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1
00:00:32,860 --> 00:00:38,659
The end of the Arctic summer, and
the sun hasn't set for three months.
2
00:00:38,660 --> 00:00:42,780
It's hard to imagine
the bitter cold will soon return.
3
00:00:53,460 --> 00:00:57,299
Some will welcome
the chills of autumn, but for most,
4
00:00:57,300 --> 00:01:00,820
time is running out before they
will have to retreat to the south.
5
00:01:11,420 --> 00:01:14,419
Early autumn in the Canadian Arctic,
6
00:01:14,420 --> 00:01:17,379
and polar bears are gathering
on the coastal strip,
7
00:01:17,380 --> 00:01:19,540
waiting for the sea to freeze.
8
00:01:28,140 --> 00:01:30,699
But a life spent
alone on the sea ice
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00:01:30,700 --> 00:01:33,900
is no preparation
for a crowded beach.
10
00:01:35,580 --> 00:01:38,819
Such close contact with other
bears must be stressful.
11
00:01:38,820 --> 00:01:41,180
Surely tempers will flare.
12
00:01:47,660 --> 00:01:52,020
Over half a tonne of bear
slams into the other.
13
00:02:08,820 --> 00:02:11,739
Polar bears will fight
to the death over mates,
14
00:02:11,740 --> 00:02:14,979
but not in autumn.
15
00:02:14,980 --> 00:02:17,139
Now these fearsome predators display
16
00:02:17,140 --> 00:02:20,820
a surprisingly tolerant side
to their natures.
17
00:02:22,860 --> 00:02:26,339
Being marooned on land means
the bears no longer have access
18
00:02:26,340 --> 00:02:29,339
to the seals they usually hunt
19
00:02:29,340 --> 00:02:33,260
and they have to
scrape by on whatever they can find.
20
00:02:34,660 --> 00:02:39,299
Like bears the world over,
they're not choosy feeders.
21
00:02:39,300 --> 00:02:41,339
They even turn vegetarian,
22
00:02:41,340 --> 00:02:45,460
delicately picking out
berries from between the thorns.
23
00:02:54,660 --> 00:02:56,699
There are plenty to go around
24
00:02:56,700 --> 00:03:00,020
so there's no need
to squabble over them.
25
00:03:03,220 --> 00:03:05,500
Any fighting is just for fun.
26
00:03:18,420 --> 00:03:22,899
The bears select sparring partners
who are well-matched
27
00:03:22,900 --> 00:03:25,019
and they always pull their punches,
28
00:03:25,020 --> 00:03:27,500
no-one wants to get hurt
in a play-fight.
29
00:03:57,580 --> 00:04:01,539
Perhaps these bouts are a way
of testing rivals
30
00:04:01,540 --> 00:04:04,940
in case they ever meet again
out on the sea ice.
31
00:04:07,980 --> 00:04:10,659
One thing's for sure,
the famous loners
32
00:04:10,660 --> 00:04:14,220
are revealing a social,
playful side we rarely see.
33
00:04:27,540 --> 00:04:31,459
It's all just boisterous fun
but with so many big males around,
34
00:04:31,460 --> 00:04:35,380
the females keep their cubs
at a safe distance.
35
00:04:58,580 --> 00:05:02,739
The wary mother will lead her
young to a quieter beach
36
00:05:02,740 --> 00:05:06,620
along the coast while
she waits for the ocean to freeze.
37
00:05:17,740 --> 00:05:21,859
The sea ice is
now at its minimum extent.
38
00:05:21,860 --> 00:05:25,739
In the Canadian Arctic,
vast stretches of coastline
39
00:05:25,740 --> 00:05:29,780
are now unlocked
and ready to receive visitors.
40
00:05:36,580 --> 00:05:41,939
Belugas ...
the white whales of the North.
41
00:05:41,940 --> 00:05:46,420
They're relying on open water
to reach an ancient rendezvous.
42
00:05:49,820 --> 00:05:54,460
It's a journey they make every
year along traditional routes.
43
00:06:21,540 --> 00:06:26,780
Baby belugas ride piggy-back, pulled
along by their mother's slip stream.
44
00:06:29,420 --> 00:06:31,459
This one is only a month old,
45
00:06:31,460 --> 00:06:34,220
and won't turn
white for another five years.
46
00:06:44,420 --> 00:06:48,859
Thousands of belugas are being
drawn to one special estuary
47
00:06:48,860 --> 00:06:51,140
in the Canadian Arctic.
48
00:06:59,900 --> 00:07:02,740
It isn't food that brings them here.
49
00:07:05,100 --> 00:07:08,500
Curiously, it's personal hygiene.
50
00:07:12,060 --> 00:07:14,899
When the tide is low
they swim into the shallows
51
00:07:14,900 --> 00:07:18,380
and flail around with great
enthusiasm.
52
00:07:28,420 --> 00:07:30,740
They're after a body scrub.
53
00:07:38,700 --> 00:07:41,059
The gravel acts as a loofah
54
00:07:41,060 --> 00:07:42,980
and thrashing their bodies across it
55
00:07:42,981 --> 00:07:45,420
helps to get rid of their old skin.
