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Our story begins at
the heart of Europe...
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Big cities dominate the landscape
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00:00:53,920 --> 00:00:56,150
Towering tributes to a dynamic culture.
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00:01:00,160 --> 00:01:03,437
And an economy that's starting to grow.
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00:01:07,640 --> 00:01:10,075
Home to many millions of us...
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But beyond these bustling urban centers,
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there is another world...
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A place of natural wonder...
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One of the largest wildernesses in Europe.
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Where vast ancient forests still grow..
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And great mountains reach up
to kiss the sky...
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Winding waters twist and turn...
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00:02:02,800 --> 00:02:06,589
Beasts steeped in myth
and legend roam free...
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They all share the same challenge:
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To survive the twists and
turns of the changing seasons.
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00:02:30,320 --> 00:02:33,312
Attempting to outlast
the frozen Winter months...
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00:02:35,800 --> 00:02:38,360
Nurture future generations
during the Spring and Summer...
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00:02:48,840 --> 00:02:52,356
And prepare for Winter,
by reaping Autumn's bounty
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In Europe's most spectacular land.
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This is Untamed Romania,
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UNTAMED ROMANIA
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The Carpathian Mountains.
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Stretching for 1,600 kilometers,
through 7 different countries,
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they are the backbone of our nation.
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00:04:07,920 --> 00:04:12,039
Winter here is a cruel mistress.
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She leaves little in her path
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but ice and snow.
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Only a handful of specialists
brave her frozen embrace.
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And only the most hardy will survive.
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00:05:20,320 --> 00:05:23,073
But as Winter's icy grip begins
to loosen...
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Deep in the forests,
sleeping giants begin to stir.
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Brown bears have slept through
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the worst of winter,
sheltering from the cold.
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Resting whilst food is scarce.
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This young bear probably
hasn't eaten for weeks,
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and he's not the only one...
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There could be up to 5,000 bears
in our forested heartland.
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At this time of year,
they scour the cold forest floor
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for roots, nuts and bugs.
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These slopes are home
to a variety of expert foragers.
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Wild boar.
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Their unfussy diet rivals our own;
they will eat almost anything.
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This female has become separated
from her herd,
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perhaps distracted by
her search for food.
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But this makes her vulnerable...
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She's heavily outnumbered.
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Unable to outrun the wolves,
she must face them head on.
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Her fierce defense has put the wolves off
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00:10:33,720 --> 00:10:36,075
But she'll need to rejoin her herd,
sooner rather than later.
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A boar could fatally wound a wolf
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But these creatures of folklore
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also need to eat.
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And they will soon have young to feed.
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Living in tight-family packs,
they act and hunt as one.
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But their domain is about to change...
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Spring flutters her eyes awake.
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00:12:06,240 --> 00:12:09,631
Longer, warmer days awaken
the plants and trees.
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And there are many of them here;
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over one third of Europe's plant species
are found in Carpathia.
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Beech trees are one of
the most prevalent across our homeland.
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Their budding leaves are one
of the first signs of Spring.
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These little green gems
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will slowly grow over the year,
soaking up the sun's rays.
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Below the budding canopy,
among the undergrowth,
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smaller forest residents begin to wake up.
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As the days slowly grow warmer,
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Fire salamanders awaken
from their winter slumber.
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They're never found too far
from running water.
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Legend has it that these amphibians
are forged in fire.
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Living among fallen branches,
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their hiding places were sometimes
collected by our ancestors for firewood.
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When placed upon fire,
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the Fire Salamander would suddenly emerge
from the flames, earning their name.
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The reality is quite the opposite.
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Fire Salamanders begin their life in water.
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They are one of the few amphibians
to give birth to live young.
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These young Salamanders
are water bound for now,
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and are left to fend for themselves.
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Each day they'll grow a little stronger -
and a little brighter -
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until the time comes for them
to return to the undergrowth.
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Some have seen our seasons
come and go for many years...
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But for others,
this is a whole new world.
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These bear cubs are just a few months old.
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At this age, life is all fun and games.
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And this forest clearing makes
a perfect playground.
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The family will stick together
for two or three years,
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learning valuable lessons.
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This little one needs a bit more practice
than his siblings...
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All over the Carpathians, small streams
trickle down our mountainsides.
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Many end up feeding into
our greatest river...
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The Danube.
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Flowing through 10 different countries,
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this vast river is the second
longest in Europe.
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Through the ages,
the Danube has worn through ancient stone.
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Twisting and turning through forests,
shaping the landscape we see today.
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And where the Danube meets the Black Sea,
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some of our most spectacular wildlife
flourishes.
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This is the Danube Delta.
