Original subtitles

(birds chirping)

(pleasant music)

- [David] One degree north of the equator,

there is a small island nation,

a thriving tropical paradise.

(pleasant music)

And on this land has risen

one of the fastest growing cities in the world.

one of the fastest growing cities in the world.

(stirring music)

This is Singapore, one of the most densely

populated countries on earth.

But even with 5.5 million people,

there is still a wild side.

there is still a wild side.

(water splashing)

Beyond the city, almost 60 smaller islands

make up Singapore's surprising archipelago.

make up Singapore's surprising archipelago.

Some have been shaped by man,

transformed into brand new worlds

full of challenges and opportunities.

(pleasant music)

Others are natural havens,

sanctuaries for the rare and unusual,

specs of different worlds.

Home to surprising residents who've learned to make the best

of their opportunities, adapting to change,

of their opportunities, adapting to change,

and fighting to survive

on the islands beyond the wild city.

(stirring music)

Singapore is home to the world's second busiest port.

Singapore is home to the world's second busiest port.

500 million tons of cargo,

500 million tons of cargo,

and over 100,000 ships pass through it every year.

and over 100,000 ships pass through it every year.

(stirring music)

It's a natural harbor,

but despite the maritime traffic above,

it also houses hidden underwater worlds

it also houses hidden underwater worlds

that support an astonishing variety of life.

(gentle music)

Below the waves, hawksbill turtles are attracted

by the feasts of algae and sponges on offer.

by the feasts of algae and sponges on offer.

They are frequent visitors to these waters

on their migration to nesting grounds in the north.

More permanent residents are the hundreds of types of coral,

including over a quarter of the world's total number

of hard coral species.

of hard coral species.

Hundreds of years of coral growth

has transformed the waters here.

Every corner of the reef is a natural shelter.

Every corner of the reef is a natural shelter.

A diverse array of animals take full advantage.

A diverse array of animals take full advantage.

(pleasant music)

The most common are the damsel fish.

The most common are the damsel fish.

Master maneuverers, their small flat bodies

help them to dive easily in and out of branching coral.

help them to dive easily in and out of branching coral.

(pleasant music)

(pleasant music)

One reef resident has found a more unusual home

with his family of clownfish.

with his family of clownfish.

They shelter together in the lethal tentacles of an anemone.

They shelter together in the lethal tentacles of an anemone.

(stirring music)

Their elaborate dance moves help their bodies build immunity

to the anemone's sting.

The clownfish's colorful scales are also coated

in thick mucus, an additional layer of protection.

The cost of living here is worth it.

The cost of living here is worth it.

The threat of the anemone's toxic touch

The threat of the anemone's toxic touch

keeps the clownfish's predators at bay.

(pleasant music)

(pleasant music)

Fish aren't the only beneficiaries

of Singapore's remaining reefs.

Here, sea slugs of all shapes and colors can be found,

Here, sea slugs of all shapes and colors can be found,

sending a clear message

that their soft bodies contain deadly toxins.

Some graze on sponges.

Some graze on sponges.

Totally blind, they smell and feel their way

to their next meal.

They've got plenty to choose from,

around 200 species of sponge live in Singapore's waters.

around 200 species of sponge live in Singapore's waters.

This sponge is not just lunch,

This sponge is not just lunch,

but also home to one very strange fish.

(stirring music)

(stirring music)

It has bony plates for scales,

a long muscular tail,

a tube for teeth.

a tube for teeth.

A tiger tail, a rare species of seahorse,

A tiger tail, a rare species of seahorse,

threatened with extinction,

it's still found in Singaporean waters.

it's still found in Singaporean waters.

(stirring music)

(stirring music)

A poor swimmer, he uses his strong tail

to anchor onto the sponge.

He's on the hunt for lunch.

(stirring music)

(stirring music)

Barely moving, the seahorse

remains hidden against the background.

He's almost indistinguishable from his surroundings

whilst his eyes do the searching.

He rotates each eye independently,

following passing prey without giving the game away.

following passing prey without giving the game away.

His long tube-like snout sucks up unsuspecting

microscopic crustaceans, swallowing them whole.

microscopic crustaceans, swallowing them whole.

