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This story begins at
the heart of Europe.
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00:00:53,080 --> 00:00:55,400
Where bright lights shine
throughout the night.
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00:00:59,920 --> 00:01:01,320
Days come and go.
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00:01:05,840 --> 00:01:07,400
Time slips by.
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00:01:11,840 --> 00:01:14,240
Millions of people call
these cities their home.
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00:01:21,680 --> 00:01:23,640
But beyond the hustle and bustle,
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00:01:23,720 --> 00:01:26,920
it's easy to forget
there is another world out there.
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00:01:32,680 --> 00:01:35,040
A place of natural wonder.
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00:01:39,440 --> 00:01:42,200
One of the largest
wildernesses in Europe.
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00:01:47,800 --> 00:01:50,560
Where vast ancient
forests still grow.
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00:01:54,080 --> 00:01:57,160
And great mountains
reach up to kiss the sky.
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00:02:02,240 --> 00:02:04,640
Winding waters twist and turn.
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00:02:11,400 --> 00:02:15,520
Beasts steeped in myth
and legend roam free.
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00:02:22,680 --> 00:02:25,000
They all face the
same challenge:
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00:02:28,600 --> 00:02:32,480
To survive the twists and
turns of the changing seasons.
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00:02:39,920 --> 00:02:43,080
Attempting to outlast
the frozen winter months.
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00:02:44,920 --> 00:02:48,320
Nurture future generations
during the spring and summer.
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00:02:59,080 --> 00:03:02,880
And prepare for winter by
reaping autumn's bounty.
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00:03:09,480 --> 00:03:12,720
In Europe's most
spectacular land.
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00:03:17,800 --> 00:03:20,720
This is Untamed Romania.
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00:03:59,680 --> 00:04:01,440
The Carpathian Mountains.
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00:04:08,240 --> 00:04:10,680
Stretching for 1600 kilometres,
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00:04:10,760 --> 00:04:13,040
through seven different
countries,
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00:04:13,120 --> 00:04:16,040
these mountains are the
backbone of Romania.
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00:04:20,920 --> 00:04:23,880
Winter here is a cruel mistress.
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00:04:28,560 --> 00:04:31,800
She leaves little in her
path but ice and snow.
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00:05:05,680 --> 00:05:09,760
Only a handful of specialists
brave her frozen embrace.
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00:05:17,920 --> 00:05:20,240
And only the most
hardy will survive.
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00:05:37,040 --> 00:05:40,200
But as winter's icy
grip begins to loosen.
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00:05:45,240 --> 00:05:48,760
Deep in the forests,
sleeping giants begin to stir.
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00:06:40,640 --> 00:06:45,880
Brown bears have slept through the worst
of winter, sheltering from the cold.
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00:06:47,200 --> 00:06:48,920
Resting whilst food is scarce.
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00:07:06,240 --> 00:07:12,160
This young bear probably hasn't eaten
for weeks, and he's not the only one.
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00:07:18,160 --> 00:07:22,520
There could be up to 5,000 bears
in Romania's forested heartland.
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00:07:38,920 --> 00:07:45,680
At this time of year, they scour the cold
forest floor for roots, nuts and insects.
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00:08:07,240 --> 00:08:11,520
These slopes are home to a
variety of expert foragers.
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00:08:21,000 --> 00:08:22,040
Wild boar.
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00:08:25,480 --> 00:08:30,920
Their unfussy diet rivals our own;
they will eat almost anything.
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00:08:42,320 --> 00:08:45,600
This female has become
separated from her herd,
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00:08:45,720 --> 00:08:48,560
perhaps distracted by
her search for food.
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00:08:51,680 --> 00:08:54,480
But this makes her vulnerable.
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00:10:00,760 --> 00:10:03,200
She's heavily outnumbered.
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00:10:16,200 --> 00:10:20,280
Unable to outrun the wolves,
she must face them head on.
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00:10:56,280 --> 00:10:59,760
Her fierce defence has
put the wolves off.
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00:11:04,080 --> 00:11:07,320
She'll need to rejoin her
herd, sooner rather than later.
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00:11:19,280 --> 00:11:21,640
A boar could fatally
wound a wolf.
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00:11:23,720 --> 00:11:27,120
But these creatures of
folklore also need to eat.
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00:11:29,440 --> 00:11:31,320
And they will soon
have young to feed.
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00:11:39,720 --> 00:11:44,320
Living in tight family packs,
they act and hunt as one.
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00:11:50,520 --> 00:11:54,080
Wolves patrol and protect
their territory together,
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00:11:54,160 --> 00:11:57,600
which can stretch for
hundreds of square kilometres.
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00:12:23,200 --> 00:12:25,800
But their domain
is about to change.
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00:12:31,000 --> 00:12:33,480
Spring flutters her eyes awake.
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00:12:40,040 --> 00:12:43,160
Longer, warmer days awaken
the plants and trees.
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00:12:51,400 --> 00:12:53,400
And there are many of them here.
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00:12:54,200 --> 00:12:58,520
Over one third of Europe's plant
species are found in Carpathia.
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00:13:17,120 --> 00:13:20,200
Beech trees are one of the most
prevalent across the country.
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00:13:24,080 --> 00:13:27,800
Their budding leaves are one
of the first signs of spring.
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00:13:37,280 --> 00:13:43,480
These little green gems will slowly grow
over the year, soaking up the sun's rays.