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A seemingly endless maze of waterways...
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marshes...
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and forests.
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Covering almost 6,000 square kilometers,
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it is one of the most diverse ecosystems
in Europe.
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With Spring's arrival,
there is a fresh bounty for all
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But the celebration is fleeting.
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The Delta becomes a grandstand
for the fiercest of competitions.
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It's breeding season
for the Delta's wild horses.
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00:21:10,520 --> 00:21:13,319
Groups of males test their strength
against each other.
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Only the strongest stallions
will get the chance to mate.
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A short distance away, an established
Stallion guards over his herd,
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he alone can mate with these mares.
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But a potential challenger emerges.
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Violence is the only option,
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but a broken jaw or leg could mean a slow,
torturous death.
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With the challenger defeated,
the stallion returns to his females.
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His family is secure... for now.
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Al over the Delta, young families
are raising the next generation.
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In late Spring, Whiskered Terns
spend the day feeding their young.
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Sometimes this means the chicks
are left alone.
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00:24:15,560 --> 00:24:18,473
Without the protection of their parents,
they're at their most vulnerable.
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Danger is all around.
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Oblivious to the risk,
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one chick decides now s the perfect time
for an unsupervised swim.
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00:24:53,120 --> 00:24:54,235
But at such a young age,
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his soft feathers are not quite ready
for such an ambitious adventure.
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He could easily become waterlogged
or exhausted.
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The remaining chick
begins to follow its sibling.
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But a parent returns just in time.
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Another guides the novice swimmer
back to the nest.
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00:26:10,920 --> 00:26:15,517
Disaster narrowly averted,
the family are safely reunited.
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00:26:24,880 --> 00:26:28,510
Spring's bloom also brings fresh vigor
to the Delta's plant life.
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Access to light is the greatest struggle
amongst the life of plants.
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These waters are ruled by those
that can seize the surface.
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One of the most successful have evolved
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a defense mechanism that's deployed,
day and night.
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00:27:11,200 --> 00:27:12,759
When the moon is at its highest,
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Lily flowers hold their delicate petals
firmly clasped...
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Protecting what is most important
to them...
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00:27:26,280 --> 00:27:29,716
Pollen - the key to their survival.
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00:27:32,720 --> 00:27:34,791
Whilst closed,
the flowers shelter their sticky Pollen
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from the morning dew.
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But as the sun rises,
and the temperature is just right...
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these flowers begin to unfurl.
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With the sun beaming down,
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insects are soon attracted
to their enticing odor.
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00:28:22,600 --> 00:28:27,197
Bringing with them pollen from other lilies,
fertilizing the flowers
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and ensuring the next generation
of these dynamic plants.
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These vast forests of water lilies
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also provide shelter and protection
for much of the Delta's wildlife.
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Including Europe's largest native Frog.
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Reaching up to 17 cm long,
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maintaining their formidable size
is no easy task.
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Fortunately, for Marsh Frogs
the Delta s full of tasty snacks.
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If you can catch them...
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Marsh Frogs don't give up easily.
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00:30:15,000 --> 00:30:16,195
Being the biggest frog around,
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means you also fall the hardest.
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But their persistence normally pays off.
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Beneath the lily pads,
there is a darker world.
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A place of murk and mystery.
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Home to over 100 fish species.
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And occasionally... a prehistoric giant.
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A mammoth beast that has navigated the seas
and rivers for millions of years:
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00:31:43,400 --> 00:31:44,595
The Beluga Sturgeon.
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Sometimes referred to as 'living fossils',
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these prehistoric fish have barely changed
form in over 200 million years.
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It's one of the biggest freshwater fish
in the world.
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00:32:07,520 --> 00:32:12,117
A full sized adult can reach
6 metres in length and weigh over a ton.
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00:32:18,320 --> 00:32:21,199
As Solitary animals, these monolithic beasts
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cruise the gloomy depths, alone.
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Above these bottom dwellers,
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others find that teamwork yields
the best results.
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Great White Pelicans are the masters
of collaboration.
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00:33:11,440 --> 00:33:17,470
Many thousands migrate here in the Spring
from warmer climates: Africa,
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the Middle East and even
the Indian Subcontinent.
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Cruising the Delta's waterways,
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they herd schools of fish
into one another's path.
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This clever fishing technique
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increases the chance of catching a meal.
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00:33:53,880 --> 00:33:59,159
Fish, crustaceans and various amphibians
are always on the menu.
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Once they've exhausted these waters,
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it's time to do what pelicans do best...
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Take to the skies...
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They can travel one hundred kilometers a day
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searching for food before returning
to their nesting ground.
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00:35:13,200 --> 00:35:16,158
But it's not just animals
that have made their home in the Delta...
