1 00:00:25,080 --> 00:00:26,760 A gibbon. 2 00:00:30,160 --> 00:00:32,400 Acrobatic. 3 00:00:35,600 --> 00:00:37,480 Graceful. 4 00:00:41,120 --> 00:00:42,360 Social. 5 00:00:46,800 --> 00:00:51,320 Just one in a remarkable animal family. 6 00:01:05,880 --> 00:01:07,960 Countless faces. 7 00:01:11,520 --> 00:01:13,520 Monkeys. 8 00:01:19,240 --> 00:01:20,560 Apes. 9 00:01:26,080 --> 00:01:27,120 Lemurs. 10 00:01:37,720 --> 00:01:43,000 They've conquered the world working together. 11 00:01:52,520 --> 00:01:54,840 Every triumph is shared. 12 00:01:55,920 --> 00:01:59,040 And every drama, too. 13 00:02:01,920 --> 00:02:04,680 Family is everything... 14 00:02:12,160 --> 00:02:13,920 ...for the primates. 15 00:02:25,440 --> 00:02:27,720 The forests of Southeast Asia... 16 00:02:29,840 --> 00:02:33,360 ...are home to world-class animal acrobats. 17 00:03:01,640 --> 00:03:05,600 These are lar gibbons. 18 00:03:15,080 --> 00:03:18,880 Each small family defends a huge territory. 19 00:03:22,080 --> 00:03:25,440 They must cover big distances quickly. 20 00:03:25,480 --> 00:03:29,080 So gibbons move like nothing else on Earth. 21 00:03:34,040 --> 00:03:35,520 They brachiate, 22 00:03:35,560 --> 00:03:37,920 swinging from branch to branch, 23 00:03:37,960 --> 00:03:41,760 and it's this technique that gives them their speed. 24 00:03:44,240 --> 00:03:49,240 A gibbon's arms are twice as long as their legs. 25 00:03:51,200 --> 00:03:54,520 So their body acts as a pendulum, 26 00:03:54,560 --> 00:03:58,760 with enough momentum to clear a gap of ten metres. 27 00:04:04,000 --> 00:04:07,040 But with a 30-metre drop below, 28 00:04:07,080 --> 00:04:09,480 every leap takes nerve. 29 00:04:13,000 --> 00:04:16,680 Confidence like this must be learned. 30 00:04:25,880 --> 00:04:29,560 This youngster is just ten months old - 31 00:04:29,600 --> 00:04:32,040 by gibbon standards, a toddler. 32 00:04:33,680 --> 00:04:37,320 She was born with all the tools she needs for the high life. 33 00:04:38,400 --> 00:04:40,520 But learning how to use them... 34 00:04:42,560 --> 00:04:44,080 ...takes practice. 35 00:05:03,520 --> 00:05:06,680 (WARBLING) 36 00:05:18,840 --> 00:05:22,160 Trial and error like this is risky. 37 00:05:22,200 --> 00:05:25,400 Few gibbons escape without broken bones. 38 00:05:59,520 --> 00:06:02,000 But lessons are shared. 39 00:06:03,920 --> 00:06:08,280 Gibbons, like all primates, 40 00:06:08,320 --> 00:06:10,040 learn from one another. 41 00:06:18,840 --> 00:06:20,280 From family, 42 00:06:20,320 --> 00:06:22,600 friends, 43 00:06:22,640 --> 00:06:23,840 playmates. 44 00:06:32,680 --> 00:06:35,320 Play is the best form of practice... 45 00:06:36,680 --> 00:06:38,040 ...and the more they play... 46 00:06:39,320 --> 00:06:41,920 ...the faster their skills develop. 47 00:07:02,320 --> 00:07:09,040 Young primates stand the best chance in life in the security of a family. 48 00:07:11,320 --> 00:07:13,400 Across the world... 49 00:07:15,920 --> 00:07:20,560 ...family power has been the key to primate success. 50 00:07:23,280 --> 00:07:25,480 From snow-capped mountains... 51 00:07:31,440 --> 00:07:34,160 ...to dusty backstreets. 52 00:07:38,680 --> 00:07:42,360 Uncharted jungles... 53 00:07:49,680 --> 00:07:52,240 ...and the open savanna. 54 00:07:58,920 --> 00:08:03,880 Social living has been the making of primates. 