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00:13:59,760 --> 00:14:03,200
Below the budding canopy,
among the undergrowth,
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00:14:03,920 --> 00:14:06,760
smaller forest residents
begin to wake up.
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00:14:19,480 --> 00:14:21,640
As the days slowly grow warmer,
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00:14:22,280 --> 00:14:25,640
fire salamanders awaken
from their winter slumber.
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00:14:34,360 --> 00:14:37,560
They're never found too
far from running water.
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00:14:59,360 --> 00:15:04,120
Legend has it that these
amphibians are forged in flames.
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00:15:06,160 --> 00:15:09,240
Living among fallen
branches, their hiding places
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00:15:09,320 --> 00:15:12,480
were sometimes collected
by people for firewood.
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00:15:17,240 --> 00:15:19,040
When placed upon fire,
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00:15:19,120 --> 00:15:22,280
the fire salamander would
suddenly emerge from the flames,
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earning their name.
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00:15:27,480 --> 00:15:30,360
The reality is
quite the opposite.
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00:15:33,680 --> 00:15:37,200
Fire salamanders begin
their life in water.
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00:15:39,040 --> 00:15:42,440
They are one of the few amphibians
to give birth to live young.
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00:15:44,760 --> 00:15:47,440
And after carrying her
offspring through the winter,
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00:15:47,520 --> 00:15:50,720
this mother has found the
perfect birthing pool.
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00:16:01,600 --> 00:16:04,840
These young salamanders
are water bound for now,
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00:16:04,920 --> 00:16:07,320
and are left to fend for themselves.
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00:16:11,520 --> 00:16:16,360
Each day they'll grow a little
stronger and a little brighter,
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00:16:16,440 --> 00:16:20,360
until the time comes for them
to return to the undergrowth.
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00:16:44,760 --> 00:16:48,880
Some have seen the seasons
come and go for many years.
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00:16:50,840 --> 00:16:54,600
But, for others,
this is a whole new world.
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00:16:59,440 --> 00:17:01,520
These bear cubs are
just a few months old.
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00:17:10,599 --> 00:17:14,079
At this age,
life is all fun and games.
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00:17:17,480 --> 00:17:20,640
And this forest clearing
makes a perfect playground.
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00:17:51,480 --> 00:17:56,160
The family will stick together for two to
three years, learning valuable lessons.
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00:18:18,480 --> 00:18:21,880
This little one needs a bit
more practise than his siblings.
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00:19:10,680 --> 00:19:16,360
All over the Carpathians, small
streams trickle down the mountainsides.
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00:19:23,040 --> 00:19:26,760
Many end up feeding into
Romania's greatest river.
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00:19:37,040 --> 00:19:38,040
The Danube.
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00:19:44,840 --> 00:19:47,240
Flowing through 10
different countries,
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00:19:47,320 --> 00:19:50,600
this vast river is the
second longest in Europe.
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00:19:56,440 --> 00:20:00,760
Down the ages, the Danube has
worn through ancient stone.
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00:20:05,160 --> 00:20:11,400
Twisting and turning through forests,
shaping the landscapes seen today.
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00:20:25,560 --> 00:20:28,400
And where the Danube meets the Black Sea,
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some of Romania's most
spectacular wildlife flourishes.
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00:20:35,480 --> 00:20:38,160
This is the Danube Delta.
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00:20:40,360 --> 00:20:43,280
A seemingly endless
maze of waterways,
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00:20:46,240 --> 00:20:47,560
marshes,
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and forests.
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00:20:54,400 --> 00:20:57,560
Covering almost 6,000
square kilometres.
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00:21:04,800 --> 00:21:09,800
Resulting in one of the most
diverse ecosystems in Europe.
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00:21:39,120 --> 00:21:43,480
With spring's arrival,
there is a fresh bounty for all.
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00:21:44,400 --> 00:21:46,760
But the celebration is fleeting.
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00:21:47,760 --> 00:21:52,560
The delta becomes a grandstand
for the fiercest of competitions.
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00:21:59,880 --> 00:22:03,160
It's breeding season for
the local wild horses.
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00:22:07,880 --> 00:22:11,680
Groups of males test their
strength against each other.
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00:22:19,560 --> 00:22:24,320
Only the strongest stallions
will get the chance to mate.
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00:22:32,040 --> 00:22:33,800
A short distance away,
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an established stallion
guards over his herd.
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He alone can mate
with these mares.
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00:22:44,760 --> 00:22:46,920
But a potential
challenger emerges.
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00:22:57,640 --> 00:23:00,760
Violence is the only option,
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00:23:01,280 --> 00:23:05,520
but a broken jaw or leg could mean a
slow, torturous death.
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00:23:58,720 --> 00:24:03,360
With the challenger defeated,
the stallion returns to his females.
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00:24:15,680 --> 00:24:19,400
His family is secure. For now.
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00:24:34,240 --> 00:24:38,480
All over the delta, young families
are raising the next generation.
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00:24:50,200 --> 00:24:55,080
In late spring, whiskered terns
spend the day feeding their young.
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00:25:11,800 --> 00:25:15,560
Sometimes this means the
chicks are left alone.
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00:25:20,160 --> 00:25:24,680
Without the protection of their parents,
they're at their most vulnerable.
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00:25:38,200 --> 00:25:40,480
Danger is all around.