56
00:07:48,220 --> 00:07:51,619
Presumably the treatment keeps
them clean and streamlined,
57
00:07:51,620 --> 00:07:54,420
but it also appears to feel good.
58
00:08:10,100 --> 00:08:12,140
Bliss!
59
00:08:18,660 --> 00:08:21,779
The water in the estuary is warmer
and less salty
60
00:08:21,780 --> 00:08:26,380
and that seems to soften the skin
making the scrub more effective.
61
00:08:54,780 --> 00:08:58,939
This secluded estuary is only
a temporary whale spa,
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00:08:58,940 --> 00:09:03,820
the ocean will soon freeze again
forcing the whales to travel south.
63
00:09:13,700 --> 00:09:18,100
Vast seabird colonies
are the jewels of the Arctic.
64
00:09:30,620 --> 00:09:35,059
Brunnich's guillemots have spent
the summer months packed together
65
00:09:35,060 --> 00:09:38,100
on vertical cliffs
beyond the reach of predators.
66
00:09:47,780 --> 00:09:51,739
They are among the most numerous
seabirds in the Northern hemisphere.
67
00:09:51,740 --> 00:09:56,339
This colony alone
contains 100,000 birds
68
00:09:56,340 --> 00:09:59,740
and there are many more like it
all along the Arctic coastline.
69
00:10:05,300 --> 00:10:09,019
In just a few weeks
these cliffs will empty
70
00:10:09,020 --> 00:10:12,580
but before the guillemots can leave,
their chicks must fledge.
71
00:10:13,620 --> 00:10:17,019
Their feathers are now fully formed,
but their stubby wings
72
00:10:17,020 --> 00:10:22,540
are still too short for them to fly
properly ... this will be a challenge.
73
00:10:26,220 --> 00:10:32,180
It's a 150 metre drop and they need
to make it all the way to the sea.
74
00:10:34,460 --> 00:10:36,420
Here goes.
75
00:10:45,380 --> 00:10:48,500
He falls short
and survives the crash landing.
76
00:10:54,660 --> 00:10:58,700
The chicks are manna from heaven
for an Arctic fox.
77
00:11:04,540 --> 00:11:07,900
The next chick is
accompanied by a parent.
78
00:11:18,900 --> 00:11:20,940
Failed again.
79
00:11:27,380 --> 00:11:29,420
This looks better!
80
00:11:44,580 --> 00:11:46,820
Success!
81
00:11:48,620 --> 00:11:50,859
Aquatic landings
are certainly gentler
82
00:11:50,860 --> 00:11:53,300
and foxes can't reach you out here.
83
00:11:56,380 --> 00:12:00,580
The chicks will stay in their
parents' care for another month.
84
00:12:11,860 --> 00:12:16,699
The guillemots are not the only
ones preparing to leave,
85
00:12:16,700 --> 00:12:20,259
all across the Arctic millions of
summer visitors
86
00:12:20,260 --> 00:12:22,300
are beginning to return south.
87
00:12:46,860 --> 00:12:49,179
The guillemot chicks can't fly yet,
88
00:12:49,180 --> 00:12:53,060
so they and their families must swim
to their winter feeding grounds.
89
00:12:55,700 --> 00:12:58,659
It's a journey that will take them
a thousand miles south
90
00:12:58,660 --> 00:13:02,220
to the open ocean
and away from the approaching ice.
91
00:13:08,300 --> 00:13:13,900
The breeding season is over
and silence returns to the Arctic.
92
00:13:22,020 --> 00:13:24,179
But as the first storms of autumn
93
00:13:24,180 --> 00:13:26,779
sweep through the deserted
nesting grounds,
94
00:13:26,780 --> 00:13:31,460
they bring an unexpected bonanza
for the few that remain.
95
00:13:39,660 --> 00:13:42,820
The discovery doesn't remain
secret for long.
96
00:13:53,700 --> 00:13:56,620
It's a huge fin whale carcass.
97
00:13:57,620 --> 00:14:00,939
The polar bears have been drawn
from several miles away,
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00:14:00,940 --> 00:14:04,100
guided by their extraordinary
sense of smell.
99
00:14:06,660 --> 00:14:08,779
Bears are arriving all the time,
100
00:14:08,780 --> 00:14:13,140
but there's plenty of room at this
18 metre long dining table.
101
00:14:18,660 --> 00:14:21,059
They're surprisingly relaxed,
102
00:14:21,060 --> 00:14:24,140
but with enough for everyone
there's no need to argue.
103
00:14:28,860 --> 00:14:32,060
The tastiest morsels are often
underwater.
104
00:14:45,380 --> 00:14:48,980
Others prefer some greens
with their dinner.
105
00:15:12,900 --> 00:15:16,019
After a well-balanced meal,
106
00:15:16,020 --> 00:15:19,060
there's nothing better
than some good company.
107
00:15:38,500 --> 00:15:41,099
Despite their reputation as loners,
108
00:15:41,100 --> 00:15:44,980
it's surprising just how sociable
polar bears can be.
109
00:16:06,940 --> 00:16:10,579
All across the Arctic
the temperature is now dropping
110
00:16:10,580 --> 00:16:14,139
and the sea is beginning to freeze.
