like visiting an old family,
526
00:56:44,520 --> 00:56:48,200
having spent so much time
with them in the past.
527
00:56:48,200 --> 00:56:50,280
These five weeks have flown by
528
00:56:50,280 --> 00:56:52,880
and it's been great
watching Gremlin grow up.
529
00:56:54,760 --> 00:56:57,840
It's amazing how much she's changed
over the five weeks.
530
00:56:57,840 --> 00:56:59,920
She's much more confident now.
531
00:57:01,960 --> 00:57:05,280
The troop's home territory
among these temple ruins
532
00:57:05,280 --> 00:57:08,120
echo a thousand years
of Sri Lankan history.
533
00:57:08,120 --> 00:57:12,160
Generation after generation,
the macaques that live here
534
00:57:12,160 --> 00:57:14,440
have played out a similar drama -
535
00:57:14,440 --> 00:57:16,320
the rise of empires,
536
00:57:16,320 --> 00:57:18,680
and the fall of kings.
537
00:57:29,880 --> 00:57:34,120
Four months later,
Gremlin is still going strong.
538
00:57:34,120 --> 00:57:38,400
She's grown fast,
and she's getting more confident.
539
00:57:38,400 --> 00:57:41,920
She's become a bit of an expert
at avoiding the bullies in her troop
540
00:57:41,920 --> 00:57:46,320
and spends a lot of her time
watching and learning from others.
541
00:57:47,640 --> 00:57:52,840
With luck, plucky little Gremlin
will live 25 or even 30 years.
542
00:57:57,040 --> 00:57:59,520
What new dramas
will her future bring?
543
00:58:11,520 --> 00:58:14,760
Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
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