Original subtitles

- [Narrator] In Singapore,

ancient rivers have been transformed,

ancient rivers have been transformed,

and the wild have moved in and adapted.

and the wild have moved in and adapted.

But not all is calm in the city's waterways.

But not all is calm in the city's waterways.

When mother nature unleashes her fury,

(dramatic music)

(dramatic music)

will these river locals survive?

(dramatic music)

(dramatic music)

This is the watery "Wild City".

(dramatic music)

(dramatic music)

(dramatic music)

Water is found on every continent on the planet.

(dramatic music)

(dramatic music)

Covering 70% of the Earth's surface,

(dramatic music)

vital for all life.

But only 3% of it is fresh water

But only 3% of it is fresh water

and countries have gone to incredible lengths

and countries have gone to incredible lengths

to capture this precious resource.

(dramatic music)

(dramatic music)

Singapore has no natural lakes.

Instead, millions of liters of fresh water

are stored in futuristic reservoir systems.

are stored in futuristic reservoir systems.

(dramatic music)

Marina Bay in the heart of the city is the island's largest.

Marina Bay in the heart of the city is the island's largest.

(dramatic music)

Built in 2008, it dams five of Singapore's rivers

to create a totally unique freshwater bay,

to create a totally unique freshwater bay,

and a new habitat for some

of the nation's most beloved wild locals,

(dramatic music)

(water splashing)

(water splashing)

the smooth coated otter.

Once declared extinct in Singapore,

this species is now a familiar site in the city center.

this species is now a familiar site in the city center.

The manmade bay turned out to be the perfect otter home,

but they're not the only otter pack

who have adapted to Singapore's urbanized water landscape.

who have adapted to Singapore's urbanized water landscape.

(dramatic music)

(birds chirping)

In the botanic gardens, a family is making history.

In the botanic gardens, a family is making history.

(gentle music)

The first otters ever to breed

in this world heritage listed site.

At just over four weeks old,

the babies have begun to emerge from their fig tree den

the babies have begun to emerge from their fig tree den

to discover their place in the family.

(dramatic music)

(dramatic music)

Boss of the pack is mom.

She tends to have her hands full,

but still keeps an eye on everyone.

Then there's dad.

He prefers to keep his eyes closed

and is a little more chill.

and is a little more chill.

And three boisterous teenagers.

Last year's kids almost fully grown

Last year's kids almost fully grown

but not ready to leave home just yet.

Besides, they've got work to do.

Everyone in an otter family is expected to help care

for the newborns

and they need all the protection they can get.

(dramatic music)

(dramatic music)

The gardens may seem peaceful,

The gardens may seem peaceful,

but that's only on the surface.

(dramatic music)

(dramatic music)

A few meters from the den, a large lake and a sizable drop.

A few meters from the den, a large lake and a sizable drop.

Otter pups aren't natural born swimmers.

Otter pups aren't natural born swimmers.

A fall into the water could prove fatal.

A fall into the water could prove fatal.

To survive, the pups will need to adapt

To survive, the pups will need to adapt

to their unique surroundings and learn from their family

how to navigate the urban world

they've been born into.

(dramatic music) (birds chirping)

(dramatic music) (birds chirping)

Singapore's 17 reservoirs are strategically built

across the island.

This is where the majority

This is where the majority

of the country's rainwater is stored.

(dramatic music)

Many have been designed for recreational use,

but also act as new habitats for the wild.

but also act as new habitats for the wild.

In Western Singapore,

Jurong Lake has recently been given a makeover:

90 hectares of wetlands, ponds, and pathways.

90 hectares of wetlands, ponds, and pathways.

And it's here

that some of Singapore's largest river monsters roam.

(dramatic music)

(dramatic music)

The Asian water monitor,

the second biggest lizard in the world.

the second biggest lizard in the world.

Capable of growing over three meters long

Capable of growing over three meters long

and weighing up to 25 grams.

(dramatic music)

(dramatic music)

Found throughout Southeast Asia,

some of these reptiles in Singapore

have swapped mangrove swamps for freshwater lakes.

