Original subtitles

(birds chirping) (gentle music)

- [David] One degree North of the equator,

there is a small island.

(gentle music) (birds chirping)

A thriving tropical paradise.

A thriving tropical paradise.

(gentle music)

(wings flapping) (monkey gibbers)

(wings flapping) (monkey gibbers)

And from the roots of this jungle has sprung one

of the fastest-growing cities in the world.

of the fastest-growing cities in the world.

(dramatic music)

This is Singapore,

one of the most densely populated countries on Earth

but even with 5.4 million people,

but even with 5.4 million people,

there is a wild side.

(water splashes)

We will explore hidden worlds

to discover the unseen treasures of Singapore

and see how they have adapted to the healing world.

and see how they have adapted to the healing world.

(gentle music)

Deploying the latest filmmaking technology,

Deploying the latest filmmaking technology,

we will uncover secrets

and unexpected encounters. (birds chirping)

From bird's eye view

to beneath the surface.

In the light of day

In the light of day

to the darkest corners.

This is an island, a rapid change,

This is an island, a rapid change,

but the wild still exists.

(crocodile roars)

A home to an astonishing 40,000 species of animal and plant.

A home to an astonishing 40,000 species of animal and plant.

(birds chirping) (gentle music)

(birds chirping) (gentle music)

But where is it hiding in the wild city?

(dramatic music)

(dramatic music)

(dark atmospheric wind whooshing)

(scene change whooshing)

Only 25 kilometers from the high-rise city center,

Only 25 kilometers from the high-rise city center,

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve...

(gentle music)

(gentle music)

The largest remaining mangrove ecosystem in the country...

The largest remaining mangrove ecosystem in the country...

(gentle music)

Supporting a diverse community...

Supporting a diverse community...

(water trickles)

(gentle music)

(gentle music)

And the number one predator in the country...

(beans rustle)

(beans rustle)

(intense music)

(water trickles)

That many people don't even know live here.

(intense music)

(intense music)

(water trickles)

The saltwater crocodile.

(water trickles) (dramatic music)

(crocodile roars)

(water splashes)

(intense music)

(gentle music)

(people indistinct chatting)

The world's largest living reptile...

(gentle music)

(water splashes)

Capable of growing to over six meters

and weighing one ton

on the smaller scale at Sungei Buloh

but a huge addition to the nation's biodiversity.

but a huge addition to the nation's biodiversity.

(water trickles)

(water trickles)

A sign of a healthy ecosystem.

(water streams)

And Sungei Buloh can support just a handful.

(intense music)

(gentle music) (water trickles)

(thunder crashes) (rain showers)

(thunder crashes) (rain showers)

(people indistinct chatting)

(people indistinct chatting)

Male crocodiles are mostly solitary.

(intense music)

(water splashes)

And this stretch of river is his personal lader.

(rain showers) (crocodile munches)

(rain showers) (crocodile munches)

(thunder crashes)

Visitors are not welcome.

(water trickles) (rain showers)

A young male has ventured into occupied territory.

(intense music)

(water trickles)

Crocodiles are capable of explosive bursts of speed.

(energetic symphony music) (water trickles)

For the intruder, it's best not to stick around.

For the intruder, it's best not to stick around.

(intense music)

The dominant male has secured his territory.

The dominant male has secured his territory.

(water splashes)

In an environment that has been driven

In an environment that has been driven

to the brink of extinction.

(ominous music)

In Singapore, only 4%

of the original mangrove forest still exists.

of the original mangrove forest still exists.

(ominous music)

A rare but a vitally important habitat

for more than just a crocodile.

(water trickles)

(otters squeak)

(otters squeak)

A group of smooth-coated otters...

(gentle music)

(water splashes)

(water splashes)

Who have adapted to a life on the fringes of the city.

Who have adapted to a life on the fringes of the city.

(gentle music)

(water trickles)

(otter squeaks)

(otter squeaks)

(dog barks) (water splashes)

(intense music)

Smooth-coated otters are found throughout Asia.

Smooth-coated otters are found throughout Asia.

(water splashes)

But in Singapore, they're critically endangered.

But in Singapore, they're critically endangered.

(otter squeaks)

Once declared locally extinct,

this species returned 20 years ago right here

in the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.

in the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.