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This is Histria.
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An ancient city built by the Greeks,
two and a half thousand years ago.
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Once a vibrant trading centre,
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its streets would of been filled
with merchants and tradesmen.
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But now, these ruins are home
to much wilder residents...
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And some of them are cold-blooded killers.
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Dice snakes.
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00:36:28,680 --> 00:36:31,593
These serpents spent the winter in hibernation,
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00:36:31,880 --> 00:36:34,156
emerging in the warmer months to hunt.
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Although this female has no interest
in ground squirrels or birds...
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00:37:08,840 --> 00:37:12,435
Because this snake,
like any other water snake
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00:37:28,160 --> 00:37:29,230
is a fish-hunter.
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00:37:46,000 --> 00:37:48,196
And bottom-feeding Gobies
are her favourite prey.
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00:37:59,120 --> 00:38:00,599
But finding them isn't easy.
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00:38:09,920 --> 00:38:15,040
Dice Snakes lack gills,
502 quick breath is often required.
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00:38:23,160 --> 00:38:25,071
Time for round two.
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00:38:53,120 --> 00:38:56,636
Despite a final struggle,
the Goby's fate has long since been sealed.
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00:39:10,720 --> 00:39:15,396
Once the catch is consumed,
she will seek refuge from the midday heat.
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00:39:21,160 --> 00:39:23,993
During our hottest season,
even cold blooded killers
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00:39:24,200 --> 00:39:26,714
cannot survive the sun at its peak.
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00:39:38,760 --> 00:39:42,310
Summer has arrived,
pulling the country into her warm embrace.
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Her days are long, slow and hot.
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Perhaps the season's most spectacular event
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is born from humble beginnings,
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among the depths of the Mures River.
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Deep under this water,
millions of tiny creatures
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have been patiently waiting
for 3 years.
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00:40:56,520 --> 00:40:59,672
The arrival of summer
triggers these Mayfly larvae
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00:40:59,880 --> 00:41:01,279
to head to the surface.
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00:41:18,800 --> 00:41:20,393
At first just a few...
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00:41:26,360 --> 00:41:27,794
Then a few more...
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00:41:40,640 --> 00:41:45,510
By the end of the day,
millions will have taken to the sky.
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00:41:56,120 --> 00:41:58,509
This spectacle lasts less than a day,
220
00:41:59,560 --> 00:42:02,029
in this time the Mayflies must race to mate,
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00:42:02,240 --> 00:42:05,710
and travel upriver to lay their eggs,
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00:42:06,680 --> 00:42:09,991
after which their lives will come to an end.
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00:42:22,440 --> 00:42:26,229
Other life cycles
here have a much slower pace.
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The Carpathian Mountains are home
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00:42:34,000 --> 00:42:36,071
to some of the most ancient forests in Europe.
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00:42:38,160 --> 00:42:41,312
Seas of green
stretch as far as the eye can see...
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00:42:46,320 --> 00:42:50,154
These great forests
have stood the test of time.
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00:42:51,880 --> 00:42:54,440
They are representative of what much of Europe
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00:42:54,640 --> 00:42:56,836
would of looked like just 3,000 years ago.
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00:42:59,520 --> 00:43:03,195
A mix of beech, birch, oak and pines
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00:43:04,000 --> 00:43:06,355
cover a third of our country.
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00:43:30,440 --> 00:43:34,115
Like the animals that live among them,
many of these trees
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00:43:34,320 --> 00:43:36,391
help and support one another.
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00:43:40,560 --> 00:43:44,679
Vast networks of roots
connect families of trees,
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00:43:45,000 --> 00:43:47,355
supplying one another with vital nutrients.
236
00:43:52,800 --> 00:43:56,953
Even in death,
each tree continues giving life to the forest.
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00:44:00,640 --> 00:44:04,873
The act of falling alone slices a gap
in the dense canopy,
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00:44:05,240 --> 00:44:08,119
drenching the fresh clearing in sunlight.
239
00:44:14,280 --> 00:44:16,237
As the tree begins to rot,
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00:44:16,720 --> 00:44:22,636
it releases important nutrients,
acting as a natural fertilizer.
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00:44:27,600 --> 00:44:29,398
Under these perfect conditions,
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00:44:29,800 --> 00:44:32,189
new plant life quickly flourishes;
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00:44:33,760 --> 00:44:36,400
irresistible to hungry herbivores.
244
00:44:39,720 --> 00:44:45,318
Which are the perfect prey
for Europe's largest feline...
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00:45:01,960 --> 00:45:03,871
The Eurasian Lynx.
246
00:45:06,880 --> 00:45:09,952
This adept predator is a secretive character.