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00:25:51,280 --> 00:25:53,240
Oblivious to the risk,
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one chick decides now is the perfect
time for an unsupervised swim.
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00:26:00,480 --> 00:26:01,960
But at such a young age,
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00:26:02,040 --> 00:26:05,560
his soft feathers are not quite ready
for such an ambitious adventure.
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00:26:08,760 --> 00:26:12,480
He could easily become
waterlogged or exhausted.
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00:26:36,160 --> 00:26:39,560
The remaining chick begins
to follow its sibling.
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00:26:47,040 --> 00:26:49,680
But a parent returns
just in time.
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00:26:58,480 --> 00:27:02,120
The other guides the novice
swimmer back to the nest.
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00:27:21,240 --> 00:27:26,440
Disaster is narrowly averted,
and the family is safely reunited.
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00:27:35,400 --> 00:27:40,160
Spring's bloom also brings fresh
vigour to the delta's plant life.
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00:27:49,000 --> 00:27:53,640
Access to light is the greatest
struggle amongst the life of plants.
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00:27:56,800 --> 00:28:01,040
These waters are ruled by those
that can seize the surface.
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00:28:11,320 --> 00:28:14,680
One of the most successful
have evolved a defence
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00:28:14,760 --> 00:28:17,640
mechanism that is
deployed day and night.
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00:28:29,000 --> 00:28:31,040
When the moon is at its highest,
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00:28:31,120 --> 00:28:35,360
lily flowers hold their
delicate petals firmly clasped,
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00:28:35,440 --> 00:28:38,240
protecting what is
most important to them.
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00:28:39,920 --> 00:28:43,320
Pollen,
the key to their survival.
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00:28:45,800 --> 00:28:50,360
Whilst closed, the flowers shelter their
sticky pollen from the morning dew.
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00:28:57,440 --> 00:29:01,520
But as the sun rises and the
temperature is just right,
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00:29:01,600 --> 00:29:04,120
these flowers begin to unfurl.
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00:29:31,600 --> 00:29:37,080
With the sun beaming down, insects are
soon attracted to their enticing odour.
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00:29:38,520 --> 00:29:41,200
Bringing with them
pollen from other lilies,
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00:29:41,280 --> 00:29:46,720
fertilising the flowers and ensuring the
next generation of these dynamic plants.
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00:29:52,440 --> 00:29:56,080
These vast forests of water
lilies also provide shelter
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00:29:56,160 --> 00:29:59,320
and protection for much
of the delta's wildlife.
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00:30:12,280 --> 00:30:14,760
Including Europe's
largest native frog.
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00:30:26,680 --> 00:30:29,640
Reaching up to 17 centimetres long,
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maintaining their formidable
size is no easy task.
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00:30:37,080 --> 00:30:41,680
Fortunately for these marsh frogs,
the delta is full of tasty snacks.
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00:30:51,560 --> 00:30:53,880
If they can catch them.
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00:31:14,720 --> 00:31:17,200
Marsh frogs don't
give up easily.
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00:31:35,560 --> 00:31:40,600
Being the biggest frog around
means you also fall the hardest.
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00:31:43,160 --> 00:31:45,360
But their persistence
normally pays off.
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00:32:03,760 --> 00:32:07,520
Beneath the lily pads,
there is a darker world.
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00:32:16,920 --> 00:32:19,840
A place of murk and mystery.
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00:32:30,280 --> 00:32:33,120
Home to over 100 fish species.
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00:32:35,240 --> 00:32:38,680
And occasionally, a
prehistoric giant.
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00:32:45,640 --> 00:32:51,160
A mammoth beast that has navigated the
seas and rivers for millions of years...
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00:33:07,520 --> 00:33:09,200
The beluga sturgeon.
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00:33:14,720 --> 00:33:17,720
Sometimes referred to as living fossils,
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00:33:17,800 --> 00:33:23,400
these prehistoric fish have barely
changed form in over 200 million years.
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00:33:28,880 --> 00:33:32,400
It's one of the largest
freshwater fish in the world.
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00:33:32,800 --> 00:33:38,200
A full-sized adult can reach six metres
in length and weigh over a tonne.
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00:33:44,040 --> 00:33:50,200
As solitary animals, these monolithic
beasts cruise the gloomy depths, alone.
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00:34:01,560 --> 00:34:07,120
Above these bottom dwellers, others find
that teamwork yields the best results.
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00:34:28,840 --> 00:34:32,920
Great white pelicans are the
masters of collaboration.
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00:34:39,719 --> 00:34:44,639
Many thousands migrate here in the spring
from warmer climates such as Africa,
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00:34:44,719 --> 00:34:48,159
the Middle East and even
the Indian Subcontinent.
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00:34:54,159 --> 00:35:00,040
Cruising the delta's waterways, they herd
schools of fish into one anothers path.
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00:35:05,320 --> 00:35:10,400
This clever fishing technique increases
everyone's chance of catching a meal.
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00:35:24,240 --> 00:35:29,240
Fish, crustaceans and various
amphibians are always on the menu.
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00:35:44,520 --> 00:35:49,640
Once they've exhausted these waters,
it's time to do what pelicans do best.
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Take to the skies.
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00:36:20,680 --> 00:36:23,880
They can travel 100
kilometres a day searching for
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00:36:23,960 --> 00:36:26,920
food before returning
to their nesting ground.