The proximity of Singapore

to Malaysia meant an easy swim across the Strait

to Malaysia meant an easy swim across the Strait

where they found a newly-formed park-protected

where they found a newly-formed park-protected

from industry and development.

(otters squeak)

Now, a family of five enjoys this wild place,

occasionally, crossing paths with a lucky visitor.

occasionally, crossing paths with a lucky visitor.

(otters squeak) (leaves rustling)

(gentle music)

(gentle music)

(footsteps crunching)

(camera shutters)

Smooth-coated otters live in close-knit family packs.

Smooth-coated otters live in close-knit family packs.

(grass rustling) (gentle music)

Mum is the center of the group.

Mum is the center of the group.

(grass rustling) (gentle music)

She's in charge.

(intense music)

Dad is her loyal partner.

(lighthearted music)

They pair for life.

(lighthearted music)

(otters squeak)

(otters squeak)

And like all parents, they enjoy quality time with the kids.

Important for this pair who have three rowdy teenagers

to keep in line.

(otters squeak)

At just over a year old,

these youngsters are on the cusp of adulthood,

these youngsters are on the cusp of adulthood,

and just like many of us, they have much

and just like many of us, they have much

to learn about the wild around them.

(lighthearted music)

(lighthearted music)

Their world is one of diversity,

and Singapore has a surprising range of habitats.

(intense music)

And it's not just one island.

(sultry music)

(sultry music)

There are over 60.

(boat purs)

(boat purs)

Only 20 minutes from the mainland is

Only 20 minutes from the mainland is

the Island of Pulau Ujong.

(lighthearted music)

Preserved from development,

Preserved from development,

it's a step back in time to a Singapore of the 1960s.

it's a step back in time to a Singapore of the 1960s.

Here you can bring a picnic, slow down, and enjoy the ride.

Here you can bring a picnic, slow down, and enjoy the ride.

(bicycle whirs)

(dog barks)

(people indistinct chatting)

(people indistinct chatting)

(energetic guitar music)

(energetic guitar music)

A stop at the Mangrove Boardwalk is a chance

to encounter the smaller things in life.

to encounter the smaller things in life.

(lighthearted music)

But taking advantage of this visitor attraction are

the forest graders.

(lighthearted music)

(boar snorts)

(leaves rustling)

(intense music) (boar munches)

(intense music) (boar munches)

Wild boars.

(boar snorts)

Found all over Asia.

And since the disappearance of the tiger,

this species is now the biggest land mammal in Singapore.

this species is now the biggest land mammal in Singapore.

(boar munches)

(leaves rustling)

(leaves rustling)

They live in herds, foraging in the forest

for grubs and bulbs.

for grubs and bulbs.

(boar snorts and munches)

But just like people, they have a weakness

for easy fast food.

(leaves rustling) (bouncy music)

(leaves rustling) (bouncy music)

(pig snorts)

Pigs can eat just about anything.

(pig snorts) (bicycle rattles)

(pig snorts) (bicycle rattles)

(lighthearted music)

But such easy picking is not good for their public image

But such easy picking is not good for their public image

or their stomachs.

(lighthearted music) (pig snorts)

Weekend picnic plans also suffer.

(pig snorts)

(whimsical music)

(whimsical music)

Back in the forest,

Mum is in charge of the herd and her piglets.

Born looking a little like a watermelon with legs,

they will gradually lose their stripes as they get older.

they will gradually lose their stripes as they get older.

(grass rustling)

At this age, they're very inquisitive.

At this age, they're very inquisitive.

(grass rustling) (bouncy music)

(grass rustling) (bouncy music)

This little piggy goes exploring.

This little piggy goes exploring.

(bouncy music)

In the past, without Mum,

he would already be in the belly of a tiger.

But today, he's safe.

(pig snorts)

(upbeat music) (traffic passing)

Back in the center of the city,

the pace of life is a little faster

the pace of life is a little faster

and higher.

(upbeat music)

- Whoa!

(ominous music)

- [David] But the wild has its own extreme.

- [David] But the wild has its own extreme.