247
00:45:13,480 --> 00:45:16,040
Its preferred hunting technique
is to ambush prey
248
00:45:16,240 --> 00:45:18,356
using the dense cover of the forest.
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00:45:31,800 --> 00:45:35,873
But for now,
this female has other priorities ...
250
00:45:39,520 --> 00:45:41,113
At just a few weeks old,
251
00:45:41,480 --> 00:45:44,154
her cubs won't be able
to hunt for a while yet.
252
00:45:44,440 --> 00:45:46,636
For now, it all about playtime.
253
00:46:05,280 --> 00:46:08,989
They're always looking for new playgrounds.
254
00:46:12,680 --> 00:46:16,071
It's exhausting for their mother.
255
00:46:29,480 --> 00:46:32,711
They'll spend their first year together,
256
00:46:33,040 --> 00:46:34,838
exploring the forest's secrets,
257
00:46:35,040 --> 00:46:38,396
watching and learning
how to survive through the seasons.
258
00:47:01,120 --> 00:47:06,035
Others care for their young high
above the forests.
259
00:47:13,120 --> 00:47:14,758
The Apuseni Mountains...
260
00:47:21,560 --> 00:47:23,915
This geological mosaic
of volcanic rock and limestone
261
00:47:24,320 --> 00:47:26,630
has been forged
over millions of years.
262
00:47:39,200 --> 00:47:43,831
They are also home to one of the world's
most iconic raptors.
263
00:48:04,000 --> 00:48:05,320
The King of the Skies...
264
00:48:07,040 --> 00:48:08,758
The Golden Eagle.
265
00:48:12,960 --> 00:48:14,758
A powerful predator.
266
00:48:20,600 --> 00:48:21,749
But he is also wise...
267
00:48:27,520 --> 00:48:29,318
Every flight is calculated.
268
00:49:03,400 --> 00:49:07,280
Patrolling his Kingdom,
he carefully scans the land below.
269
00:49:22,680 --> 00:49:25,911
Eagles have some of the best eyesight
on the planet.
270
00:49:26,440 --> 00:49:29,159
It's estimated to be up to 8 times stronger
than the average human,
271
00:49:34,720 --> 00:49:39,669
Powerful enough to spot a meal
from over 3 kilometers away...
272
00:49:52,480 --> 00:49:54,118
Alone hare.
273
00:49:56,240 --> 00:49:59,392
The perfect pray
for this warrior-king of birds.
274
00:50:09,560 --> 00:50:14,634
Ina full stoop, he can reach speeds
of up to 320 kilometers per hour.
275
00:50:24,800 --> 00:50:26,996
The hare doesn't stand a chance.
276
00:50:46,880 --> 00:50:49,998
But the eagle won't keep
the meal to himself.
277
00:50:54,880 --> 00:50:56,279
He must return to his home.
278
00:50:59,840 --> 00:51:01,433
For he is also a father,
279
00:51:21,720 --> 00:51:24,678
The young chick is quick to devour its share.
280
00:51:44,760 --> 00:51:47,878
It soon be ready to leave the nest,
281
00:51:48,480 --> 00:51:50,949
and establish a kingdom of its own...
282
00:52:00,520 --> 00:52:02,830
The skies these eagles soar through
283
00:52:03,080 --> 00:52:04,798
are living out a story of their own.
284
00:52:10,320 --> 00:52:15,474
Mid summer sees the Carpathian's
highest levels of rainfall.
285
00:52:20,120 --> 00:52:24,318
The forest is soon drenched with
life-sustaining water.
286
00:52:36,520 --> 00:52:39,239
It also shapes what lies deep beneath
the surface.
287
00:52:41,520 --> 00:52:45,991
As water seeps into the ground,
it enters a very different world.
288
00:52:47,760 --> 00:52:50,718
One of darkness and damp.
289
00:53:05,440 --> 00:53:09,274
Around 4000 caves can be found within
the Apuseni mountains alone.
290
00:53:12,960 --> 00:53:16,112
Many are filled with
stalactites and stalagmites.
291
00:53:26,160 --> 00:53:28,390
As water creeps through the rock and stone,
292
00:53:28,920 --> 00:53:33,756
it deposits salts and minerals,
forming these eerie statues.
293
00:53:48,080 --> 00:53:51,436
But these caves are also... a tomb.
294
00:53:57,640 --> 00:54:03,079
The fearsome skeletons
are the remains of Cave Bears.
295
00:54:13,960 --> 00:54:18,318
A distant cousin of the brown bear,
296
00:54:18,720 --> 00:54:21,439
the Cave Bear became extinct
around 27,000 years ago.