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It's not just animals that have
made their home in the delta.
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00:37:13,840 --> 00:37:15,880
This is Histria.
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00:37:16,720 --> 00:37:21,000
An ancient city built by the Greeks,
two and a half thousand years ago.
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00:37:23,640 --> 00:37:25,680
Once a vibrant trading centre,
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00:37:25,760 --> 00:37:29,360
its streets would have been filled
with merchants and tradesmen.
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00:37:32,240 --> 00:37:37,040
But now these ruins are home
to much wilder residents.
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00:37:43,920 --> 00:37:47,760
And some of them are
cold-blooded killers.
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00:38:00,320 --> 00:38:01,520
Dice snakes.
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00:38:04,600 --> 00:38:07,840
These serpents spend the
winter in hibernation,
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00:38:07,920 --> 00:38:10,440
emerging in the
warmer months to hunt.
187
00:38:32,360 --> 00:38:36,080
But this female has no interest
in ground squirrels or birds.
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00:38:47,120 --> 00:38:50,280
Because this snake
is a fish hunter.
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00:39:26,480 --> 00:39:30,480
And bottom-feeding gobies
are her favourite prey.
190
00:39:39,040 --> 00:39:41,120
But finding them isn't easy.
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00:39:47,840 --> 00:39:52,600
Dice snakes lack gills,
so a quick breath is often required.
192
00:40:05,160 --> 00:40:07,160
Time for round two.
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00:40:36,480 --> 00:40:41,480
Despite a final struggle, the goby's
fate has long since been sealed.
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00:40:54,480 --> 00:40:58,920
Once her catch is consumed,
she will seek refuge from the midday heat.
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00:41:06,240 --> 00:41:09,000
During Romania's hottest season,
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00:41:09,080 --> 00:41:13,200
even cold-blooded killers cannot
survive the sun at its peak.
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00:41:20,840 --> 00:41:23,320
Summer has arrived,
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00:41:24,000 --> 00:41:26,760
pulling the country
into her warm embrace.
199
00:41:31,720 --> 00:41:35,880
Her days are long,
slow and hot.
200
00:41:49,240 --> 00:41:52,680
Perhaps the season's most
spectacular event is born from
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00:41:52,760 --> 00:41:56,440
humble beginnings,
among the depths of the MureČ™ River.
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00:42:16,480 --> 00:42:18,160
Deep under this water,
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00:42:18,240 --> 00:42:23,040
millions of tiny creatures have been
patiently waiting for three years.
204
00:42:44,480 --> 00:42:49,120
The arrival of summer triggers these
mayfly larvae to head to the surface.
205
00:43:07,440 --> 00:43:09,560
At first, just a few.
206
00:43:15,280 --> 00:43:16,760
Then, a few more.
207
00:43:29,840 --> 00:43:33,920
By the end of the day,
millions will have taken to the sky.
208
00:43:45,480 --> 00:43:48,680
This spectacle lasts less than a day.
209
00:43:49,480 --> 00:43:52,720
In this brief time,
the mayflies must race to mate,
210
00:43:52,800 --> 00:43:55,440
then travel upriver to lay their eggs,
211
00:43:55,520 --> 00:43:58,920
after which their lives
will come to an abrupt end.
212
00:44:13,680 --> 00:44:17,360
Other life cycles here
have a much slower pace.
213
00:44:23,520 --> 00:44:27,680
The Carpathian Mountains are home to some
of the most ancient forests in Europe.
214
00:44:30,640 --> 00:44:34,040
Seas of green stretch as
far as the eye can see.
215
00:44:38,800 --> 00:44:41,880
These great forests have
stood the test of time.
216
00:44:44,640 --> 00:44:49,560
They are representative of what much of
Europe looked like around 3,000 years ago.
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00:44:52,600 --> 00:44:57,920
A mix of beech, birch,
oak and pines cover a third of Romania.
218
00:45:24,320 --> 00:45:26,680
Like the animals that live among them,
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00:45:26,760 --> 00:45:30,120
many of these trees help
and support one another.
220
00:45:35,520 --> 00:45:39,240
Vast networks of roots
connect families of trees,
221
00:45:39,400 --> 00:45:42,280
supplying one another
with vital nutrients.
222
00:45:47,520 --> 00:45:52,080
Even in death, each tree continues
giving life to the forest.
223
00:45:56,880 --> 00:46:00,320
Collapsing slices a gap
in the dense canopy,
224
00:46:00,400 --> 00:46:03,440
drenching the new clearing
in bright sunlight.
225
00:46:11,320 --> 00:46:13,080
As the tree begins to rot,
226
00:46:13,160 --> 00:46:17,480
it releases important nutrients,
acting as a natural fertiliser.
227
00:46:24,680 --> 00:46:26,560
Under these perfect conditions,
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00:46:26,640 --> 00:46:29,360
new plant life quickly establishes,
229
00:46:30,600 --> 00:46:32,880
irresistible to hungry herbivores.
230
00:46:37,680 --> 00:46:42,080
Which are the perfect prey
for Europe's largest feline.
231
00:47:00,120 --> 00:47:01,520
The Eurasian lynx.
232
00:47:04,600 --> 00:47:08,200
This adept predator is
a secretive character.
233
00:47:12,240 --> 00:47:14,240
Its preferred hunting technique
234
00:47:14,520 --> 00:47:18,200
is to ambush prey using the
dense cover of the forest.