Seahorses have no stomachs,

and must eat almost constantly to stay alive.

They can consume up to 3,000 shrimp in a single day.

(pleasant music)

But he's not just eating for one,

But he's not just eating for one,

he's got babies on board.

Unusually, it's the seahorse male

that carries the young in a special pouch on his abdomen.

that carries the young in a special pouch on his abdomen.

Two weeks from now, he will give birth

to hundreds of little ones.

Born into the shelter of Singapore's reefs,

some will have a good chance of survival.

This young seahorse, and many others living here,

This young seahorse, and many others living here,

will with luck ensure a future

for this species in local waters.

for this species in local waters.

(pleasant music)

Up above, the seahorse's reef gives way

to the edges of islands.

to the edges of islands.

At Big Sister Island, 10 kilometers south of the city,

At Big Sister Island, 10 kilometers south of the city,

an early morning low tide reveals a world

caught between land and sea.

(pleasant music)

A good opportunity to explore a unique ecosystem.

A good opportunity to explore a unique ecosystem.

(pleasant music)

(pleasant music)

The reef rubble of these shallow flats

is home for unusual creatures.

is home for unusual creatures.

A toad fish that croaks like its namesake,

A toad fish that croaks like its namesake,

and a teddy bear crab,

a hairy body helps it hide in plain sight.

a hairy body helps it hide in plain sight.

They are exposed to air and sunlight every few hours.

They are exposed to air and sunlight every few hours.

To avoid drying out, some shelter in burrows,

To avoid drying out, some shelter in burrows,

or protect themselves with hard shells.

Only the toughest survive here.

(boat purring)

(boat purring)

Life is no easier for other residents.

(monkeys groaning)

(monkeys groaning)

The island plays host to a tribe of crab eating macaques.

The island plays host to a tribe of crab eating macaques.

(monkeys groaning)

Isolated from the city by unrelenting ocean currents,

Isolated from the city by unrelenting ocean currents,

(waves crashing)

(waves crashing)

these are no band of brothers.

(monkeys groaning)

(monkeys groaning)

Competition for females and food is fierce.

On the mainland, male macaques leave home

at around five years of age,

searching for a troop of their own to lead.

Here on Big Sister, the males are stuck

Here on Big Sister, the males are stuck

with no possible escape in sight.

The dominant males have almost exclusive access

The dominant males have almost exclusive access

to all the females.

Young ones find it hard to get all the food they need,

Young ones find it hard to get all the food they need,

if they're to grow big enough to challenge their elders.

The island has a limited larder,

seeds and grasses are no substitute

for sugary tropical fruits.

(stirring music)

So when an opportunity arises for a decent feed,

like when treasures are left behind

by visiting tourists, it's all on.

He who rules the rubbish tin may rule the troop.

One would be usurper has seen an opening.

(monkeys groaning)

(monkeys groaning)

It's game on.

It's game on.

(monkeys groaning)

At the edge of the island,

it's a sharp drop to treacherous waters.

it's a sharp drop to treacherous waters.

There's nowhere to run.

(monkeys groaning)

(stirring music)

A band of dominant males join together.

A band of dominant males join together.

(monkeys groaning)

Pushing this young upstart to the very brink,

(water splashing)

(water splashing)

but he's not going down without a fight.

(stirring music)

(stirring music)

(water splashing)

(monkeys groaning)

(gentle music)

The final face off, and it's over.

The final face off, and it's over.

The threat of deep water seems to have been enough

The threat of deep water seems to have been enough

to make the underling cower into submission.

The dominant males maintain their control,

but the fight has left its marks.

but the fight has left its marks.

(gentle music)

(stirring music)

Other battles on these wild islands are waged underwater.

Other battles on these wild islands are waged underwater.

In the open ocean,

danger is never far away.

(stirring music)

(stirring music)

(pleasant music)

Singapore is one of the most densely

Singapore is one of the most densely

populated cities on earth.

The need for space

has driven the nation upwards and outwards.

Even the mainland's closest neighbors are being taken over.