(dramatic music)

(dramatic music)

(birds chirping)

(birds chirping)

They excel at swimming,

limbs tucked firmly against the body,

while a muscular tail propels it forward.

while a muscular tail propels it forward.

(dramatic music)

Guided by its excellent senses of smell and sight,

Guided by its excellent senses of smell and sight,

these hungry carnivores are always on the lookout

for their next meal.

(water splashing) (dramatic music)

(water splashing) (dramatic music)

And this one has spotted a potential feast.

And this one has spotted a potential feast.

(dramatic music)

Otters are excellent hunters,

and these lizards are one of the smartest reptiles

in the world.

in the world.

(water splashing) (dramatic music)

Here in Singapore,

Here in Singapore,

they've learnt to stalk and scavenge leftovers.

(dramatic music)

(dramatic music)

(water splashing)

(water splashing)

With the otters back on the hunt,

it's time to move in for the scraps.

it's time to move in for the scraps.

(dramatic music)

But he's not the only river monster with the same plan.

(dramatic music)

(dramatic music)

Usually solitary, these reptiles are extremely territorial.

Usually solitary, these reptiles are extremely territorial.

(water splashing) (dramatic music)

(water splashing) (dramatic music)

Intruders are ruthlessly dealt with.

But the smell of leftover fish draws in more contenders.

But the smell of leftover fish draws in more contenders.

(dramatic music)

(water splashing)

In a lizard battle size always wins.

(dramatic music)

But this warrior can't relax just yet.

But this warrior can't relax just yet.

Another challenger makes a move.

Another challenger makes a move.

(dramatic music)

This one is not backing down.

(water splashing) (dramatic music)

(water splashing) (dramatic music)

Finally, the intruder gives up.

Finally, the intruder gives up.

Combat in deep water can prove fatal,

Combat in deep water can prove fatal,

better to live to fight another day.

(dramatic music)

The city's new freshwater habitats

The city's new freshwater habitats

provide just the right environment for adaptable creatures

like the monitor lizard,

like the monitor lizard,

but it's not always easy to survive here.

Battles can scar for life and he who rules the river today

Battles can scar for life and he who rules the river today

may be tomorrow's loser.

(dramatic music)

Singapore's freshwater habitats are crucial

for thousands of local water birds.

Approximately 400 species call this island home.

Approximately 400 species call this island home.

Over the years,

Over the years,

many have adapted to a more urbanized water world.

The white breasted water hen

is one of the most commonly seen often with chicks in tow.

is one of the most commonly seen often with chicks in tow.

(upbeat music)

But other water dwelling birds are much rarer.

The lesser whistling duck.

There's estimated to be just 50 of them in Singapore.

There's estimated to be just 50 of them in Singapore.

(dramatic music)

(dramatic music)

But today that number has increased by six.

But today that number has increased by six.

Hatched just a few days ago,

these tiny ducklings around the size of a golf ball

have already taken to the water.

A manmade pond has turned out

to be the perfect duckling nursery.

Unlike otter pups, these babies enter the world

Unlike otter pups, these babies enter the world

with plenty of natural skills.

They're already walking and swimming

while mom and dad carefully keep guard.

No one is allowed near their rare brood.

(dramatic music)

(dramatic music)

And for good reason, the ducklings can't fly yet

And for good reason, the ducklings can't fly yet

and are totally defenseless against would-be predators.

(dramatic music)

(dramatic music)

The first few weeks of their lives are crucial

and mom and dad will take on chaperone duties

and mom and dad will take on chaperone duties

to give them the best chance of survival.

(dramatic music)

(dramatic music)

Morning in Singapore and at the botanic gardens

most of the local residents are busy grabbing breakfast.

(dramatic music)

(dramatic music)

The otter teens soak up time away

from their demanding siblings.

Meanwhile, mum is exhausted.

Meanwhile, mum is exhausted.

The growing pups need to be fed every few hours,

a job only she can do.