High flyers. (ominous music)

(scene change whooshing)

(scene change whooshing)

(lighthearted music) (people indistinct chatting)

In a city of 5.4 million people,

In a city of 5.4 million people,

life often goes unnoticed.

It's easy to blend in...

(traffic passing)

Unless you are an aspiring high flyer.

Unless you are an aspiring high flyer.

- Ah! (laughs)

(parachute whooshes) (upbeat music)

(parachute whooshes) (upbeat music)

- [David] An extreme behavior in the city.

(upbeat music)

(upbeat music)

(birds chirping)

Now, just 20 minutes away,

Now, just 20 minutes away,

nature has already invented this stunt.

(birds chirping)

(suspense music)

(suspense music)

Nighttime in the forest.

(insects chittering) (suspense music)

(insects chittering) (suspense music)

(car humming)

(wings flapping)

(ominous music)

(ominous music)

Meet nature's own base jumper.

Meet nature's own base jumper.

(colugo swooshes)

(ominous music) (insects chittering)

(intense music)

The Malayan colugo.

One of the most skillful gliding mammals on the planet.

(ominous music)

(colugo rustles)

(colugo swooshes)

It's around the size of a large squirrel

but it's about to transform.

(colugo swooshes) (triumphant trumpet music)

Folds of skin stretch out to form a wing membrane,

and the colugo becomes more like a bat.

(gentle music)

For an animal that rarely touches the ground, the only way

to move around the forest is to leap and glide.

to move around the forest is to leap and glide.

(gentle music)

It can cover over 130 meters in a single jump.

It can cover over 130 meters in a single jump.

(gentle music)

(leaves rustling) (insects chittering)

(leaves rustling) (insects chittering)

The colugo may look like a squirrel or a bat

but it's neither. (colugo munches)

but it's neither. (colugo munches)

It's thought it could be more closely related

to the primates,

and it has evolved to live its whole life in the tree tops

and be an expert glider.

(insects chittering)

Every part of the body is aerodynamically efficient.

(colugo munches)

But these aerial adaptations present some unique challenges.

But these aerial adaptations present some unique challenges.

(whimsical music)

Going to the bathroom turns

these gliders into contortionists.

(colugo eyes blinking)

The membrane is carefully folded back

to keep it clean for gliding.

(light piano music)

Job done, it's time to mingle.

Males rule a patch of territory.

Males rule a patch of territory.

(colugo rustles)

(colugo rustles)

Competition is not welcome.

(colugo swooshes)

The light is spent in a buzz of activity,

The light is spent in a buzz of activity,

(colugo rustles)

(lighthearted music)

(colugo swooshes) (insects chittering)

(gentle music)

(gentle music)

But by morning, it's just about time for sleep.

(birds chirping)

A female is getting ready for bed.

(birds chirping)

Her baby has lived his entire life in his mother's arms.

He'll stay with her until he is around six months old.

But for now, his home is tucked up in her wing.

(birds chirping)

(bouncy music)

A dawn, the rest of the country awakens.

(birds chirping) (lighthearted music)

(bicycle rattles)

And the colugo prepares to disappear.

Transformed from a skilled glider

Transformed from a skilled glider

to a camouflage expert.

(gentle music)

Sharp claws, anchor it to the tree,

and the fur is the perfect invisibility cloak.

(gentle music) (birds chirping)

Living in the forests of Singapore,

but so rarely seen.

(birds chirping) (gentle music)

While the trees hide elusive creatures

on the coastline, the wild is out for all to see.

on the coastline, the wild is out for all to see.

(gentle music)

(water trickles)

(water trickles)

You just need to look at the right time.

Singapore's coast has too high

and too low tides every day

and a whole community base their lives

around these shifting water levels.

around these shifting water levels.

(gentle music)

(birds chirping)

(birds chirping)

(water trickles)

A fish that has evolved to make the most

A fish that has evolved to make the most

of this tidal world.

The mudskipper.

It can swap swimming

for walking.

(fish wiggles)

And while the tide is out,

there's a lot to do.

there's a lot to do.

(fish wiggles)

Meal time... (fish spatters)

Meal time... (fish spatters)

And social time.

(water trickles) (lighthearted music)

But the mudskipper never forgets it's a fish.

But the mudskipper never forgets it's a fish.

(water trickles) (lighthearted music)

It must keep moist.