235
00:47:30,320 --> 00:47:32,760
But this female has
other priorities.
236
00:47:38,680 --> 00:47:43,200
At just a few weeks old, her cubs
won't be able to hunt for a while yet.
237
00:47:45,240 --> 00:47:48,320
For them,
it's all about playtime.
238
00:48:06,880 --> 00:48:10,080
They're always looking
for new playgrounds.
239
00:48:14,640 --> 00:48:16,600
It's exhausting work
for their mother.
240
00:48:31,720 --> 00:48:34,800
These cubs will spend their
first year with their mother,
241
00:48:34,880 --> 00:48:37,280
exploring the forest's secrets,
242
00:48:37,360 --> 00:48:40,400
watching and learning how to
survive through the seasons.
243
00:49:04,800 --> 00:49:08,640
Whilst others care for their
young high above the forests.
244
00:49:16,720 --> 00:49:18,560
The Apuseni Mountains.
245
00:49:25,760 --> 00:49:28,880
This geological mosaic
of volcanic rock and
246
00:49:28,960 --> 00:49:32,560
limestone has been forged
over millions of years.
247
00:49:44,880 --> 00:49:49,080
They are also home to one of
the world's most iconic raptors.
248
00:50:09,720 --> 00:50:11,280
The king of the skies.
249
00:50:13,120 --> 00:50:14,240
The golden eagle.
250
00:50:19,240 --> 00:50:20,680
A powerful predator.
251
00:50:26,320 --> 00:50:27,800
But he is also wise.
252
00:50:34,480 --> 00:50:36,000
Every flight is calculated.
253
00:51:12,320 --> 00:51:17,160
Patrolling his kingdom,
he carefully scans the land below.
254
00:51:31,840 --> 00:51:35,560
Eagles have some of the best
eyesight in the natural world.
255
00:51:36,560 --> 00:51:40,640
It's estimated to be up to eight
times stronger than the average human.
256
00:51:44,720 --> 00:51:49,200
Powerful enough to spot a meal
from over three kilometres away.
257
00:52:02,800 --> 00:52:03,880
A lone hare.
258
00:52:05,640 --> 00:52:08,560
The perfect prey for this
warrior-king of birds.
259
00:52:20,800 --> 00:52:26,360
In a full stoop, he can reach speeds
of up to 320 kilometres per hour.
260
00:52:47,000 --> 00:52:49,480
The hare doesn't stand a chance.
261
00:52:59,720 --> 00:53:02,480
But the eagle won't keep
the meal to himself.
262
00:53:07,840 --> 00:53:09,240
He must return to his home.
263
00:53:12,440 --> 00:53:15,240
For he is also a father.
264
00:53:35,600 --> 00:53:38,280
His young chick is quick
to devour its share.
265
00:53:59,840 --> 00:54:04,320
It'll soon be ready to leave the nest,
and establish a kingdom of its own.
266
00:54:15,880 --> 00:54:21,520
The skies these eagles soar through are
living out a life cycle of their own.
267
00:54:28,760 --> 00:54:32,720
Midsummer sees the Carpathians'
highest levels of rainfall.
268
00:54:36,480 --> 00:54:39,920
The forest is soon drenched
with life-sustaining water.
269
00:54:56,000 --> 00:54:59,280
It also shapes what lies
deep beneath the surface.
270
00:55:02,040 --> 00:55:06,400
As water seeps into the ground,
it enters a very different world.
271
00:55:09,280 --> 00:55:11,360
One of darkness and damp.
272
00:55:23,600 --> 00:55:28,800
Around 4,000 caves can be found
within the Apuseni Mountains alone.
273
00:55:32,240 --> 00:55:35,280
Many are filled with
stalactites and stalagmites.
274
00:55:45,040 --> 00:55:47,840
As water creeps through
the rock and stone,
275
00:55:47,920 --> 00:55:52,560
it deposits salts and minerals,
forming these eerie statues.
276
00:56:08,000 --> 00:56:11,760
But these caves are also a tomb.
277
00:56:20,280 --> 00:56:23,440
These fearsome skeletons are
the remains of cave bears.
278
00:56:36,080 --> 00:56:38,440
A distant cousin of the brown bear,
279
00:56:38,560 --> 00:56:42,600
the cave bear became extinct
around 27,000 years ago.
280
00:56:44,920 --> 00:56:47,560
Perhaps due to climate
change or hunting.
281
00:56:54,240 --> 00:56:57,160
Other species have come
close to a similar fate.
282
00:57:01,880 --> 00:57:03,800
Deep in the forest clearings,
283
00:57:03,880 --> 00:57:07,800
lives one of Romania's rarest
and most endangered mammals.
284
00:57:21,160 --> 00:57:22,680
The Eurasian bison.
285
00:57:35,040 --> 00:57:40,840
Unrivalled in strength and size,
it is Europe's largest land mammal.
286
00:57:43,000 --> 00:57:45,240
Hulking, hairy beasts,
287
00:57:45,320 --> 00:57:49,920
some standing nearly two metres tall
and weighing as much as a tonne.
288
00:57:57,040 --> 00:58:00,240
Many thousands once
roamed across Europe.
289
00:58:04,160 --> 00:58:06,200
By the early 20th century,
290
00:58:06,280 --> 00:58:10,680
habitat loss and hunting
had led to their near-extinction.