But this morning there's more than milk on the menu

for these babies.

(dramatic music)

(birds chirping)

Otter swimming school is about to begin.

The nearby Swan Lake is the perfect beginner's pool.

Getting all the pups to the edge is the first step.

It takes some persuading.

(dramatic music)

(dramatic music)

The teens show them how it's done.

Diving is an urban adaptation this family have pioneered,

but the pups aren't so keen.

(dramatic music)

Mom coaxes one in.

Mom coaxes one in.

And grabs a few more.

(dramatic music)

But the pups can't swim yet.

But the pups can't swim yet.

Their older siblings act as lifeguards,

Their older siblings act as lifeguards,

keeping them afloat while they get used to the water.

(dramatic music)

(dramatic music)

Now mum begins her swimming lesson.

Each pup is dragged around and encouraged to start kicking.

(dramatic music)

(dramatic music)

She's an excellent coach

and under her guidance,

the babies get used to their new water world.

the babies get used to their new water world.

(dramatic music)

When a pup gets tired,

it's carried out and swapped for a fresh one.

it's carried out and swapped for a fresh one.

(water splashing)

(dramatic music)

(dramatic music)

Everyone gets a turn even if they're not quite ready.

But all these students are a lot for this small family

to watch over,

especially when dad has been distracted by an early lunch.

especially when dad has been distracted by an early lunch.

(dramatic music)

His fishy meal attracts the attention of a river monster.

With no leftovers to grab, the lizard spots a new target.

With no leftovers to grab, the lizard spots a new target.

(dramatic music)

(dramatic music)

These huge reptiles have been known to attack otter pups.

These huge reptiles have been known to attack otter pups.

The family must get all their babies out of the lake

The family must get all their babies out of the lake

and fast.

(dramatic music)

Mum is the only one experienced enough

Mum is the only one experienced enough

who can jump with a baby on board.

(dramatic music)

(dramatic music)

She works tirelessly until there's just one pup left.

She works tirelessly until there's just one pup left.

(dramatic music)

But something else has caught the lizard's eye,

a scavenger's jackpot,

just the diversion mom needs.

The lizard can hardly believe her luck,

but she'll have to be quick.

but she'll have to be quick.

Competition is already on the way.

(dramatic music)

This huge fish, almost a quarter her size

This huge fish, almost a quarter her size

makes for a slow getaway.

(dramatic music)

(dramatic music)

Now to enjoy her prize.

There's not much chewing involved

at a lizard's dinner table.

Chunks are swallowed whole

Chunks are swallowed whole

and she'll devour the entire carcass.

Nothing is wasted by this vulture of the reptile world.

Nothing is wasted by this vulture of the reptile world.

(dramatic music)

(otters chirping)

(otters chirping)

Safely back at the den, the pups are busy getting dry.

They'll have to get used to the lake's big drop,

smooth coated otters must have access

smooth coated otters must have access

to fresh water to survive.

The rest of the city's waterways are already ruled

The rest of the city's waterways are already ruled

by other otter packs.

So for now, the botanic gardens is the only place

So for now, the botanic gardens is the only place

this family can call home.

(dramatic music)

(dramatic music)

Over the last few hundred years,

Over the last few hundred years,

Singapore's water landscape has drastically changed.

Entirely new ecosystems have formed

and some strange creatures have moved in.

and some strange creatures have moved in.

The red eared slider,

The red eared slider,

hailing from North America,

these large turtles have found the perfect home

these large turtles have found the perfect home

in the nation's calm lakes and rivers.

But it's not just fresh water

that they need in order to survive.

On the banks of this pond, a turtle gathering.

Here, there's no social distancing.

All they care about is getting the best spot in the sun.

All they care about is getting the best spot in the sun.

Cold-blooded, they must sunbathe regularly.

Cold-blooded, they must sunbathe regularly.

A large shell absorbs heat and warms the body,

A large shell absorbs heat and warms the body,

but this process takes time.

It helps to get as much skin out as possible.

It helps to get as much skin out as possible.