111
00:16:14,140 --> 00:16:18,219
Every day over 20,000
square miles of ocean
112
00:16:18,220 --> 00:16:20,820
turn to ice as the cold
spreads south.
113
00:16:25,860 --> 00:16:31,820
At first, a thin, greasy film
appears on the surface
114
00:16:43,900 --> 00:16:46,980
Next, pancakes of ice start to
appear.
115
00:17:07,620 --> 00:17:13,420
The pancakes lock together
and form a continuous sheet.
116
00:17:22,940 --> 00:17:26,060
The Arctic Ocean is freezing again.
117
00:17:35,860 --> 00:17:42,220
At last the bear family can return
to the sea ice where they belong.
118
00:17:53,540 --> 00:17:58,100
It's been six months since the cubs
first emerged from the den.
119
00:18:00,660 --> 00:18:04,219
They've survived the hazards of
melting sea ice in spring
120
00:18:04,220 --> 00:18:06,259
and lack of food in summer
121
00:18:06,260 --> 00:18:09,980
and now, at last, they
are in their element again.
122
00:18:15,700 --> 00:18:19,539
As the north of our planet turns
away from the sun,
123
00:18:19,540 --> 00:18:22,300
the big chill travels south.
124
00:18:27,900 --> 00:18:30,740
Temperatures on
the tundra start to fall.
125
00:18:33,700 --> 00:18:37,619
The shorter days and colder nights
trigger a dramatic change
126
00:18:37,620 --> 00:18:41,659
in the willows
and blueberry bushes.
127
00:18:41,660 --> 00:18:45,379
They stop producing green pigment
that harnesses the sun's energy
128
00:18:45,380 --> 00:18:48,660
and red and yellow pigments build
up in their leaves.
129
00:19:02,860 --> 00:19:07,940
The tundra blazes with colour and
the whole landscape is transformed.
130
00:19:22,460 --> 00:19:28,459
A bull musk ox marks his territory
with scent from glands on his face.
131
00:19:28,460 --> 00:19:31,700
He's preparing for the breeding
season.
132
00:19:33,660 --> 00:19:37,099
He shadows his harem
of females as they graze
133
00:19:37,100 --> 00:19:39,220
the last of the summer grasses.
134
00:19:43,700 --> 00:19:46,300
He must be on his guard.
135
00:19:50,100 --> 00:19:52,219
An outsider is arriving,
136
00:19:52,220 --> 00:19:55,220
a large male whose intentions
soon become clear.
137
00:20:01,180 --> 00:20:04,580
The newcomer circles
the resident bull warily.
138
00:20:06,540 --> 00:20:09,540
The resident must take up
the intruder's challenge.
139
00:20:34,660 --> 00:20:39,500
This clash of Polar Titans could
easily become a fight to the death.
140
00:20:51,300 --> 00:20:56,140
The impact is like a car crash
at 30 miles an hour.
141
00:21:18,260 --> 00:21:22,339
A heavy skull and a helmet of horn
four inches thick
142
00:21:22,340 --> 00:21:26,060
provides some protection
for the musk ox's brain.
143
00:21:40,820 --> 00:21:44,539
Over the next half hour,
the advantage ebbs and flows
144
00:21:44,540 --> 00:21:48,619
as each tries to finish the duel.
145
00:21:48,620 --> 00:21:52,260
If one can turn the other and gore
its flank, the fight will be over.
146
00:22:02,780 --> 00:22:07,220
The stakes rise as the risk
of injury, or even death, increases.
147
00:22:20,340 --> 00:22:23,460
The rival is out-manoeuvred.
148
00:22:24,460 --> 00:22:28,580
And the champion returns
to his females.
149
00:22:35,900 --> 00:22:39,899
By now most animals have migrated
south, but the musk oxen,
150
00:22:39,900 --> 00:22:44,580
with their thick coats, will stay
and face the approaching winter.
151
00:22:56,540 --> 00:22:59,699
As autumn progresses,
the moisture in the air freezes
152
00:22:59,700 --> 00:23:02,660
and hoarfrost decorates the leaves.
153
00:23:33,620 --> 00:23:38,340
Ice crystals grow like diamonds
on every twig.
154
00:23:53,340 --> 00:23:59,260
All across the tundra, both the
rivers and the ground freeze solid.
155
00:24:28,700 --> 00:24:33,579
Glassy cathedrals
form as the remaining water
156
00:24:33,580 --> 00:24:35,980
becomes locked up as ice.
157
00:24:41,140 --> 00:24:45,900
Soon even the largest
waterfalls will be motionless.
158
00:24:51,580 --> 00:24:55,459
The tundra has been transformed
once again.
159
00:24:55,460 --> 00:24:57,500
It appears deserted.
160
00:25:02,980 --> 00:25:05,900
Caribou on their migration.
161
00:25:06,900 --> 00:25:11,019
Unlike the musk ox, caribou do head
south for the winter,
162
00:25:11,020 --> 00:25:13,700
but it's a long
and difficult journey.
163
00:25:16,220 --> 00:25:21,299
They use the frozen lakes as ice
roads ... these are flat and firm...