55 00:08:09,520 --> 00:08:14,360 But it's not to say that family life is without its challenges. 56 00:08:15,560 --> 00:08:17,880 Exhausting, even. 57 00:08:26,040 --> 00:08:28,640 (SNORING) 58 00:08:34,040 --> 00:08:35,280 (SNORES) 59 00:08:38,280 --> 00:08:43,160 In Malaysia, these dozing dusky leaf monkeys 60 00:08:43,200 --> 00:08:45,640 are a close-knit family group. 61 00:08:48,800 --> 00:08:52,200 One dominant male oversees eight females... 62 00:08:53,560 --> 00:08:55,360 ...and their young. 63 00:08:58,960 --> 00:09:00,760 Lots of them. 64 00:09:00,800 --> 00:09:03,080 (SQUEAKING) 65 00:09:17,840 --> 00:09:21,040 But one female is keeping her distance. 66 00:09:22,800 --> 00:09:25,120 She's just given birth... 67 00:09:26,480 --> 00:09:29,680 ...to a rather lurid infant. 68 00:09:42,840 --> 00:09:45,400 Mum must never lose sight of baby, 69 00:09:45,440 --> 00:09:50,520 and that's why he's been born in a kind of high-vis jacket. 70 00:10:00,080 --> 00:10:03,920 And there are others who find his bright-orange fur 71 00:10:03,960 --> 00:10:05,360 equally eye-catching. 72 00:10:10,920 --> 00:10:13,200 His aunts and cousins. 73 00:10:16,080 --> 00:10:19,320 They all want a cuddle with the newborn. 74 00:10:39,840 --> 00:10:43,600 Here, the baby-sitting becomes strangely competitive. 75 00:11:05,040 --> 00:11:08,840 It might seem a bit rough on the baby, 76 00:11:08,880 --> 00:11:11,480 but his mother is tolerant. 77 00:11:11,520 --> 00:11:16,360 It all helps to establish the troop's bond with the newborn, 78 00:11:16,400 --> 00:11:19,640 making it all the more likely they'll protect him. 79 00:11:21,520 --> 00:11:25,880 Just as well, because in the jungle, you're never far from danger. 80 00:11:27,120 --> 00:11:28,880 (SCREECHES) 81 00:11:28,920 --> 00:11:30,120 An alarm call. 82 00:11:31,880 --> 00:11:33,720 It's a python. 83 00:11:35,480 --> 00:11:38,440 Mum quickly locates her orange infant... 84 00:11:48,080 --> 00:11:50,520 ...and he's soon safe in her arms. 85 00:11:55,600 --> 00:11:58,200 But the troop aren't finished. 86 00:11:59,800 --> 00:12:03,000 As long as the snake remains in their territory, it's a threat, 87 00:12:03,040 --> 00:12:05,480 especially to the youngest. 88 00:12:36,280 --> 00:12:39,680 That's one snake that won't stick around. 89 00:12:50,560 --> 00:12:55,640 Putting up with your family takes patience, 90 00:12:55,680 --> 00:12:59,600 but you can rely upon them when it really matters. 91 00:13:09,560 --> 00:13:12,200 Dawn in the Amazon basin. 92 00:13:22,960 --> 00:13:25,440 These white-cheeked spider monkeys... 93 00:13:27,880 --> 00:13:31,080 ...are equipped for life in the treetops. 94 00:13:42,840 --> 00:13:46,640 Spider monkeys have an extra limb - 95 00:13:46,680 --> 00:13:47,880 their tail... 96 00:13:55,200 --> 00:13:58,720 ...which allows them to go where others monkeys can't... 97 00:14:01,240 --> 00:14:05,840 ...and reach opportunities no other primate can. 98 00:14:11,400 --> 00:14:13,840 This female's tail is strong and dextrous - 99 00:14:13,880 --> 00:14:17,080 it's as good as any arm. 100 00:14:22,840 --> 00:14:24,440 And it holds the key 101 00:14:24,480 --> 00:14:28,280 when she ventures to the most perilous places. 102 00:14:36,400 --> 00:14:38,880 This tributary of the Amazon is in flood, 103 00:14:38,920 --> 00:14:40,760 bursting at its seams. 