(lighthearted music)

(lighthearted music)

But these pools didn't just appear.

(water trickles)

(water trickles)

They're built

by mouth.

(water trickles) (bright music)

(water trickles) (bright music)

Mud is dug up

and carefully deposited on the side of their pool.

(water splashes)

(lighthearted music)

(lighthearted music)

The pool is also their front door

underneath a burrow for breeding over a meter long.

And males aim to attract females to this home

by raising a flag.

(intense music)

But the mudskipper is not the only Romeo

in the tidal community.

(ominous music)

(ominous music)

(lighthearted music)

(lighthearted music)

Meet the male fiddler crab.

Meet the male fiddler crab.

(birds chirping) (ominous music)

Beneath their tough exterior lies a desire

to waltz into the heart of a female.

(energetic music)

Smooth moves will catch the lady's eyes.

Smooth moves will catch the lady's eyes.

On this dance floor, size does matter.

On this dance floor, size does matter.

(energetic music)

The males all have one big claw.

The males all have one big claw.

(energetic music)

The bigger the claw, the better the wave,

The bigger the claw, the better the wave,

the more she will like him.

(energetic music)

(energetic music)

But the room is crowded.

(energetic music)

(energetic music)

Males jostle to stand out.

The ladies are forgotten.

(intense music)

(claws clacking)

The claw now becomes a weapon.

The claw now becomes a weapon.

(claws clacking)

(energetic music)

The female won over. It's time to retire.

The female won over. It's time to retire.

(claws tapping)

In the space of just a few hours, love has blossomed,

In the space of just a few hours, love has blossomed,

and as the tide comes in,

the neighborhood transforms once again.

(water trickles)

(water trickles)

The mudskipper goes for a swim...

(energetic music)

(energetic music)

But not for long.

(energetic music)

(energetic music)

(water trickles)

Some species transform into tree climbers.

Some species transform into tree climbers.

(water splashes)

(energetic music)

It's a chance to relax before the next tidal shift.

It's a chance to relax before the next tidal shift.

(gentle music)

(ominous music)

(ominous music)

(water trickles)

It is not just the mudskippers

and crabs who keep a tide timetable.

(water trickles) (otter squeaks)

(water trickles) (otter squeaks)

At Sungei Buloh, the otter family bases mealtime

around the tides.

around the tides.

And a mid-tide means fishing time.

(water splashes)

(water splashes)

(energetic music)

The protected waters around the Reserve are full of fish.

(water splashes) (energetic music)

But for the teenagers,

making a catch is not always that easy.

(otter squeaks)

(otter squeaks)

(water splashes)

It's much better to hunt as a family.

(suspense music)

(suspense music)

Mom and Dad lead the pack. (water splashes)

In formation, the family works as a team.

(energetic music)

(water splashes) (animals scatter)

(water splashes) (animals scatter)

The aim, to create confusion and chaos for the fish.

(upbeat music)

(water splashes)

Once caught, lunch is best eaten fresh.

Once caught, lunch is best eaten fresh.

(water bubbles)

(intense music)

(intense music)

The starter is eaten alone.

The starter is eaten alone.

(intense music)

But the main meal is often a sit-down family affair.

But the main meal is often a sit-down family affair.

(intense music)

(water whooshes)

But it's not all fish

But it's not all fish

and fun times for this family, even in a protected Wetland,

and fun times for this family, even in a protected Wetland,

danger is never far away.

(intense music)

(ominous music) (birds chirping)

The protected waters of Sungei Buloh are full of fish

The protected waters of Sungei Buloh are full of fish

and smooth-coated otters are some

of the most skilled fish hunters in the world.

of the most skilled fish hunters in the world.

(birds chirping)

(water splashes)

Their streamlined body is perfect for swimming.

Their streamlined body is perfect for swimming.

Their teeth are strong,

and even in murky water,

and even in murky water,

they can feel their prey with their whiskers.

That's important as they each need to catch

and eat about one kilogram of fish a day.

(otter munches)

But the downside to being good at fishing,

uninvited lunch guests.

uninvited lunch guests.

(intense music)

The Malayan water monitor,

one of nature's survivors.

(scene change whooshing)

(intense music)

Adapted to just about any situation.