297
00:54:22,280 --> 00:54:27,593
Perhaps due to climate change or hunting.
298
00:54:31,360 --> 00:54:33,920
Others have come close to a similar fate.
299
00:54:38,600 --> 00:54:40,238
Deep in the forest clearings,
300
00:54:40,680 --> 00:54:45,038
live one of Romania's rarest and
most endangered mammals.
301
00:54:58,480 --> 00:54:59,914
The Eurasian Bison.
302
00:55:11,720 --> 00:55:16,556
Unrivaled in strength and size,
it is Europe's largest land mammal.
303
00:55:17,760 --> 00:55:21,116
Hulking, hairy beasts,
some standing nearly two metres tall
304
00:55:21,320 --> 00:55:23,038
and weighing as much as a ton.
305
00:55:32,560 --> 00:55:35,916
Many thousands once roamed across Europe.
306
00:55:39,040 --> 00:55:40,713
By the early 20th century,
307
00:55:41,200 --> 00:55:46,354
habit loss and hunting led
to their near-extinction.
308
00:55:53,320 --> 00:55:56,073
Today, only a few small herds
can be found in our wilderness.
309
00:56:09,440 --> 00:56:13,149
Other forest-dwellers have had better luck.
310
00:56:39,160 --> 00:56:41,879
With this bountiful time of year in full swing,
311
00:56:42,240 --> 00:56:46,757
many bears are attracted to the rich foods
found in this forest clearing.
312
00:56:56,960 --> 00:57:00,396
Flavorsome flower buds
and succulent grasses.
313
00:57:32,200 --> 00:57:35,636
But sometimes what you want most
is right under your nose.
314
00:57:41,840 --> 00:57:45,834
For this female finding it
is easier said than done.
315
00:58:08,320 --> 00:58:10,994
But even the biggest beasts
can be scared by the smallest things.
316
00:58:21,480 --> 00:58:24,040
Finally,
she finds what she's been looking for.
317
00:58:30,880 --> 00:58:33,872
A large ant colony is a nutritious,
conveniently packaged treat.
318
00:59:05,320 --> 00:59:08,597
Many of our bears have survived
the tougher seasons.
319
00:59:09,440 --> 00:59:13,559
Now with full bellies,
they can finally kick back and relax.
320
00:59:17,320 --> 00:59:19,994
A sunny meadow is the perfect spot.
321
00:59:28,680 --> 00:59:30,557
And the view isn't too bad either...
322
00:59:40,120 --> 00:59:43,033
Al over the country,
meadows burst with colour.
323
00:59:49,960 --> 00:59:54,238
These rolling plains are amongst
the most diverse ecosystems in Europe,
324
00:59:57,360 --> 01:00:00,079
with levels of richness unrivaled
across the globe
325
01:00:06,480 --> 01:00:09,518
Their perfumed petals attract
an equally colorful squadron of insects,
326
01:00:09,840 --> 01:00:11,399
in search of sweet nectar.
327
01:00:21,080 --> 01:00:24,755
Of the 200 or so species of butterfly
native to our lands,
328
01:00:25,360 --> 01:00:28,432
the Large blues
are without doubt some of the most unusual.
329
01:00:32,920 --> 01:00:36,515
This female chooses the colorful
Marsh Gentian to deposit her eggs.
330
01:00:58,960 --> 01:01:01,679
And soon eggs turn into caterpillars.
331
01:01:11,920 --> 01:01:18,394
Using a fine strand of silk,
this individual abseils to the ground.
332
01:01:39,080 --> 01:01:41,913
Although... not everything
quite goes to plan.
333
01:01:52,960 --> 01:01:56,157
Regardless, the caterpillar continues
searching for food.
334
01:02:06,680 --> 01:02:09,593
The meadow floor, however,
harbours many dangers.
335
01:02:12,520 --> 01:02:16,593
Red ants search for anything edible
to feed their own brood.
336
01:02:23,200 --> 01:02:25,316
They have an excellent sense of smell -
337
01:02:27,360 --> 01:02:31,240
and this individual has locked-on
to the defenseless young caterpillar.
338
01:02:35,880 --> 01:02:37,791
Using a set of powerful jaws,
339
01:02:38,160 --> 01:02:40,629
the ant seizes its prize and heads
straight back to the colony.
340
01:03:01,520 --> 01:03:04,672
Other worker ants appear intrigued
by the new arrival.
341
01:03:11,240 --> 01:03:15,871
Rather than attack, they amazingly treat it
as one of their own.
342
01:03:16,840 --> 01:03:21,073
Because this caterpillar
has developed an ingenious survival strategy.