291
00:58:18,880 --> 00:58:23,880
Today, only a few small herds
can be found in this wilderness.
292
00:58:36,480 --> 00:58:40,080
Other forest-dwellers
have had better luck.
293
00:59:07,000 --> 00:59:10,280
With this bountiful time
of year in full swing,
294
00:59:10,360 --> 00:59:14,840
many bears are attracted to the rich
foods found in this forest clearing.
295
00:59:25,000 --> 00:59:29,240
Flavoursome flower buds
and succulent grasses.
296
01:00:02,280 --> 01:00:06,240
But sometimes what you want
most is right under your nose.
297
01:00:11,920 --> 01:00:15,600
For this female finding it
is easier said than done.
298
01:00:39,920 --> 01:00:43,840
But even the biggest beasts can
be scared by the smallest things.
299
01:00:53,480 --> 01:00:56,040
Finally, she finds what
she's been looking for.
300
01:01:02,080 --> 01:01:06,720
A large ant colony is a nutritious,
conveniently packaged treat.
301
01:01:39,680 --> 01:01:43,640
Many of Romania's bears have
survived the tougher seasons.
302
01:01:43,760 --> 01:01:48,760
Now, with full bellies,
they can finally kick back and relax.
303
01:01:53,880 --> 01:01:56,160
A sunny meadow is
the perfect spot.
304
01:02:03,680 --> 01:02:06,040
And the view isn't
too bad either.
305
01:02:14,920 --> 01:02:18,560
All over the country,
meadows burst with colour.
306
01:02:26,760 --> 01:02:31,560
These rolling plains are amongst the
most diverse ecosystems in Europe.
307
01:02:42,840 --> 01:02:46,800
Their perfumed petals attract an
equally colourful squadron of insects,
308
01:02:47,320 --> 01:02:49,320
in search of sweet nectar.
309
01:02:57,480 --> 01:03:00,520
Of the species of butterfly
native to Romania,
310
01:03:01,200 --> 01:03:05,200
the large blues are without
doubt some of the most unusual.
311
01:03:10,520 --> 01:03:14,760
This female chooses the colourful
marsh gentian to deposit her eggs.
312
01:03:36,880 --> 01:03:42,920
Soon, the young caterpillar's insatiable
appetite takes itself high and low.
313
01:03:51,240 --> 01:03:56,080
Using a fine strand of silk,
this individual abseils to the ground.
314
01:04:20,640 --> 01:04:24,240
Although not everything
goes quite to plan.
315
01:04:33,160 --> 01:04:37,320
Regardless, the caterpillar
continues searching for food.
316
01:04:47,480 --> 01:04:51,200
The meadow floor, however,
harbours many dangers.
317
01:04:54,680 --> 01:04:58,760
Red ants search for anything
edible to feed their own brood.
318
01:05:06,480 --> 01:05:09,040
They have an excellent sense of smell,
319
01:05:09,360 --> 01:05:13,480
and this individual has locked on to
the defenceless young caterpillar.
320
01:05:19,160 --> 01:05:21,320
Using a set of powerful jaws,
321
01:05:22,080 --> 01:05:26,320
the ant seizes its prize and
heads straight back to the colony.
322
01:05:45,680 --> 01:05:48,840
Other worker ants appear
intrigued by the new arrival.
323
01:05:55,760 --> 01:05:59,760
Rather than attack, they amazingly
treat it as one of their own.
324
01:06:02,640 --> 01:06:07,240
Because this caterpillar has developed
an ingenious survival strategy.
325
01:06:09,720 --> 01:06:12,080
It mimics the scent of these ants,
326
01:06:12,840 --> 01:06:15,920
even making the same noise
as the colony's queen,
327
01:06:16,760 --> 01:06:18,560
thus deceiving the workers.
328
01:06:22,680 --> 01:06:23,920
Some ants feed it.
329
01:06:36,920 --> 01:06:41,280
While others ensure its skin is
kept clean and free from parasites.
330
01:06:45,680 --> 01:06:50,840
Despite this five-star treatment, the ants
get nothing in return for their efforts.
331
01:06:53,600 --> 01:06:58,400
The caterpillar grows bigger and
stronger, transforming within its cocoon.
332
01:07:08,360 --> 01:07:11,400
Eventually,
it is almost ready to break free.
333
01:07:53,400 --> 01:07:57,040
Once out, the butterfly
rushes to exit the nest.
334
01:07:58,120 --> 01:07:59,920
With no more mimicking scent,
335
01:08:00,000 --> 01:08:04,240
now is the only time the ants
might realise they've been duped.
336
01:08:20,680 --> 01:08:24,439
The butterfly prepares
for its maiden flight.
337
01:08:44,560 --> 01:08:47,319
Living for just a few weeks
as a butterfly,
338
01:08:47,479 --> 01:08:51,120
it will soon mate and
repeat one of nature's most
339
01:08:51,200 --> 01:08:55,080
extraordinary and complex
life cycles all over again.
340
01:09:11,760 --> 01:09:15,439
With so many insects to be
found among the flower meadow,
341
01:09:15,760 --> 01:09:18,680
white storks are never very far away.
342
01:09:27,399 --> 01:09:30,359
Today, they're drawn together
for an impromptu feast.
343
01:09:34,479 --> 01:09:37,800
And the food's being
served by an unusual chef.