The Superman pose, a turtle's way to warm the legs.

The Superman pose, a turtle's way to warm the legs.

Stacking is another method to heat yourself up.

Stacking is another method to heat yourself up.

It's just like sitting on top of a radiator.

It's just like sitting on top of a radiator.

Hours each day are dedicated to sunbathing,

Hours each day are dedicated to sunbathing,

but while the turtles here have plenty of space

their cousins on the Singapore River aren't so lucky.

(dramatic music)

(dramatic music)

The city's most urbanized waterway

is just over three kilometers long.

is just over three kilometers long.

Once heavily polluted, the river is now clean enough

Once heavily polluted, the river is now clean enough

for a family of otters to call it home.

(dramatic music)

(dramatic music)

Here they've adapted,

figuring out unique ways in and outta the water.

For their turtle neighbors, however, it hasn't been so easy.

For their turtle neighbors, however, it hasn't been so easy.

Hemmed in by vertical walls, the only dry land in sight,

Hemmed in by vertical walls, the only dry land in sight,

a rubbish catcher.

Not the most luxurious place to sunbathe,

but cold turtle beggars can't be choosers.

but cold turtle beggars can't be choosers.

Long claws and a desperation to get warm

Long claws and a desperation to get warm

inspire a climb.

Not everyone makes it on the first attempt.

If at first you don't succeed,

try (dramatic music)

try (dramatic music)

and try again.

Persistence eventually pays off.

Finally, time to get warm.

Finally, time to get warm.

With such limited space, it's every turtle for itself.

With such limited space, it's every turtle for itself.

Some will do whatever it takes to make more room.

Some will do whatever it takes to make more room.

Others just get a bit frustrated.

Others just get a bit frustrated.

(dramatic music)

These pioneering urbanites

These pioneering urbanites

are considered an invasive species in Singapore,

unwanted pets released into the waterways.

unwanted pets released into the waterways.

Little is known of their impact on the native wildlife,

Little is known of their impact on the native wildlife,

but for now, they remain part of the city's watery world.

but for now, they remain part of the city's watery world.

(dramatic music)

On the other side of the island,

one of Singapore's most common locals,

one of Singapore's most common locals,

the long tailed macaque.

Usually spotted in the forests,

this troop have adapted to a life on the water's edge.

this troop have adapted to a life on the water's edge.

Here, concrete dams millions of liters of fresh water

to form MacRitchie Reservoir.

Constructed over 150 years ago and surrounded by rainforest,

Constructed over 150 years ago and surrounded by rainforest,

this is Singapore's oldest water catchment area.

(dramatic music)

(dramatic music)

A place to retreat to and soak up the green.

A place to retreat to and soak up the green.

(dramatic music)

Along the banks,

a recent downpour has encouraged new grassroots to sprout.

A chance for the monkeys to add some fiber

to their regular fruity diet.

(dramatic music)

A peaceful family picnic.

A peaceful family picnic.

These monkeys live in tight knit groups.

Everyone knows their place.

(dramatic music)

The alpha male is in charge

and reigns over his harem of females and offspring.

Babies are easy to handle.

The mums do all the work anyways.

The mums do all the work anyways.

It's the teenagers that can get up to mischief.

It's the teenagers that can get up to mischief.

At the troops' regular drinking hole,

At the troops' regular drinking hole,

a visitor is causing a few problems.

Everyone is thirsty, but the teenagers are a little scared.

Everyone is thirsty, but the teenagers are a little scared.

A turtle about half their size has moved in.

(dramatic music)

The alpha male will have to show them how it's done.

(dramatic music)

(dramatic music)

Inspired by dad's example,

Inspired by dad's example,

the youngsters are finally brave enough to head in

for a drink and a little fun.

for a drink and a little fun.

(upbeat music)

Macaques are excellent swimmers,

Macaques are excellent swimmers,

but they're very safety conscious.

If there's something in the water they're not sure about,

they won't risk getting their toes nipped

they won't risk getting their toes nipped

and the teenagers have just spotted another turtle.

and the teenagers have just spotted another turtle.