343
01:03:24,600 --> 01:03:26,398
It mimics the scent of the ants,
344
01:03:26,760 --> 01:03:28,398
even making the same noise
345
01:03:28,840 --> 01:03:30,751
as the colony's queen, fooling the workers.
346
01:03:36,560 --> 01:03:38,437
Some ants feed it.
347
01:03:50,840 --> 01:03:53,832
While others ensure its skin is kept clean
and free from parasites.
348
01:03:59,160 --> 01:04:01,674
Despite this S-star treatment,
349
01:04:02,000 --> 01:04:03,911
the ants get nothing in return
for their efforts.
350
01:04:07,520 --> 01:04:09,477
The caterpillar grows bigger and stronger,
351
01:04:10,080 --> 01:04:12,276
eventually transforming within its cocoon.
352
01:04:19,920 --> 01:04:22,514
It is soon time for the caterpillar
to break free.
353
01:05:04,720 --> 01:05:08,839
Once out,
the butterfly rushes to exit the nest.
354
01:05:09,280 --> 01:05:13,114
For now is the only time
the ants would realize they'd been duped.
355
01:05:30,040 --> 01:05:32,680
The butterfly prepares for its maiden flight.
356
01:05:53,360 --> 01:05:55,590
Living for just a few weeks as a butterfly,
357
01:05:56,000 --> 01:05:57,593
it will soon mate, and continue
358
01:05:58,040 --> 01:06:00,316
one of nature's most extraordinary
359
01:06:00,520 --> 01:06:02,272
and complex life cycles all over again.
360
01:06:19,840 --> 01:06:22,229
With 50 many insects to be found
among the flower meadow,
361
01:06:22,960 --> 01:06:25,713
White Storks are never very far away.
362
01:06:33,520 --> 01:06:36,592
Today, they're drawn together
for an impromptu feast.
363
01:06:40,600 --> 01:06:43,399
And the foods being served
by an unusual chef.
364
01:07:11,600 --> 01:07:13,318
The freshly cut grass
365
01:07:13,960 --> 01:07:16,349
means insects and other small prey
are easily located.
366
01:07:29,160 --> 01:07:31,117
But they can't forage for too long...
367
01:07:31,800 --> 01:07:33,871
Many of these Storks
have important deliveries to make.
368
01:07:59,640 --> 01:08:01,597
Storks time raising chicks to coincide
369
01:08:01,800 --> 01:08:05,236
with the summer's abundant supply of food.
370
01:08:08,000 --> 01:08:09,911
Both parents have been ferrying cargo
371
01:08:10,400 --> 01:08:14,359
to their nest since the chicks first hatched,
around 9 weeks ago.
372
01:08:19,080 --> 01:08:23,711
The chicks are getting big now
and ready for their first migration.
373
01:08:30,480 --> 01:08:34,917
Close by, other siblings
are forced to find their own meals.
374
01:08:37,560 --> 01:08:40,359
A local orchard has the ripest apples.
375
01:08:47,520 --> 01:08:51,115
And these young bears are
happy to help themselves.
376
01:09:44,760 --> 01:09:48,913
Lady Autumn, Nature's most talented artist,
has finally arrived;
377
01:09:57,600 --> 01:09:59,989
She paints the forest with masterful strokes.
378
01:10:04,880 --> 01:10:08,953
Her dazzling vision is unequaled in
richness and intensity.
379
01:10:25,480 --> 01:10:29,110
And she has one last, timely gift.
380
01:10:33,720 --> 01:10:34,915
The autumn bounty.
381
01:10:38,240 --> 01:10:41,949
Fruits and berries are the sweetest treats.
382
01:10:43,400 --> 01:10:47,359
Beech trees occasionally bestow
an exceptionally generous gift.
383
01:10:51,120 --> 01:10:53,396
Every few years, all over Carpathia,
384
01:10:53,680 --> 01:10:57,275
Beech nuts will simultaneously
fall to the ground.
385
01:11:06,520 --> 01:11:09,876
It is thought that this tactic guarantees
an abundance of nuts, so many,
386
01:11:10,240 --> 01:11:12,595
that the animals who feast upon them,
couldn't possibly finish them all.
387
01:11:23,240 --> 01:11:24,560
Giving the leftover nuts
388
01:11:24,760 --> 01:11:27,434
a better chance to take root and grow.
389
01:11:37,440 --> 01:11:39,078
For much of Romania's wildlife,
390
01:11:39,280 --> 01:11:43,239
it is the last chance to fatten up
before winter returns.
391
01:11:51,200 --> 01:11:53,919
The clock s ticking for this bear family
392
01:11:54,200 --> 01:11:59,593
to pile on calories before they hibernate
through the winter.