344
01:10:07,160 --> 01:10:09,640
The freshly cut grass
means insects and other
345
01:10:09,720 --> 01:10:12,320
small prey are flushed
out and easily located.
346
01:10:23,120 --> 01:10:25,280
But they can't forage for too long.
347
01:10:26,120 --> 01:10:29,800
Many of these storks have
important deliveries to make.
348
01:10:57,040 --> 01:11:02,680
Storks' time for raising chicks coincides
with the summer's abundant supply of food.
349
01:11:05,680 --> 01:11:08,000
Both parents have been
ferrying edible cargo
350
01:11:08,080 --> 01:11:10,400
to their nest since the
chicks first hatched,
351
01:11:10,480 --> 01:11:11,880
around nine weeks ago.
352
01:11:18,240 --> 01:11:21,760
The chicks are getting big
now, with appetites to match.
353
01:11:29,040 --> 01:11:33,040
Close by, other siblings are
forced to find their own meals.
354
01:11:36,360 --> 01:11:38,800
A local orchard has
the ripest apples.
355
01:11:46,920 --> 01:11:50,200
And these young bears are
happy to help themselves.
356
01:12:44,680 --> 01:12:49,480
Autumn has finally arrived.
Nature's most talented artist.
357
01:12:59,360 --> 01:13:02,400
She paints the forest
with masterful strokes.
358
01:13:06,600 --> 01:13:11,560
Her dazzling vision is unequalled
in richness and intensity.
359
01:13:28,600 --> 01:13:31,800
And she has one
last, timely gift.
360
01:13:36,880 --> 01:13:38,400
The autumn bounty.
361
01:13:42,480 --> 01:13:45,040
Fruits and berries are
the sweetest treats.
362
01:13:47,280 --> 01:13:51,160
Beech trees occasionally bestow
an exceptionally generous gift.
363
01:13:55,000 --> 01:13:57,840
Every few years, all over Carpathia,
364
01:13:57,920 --> 01:14:01,000
beech nuts simultaneously
fall to the ground.
365
01:14:09,080 --> 01:14:13,320
It's thought that this tactic
guarantees an abundance of nuts,
366
01:14:13,560 --> 01:14:17,520
so many in fact,
that the animals which feast upon them -
367
01:14:19,760 --> 01:14:22,080
couldn't possibly finish them all.
368
01:14:28,760 --> 01:14:32,760
Giving the leftover nuts a better
chance to take root and grow.
369
01:14:44,080 --> 01:14:46,200
For much of Romania's wildlife,
370
01:14:46,280 --> 01:14:50,120
it is the last chance to fatten
up before winter returns.
371
01:14:58,880 --> 01:15:01,560
The clock is ticking for
this bear family to take
372
01:15:01,640 --> 01:15:04,280
on calories before they
sleep through the winter.
373
01:15:15,600 --> 01:15:18,680
Starvation is a
very real threat.
374
01:15:28,240 --> 01:15:32,560
Whilst some are gorging,
others have very different priorities.
375
01:15:37,440 --> 01:15:40,600
And none more so than
on Piatra Craiului.
376
01:15:47,920 --> 01:15:54,160
Located in the Southern Carpathians, this
is one of Romania's most iconic ridges.
377
01:16:04,600 --> 01:16:09,160
The steep slopes are a haven for plant
life found nowhere else in the world.
378
01:16:12,160 --> 01:16:16,520
Many of the country's unique plant
species are found on such ridges.
379
01:16:23,440 --> 01:16:27,800
And where plant life flourishes,
herbivores are never far away.
380
01:16:31,080 --> 01:16:34,200
Including the most resilient of
mountain inhabitants...
381
01:16:43,000 --> 01:16:44,000
Chamois.
382
01:16:47,920 --> 01:16:52,120
They are found upon the highest
and most inaccessible slopes.
383
01:17:08,280 --> 01:17:14,120
Bucks spend most of the year alone, but in
the autumn months they seek out females.
384
01:17:20,240 --> 01:17:23,160
Competition to secure
mating rights can be tough.
385
01:17:27,200 --> 01:17:31,920
This male must be vigilant that no
others get too close to his females.
386
01:17:51,520 --> 01:17:53,760
A rival buck is closing in.
387
01:18:03,120 --> 01:18:04,920
But this hasn't gone unnoticed.
388
01:18:05,640 --> 01:18:10,400
The resident male quickly descends the
steep slopes to intercept the challenger.
389
01:18:34,160 --> 01:18:36,680
His astute tactic has worked.
390
01:18:45,920 --> 01:18:47,440
The challenger retreats.
391
01:18:51,640 --> 01:18:55,280
He must continue his search
elsewhere, and alone.
392
01:19:03,680 --> 01:19:06,560
The dominant buck
returns to the females.
393
01:19:20,680 --> 01:19:24,040
Further down the slopes,
confrontations can be deadly.
394
01:19:28,800 --> 01:19:30,720
Winter is knocking
at autumn's door.
395
01:19:36,200 --> 01:19:39,040
Pushing creatures of
the forest to extremes.
396
01:20:05,120 --> 01:20:09,520
A large male bear has sniffed out the
wolf pack's latest victim...
397
01:20:25,040 --> 01:20:26,040
A red deer.
398
01:20:29,440 --> 01:20:33,280
The pack won't give up their
hard-earned prize without a fight.