(pleasant music)

Keppel Island, at the edge

of the city center, has been transformed.

The area has become a marina,

a playground for super yachts and millionaires.

a playground for super yachts and millionaires.

But some determined creatures

have claimed this exclusive location as their own.

have claimed this exclusive location as their own.

Despite the constant boat traffic, underwater,

Despite the constant boat traffic, underwater,

a coral reef has unexpectedly established itself.

a coral reef has unexpectedly established itself.

(pleasant music)

The marina's sturdy floating pontoons have given corals

and seaweeds a new place to attach and grow.

and seaweeds a new place to attach and grow.

As well as shelter, there's plenty of food here,

As well as shelter, there's plenty of food here,

attracting schools of butterfly fish.

The marina has encouraged the reef

with a uniquely open design.

It allows currents to flow through the pontoons,

It allows currents to flow through the pontoons,

bringing fresh nutrients from the ocean daily.

(pleasant music)

Nearly 50 types of encrusting marine animals live here

Nearly 50 types of encrusting marine animals live here

in a community structure,

similar to Singapore's wild coral reefs.

Cardinal fish hover near pylons, waiting for the cover

of darkness to feed on tiny crustaceans.

During the day, fan worms here catch an easy meal.

Tiny beating hairs on each of their feathery branches

Tiny beating hairs on each of their feathery branches

collect food from the incoming current.

It's a natural born ecosystem, thriving in a manmade marina

right on the edge of the city.

(stirring music)

Beyond the urban coastline lies Pulau Semakau,

one of Singapore's outermost islands.

one of Singapore's outermost islands.

(pleasant music)

Here, other recently installed manmade structures

Here, other recently installed manmade structures

have also created a new underwater world.

As at Keppel Island, the oxygen-rich currents

provide the perfect environment for growing fish.

provide the perfect environment for growing fish.

This is one of more than 100 fish farms

This is one of more than 100 fish farms

operating off the nation's coastline,

and that number is set to grow.

and that number is set to grow.

(stirring music)

Here, thousands of barramundi are kept in enclosures

formed by nets suspended in the water.

formed by nets suspended in the water.

(pleasant music)

(pleasant music)

They're destined for the city's dinner tables,

but it's not just urban residents

but it's not just urban residents

these fish farms are feeding.

(pleasant music)

(pleasant music)

The nets have attracted wild fish

and ocean drifters to an artificial bounty.

and ocean drifters to an artificial bounty.

Algae growing on the cages make an easy grazing field

Algae growing on the cages make an easy grazing field

for round-faced bat fish.

Often found in small groups, there's enough food here

to support larger numbers.

(pleasant music)

The net's buoy ropes have also become home

for a blenny mimic.

This is a first record of the species in Singaporean waters.

This is a first record of the species in Singaporean waters.

But soon, there may be more to come.

One male has made a nest

inside the rope's encrusting growth.

He's hoping to lure a mate.

(water bubbling)

(water bubbling)

Here comes a potential willing customer.

(pleasant music)

After a quick assessment,

she displays her rounded belly towards the nest,

she displays her rounded belly towards the nest,

a sign she's impressed.

Time to seal the deal.

(pleasant music)

She enters the nest to lay her eggs,

and the lucky male quickly follows suit to fertilize them.

These tiny opportunists have turned

the city's fish farms to their advantage.

(pleasant music)

Out here in the open water,

finding food and shelter is no easy task.

finding food and shelter is no easy task.

Without manmade structures or the shelter of a coral reef,

(anemone groaning)

there are few places to hide,

and hungry mouths are lurking.

and hungry mouths are lurking.

(stirring music)

(pleasant music)

(pleasant music)

A pair of pistol shrimps have solved the problem

by digging a burrow for shelter.

by digging a burrow for shelter.

Knowing when to hide in it is more difficult,

Knowing when to hide in it is more difficult,

they're almost completely blind.

(pleasant music)

(pleasant music)

Thankfully, they have a housemate with perfect vision

to keep a lookout for them,

to keep a lookout for them,

the yellow watchman goby.

He lives inside the burrow with the shrimp.

For free rent and board, he acts as their sentinel.