164
00:25:21,300 --> 00:25:25,660
but it seems hooves and ice were
never really meant to go together.
165
00:25:33,100 --> 00:25:37,779
The frisky males would be well
advised to keep
166
00:25:37,780 --> 00:25:41,580
at least one eye on the road
as the mating season begins.
167
00:25:57,420 --> 00:26:00,419
A cow is being closely
guarded by a mature bull,
168
00:26:00,420 --> 00:26:03,060
with his much larger antlers.
169
00:26:10,300 --> 00:26:12,739
The females are busy
feeding-up for the winter,
170
00:26:12,740 --> 00:26:16,740
but the bull has other
things on his mind.
171
00:26:17,740 --> 00:26:20,780
The cow is playing hard to get.
172
00:26:22,140 --> 00:26:24,820
She heads off
with her admirer in pursuit.
173
00:26:35,980 --> 00:26:38,860
Several other bulls
join in the chase.
174
00:26:51,820 --> 00:26:55,540
She's out in front but the amorous
males are gaining on her.
175
00:27:04,820 --> 00:27:09,420
The big bull breaks off his chase
to deal with a rival.
176
00:27:11,780 --> 00:27:14,660
But now he's fallen
behind the other challengers.
177
00:27:22,420 --> 00:27:25,579
The younger bulls, with
their lighter antlers,
178
00:27:25,580 --> 00:27:27,619
keep up with the cow more easily,
179
00:27:27,620 --> 00:27:30,260
but as the pace slows,
the older bull catches up.
180
00:27:31,660 --> 00:27:34,420
Again he has to stop and fight.
181
00:28:00,140 --> 00:28:03,659
A decisive victory for the big male.
182
00:28:03,660 --> 00:28:06,979
He's earned the respect
of the vanquished bulls
183
00:28:06,980 --> 00:28:09,540
and they now trail in his wake.
184
00:28:10,540 --> 00:28:15,019
It's now become a game
of Grandma's footsteps,
185
00:28:15,020 --> 00:28:21,660
one look from the boss and the
young-bloods freeze in their tracks.
186
00:28:30,660 --> 00:28:34,939
The exhausted bull guards his prize,
but he'll need to recover
187
00:28:34,940 --> 00:28:38,979
before he is able to make the most
of his victory,
188
00:28:38,980 --> 00:28:41,899
and the herd continues
its journey south
189
00:28:41,900 --> 00:28:46,980
to avoid the worst of the
advancing cold.
190
00:28:57,020 --> 00:28:59,219
From the ocean to the tundra,
191
00:28:59,220 --> 00:29:02,180
the north of our planet is now
completely frozen.
192
00:29:08,380 --> 00:29:10,419
The Antarctic.
193
00:29:10,420 --> 00:29:14,659
In the far south,
autumn can be a particularly savage
194
00:29:14,660 --> 00:29:16,700
and unpredictable time.
195
00:29:20,980 --> 00:29:24,259
South Georgia is a splinter of rock
in the middle
196
00:29:24,260 --> 00:29:26,819
of the vast Southern Ocean.
197
00:29:26,820 --> 00:29:30,980
It's only a hundred miles long
and is battered by the elements.
198
00:29:37,380 --> 00:29:41,899
This ocean generates some
of the largest waves on the planet,
199
00:29:41,900 --> 00:29:45,659
they gain size and power as
they travel around the globe,
200
00:29:45,660 --> 00:29:49,060
uninterrupted by land
for 12,000 miles.
201
00:29:52,140 --> 00:29:56,740
As they buffet South Georgia,
they also bring food.
202
00:29:59,460 --> 00:30:01,980
A seal carcass.
203
00:30:02,940 --> 00:30:06,260
A prize worth braving the surf for.
204
00:30:09,020 --> 00:30:12,699
Giant petrels are the vultures
of Antarctica,
205
00:30:12,700 --> 00:30:15,980
and are always the first to
the spoils.
206
00:30:28,860 --> 00:30:32,820
The word is out,
and the hordes move in.
207
00:30:45,500 --> 00:30:49,100
Like feathered dinosaurs
they lock beaks in battle.
208
00:31:33,820 --> 00:31:37,940
These butchers provide a service
for some unlikely meat-eaters.
209
00:31:41,580 --> 00:31:46,140
With the carcasses now opened,
pintail ducks arrive for a meal.
210
00:31:50,340 --> 00:31:53,899
There's plenty of good food here
and none of South Georgia's
211
00:31:53,900 --> 00:31:58,900
inhabitants can afford to be fussy
with winter looming.
212
00:32:05,740 --> 00:32:09,740
After the feast it's
time for a rinse and spin.
213
00:32:20,660 --> 00:32:23,739
The breeding season is finally over
214
00:32:23,740 --> 00:32:26,339
and the petrels will soon
be heading out to sea
215
00:32:26,340 --> 00:32:29,420
to avoid the worst of the winter.
216
00:32:35,380 --> 00:32:38,820
A snowstorm is
an omen of things to come.
217
00:32:47,340 --> 00:32:52,539
There is now little left to eat
and South Georgia's beaches
218
00:32:52,540 --> 00:32:55,340
will soon be abandoned
to the cold and ice.