Adapted to just about any situation.

(intense music)

(lizard sloshes)

The largest lizard in Singapore is a hunter and a scavenger.

And this old lizard has learned

that the otters can provide an easy stack

that the otters can provide an easy stack

(birds chirping)

Monitor lizards could grow to be over two meters long,

bigger than a young otter.

(water trickles)

(water trickles)

And he wants their fish.

(water splashes) (otter munches)

(water splashes) (otter munches)

But the teenagers are not keen to share.

(bouncy music)

However, they are inquisitive.

He could be a new playmate.

He could be a new playmate.

(bouncy music)

(water splashes)

Or perhaps not.

This scavenger only wants a free meal.

(bouncy music)

(grass rustling)

Only 25 kilometers from these wild encounters,

the city continues its rapid growth.

the city continues its rapid growth.

(intense music)

Singapore's landscapers transformed dramatically

Singapore's landscapers transformed dramatically

over the last few hundred years.

95% of the original forest is gone.

95% of the original forest is gone.

(truck swooshes)

But the garden city has given itself a new shade of green.

(people indistinct chatting)

Around 10% of the country is assigned to parks

and reserves enjoyed by ground dwellers

and reserves enjoyed by ground dwellers

and those above.

and those above.

(lighthearted music)

(eagle calling)

The white-bellied sea eagle,

The white-bellied sea eagle,

the largest resident raptor in Singapore.

(aircraft whooshes)

Surrounded by water,

Surrounded by water,

the island nation is the perfect place

for an aerial fish hunter.

(dramatic music)

But the change on the ground has also reached the skies.

But the change on the ground has also reached the skies.

(upbeat music)

(ship hoots)

For the eagle, it's meant some adjustment.

(upbeat music)

A nest built in the wild...

(intense music)

(intense music)

Can quickly become part of an urban world.

(contract machines clacking)

(contract machines clacking)

Going unnoticed by most,

this nest in the suburbs was here long

before construction moved in.

And inside... (gentle music)

A very special bird.

A very special bird.

A female fledgling, about 12 weeks old.

A female fledgling, about 12 weeks old.

She's one of only a handful

of white-bellied sea eagle chicks

that hatch each year in Singapore.

She did have an estimate

but it's around six weeks old,

but it's around six weeks old,

her sibling died.

The evidence suggests it choked on discarded fishing line,

The evidence suggests it choked on discarded fishing line,

accidentally brought to the nest by her parents.

But the remaining chick has survived against the odds.

But the remaining chick has survived against the odds.

Now she's almost the size of an adult

Now she's almost the size of an adult

and just about ready to take her first flight.

(wings flapping)

But she must practice.

(wind gusting)

(leaves rustling)

(leaves rustling)

An approaching storm gives her wind beneath her wings.

This training is essential.

(wind gusting)

(gentle music)

(bright music)

(bright music)

(eagle calling)

It's a tough world up there.

(eagle calling)

Her parents deal with annoyances

Her parents deal with annoyances

(birds squealing)

And threats.

(intense music)

A changeable hawk-eagle is in their territory

and too close for comfort.

and too close for comfort.

(somber flute music)

Paired for life, they unite...

(eagle whooshes)

(eagle whooshes)

(eagle calling)

For an aerial attack.

(intense music)

(intense music)

(somber flute music)

(eagle calling)

(eagle squealing)

(somber flute music)

Battle one, and it's back to the nest.

(gentle music)

The chick is not ready to leave just yet.

(gentle music)

When she does, she'll face challenges and the skies.

When she does, she'll face challenges and the skies.

(traffic passing)

And the continued urban growth on the ground.

And the continued urban growth on the ground.

(gentle music)

(bird calling) (birds chirping)

(bird calling) (birds chirping)

The rapid development in Singapore has put pressure

The rapid development in Singapore has put pressure

on the wild.

(birds chirping)

Over 70% of the country's animals are under threat,

Over 70% of the country's animals are under threat,

due mainly to habitat loss.

(gentle music)

And the urban and the wild live

in an often delicate balance.

(birds chirping) (gentle music)

(birds chirping) (gentle music)

(dog barks)

(intense music)

(wings flapping)

(wings flapping)

(otter barks)

(dog chirping)

(dog chirping)

(intense music)

The wild dogs of Northern Singapore...