Nothing will stop his vigil.

Nothing will stop his vigil.

Even while eating, he's got both eyes open

for approaching danger.

for approaching danger.

In this underwater desert,

strong currents wash over the household.

strong currents wash over the household.

The burrow takes the brunt of it,

risking collapse under the shifting sands.

So the shrimp are in permanent renovation mode.

So the shrimp are in permanent renovation mode.

(pleasant music)

(pleasant music)

Despite the shrimp's shortsightedness,

the trio is in constant communication using touch.

the trio is in constant communication using touch.

The busy builders rest their antennae on the goby's tail,

waiting for a signal in case a hungry mouth comes too close.

waiting for a signal in case a hungry mouth comes too close.

(stirring music)

(stirring music)

A cuttlefish on the hunt, shrimp make an excellent lunch.

A cuttlefish on the hunt, shrimp make an excellent lunch.

(stirring music)

A flick of the goby's tail is a signal

to return to the burrow.

(water bubbling)

Hidden underground, the three remain safely out of sight.

The coast is clear.

(pleasant music)

As soon as the threat passes,

it's back to business as usual.

By working and living together, the goby and shrimp

have found safety in these dangerous open waters.

have found safety in these dangerous open waters.

(water flowing)

The cuttlefish heads to the nearby reef.

The cuttlefish heads to the nearby reef.

(pleasant music)

Here, this master of disguise

Here, this master of disguise

can hide from its own predators.

Cuttlefish are among the most intelligent of marine animals,

with an unusually large brain.

with an unusually large brain.

They can't see color, yet their sophisticated eyes

They can't see color, yet their sophisticated eyes

scan their surroundings and transform their bodies to match.

Thousands of pigment cells underneath the skin

can change color and texture in seconds.

can change color and texture in seconds.

(pleasant music)

Hidden in plain sight amongst the surrounding weeds.

After dark, other wild island creatures emerge,

After dark, other wild island creatures emerge,

and they're on the hunt for dinner.

(upbeat music)

(upbeat music)

Morning on Big Sister island,

Morning on Big Sister island,

the maroon macaques are awake,

ready to begin the business of the day.

ready to begin the business of the day.

(gentle music)

The ritual grooming.

The ritual grooming.

After the recent infighting, the gentle behavior is a chance

After the recent infighting, the gentle behavior is a chance

to restore calm within this isolated group.

(birds chirping)

(gentle music)

(gentle music)

The higher ranking troop members are groomed most often.

In macaque society, junior individuals,

by regularly attending to their superiors,

by regularly attending to their superiors,

can gain protection and greater standing within the group.

But the young upstart who dared challenges leaders

is still being given the cold shoulder.

(monkeys groaning)

For now, he'll have to look after himself.

Morning routine done, it's time for breakfast.

(waves crashing)

(waves crashing)

(stirring music)

Now the city visitors have left the island,

Now the city visitors have left the island,

it's back to bare basics.

(stirring music)

(stirring music)

A hopeful search for wave-washed treasure

proves fruitless, this is a thirsty work.

proves fruitless, this is a thirsty work.

With no lakes or streams on the island,

it seems all they can do is hope and wait for the rains.

(stirring music)

Water, water everywhere,

but not a drop to drink.

(stirring music)

(gentle music)

And yet, on other islands,

mangrove forests thrive in these same coastal waters.

(gentle music)

(gentle music)

Their salt-tolerant roots form dense networks,

holding the plants upright in soggy ground.

(gentle music)

They provide a unique habitat

They provide a unique habitat

for tree climbing crabs and mud skippers,

and a feeding ground for migratory birds.

(birds chirping)

(birds chirping)

(gentle music)

Once, much of Singapore's coastline looked like this,

Once, much of Singapore's coastline looked like this,

but less than 10% of the country's mangroves now remain.

but less than 10% of the country's mangroves now remain.

What's left is an irreplaceable home

What's left is an irreplaceable home

for countless local species.

These green fringes though aren't always safe havens.

On the northern islands,

On the northern islands,

the mangroves are rife with killers.