219
00:33:04,540 --> 00:33:07,339
Further south still,
220
00:33:07,340 --> 00:33:11,580
and the first storms are striking
the continent of Antarctica.
221
00:33:33,220 --> 00:33:36,859
The Adelie penguins must
rear their half grown chicks
222
00:33:36,860 --> 00:33:40,700
to adulthood before winter
hits in just a few weeks' time.
223
00:33:46,140 --> 00:33:48,659
The chicks are only three weeks old.
224
00:33:48,660 --> 00:33:51,219
Their downy coats aren't fully
waterproof yet
225
00:33:51,220 --> 00:33:53,300
and they cluster
together for warmth.
226
00:34:00,300 --> 00:34:03,739
These creches are essential
during bad weather
227
00:34:03,740 --> 00:34:05,819
as most of the adults
are away at sea,
228
00:34:05,820 --> 00:34:08,740
fishing for their fast growing
families.
229
00:34:16,860 --> 00:34:19,459
When the parents return,
230
00:34:19,460 --> 00:34:22,900
their offspring quickly leave
the comfort of their peers.
231
00:34:28,460 --> 00:34:31,780
Both chicks are ravenously hungry.
232
00:34:38,820 --> 00:34:41,699
But there may only be enough
food for one.
233
00:34:41,700 --> 00:34:47,420
This race could determine which
chick has the better prospects.
234
00:35:04,460 --> 00:35:10,260
Most Adelie pairs will only manage
to raise a single chick each season.
235
00:35:13,020 --> 00:35:16,460
And this may not be it.
236
00:35:22,100 --> 00:35:25,940
At least number one
is getting stronger by the day.
237
00:35:32,580 --> 00:35:36,860
With one meal delivered, the
parents must quickly find another.
238
00:35:48,380 --> 00:35:51,939
To rear their chicks
before the onset of winter,
239
00:35:51,940 --> 00:35:54,580
the penguins must work
round the clock.
240
00:36:09,020 --> 00:36:12,179
The parents can travel
over 100 miles
241
00:36:12,180 --> 00:36:15,419
to reach the best fishing grounds
242
00:36:15,420 --> 00:36:18,500
and may be gone for several days
at a time.
243
00:36:28,980 --> 00:36:32,659
They return with a kilogram of fish
and squid in their bellies,
244
00:36:32,660 --> 00:36:37,540
feed their chicks, and then go
off again to repeat the process.
245
00:36:44,220 --> 00:36:48,380
The job must be finished before
the sea freezes over again.
246
00:36:55,700 --> 00:37:00,899
At seven-weeks-old, the chicks are
losing the last of their baby down,
247
00:37:00,900 --> 00:37:04,299
and are now fully equipped
to take the plunge.
248
00:37:04,300 --> 00:37:07,780
Confidence is all that's lacking.
249
00:37:09,460 --> 00:37:13,540
Perhaps it'll help
if the parents lead by example.
250
00:37:20,540 --> 00:37:24,860
There... effortless,
and as graceful as any fish.
251
00:37:33,900 --> 00:37:39,220
It seems penguins are not born
with a love of water.
252
00:37:53,060 --> 00:37:56,900
Staying submerged
is the next problem.
253
00:37:59,420 --> 00:38:03,300
Buoyancy control is clearly
a skill that needs practise.
254
00:38:12,260 --> 00:38:15,100
Well, it's a start!
255
00:38:16,900 --> 00:38:20,980
And at least they can now reach
the ice floes.
256
00:38:27,860 --> 00:38:31,659
Swimming is the first
of many lessons.
257
00:38:31,660 --> 00:38:36,740
They must next learn to recognise
danger in all its forms.
258
00:39:03,340 --> 00:39:05,300
A leopard seal.
259
00:39:13,940 --> 00:39:17,260
Even high up on an ice floe,
the penguins aren't safe.
260
00:39:19,220 --> 00:39:23,699
Each year, leopard seals
will take 5,000 of them
261
00:39:23,700 --> 00:39:26,540
from this colony alone.
262
00:39:33,020 --> 00:39:38,420
The Adelies that survive
drift out into the Southern Ocean.
263
00:39:55,420 --> 00:39:59,299
They will spend the next five months
feeding at sea,
264
00:39:59,300 --> 00:40:03,980
avoiding the great freeze
that is about to envelop Antarctica.
265
00:40:17,980 --> 00:40:24,020
The edge of the sea ice advances
by up to two and a half miles a day.
266
00:40:32,500 --> 00:40:36,019
Eventually, over 5 million
square miles of ice
267
00:40:36,020 --> 00:40:38,899
will surround the continent
of Antarctica,
268
00:40:38,900 --> 00:40:41,260
effectively doubling its size.
269
00:40:48,780 --> 00:40:52,380
The great white wilderness
is empty.
270
00:40:54,140 --> 00:40:56,180
But not for long.
271
00:41:09,300 --> 00:41:13,139
Bizarrely, it's now that
the Emperor penguins arrive,
272
00:41:13,140 --> 00:41:16,420
just as all the other penguins
have left.
273
00:41:28,220 --> 00:41:31,779
These giants are now
at their heaviest.