(intense music)

(intense music)

Feral, hungry, and intelligent.

Their survivors.

Their survivors.

(intense music)

Sungei Buloh may be a sanctuary, but it has no fences.

(intense music)

(intense music)

Anyone can visit.

(dog barks)

(otter squeaks)

(water splashes)

(otter squeaks) (intense music)

The altars are safe in the water.

(water splashes)

(water splashes)

And the dogs are no match for this close-knit family.

And the dogs are no match for this close-knit family.

(intense music)

(otter squeaks) (dog barks)

(otter squeaks) (dog barks)

(intense music)

But something is wrong.

But something is wrong.

(water trickles)

(otter squeaks)

(otter squeaks)

After diving for safety,

one of the teenagers has been separated.

one of the teenagers has been separated.

(water trickles)

(otter squeaks)

Alone, even in the water,

she's very vulnerable.

(dog panting)

(dog panting)

(water trickles)

She must find the rest of the pack.

(otter squeaks)

(otter squeaks)

Finally, her calls are answered.

(gentle music)

But to reunite, she must cross dangerous ground.

(intense music)

(intense music)

(dog barks) (birds flapping)

(intense music continues)

(intense music continues)

(water splashes)

(birds chirping)

(birds chirping)

Together again, it's a big relief.

Smooth-coated otters are some

of the most social animals in the world

and living in a close-knit pack also ensures safety.

(insects chittering)

But other creatures find their safety in darkness,

hiding so well that they're rarely documented

hiding so well that they're rarely documented

until now.

(insects chittering)

(scene change whooshing)

(scene change whooshing)

In Singapore, the boundaries between the wild

and the city are constantly shifting.

and the city are constantly shifting.

(intense music)

Left alone, the wilderness will

quickly reclaim the forgotten.

(intense music) (insect swarms)

(intense music) (insect swarms)

But sometimes, the urban has surprising wild visitors.

But sometimes, the urban has surprising wild visitors.

(bus swooshes)

(bell rings)

(bell rings)

The Nanyang Technological University.

(energetic music)

(energetic music)

A busy campus in the Western Suburbs of Singapore.

(energetic music)

By day, a buzz of students and learning.

But by night... (vehicle zooms)

Things are a little different.

(owl hoots)

(insects chittering)

(footsteps clomping)

(footsteps clomping)

(scene change whooshing)

Using a thermal image camera, we can see in the dark

Using a thermal image camera, we can see in the dark

the nocturnal creatures emerge.

the nocturnal creatures emerge.

(insects chittering) (dog pants)

Some are easy to find

but others are elusive.

(colugo whooshes)

(colugo whooshes)

The search is on for a very rare forest dweller

that has been rumored to attend university late at night.

that has been rumored to attend university late at night.

(traffic passing)

After months of searching,

at 3:00 AM...

(suspense music)

A Singaporean first.

A Singaporean first.

(suspense music)

Heat images of the elusive Sunda pangolin,

Heat images of the elusive Sunda pangolin,

the world's only scaly mammal.

(lighthearted music) (footsteps crunching)

And this species found in Asia is critically endangered.

(footsteps crunching)

(footsteps crunching)

This is a juvenile and he's an intrepid explorer.

(energetic music)

(footsteps crunching)

Tonight, he's swapping forest for night class.

Tonight, he's swapping forest for night class.

(lighthearted music)

(insects chittering)

(insects chittering)

A glimpse of a pangolin in the wild is very rare.

A glimpse of a pangolin in the wild is very rare.

(footsteps crunching)

(lighthearted music)

And after a pre-visit, the young scholar heads home.

Here, the pangolin hides for the day.

Almost impossible to find.

But behind the scenes at the nearby Research Center,

But behind the scenes at the nearby Research Center,

a special close encounter.

This is a 5-year-old female,

a graduate of the captive breeding program.

(gentle music) (footsteps crunching)

She's a skilled ground dweller

and tree climber.

(energetic music)

(energetic music)

The pangolin's body is adapted to forest dwelling.

(energetic music)

(energetic music)

Strong claws help her to climb and search for amps to eat.