(stirring music)

(stirring music)

Female golden orb spiders are among the largest

Female golden orb spiders are among the largest

web spinning species in the world.

And in the spider community, size does matter.

(stirring music)

The male of this species is so small compared to his female,

that she may not even know he exists.

Unless she's in need a little top up snack,

Unless she's in need a little top up snack,

it's going to be difficult to win her affections.

While she's busy eating an unlucky fly,

he makes his approach.

(stirring music)

A little seduction is in order in the form of a massage.

A little seduction is in order in the form of a massage.

His legs gently rub her body and wrap it in silk,

it's an attempt to calm her aggression.

it's an attempt to calm her aggression.

If she's receptive, she will stay still

If she's receptive, she will stay still

while he mates with her.

(stirring music)

No such luck here,

No such luck here,

a kick of the legs is a sign she's not in the mood.

But at least this time, he's not been turned into lunch.

(insects chirping)

In the waters below the web,

another eight-legged creature is on the hunt,

an octopus straying from its ocean home.

But an even more unexpected danger

But an even more unexpected danger

is lurking in the murky waters.

(stirring music)

Bullseye.

(water splashing)

(water splashing)

The archer fish has developed a unique ability

to shoot a high pressure jet of water

from its mouth at its victim.

(stirring music)

It takes practice, carefully judging distances and weight,

It takes practice, carefully judging distances and weight,

and even adjusting for the way the light bends

when crossing from air to water.

Target acquired, fire.

Target acquired, fire.

(pleasant music)

Collecting the meal can hold its own challenges.

Collecting the meal can hold its own challenges.

Here in the mangroves,

free loaders are always on the lookout for an easy lunch.

Sometimes a more direct approach is a safer bet.

(water splashing)

(water splashing)

(stirring music)

(insects chirping)

(insects chirping)

Darkness brings other mangrove residents to life.

Some try and get some rest, but it pays to be vigilant.

Some try and get some rest, but it pays to be vigilant.

(insects chirping)

Here be monsters on the prowl.

Here be monsters on the prowl.

(stirring music)

(stirring music)

A dog faced water snake,

perfectly adapted to this dark, muddy environment.

perfectly adapted to this dark, muddy environment.

It has the ability to keep most of its body

up off the sticky sludge, and so moves efficiently

across the mangrove mud.

Even water is no barrier,

but a welcomed second home.

Here, it's fast when it needs to be,

Here, it's fast when it needs to be,

and then it stops and almost vanishes.

Its long, thin body is easily mistaken for a stray root,

Its long, thin body is easily mistaken for a stray root,

but this camouflage is not just for hiding.

The snake is on a mission.

Tiny fish and tadpoles are trapped

Tiny fish and tadpoles are trapped

in these shallow tidal pools.

(stirring music)

(stirring music)

Catching them requires stealth and patience.

(insects chirping)

(insects chirping)

(stirring music)

Nostrils and eyes based at the top of its head

earn the snake its name, and allow it to see

earn the snake its name, and allow it to see

and breathe above water,

while its body remains hidden in the murky depths.

while its body remains hidden in the murky depths.

It can stay poised like this for hours.

It can stay poised like this for hours.

(stirring music)

The snake's senses are tuned not to sight, but movement.

The snake's senses are tuned not to sight, but movement.

(quick snapping)

Dinner comes to those who wait.

Dinner comes to those who wait.

(stirring music)

Beyond the mangroves, the coral reefs are also stirring.

(pleasant music)

(pleasant music)

A shy reef octopus has been hiding in its den all day.

A shy reef octopus has been hiding in its den all day.

Nothing like an evening stroll to stretch the tentacles.

This is a master of rough terrain.

Each tentacle is covered in two rows of strong

and sensitive suckers, helping the octopus

crawl across the reef rubble

and move any tiresome obstacles out of the way.

With a body devoid of bones, it can transform itself

into a net, totally enveloping coral colonies

into a net, totally enveloping coral colonies

while it suckers scour the undersides

for well-hidden snacks.

(stirring music)

No crevice is too small for this contortionist,

No crevice is too small for this contortionist,

useful when it has to disappear.

Predator can become prey.