This one's even bigger.

(upbeat music)

(upbeat music)

Swimming will just have to wait

until the watery visitors have moved on.

(dramatic music)

Over the last few hundred years,

Singapore's waterways have been highly modified.

Singapore's waterways have been highly modified.

8,000 kilometers of drains and canals have been built,

8,000 kilometers of drains and canals have been built,

just about every river and stream

just about every river and stream

redesigned and redirected.

But 200 years ago,

But 200 years ago,

the island's water landscape looked very different.

Rivers snaked their way through dense mangrove

and out to sea,

a timeless place between land and ocean

where fresh and salt water met.

(dramatic music)

Small pockets of these mangroves still survive today,

Small pockets of these mangroves still survive today,

and here the wild live as they always have,

and here the wild live as they always have,

including a unique creature:

the tree climbing crab.

At least three species call Singapore home,

all live by the tides.

When the water is low, it's feeding time.

When the water is low, it's feeding time.

Crabs are surprisingly dextrous.

They're claws, an ultimate multi-tool.

But this is lunch on the clock.

But this is lunch on the clock.

When the tide comes in, the crabs must climb.

(dramatic music)

Now the claws are used like pickaxes,

Now the claws are used like pickaxes,

designed to grip onto even the most slippery tree trunk.

designed to grip onto even the most slippery tree trunk.

Up here, it can get a little crowded.

Everyone has the same plan;

Everyone has the same plan;

get up high and escape aquatic predators.

The water can rise to over three meters,

quite a height for a teacup sized crab to climb.

quite a height for a teacup sized crab to climb.

Now safely away from danger,

they await the next tidal shift.

(dramatic music)

These surviving mangrove forests in Singapore

are a vital habitat for hundreds of species

of animals and plants.

A crucial part of the nation's water story

A crucial part of the nation's water story

and a reminder of how the island's water landscape

once looked.

(dramatic music)

In the botanic gardens,

the young otter family have just moved house;

a more urban den, complete with a fancy front lawn,

perfect for a bit of pampering time.

(dramatic music)

(dramatic music)

Smooth coated otters have two layers of thick hair

that need to be kept in tiptop condition,

that need to be kept in tiptop condition,

especially the outer waterproof fur.

(dramatic music)

But it can be hard to reach every part of the body.

Grooming each other is a way to bond,

(dramatic music)

(dramatic music)

and the pups now eight weeks old are keen to join in,

but they're also easily distracted

and dying to explore their garden home.

and dying to explore their garden home.

(dramatic music)

Mum leads the family across the gardens

and over to a small pond, the perfect place for toddlers.

(dramatic music)

(dramatic music)

Over the last few weeks,

the pups have mastered the art of swimming.

the pups have mastered the art of swimming.

Today, it's time for their next lesson.

Packed with tiny fish, the shallow water

is ideal for beginner hunters.

is ideal for beginner hunters.

Working in unison, the adults show off their skills.

Working in unison, the adults show off their skills.

Teamwork is the best way to make a catch.

The fish here are just the right size for a little pup,

The fish here are just the right size for a little pup,

(dramatic music)

but they're too small to stand up and eat like the adults.

(dramatic music)

(dramatic music)

Mum must once again get them out,

one at a time.

(dramatic music)

Finally, the youngsters get a taste

Finally, the youngsters get a taste

of the morning's hard work.

The otters only catch tiny fish like this now

The otters only catch tiny fish like this now

so the pups can learn to eat

and practice using their front paws.

In just a few months, they'll move on to much bigger fry.

But in the meantime,

this is quite the mouthful for a beginner.

this is quite the mouthful for a beginner.

(dramatic music)

As the sun sets across Singapore,

As the sun sets across Singapore,

the city is transformed.

Most of the waterways creatures get some rest.

Most of the waterways creatures get some rest.

A comfy ledge under a city bridge is this family's bedroom.

A comfy ledge under a city bridge is this family's bedroom.