393
01:12:07,560 --> 01:12:10,678
Starvation is a very real threat.
394
01:12:20,160 --> 01:12:22,276
Whilst some are gorging,
395
01:12:22,960 --> 01:12:24,712
others have very different priorities.
396
01:12:29,040 --> 01:12:31,190
And none more so than on Piatra Craiului.
397
01:12:39,400 --> 01:12:45,237
Located in the Southern Carpathians,
this is one of our most iconic ridges.
398
01:12:54,440 --> 01:12:59,594
The steep slopes are a haven for plant life
found nowhere else in the world.
399
01:13:01,880 --> 01:13:05,191
Three quarters of Romania's unique
400
01:13:05,560 --> 01:13:07,437
plant species are found on such ridges.
401
01:13:13,040 --> 01:13:17,671
And where plant life flourishes,
herbivores are never far away.
402
01:13:20,080 --> 01:13:23,869
Including the most resilient of mountain
inhabitants:
403
01:13:31,240 --> 01:13:32,514
Chamois.
404
01:13:36,360 --> 01:13:40,877
They are found upon the highest
and most inaccessible slopes.
405
01:13:56,360 --> 01:13:58,829
Bucks spend most of the year alone,
406
01:13:59,880 --> 01:14:02,030
but in the autumn months
they seek out females.
407
01:14:07,120 --> 01:14:10,238
Competition can be tough
to secure mating rights.
408
01:14:13,640 --> 01:14:15,392
This male must be vigilant
409
01:14:15,600 --> 01:14:18,718
that no others get too close
to his females.
410
01:14:37,120 --> 01:14:38,952
A rival Buck is closing in...
411
01:14:49,360 --> 01:14:50,430
But this hasn't gone unnoticed.
412
01:14:51,560 --> 01:14:55,758
The resident male quickly descends
the steep slopes to intercept the challenger.
413
01:15:18,640 --> 01:15:20,836
His quick descent has worked,
414
01:15:24,360 --> 01:15:25,873
the challenger retreats...
415
01:15:35,200 --> 01:15:38,352
He must continue his search elsewhere,
and alone.
416
01:15:45,960 --> 01:15:48,793
The dominant Buck returns to the females.
417
01:16:03,160 --> 01:16:04,594
Further down the slopes,
418
01:16:04,920 --> 01:16:06,911
confrontations can be much more deadly.
419
01:16:10,760 --> 01:16:12,512
Winter is knocking on Autumn's door.
420
01:16:17,520 --> 01:16:20,399
Pushing creatures of the Forest
to extremes,
421
01:16:46,440 --> 01:16:49,956
A large male bear has sniffed out
the wolf pack's latest victim:
422
01:17:04,520 --> 01:17:05,669
a red deer.
423
01:17:09,080 --> 01:17:11,230
The pack won't give up
their hard earned prize without a fight.
424
01:17:20,000 --> 01:17:23,789
This powerful giant could weigh
more than all of his opponents combined.
425
01:17:47,520 --> 01:17:49,670
If the pack refuse to give up their kill
426
01:17:50,200 --> 01:17:53,352
the bear won't hesitate to unleash
his full fury.
427
01:18:14,360 --> 01:18:15,759
The wolves escape unharmed
428
01:18:20,640 --> 01:18:22,711
although the message s clear:
the prize is lost.
429
01:18:30,520 --> 01:18:32,158
Once the hear has taken his fill,
430
01:18:32,360 --> 01:18:34,954
there might be some scraps left
for the pack...
431
01:18:36,400 --> 01:18:37,720
If they're lucky.
432
01:18:52,160 --> 01:18:56,518
Winter's imminent arrival
pushes many to their limit.
433
01:19:00,640 --> 01:19:02,313
The resilient few who've made it this far,
434
01:19:02,840 --> 01:19:05,753
may now witness
the year's final transformation.
435
01:19:26,920 --> 01:19:28,957
As snow begins to fall across the land,
436
01:19:29,640 --> 01:19:33,395
only the most adaptable
will face the season's harshest months.
437
01:20:02,440 --> 01:20:04,158
This female Lynx will roam
438
01:20:04,480 --> 01:20:07,871
the snowy slopes
through the depths of winter.
439
01:20:10,000 --> 01:20:13,277
Her thick winter coat keeps
her warm and dry.
440
01:20:26,600 --> 01:20:30,116
A solitary creature,
she will wander these slopes alone,
441
01:20:30,360 --> 01:20:32,556
seeking out what little prey she can find.
442
01:21:08,280 --> 01:21:11,113
Others prefer to return to their cosy dens.