(stirring music)

(stirring music)

Over the past few weeks, the waters here has slowly warmed.

(stingray shuffling)

Combined with an April full moon,

it's an annual signal for new life to begin.

(stirring music)

(stirring music)

As if on cue, the reef's corals and anemones

release trillions of sperm and eggs into the water.

release trillions of sperm and eggs into the water.

(anemone groaning)

(anemone groaning)

(water bubbling)

They float to the surface to mix and fertilize.

They float to the surface to mix and fertilize.

The resulting larvae will drift with the tide

surrounding the islands over the next few weeks.

Eventually, they will grow heavy enough

to sink and settle.

(pleasant music)

A newborn insurance policy

for the future of Singapore's reefs,

and the countless species that call this place home.

and the countless species that call this place home.

(upbeat music)

Other island newborns have only just learned to swim,

are they're about to take the plunge into deep water.

(water splashing)

(water splashing)

(pleasant music)

Beyond Singapore's busy port lie the southern islands.

Beyond Singapore's busy port lie the southern islands.

Dazzling white sand beaches are rarely crowded,

a pleasant change from the bustling metropolis.

a pleasant change from the bustling metropolis.

(pleasant music)

Welcome to Singapore's tropical beach, Ido.

Surrounding nature often goes unnoticed

when playtime is the top priority.

when playtime is the top priority.

(sand shuffling)

While relaxed urbanites enjoy the day off,

While relaxed urbanites enjoy the day off,

wild beach dwellers are just beginning their working day.

(pleasant music)

(crab scratching)

Sand bubbler crabs, the size of a thumbnail.

Sand bubbler crabs, the size of a thumbnail.

(crab scratching)

(crab scratching)

Living in burrows in the sand,

they emerge in their hundreds at low tide to feed.

they emerge in their hundreds at low tide to feed.

The ocean has left behind microscopic animals

and algae on the surface of the sand.

The crabs scoop up mouthfuls and use their special

The crabs scoop up mouthfuls and use their special

sieve-like mouth parts to sift out a meal.

The processed sand is methodically discarded as neat balls.

The processed sand is methodically discarded as neat balls.

(pleasant music)

These tidy leftovers are a sign of what's been eaten,

and what's still up for grabs,

the perfect system until a pushy neighbor comes along.

(pleasant music)

Without distractions, the crabs work at breakneck speed,

spitting out up to 10 balls of sand a minute.

spitting out up to 10 balls of sand a minute.

(pleasant music)

(pleasant music)

All too soon the tide comes in,

and the crabs return to their burrows to wait it out.

and the crabs return to their burrows to wait it out.

(wave crashing)

(gentle music)

(gentle music)

(wind howling)

(thunder booming)

(thunder booming)

On Big Sister Island,

the macaques' wait for the rain is over.

(rain falling)

(rain falling)

Singapore's monsoons bring daily rainstorms,

Singapore's monsoons bring daily rainstorms,

relief at last,

and the macaques know how to take full advantage.

(pleasant music)

Hollows in the island's trees have filled with rainwater,

a chance to drink.

a chance to drink.

And for the island's young,

to learn a trick essential for survival.

to learn a trick essential for survival.

But others don't always want to wait their turn.

(insect wings fluttering)

Thankfully, the rain has also brought

Thankfully, the rain has also brought

a more abundant bonus, flying ants.

a more abundant bonus, flying ants.

The heavy downpour and warm temperatures

The heavy downpour and warm temperatures

have triggered them to swarm in search of a new home.

(pleasant music)

It's a timely protein-filled banquet

for the hungry macaques, peaceful at last.

(pleasant music)

(pleasant music)

The rains have turned Sister Island into a place of bounty,

a true tropical paradise just beyond the city.

And off its shores, stretching 40 hectares

across the southern islands,

the country's first ever marine park.

(pleasant music)

(pleasant music)

It's a buffer against the ever encroaching port,

It's a buffer against the ever encroaching port,

and a safe haven for an astonishing array of creatures.

(pleasant music)

Even the incredibly rare has found a safe place here.

This Neptune's cup sponge is one of the only two

known to exist in the whole world.