274
00:41:31,780 --> 00:41:36,620
They've been feeding at sea
all summer and can weigh 40 kilos.
275
00:41:59,300 --> 00:42:03,900
From the edge of the sea ice,
they head towards their colony...
276
00:42:05,300 --> 00:42:10,300
but an obstacle course of jumbled
ice blocks stands in their way.
277
00:42:14,140 --> 00:42:18,500
The males are particularly fat
at this time of year.
278
00:42:19,900 --> 00:42:23,979
This will be crucial for their
survival in the months ahead,
279
00:42:23,980 --> 00:42:28,500
but it doesn't make squeezing
through narrow gaps any easier!
280
00:43:03,660 --> 00:43:06,419
With the worst behind them,
281
00:43:06,420 --> 00:43:11,619
they start a 20 mile march
into the freezer to breed.
282
00:43:11,620 --> 00:43:14,900
The only animals to do so.
283
00:43:24,740 --> 00:43:28,899
By tobogganing they can travel
at twice their walking speed
284
00:43:28,900 --> 00:43:31,980
and it takes the weight
off tired feet.
285
00:43:53,100 --> 00:43:57,179
Their destination is the
thicker ice, closer to shore,
286
00:43:57,180 --> 00:44:01,419
which will stay solid long enough
for them to safely rear their chicks
287
00:44:01,420 --> 00:44:03,740
throughout the months to come.
288
00:44:11,460 --> 00:44:16,699
Their colony is in the lee of
icebergs trapped in the frozen ocean
289
00:44:16,700 --> 00:44:20,380
which will shelter them
from the bitter Antarctic winds.
290
00:44:24,780 --> 00:44:28,820
Newly formed pairs
promenade together.
291
00:44:45,180 --> 00:44:51,899
Courtship demands that both partners
strike and hold a variety of poses.
292
00:44:51,900 --> 00:44:55,579
It's an important process
as the bond between the couple
293
00:44:55,580 --> 00:44:58,580
will have to be an exceptionally
strong one.
294
00:45:09,660 --> 00:45:14,299
The final act lacks the elegance
of the prelude
295
00:45:14,300 --> 00:45:16,900
but at least it's quick.
296
00:45:22,140 --> 00:45:25,579
The egg is laid a few days later.
297
00:45:25,580 --> 00:45:29,619
It contains the female's
last reserves.
298
00:45:29,620 --> 00:45:32,019
She now has nothing more to give
299
00:45:32,020 --> 00:45:35,540
and must pass the egg to the male
to incubate.
300
00:45:40,820 --> 00:45:42,579
The couple must be quick.
301
00:45:42,580 --> 00:45:46,580
If the egg rests on the ice
for too long it'll freeze.
302
00:45:50,860 --> 00:45:54,459
With their eggs
safe in the care of the males,
303
00:45:54,460 --> 00:45:58,540
the females start the long journey
back to the sea.
304
00:46:10,820 --> 00:46:16,620
The sun is also leaving
and will be gone for many months.
305
00:46:19,220 --> 00:46:22,819
The precious eggs,
balanced on the males' feet,
306
00:46:22,820 --> 00:46:27,020
will make the terrible ordeal
ahead worthwhile.
307
00:46:37,180 --> 00:46:40,779
With no food
and only each other for warmth,
308
00:46:40,780 --> 00:46:44,099
they will attempt to keep
the next generation alive
309
00:46:44,100 --> 00:46:48,380
while surviving in the most brutal
conditions on earth.
310
00:46:50,900 --> 00:46:53,940
Not all of them will succeed.
311
00:46:58,700 --> 00:47:00,779
At both ends of our planet,
312
00:47:00,780 --> 00:47:04,580
the sun sets for the last time
in autumn.
313
00:47:06,500 --> 00:47:09,579
A season of change comes to an end
314
00:47:09,580 --> 00:47:14,140
and one of endless darkness
and bitter cold begins.
315
00:47:41,820 --> 00:47:45,219
The spectacular return
of the Emperor penguins
316
00:47:45,220 --> 00:47:48,340
was a key event
for the Frozen Planet team.
317
00:47:55,020 --> 00:47:57,019
The crew will have to operate
318
00:47:57,020 --> 00:47:59,819
in the most dangerous of all
polar environments...
319
00:47:59,820 --> 00:48:01,940
the edge of the sea ice.
320
00:48:02,940 --> 00:48:07,179
They have to fly in everything
they'll need for a month
321
00:48:07,180 --> 00:48:09,220
of living on the frozen ocean.
322
00:48:12,580 --> 00:48:17,979
On board are slow motion cameraman
John Aitchison.
323
00:48:17,980 --> 00:48:20,979
Underwater cameraman
Didier Noirot.
324
00:48:20,980 --> 00:48:24,140
And director Chadden Hunter.
325
00:48:26,300 --> 00:48:29,339
With the plane gone,
the team are on their own.
326
00:48:29,340 --> 00:48:32,219
This is home for the next month.
327
00:48:32,220 --> 00:48:34,540
But it doesn't look like much
right now.