443
01:21:23,800 --> 01:21:27,316
Spending the cold months ahead,
drifting in and out of sleep.
444
01:21:44,040 --> 01:21:49,160
The mountains become a still
and frozen wonderland once more.
445
01:22:04,320 --> 01:22:06,357
Our story is reaching its end...
446
01:22:09,360 --> 01:22:11,317
A humble tribute to the wild.
447
01:22:16,440 --> 01:22:18,954
But it is a tribute to people as well.
448
01:22:27,440 --> 01:22:29,590
A tribute to all those Romanians,
449
01:22:30,200 --> 01:22:31,998
in increasing number, that understand
450
01:22:32,200 --> 01:22:34,589
our environment faces challenges.
451
01:22:38,080 --> 01:22:39,514
Poaching...
452
01:22:44,680 --> 01:22:45,875
Illegal fishing...
453
01:22:50,720 --> 01:22:52,791
Parks and forests carelessly littered...
454
01:22:56,920 --> 01:22:59,070
A decreasing number of green spaces
within cities...
455
01:23:07,080 --> 01:23:09,356
Unsustainable logging...
456
01:23:17,840 --> 01:23:20,992
Alack of household recycling...
457
01:23:25,680 --> 01:23:29,560
Excessive consumption of water,
energy and other resources...
458
01:23:36,440 --> 01:23:38,272
These are not the only problems we face,
459
01:23:40,160 --> 01:23:42,356
but they are amongst the most important.
460
01:23:45,080 --> 01:23:47,833
Nature is not only majestic...
461
01:23:49,240 --> 01:23:50,275
but also fragile.
462
01:24:05,560 --> 01:24:08,598
A wise man once said
that flowers don't have to be loved,
463
01:24:09,080 --> 01:24:10,150
they have to be watered.
464
01:24:10,560 --> 01:24:13,313
He also said that the beauty of petals
465
01:24:13,560 --> 01:24:15,631
should not make up a gardener's pride,
466
01:24:16,360 --> 01:24:18,874
but should instead stir his wonder
and gratitude.
467
01:24:22,040 --> 01:24:23,155
Over the past few years,
468
01:24:23,520 --> 01:24:26,876
people in our country have become
increasingly interested in nature.
469
01:24:27,760 --> 01:24:31,879
We no longer want to be strangers
to our own environment.
470
01:24:34,800 --> 01:24:38,111
Living in freedom, educating ourselves,
and traveling,
471
01:24:38,720 --> 01:24:41,712
we also come to grasp an essential truth:
472
01:24:42,520 --> 01:24:47,276
of all the things one may feel
about the beauty of one's land,
473
01:24:48,000 --> 01:24:50,276
pride is not the wisest thing.
474
01:24:53,440 --> 01:24:55,829
Many nations dwell amidst
majestic sceneries,
475
01:24:56,120 --> 01:24:58,350
seemingly designed to take your
breath away.
476
01:24:58,880 --> 01:25:03,590
And no particular people is accountable
for the magnificence of its homeland.
477
01:25:07,720 --> 01:25:10,951
It was not men's arms
that have folded the Earth's crust,
478
01:25:11,440 --> 01:25:15,035
thrusting forward the rock of the mountains
to the skies.
479
01:25:20,440 --> 01:25:22,590
It was not from women's looms
480
01:25:22,960 --> 01:25:26,794
that the endlessness of plains
emerged like an outstretched canvas.
481
01:25:33,480 --> 01:25:34,675
It was not children's play
482
01:25:34,960 --> 01:25:38,112
that has engendered the wind's quadrille
or birds' chirping.
483
01:25:38,640 --> 01:25:40,517
Nor has the wisdom of elders
484
01:25:40,800 --> 01:25:43,155
brought into being the progression
of seasons
485
01:25:43,400 --> 01:25:45,198
and other cycles of life.
486
01:25:49,440 --> 01:25:52,910
The spectacle of nature
is stunning all over the world
487
01:25:53,320 --> 01:25:56,153
and it does not owe anything to humankind.
488
01:26:04,840 --> 01:26:09,277
Our species holds a merit
only in as much as it understands all this,
489
01:26:09,760 --> 01:26:12,195
and insofar as it decides to act
accordingly:
490
01:26:12,960 --> 01:26:17,158
That's to cherish, protect, and preserve
491
01:26:17,360 --> 01:26:20,273
the marvelous planet we have been
blessed with.
492
01:26:29,880 --> 01:26:32,315
To be born in a beautiful place
is not a virtue,
493
01:26:32,880 --> 01:26:35,394
but it is a virtue to make it last.
494
01:26:36,760 --> 01:26:41,038
Magnificence should still be here
for our children to see.
41760
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