Strong claws help her to climb and search for amps to eat.

And a protective covering of scales,

shields almost every part of the body.

(energetic music)

(energetic music)

once effective against long-gone predators

such as the tiger,

such as the tiger,

this armor is now the species' downfall.

I'm

Used in traditional medicine,

the scales are highly prized by poachers across Asia Scia.

the scales are highly prized by poachers across Asia Scia.

(energetic music)

In Singapore, it's estimated that there are

only 100 Sunda pangolins left in the wild.

only 100 Sunda pangolins left in the wild.

(leaves rustling) (suspense music)

(leaves rustling) (suspense music)

Habitat loss threatens their survival

but protecting the forests can give them a refuge.

but protecting the forests can give them a refuge.

(suspense music)

(thunder rumbles)

(thunder rumbles)

(energetic music) (rain showers)

Blessed with abundant rain,

Blessed with abundant rain,

year-round sunshine...

(energetic symphony music)

(energetic symphony music)

And an average daily temperature of 27 degrees,

Singapore is a very pleasant island to live and visit.

(water trickles) (energetic symphony music)

(water trickles) (energetic symphony music)

Known as the stopover and holiday destination,

the country encourages a diverse population

and welcomes visitors from around the world.

and welcomes visitors from around the world.

(gentle music)

(birds chirping and chittering)

(birds chirping and chittering)

And in September,

the Sungei Buloh mudflats welcome visitors of their own.

the Sungei Buloh mudflats welcome visitors of their own.

(bird calling)

These common redshanks come from as far away as Russia,

escaping the bitter winter.

(birds flapping) (water splashes)

(ominous music)

The Wetland is the perfect tropical destination

for migratory birds.

(lighthearted music) (birds chirping)

A place to rest and refuel.

A place to rest and refuel.

(birds chirping and chittering)

(lighthearted music)

(lighthearted music)

The locals are happy to show off the best meals in town.

(birds chirping)

(birds chirping)

(lighthearted music)

The fiddler couple enjoy a lunch date.

The fiddler couple enjoy a lunch date.

But for the male, the claw that attracted the lady

now has its downside.

now has its downside.

While she eats with two spoons, he only has one.

While she eats with two spoons, he only has one.

She gets to eat much faster.

She gets to eat much faster.

But it's a small price to pay for a mate.

(gentle music)

Since its initial formation in 1989,

Since its initial formation in 1989,

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is now recognized as a site

of international importance.

(bird calling)

In a few months time, the journey will continue

In a few months time, the journey will continue

for these visitors.

(gentle music)

And the residents will go on with their lives.

(gentle music)

The Otter Pack is still a close-knit family.

(gentle music)

(gentle music)

The drama of the dog attack is a distant memory.

(otter squeaks and shuffles)

(gentle music)

(gentle music)

But the teenagers are getting wiser and bolder.

(otter squeaks and shuffles)

(otter squeaks and shuffles)

As they become adults,

they will eventually leave

they will eventually leave

to start their own family packs in new territory.

(gentle music) (footsteps crunching)

(gentle music) (footsteps crunching)

Mom and Dad will breed again.

(gentle music)

(leaves rustling)

But in the meantime, they presume, making sure

that everybody knows this is their home.

(gentle music)

(otter squeaks)

This scent dance marks their territory

This scent dance marks their territory

and turns the footpath into a noticeboard.

(gentle music)

(gentle music)

The message, smooth-coated otters are here to stay.

(gentle music)

(otter sniffs)

(otter sniffs)

(energetic symphony music)

This is the Singapore we usually see.

This is the Singapore we usually see.

(footsteps marching)

A vibrant growing metropolis.

A vibrant growing metropolis.

(energetic symphony music)

But if you look beyond the concrete jungle,

But if you look beyond the concrete jungle,

nature has found ways to endure and thrive.

(water splashes)

(eagle calling)

Hidden...

But not to be forgotten.

But not to be forgotten.

(lighthearted music)

these are the locals that make Singapore

these are the locals that make Singapore

the wild city.

(energetic symphony music ends)

(energetic symphony music ends)

(lighthearted music)

(lighthearted music)

(logo whooshing)

(logo whooshing)

(ominous music)

(ominous music)