328
00:48:36,260 --> 00:48:39,979
Their tents should be secure
on the permanent sea ice
329
00:48:39,980 --> 00:48:43,739
but they're still miles from
the ocean where they hope to film.
330
00:48:43,740 --> 00:48:46,019
The locals are keen
to get acquainted
331
00:48:46,020 --> 00:48:49,740
with anything
of a familiar shape and size.
332
00:48:50,740 --> 00:48:53,939
The Emperors are welcome
neighbours around camp,
333
00:48:53,940 --> 00:48:57,419
but the team need to film them
returning from the water
334
00:48:57,420 --> 00:49:00,259
and to do that
they face a daunting task.
335
00:49:00,260 --> 00:49:03,259
They must find a path
to the open sea
336
00:49:03,260 --> 00:49:06,860
through a shifting landscape
of jagged sea ice.
337
00:49:07,980 --> 00:49:11,339
Their first scouting trip
doesn't look promising.
338
00:49:11,340 --> 00:49:15,860
Neither maps nor Sat Nav help
in this ever-changing environment.
339
00:49:16,860 --> 00:49:20,219
The only clue that the ocean
lies somewhere to the east
340
00:49:20,220 --> 00:49:23,020
is a steady procession of penguins.
341
00:49:24,020 --> 00:49:27,259
Any suggestions, Didier?
We must find a way.
342
00:49:27,260 --> 00:49:30,219
Yes. And we will find a way.
343
00:49:30,220 --> 00:49:34,299
I like the attitude.
The penguins have found a way.
344
00:49:34,300 --> 00:49:39,179
It seems the Emperors will be
the key to reaching the ice edge.
345
00:49:39,180 --> 00:49:40,940
OK, let's go.
346
00:49:42,420 --> 00:49:45,019
With their penguin guides
leading the way,
347
00:49:45,020 --> 00:49:48,299
snowmobiles are brought in
to haul 500kgs of equipment
348
00:49:48,300 --> 00:49:51,420
through the icy maze.
349
00:49:53,060 --> 00:49:57,619
It's tough going
for film crew and penguins.
350
00:49:57,620 --> 00:50:01,219
When the ice ridges halt progress,
351
00:50:01,220 --> 00:50:03,980
it's time for some
back-breaking work.
352
00:50:08,940 --> 00:50:14,019
The next three days are spent
chiselling through mile after mile
353
00:50:14,020 --> 00:50:15,900
of broken sea ice.
354
00:50:28,180 --> 00:50:31,339
Once finally clear
of the ice boulders,
355
00:50:31,340 --> 00:50:36,300
they spot their goal ... a patch
of open ocean with penguins.
356
00:50:42,660 --> 00:50:44,899
John is first in position.
357
00:50:44,900 --> 00:50:48,179
He hopes to capture
the most striking images
358
00:50:48,180 --> 00:50:51,620
by using a computerised
slow motion camera.
359
00:50:52,940 --> 00:50:56,699
But attempts to film the penguins
underwater are halted
360
00:50:56,700 --> 00:50:58,619
by an unwelcome visitor.
361
00:50:58,620 --> 00:51:01,939
We just saw the head
of a massive leopard seal
362
00:51:01,940 --> 00:51:06,099
so we'll get closer
to see what's going on.
363
00:51:06,100 --> 00:51:10,579
We must be careful because those
guys can come out very quickly,
364
00:51:10,580 --> 00:51:12,859
out of the hole, and give a bite,
365
00:51:12,860 --> 00:51:16,619
but being red like that, we should
be quite protected, you know?
366
00:51:16,620 --> 00:51:21,739
Being dressed in red
may be Didier's idea of safety,
367
00:51:21,740 --> 00:51:25,859
but the rest of the crew have
a healthy respect for leopard seals.
368
00:51:25,860 --> 00:51:30,899
They can be fiercely territorial
and are not afraid to attack humans.
369
00:51:30,900 --> 00:51:35,659
I think I can run faster than him
on land.
370
00:51:35,660 --> 00:51:37,459
That's very exciting.
371
00:51:37,460 --> 00:51:41,339
That's the first time I've ever seen
a leopard seal in my life
372
00:51:41,340 --> 00:51:43,939
and he's come straight out
of the hole and starts...
373
00:51:43,940 --> 00:51:46,299
walloping towards us.
374
00:51:46,300 --> 00:51:48,259
There's a lot of adrenalin.
375
00:51:48,260 --> 00:51:51,299
With the seal frightening
the penguins away
376
00:51:51,300 --> 00:51:56,060
and hassling the crew,
it's time to try a new hole.
377
00:52:01,500 --> 00:52:04,180
Oh, hello.
378
00:52:05,180 --> 00:52:07,180
Can you see him?
379
00:52:09,780 --> 00:52:14,219
While the seal's around, there's
little hope of filming the penguins,
380
00:52:14,220 --> 00:52:18,140
but now a far greater threat
is posed by the changing weather.
381
00:52:19,140 --> 00:52:22,259
That dark headland in the distance
is Cape Washington.
382
00:52:22,260 --> 00:52:26,059
That's our last sign of mainland.
We can't see anything else.