399
01:20:41,000 --> 01:20:45,200
This powerful giant could weigh more
than all of his opponents combined.
400
01:21:09,840 --> 01:21:12,560
If the pack refuse to
give up their kill,
401
01:21:12,760 --> 01:21:16,120
the bear won't hesitate
to unleash his full fury.
402
01:21:37,480 --> 01:21:42,360
The wolves escape unharmed,
although the message is clear:
403
01:21:42,440 --> 01:21:44,400
their prize is lost.
404
01:21:54,440 --> 01:21:56,720
Once the bear has
taken his fill,
405
01:21:56,800 --> 01:21:59,200
there might be some scraps
left for the pack...
406
01:22:00,880 --> 01:22:02,040
If they're lucky.
407
01:22:18,320 --> 01:22:22,240
Winter's imminent arrival
pushes many to their limit.
408
01:22:26,520 --> 01:22:29,520
The resilient few who've
made it this far may
409
01:22:29,600 --> 01:22:32,520
now witness the year's
final transformation.
410
01:22:53,600 --> 01:22:56,560
As snow begins to fall across the land,
411
01:22:56,640 --> 01:23:00,880
only the most adaptable will face
the season's harshest months.
412
01:23:30,640 --> 01:23:35,600
This female lynx will roam the snowy
slopes through the depths of winter.
413
01:23:37,880 --> 01:23:42,880
Her thick winter coat
keeps her warm and dry.
414
01:23:55,000 --> 01:23:59,400
A solitary creature,
she will wander these slopes alone,
415
01:23:59,760 --> 01:24:02,560
seeking out what little
prey she can find.
416
01:24:39,200 --> 01:24:42,320
Others prefer to return
to their cosy dens.
417
01:24:55,120 --> 01:24:59,480
Spending the cold months ahead,
drifting in and out of sleep.
418
01:25:16,400 --> 01:25:20,680
The mountains become a still
and frozen landscape once more.
419
01:25:36,920 --> 01:25:40,160
And so this story
reaches its end.
420
01:25:42,720 --> 01:25:45,400
It is not only a tribute
to Romania's wilderness.
421
01:25:46,360 --> 01:25:48,920
But also to its people.
422
01:25:57,440 --> 01:26:03,800
Many of whom understand the problems
facing both environment and wildlife.
423
01:26:12,160 --> 01:26:16,080
Poaching, irresponsible hunting
424
01:26:16,160 --> 01:26:19,840
and illegal fishing could
mean irreversible loss.
425
01:26:27,680 --> 01:26:32,720
Ancient forests, that have stood
the test of time, are also at risk.
426
01:26:45,240 --> 01:26:50,160
Excessive consumption of resources
threaten fragile ecosystems.
427
01:26:54,240 --> 01:26:57,120
These are not the only
problems nature faces,
428
01:26:57,200 --> 01:26:59,840
but they are amongst the most important.
429
01:27:06,120 --> 01:27:09,560
All disrupt the delicate
balance of Romania's wilderness.
430
01:27:12,160 --> 01:27:16,840
Some of the Carpathians'
forests already bear deep scars.
431
01:27:19,320 --> 01:27:23,400
But, with time,
new growth and balance can return.
432
01:27:28,360 --> 01:27:32,080
Preserving this country's
wilderness relies on
433
01:27:32,160 --> 01:27:36,040
humankind to step back
and allow nature to heal.
434
01:27:40,040 --> 01:27:44,360
Romania is home to more than
half of Europe's virgin forests,
435
01:27:44,440 --> 01:27:48,040
making it one of the most extensive
wildernesses on the continent,
436
01:27:48,800 --> 01:27:51,440
a very rare and precious gift.
437
01:27:55,120 --> 01:27:59,040
And if the delicate wetlands of
the Danube Delta are to thrive,
438
01:27:59,120 --> 01:28:04,120
great care is required to preserve one
of Europe's most unique ecosystems.
439
01:28:12,680 --> 01:28:17,120
The continuing conservation and
expansion of these protected areas
440
01:28:17,200 --> 01:28:21,760
could one day result in the largest
national park network in Europe,
441
01:28:21,840 --> 01:28:25,240
serving nature
and local communities alike.
442
01:28:25,440 --> 01:28:29,360
Becoming an example of truly
sustainable development.
443
01:28:32,680 --> 01:28:35,600
This great country would
be at the forefront of
444
01:28:35,680 --> 01:28:38,400
global nature travel destinations,
445
01:28:38,480 --> 01:28:41,680
making Romania a world
leader in conservation.
446
01:28:49,720 --> 01:28:53,520
But there is another reason these
amazing landscapes should be protected.
447
01:28:59,320 --> 01:29:03,000
To ensure that future generations share
the same privilege
448
01:29:03,080 --> 01:29:05,160
that we all enjoy today.
449
01:29:14,520 --> 01:29:16,600
To meander down waterways.
450
01:29:19,920 --> 01:29:23,040
And witness nature's
spectacular beauty.
451
01:29:27,720 --> 01:29:31,720
To hear the call of a golden eagle
echo across a mountain valley.
452
01:29:39,520 --> 01:29:42,600
To walk amongst the woods
and glimpse at a bear.
453
01:29:55,160 --> 01:29:58,880
This is a gift that
all can celebrate.
454
01:30:00,880 --> 01:30:04,560
This is a gift that
all can pass on.
38042
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