Others prefer to stay close to the water,

whilst above them river monsters stretch out and blend in.

whilst above them river monsters stretch out and blend in.

But not everyone is asleep in the city.

One creature is just waking up.

One creature is just waking up.

(dramatic music)

The golden apple snail.

Around the size of a golf ball,

these mollusks live in calm freshwater ponds.

Specialized gills mean they can breathe underwater.

Specialized gills mean they can breathe underwater.

(dramatic music)

(dramatic music)

After a day of resting, the snails are ravenous.

Long tentacles compensate for their terrible eyesight.

They feel their way around the pond searching for food,

mostly vegetarian, a plant like this is irresistible.

(dramatic music)

A special jaw and a row of renewable teeth makes short work

A special jaw and a row of renewable teeth makes short work

of this underwater salad.

The night is spent happily grazing,

(dramatic music)

(dramatic music)

except for the females.

They have another job.

(dramatic music)

(dramatic music)

Just above the water,

this one is busy creating a masterpiece.

Her contorted body forms a slimy conveyor belt

as she deposits hundreds of rice green sized eggs,

as she deposits hundreds of rice green sized eggs,

each one carefully aimed slides into place.

each one carefully aimed slides into place.

It takes hours to build this teaspoon sized mound.

In the darkness, she's safe against daytime predators,

but before the night ends,

she must return to her watery world.

(dramatic music)

(dramatic music)

(water splashing)

(water splashing)

In the light of day,

In the light of day,

all that remains of the snail's existence

are splurges of pink.

The eggs will hatch in 14 days

and join their parents in the water below.

and join their parents in the water below.

(dramatic music)

Originally from South America,

Originally from South America,

thousands of these snails now live in Singapore

in just about every freshwater habitat in the country.

in just about every freshwater habitat in the country.

(dramatic music)

(water splashing)

(water splashing)

On the pond in the city,

the ducklings are now just over a week old.

So far, they've all survived,

but one of the biggest challenges for a duckling

is keeping their soft downy feathers dry.

is keeping their soft downy feathers dry.

(dramatic music)

Unlike the adults,

Unlike the adults,

their feathers aren't fully waterproof yet

and can't get too waterlogged.

(dramatic music)

Mom and dad have been dedicated parents.

Mom and dad have been dedicated parents.

(dramatic music)

But there's nothing they can do about the weather.

But there's nothing they can do about the weather.

(dramatic music)

If the ducklings get drenched,

their body temperature will drop quickly

their body temperature will drop quickly

and hypothermia can lead to death.

The race is on for the family to seek refuge.

(dramatic music)

(dramatic music)

In tropical Singapore, it usually rains every few days.

In tropical Singapore, it usually rains every few days.

(dramatic music)

800 million liters of water

can pour down in just a few hours,

enough to fill over 300 Olympic sized swimming pools.

enough to fill over 300 Olympic sized swimming pools.

Just about every part of the city has been designed

Just about every part of the city has been designed

to capture this precious resource.

(dramatic music)

(dramatic music)

Smaller concrete drains channel the water into larger canals

and onward to the reservoirs.

and onward to the reservoirs.

(dramatic music)

(otters chirping)

For some, this deluge has little impact on their lives,

For some, this deluge has little impact on their lives,

but others must take shelter.

but others must take shelter.

Rain vital for life here can turn threatening

Rain vital for life here can turn threatening

in an instant.

(dramatic music)

The duck family scrambled to find cover,

but in the chaos, two of the babies go missing.

Ducklings feathers aren't fully waterproof.

If they get drenched, they could perish from hypothermia.

If they get drenched, they could perish from hypothermia.

(dramatic music)

But with no shelter in sight,

all mum can do is use her own body as a shield

to try and protect the remaining four ducklings.

to try and protect the remaining four ducklings.

(rain tinkling)

(dramatic music)

(dramatic music)

After the storm, the pond quickly heats up again

After the storm, the pond quickly heats up again

and life returns to normal for some.

and life returns to normal for some.