383
00:52:26,060 --> 00:52:28,859
Once we lose sight of that mainland
384
00:52:28,860 --> 00:52:32,739
that means we're out here
on our own on the sea ice.
385
00:52:32,740 --> 00:52:35,579
This visibility
is getting lower and lower.
386
00:52:35,580 --> 00:52:39,419
It's started snowing and this wind
is just blowing off shore
387
00:52:39,420 --> 00:52:43,499
so, if all this ice heads out,
we don't want to be on it.
388
00:52:43,500 --> 00:52:46,340
I think we're going to can
filming for the day.
389
00:52:51,380 --> 00:52:56,740
All the signs suggest that a
big Antarctic storm is on its way.
390
00:53:00,020 --> 00:53:05,180
Winds pick up to 70mph and everyone
retreats to their tents.
391
00:53:07,540 --> 00:53:10,420
High winds then turn to heavy snow.
392
00:53:12,860 --> 00:53:16,860
On the driest continent on Earth,
a big snowfall is rare.
393
00:53:19,220 --> 00:53:24,100
White-out conditions take the
penguins and film crew by surprise.
394
00:53:26,860 --> 00:53:30,579
Each day they must dig out
their buried equipment.
395
00:53:30,580 --> 00:53:32,980
Filming has ground to a halt.
396
00:53:39,740 --> 00:53:44,899
One week and a metre of snow later,
the headland is visible again
397
00:53:44,900 --> 00:53:49,060
and the team are raring
to get back to the ice edge.
398
00:53:50,060 --> 00:53:53,859
They follow their old route
back through the frozen maze
399
00:53:53,860 --> 00:53:56,139
and, with no leopard seal in sight,
400
00:53:56,140 --> 00:53:59,619
it's time for another attempt
with the pole cam.
401
00:53:59,620 --> 00:54:04,579
It's cumbersome, but it allows the
team to capture underwater images
402
00:54:04,580 --> 00:54:07,620
without having to risk
the icy water themselves.
403
00:54:11,260 --> 00:54:15,579
That is OK? That's perfect.
They are coming. I can see some.
404
00:54:15,580 --> 00:54:17,419
Oh, wow!
405
00:54:17,420 --> 00:54:21,539
Penguins coming in the hole.
This is awesome. This is great.
406
00:54:21,540 --> 00:54:26,299
The aim now is to film the penguins'
dramatic exit from the hole.
407
00:54:26,300 --> 00:54:29,660
The only problem... which hole?!
408
00:54:38,820 --> 00:54:41,139
These penguins keep outsmarting us.
409
00:54:41,140 --> 00:54:44,739
We tried to switch holes
to film them coming up
410
00:54:44,740 --> 00:54:48,019
and they all just completely
came up behind us.
411
00:54:48,020 --> 00:54:53,500
Whatever the crew try there's always
someone who hasn't read the script!
412
00:54:54,740 --> 00:54:59,499
John has been filming but he
can't view his slow motion shots
413
00:54:59,500 --> 00:55:01,780
until they're downloaded
to a computer.
414
00:55:02,980 --> 00:55:06,539
While he waits,
Didier seizes his chance.
415
00:55:06,540 --> 00:55:08,659
Come, my friend. Come.
416
00:55:08,660 --> 00:55:11,939
If you can't beat them, join them.
417
00:55:11,940 --> 00:55:15,419
It's time to go scuba diving
in the coldest waters on the planet.
418
00:55:15,420 --> 00:55:19,020
I will see you on the other side.
419
00:55:24,180 --> 00:55:26,779
The team are 300 miles from help
420
00:55:26,780 --> 00:55:30,380
and have only a small hole
as their lifeline to the surface.
421
00:55:35,300 --> 00:55:37,739
A magical world opens up.
422
00:55:37,740 --> 00:55:39,419
For the first time
423
00:55:39,420 --> 00:55:45,020
Didier now shares the penguins'
perspective from beneath the ice.
424
00:55:59,180 --> 00:56:03,180
This is Antarctica
at its most enchanting.
425
00:56:05,180 --> 00:56:07,979
For Chadden,
after weeks of struggle,
426
00:56:07,980 --> 00:56:11,819
the sequence quite literally
falls into his lap.
427
00:56:11,820 --> 00:56:13,620
Whoa!
428
00:56:14,620 --> 00:56:16,140
Sorry!
429
00:56:17,620 --> 00:56:19,860
I think I'm in the way.
430
00:56:26,580 --> 00:56:29,340
Just come a little this way.
There we go.
431
00:56:33,220 --> 00:56:35,700
I'm getting run over by penguins!
432
00:56:37,540 --> 00:56:41,099
I think it worked.
It's very difficult to tell.
433
00:56:41,100 --> 00:56:43,019
John's camera is finally capturing
434
00:56:43,020 --> 00:56:48,100
the super slow motion images
of the Emperors' dramatic return.
435
00:56:50,900 --> 00:56:53,659
With the penguins performing
perfectly
436
00:56:53,660 --> 00:56:55,819
it was all falling into place.
437
00:56:55,820 --> 00:56:57,899
The team were finally able
to capture
438
00:56:57,900 --> 00:57:01,300
Antarctica's most spectacular
belly flop.37545
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