They became victims of over collection,

They became victims of over collection,

and then were thought extinct.

These survivors have only recently been found

These survivors have only recently been found

alive and well, right here in the waters of Singapore.

Rare as they are, they're not the only VIP guests here.

Giant clams were lost to land reclamation projects,

and vanished from the area.

and vanished from the area.

A breeding and monitoring program is working to reintroduce

A breeding and monitoring program is working to reintroduce

the colossal shellfish to these waters.

But to thrive, they need to be left in peace,

But to thrive, they need to be left in peace,

finally possible here in the Sister Islands'

protected marine park.

protected marine park.

(clam shutting)

(gentle music)

(gentle music)

In a busy city like Singapore, wildlife often takes refuge

in the few hidden pockets undisturbed by humans.

in the few hidden pockets undisturbed by humans.

In the north lies one such rare place, Coney Island.

In the north lies one such rare place, Coney Island.

Unlike the marine park, this is an accidental sanctuary.

It was once destined to become

Singapore's very own theme park, but plans were abandoned

Singapore's very own theme park, but plans were abandoned

and it was closed to the public for 20 years,

leaving it free to become a haven

leaving it free to become a haven

for plants and animals alike.

The ideal place to raise a young family.

The ideal place to raise a young family.

Three new, smooth-coated otter pups

have been making the best of this quiet spot.

have been making the best of this quiet spot.

They're the latest arrivals in this large family.

A good roll around is the perfect way

for everyone to dry and clean their fur

for everyone to dry and clean their fur

before heading out on another morning's adventure.

At around two months old, the pups are joining the family

At around two months old, the pups are joining the family

on a serious mission.

(pleasant music)

Surrounded by mom, dad, and their older brothers

Surrounded by mom, dad, and their older brothers

and sisters, the pups make a beeline

for the island's surrounding reservoir.

They're on the hunt for a fresh fish breakfast.

Mom and dad won't provide forever, so it's essential

that the pups learn to fend for themselves.

that the pups learn to fend for themselves.

But they've only just learned to swim,

so far, sticking to the safety of the islands' shallows.

so far, sticking to the safety of the islands' shallows.

(airplane swooshing)

(airplane swooshing)

Time to take the plunge into deeper unfamiliar waters.

Time to take the plunge into deeper unfamiliar waters.

(boat motor purring)

The family travels in tandem,

adults surrounding the pups for safety.

In this fish filled reservoir,

it's not long before the hunt begins.

it's not long before the hunt begins.

(water splashing)

The pubs are watching, learning the tricks of their trade.

The aim is to confuse the fish to make them easier to catch.

Their siblings are expert hunters.

If the pups want to succeed,

they will need to get right in their too.

they will need to get right in their too.

(upbeat music)

The fish are fast and slippery.

(stirring music)

But with a little help, a catch.

But with a little help, a catch.

(water splashing)

(pleasant music)

The fish may be small this time, but the adults will share

their spoils after they've had their own fill.

(pleasant music)

Fully grown otters can hold themselves upright

in deep water to eat,

a technique this young pup hasn't quite mastered yet.

a technique this young pup hasn't quite mastered yet.

A steady rock, though, does the trick.

With the help of their large family,

the three pups are slowly gaining skills and confidence.

the three pups are slowly gaining skills and confidence.

But for now, there's still time to enjoy mom's attention,

at least for a little while.

(pleasant music)

Coney Island has recently reopened its doors to visitors,

so the future of this quiet sanctuary is set to change.

But given a little space, Singapore's wildlife

has proved itself surprisingly resilient.

has proved itself surprisingly resilient.

(upbeat music)

(upbeat music)

From natural mangrove forests to tropical reefs,

the islands and waters here are rich and diverse.

(upbeat music)

(upbeat music)

The animals face challenges,

yet embrace opportunities.

With a helping hand,

all kinds of creatures can still thrive,

colorful, rare, unusual.

A unique natural heritage,

on the islands beyond the wild city.

on the islands beyond the wild city.

(pleasant music)

(pleasant music continues)

(pleasant music continues)

(air swooshing)

(air swooshing)