Unfortunately, not everyone survived the ordeal.

(dramatic music)

(dramatic music)

But thanks to mum, the rest of the brood are alive

But thanks to mum, the rest of the brood are alive

and will hopefully continue to grow bigger

and stronger every day.

(dramatic music)

This urban pond is a surprising habitat choice

for the shy, lesser whistling duck.

But by creating the right freshwater environment,

But by creating the right freshwater environment,

the city has proven it can attract rare species

such as these.

(dramatic music)

Singapore's 31 rivers

were once the main source of fresh water.

were once the main source of fresh water.

Now, almost every single one of them

has been highly modified.

(dramatic music)

Kallang River the longest flows 10 kilometers

Kallang River the longest flows 10 kilometers

from the heart of the country into Marina Bay.

Many of the city's canals have been designed

to channel precious fresh water into this river

as it winds its way through an urban jungle

and a concrete world.

But recently, the upper part of the Kallang River

has been rejuvenated.

(dramatic music)

Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park is now 62 hectares of lush green

Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park is now 62 hectares of lush green

and three kilometers of meandering fresh water.

and three kilometers of meandering fresh water.

(dramatic music)

Rare migrant birds, such as the Asian openbill stork

Rare migrant birds, such as the Asian openbill stork

have begun to make stopovers here.

On the ground, a huge diversity of plants

fringe the waterways,

and the river is teeming with fish

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(dramatic music)

perfect for a large pack of wildly hunters.

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(dramatic music)

This family moved into the park a few years ago

This family moved into the park a few years ago

and in the narrow river

they've refined their hunting tactics.

they've refined their hunting tactics.

(water splashing)

Working as a team, they corral the fish into the shallows,

a show stopping performance.

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(dramatic music)

These otters have a large fan club here

in one of the most successfully rejuvenated rivers

in the country.

But it's not just the otters who have found a home here,

other water loving wildlife have also moved in,

some so small that they go completely unnoticed.

some so small that they go completely unnoticed.

120 species of dragonflies and damsel flies

120 species of dragonflies and damsel flies

can be found flitting around the calm waterways.

And below them, one of the most evolved creatures

And below them, one of the most evolved creatures

in the world, the pond skater.

This tiny insect around the size of a fingernail

literally walks on water.

literally walks on water.

The entire body is covered with thousands of minuscule hairs

The entire body is covered with thousands of minuscule hairs

that trap air to repel water.

It can cover almost two meters in a second

and is always on the lookout for a meal.

and is always on the lookout for a meal.

Anything that falls into their realm

is hunted down:

a dragonfly, excellent eating.

a dragonfly, excellent eating.

These insects are just one of many small creatures

These insects are just one of many small creatures

that make a home in Singapore's freshwater habitats.

Tiny but no less important for this ecosystem.

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A few months have passed and in the botanic gardens

A few months have passed and in the botanic gardens

the otter pups are now six months old.

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(dramatic music)

(water splashing)

But only the strongest two made it.

Survival rates are low for the species

and with only around 90 of them in Singapore,

and with only around 90 of them in Singapore,

smooth-coated otters are still critically endangered here.

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(dramatic music)

The two pups are now the teenagers of the family,

finally big enough to fend for themselves.

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(dramatic music)

In the city pond,

the ducklings are also almost fully grown,

the ducklings are also almost fully grown,

and like the otter pups,

only two managed to survive the first few vulnerable months

of life.

But now they have waterproof feathers

and wings that are nearly ready to take flight

and wings that are nearly ready to take flight

and explore their unique city home.

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(dramatic music)

In the next four decades,

In the next four decades,

90% of Singapore's land

will be part of an interconnected water catchment system,

channeling fresh water into rivers,

lakes, and reservoirs.

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A life-giving resource for us and the wild.

Freshwater ecosystems will constantly evolve

and many of our wild river locals will continue to adapt

and many of our wild river locals will continue to adapt

and thrive here in the wild city.

and thrive here in the wild city.

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(dramatic music)

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(dramatic music)