104 00:14:46,360 --> 00:14:48,920 The currents are strong enough to uproot trees... 105 00:14:50,880 --> 00:14:53,840 ...and wash away any who stray too close. 106 00:14:58,400 --> 00:15:01,280 But they also bring opportunity. 107 00:15:04,200 --> 00:15:09,360 Aquatic plants, a feast quite unlike anything to be found in the canopy. 108 00:15:17,840 --> 00:15:20,960 Now her tail is a safety rope. 109 00:15:22,480 --> 00:15:26,480 It's flexible and can support all her weight. 110 00:15:31,400 --> 00:15:33,560 It even seems to have a mind of its own. 111 00:15:34,800 --> 00:15:38,080 And it has a pattern of grooves for grip, 112 00:15:38,120 --> 00:15:40,040 like the palm of a hand. 113 00:16:10,080 --> 00:16:14,800 It's thought the extra nutrients in these plants make it worth the risk. 114 00:16:18,440 --> 00:16:21,960 And this elder female has led the way. 115 00:16:23,440 --> 00:16:25,240 Her troop have followed. 116 00:16:51,920 --> 00:16:53,920 Soon everyone is tucking in. 117 00:17:19,520 --> 00:17:22,280 Here, family knowledge is shared... 118 00:17:24,520 --> 00:17:26,400 ...remembered 119 00:17:26,440 --> 00:17:30,520 and even passed on between generations. 120 00:17:41,920 --> 00:17:45,040 Primate groups come in all shapes and sizes... 121 00:17:48,360 --> 00:17:51,280 ...and for all sorts of reasons. 122 00:17:57,200 --> 00:18:01,640 Here, on Ethiopia's open highlands, 123 00:18:01,680 --> 00:18:06,280 geladas form herds, the biggest groups of all. 124 00:18:09,680 --> 00:18:12,120 Because where there's nowhere to hide, 125 00:18:12,160 --> 00:18:14,200 there's safety in numbers. 126 00:18:25,880 --> 00:18:28,480 On the edge of the world's hottest desert... 127 00:18:28,520 --> 00:18:30,080 (SCREECHING) 128 00:18:32,320 --> 00:18:34,040 (BARKING) 129 00:18:34,080 --> 00:18:36,360 ...hamadryas baboons band together... 130 00:18:37,880 --> 00:18:40,640 ...to defend scant resources from rivals. 131 00:18:40,680 --> 00:18:42,600 (SCREECHING) 132 00:18:47,360 --> 00:18:49,920 When two groups clash, 133 00:18:49,960 --> 00:18:52,200 it pays to have numbers on your side. 134 00:19:03,600 --> 00:19:07,880 It's much more peaceful and the groups are much smaller 135 00:19:07,920 --> 00:19:11,800 in the Dry Chaco forest of Argentina. 136 00:19:11,840 --> 00:19:16,120 Here, owl monkeys live in small nuclear families - 137 00:19:16,160 --> 00:19:18,800 just parents and their young ones. 138 00:19:22,080 --> 00:19:24,480 Mum and Dad are one of the most devoted pairs 139 00:19:24,520 --> 00:19:25,880 in the natural world... 140 00:19:28,760 --> 00:19:32,000 ...because they only have each other to rely on. 141 00:19:36,520 --> 00:19:38,080 (YAWNS) 142 00:19:44,560 --> 00:19:47,240 Despite the benefits of social living, 143 00:19:47,280 --> 00:19:49,720 there are a few primates 144 00:19:49,760 --> 00:19:51,680 who prefer to go it alone. 145 00:19:59,200 --> 00:20:01,800 As night falls in Sri Lanka, 146 00:20:01,840 --> 00:20:05,880 a solitary, rarely seen creature is stirring. 147 00:20:30,320 --> 00:20:32,960 This pint-sized primate... 148 00:20:34,920 --> 00:20:37,480 ...is a gray slender loris. 149 00:21:12,680 --> 00:21:18,040 Active only at night, a loris is wide-eyed and stealthy... 150 00:21:20,960 --> 00:21:23,960 ...even when she's just hunting fruit. 151 00:21:37,520 --> 00:21:41,400 A solitary life should mean she doesn't have to share. 152 00:21:54,800 --> 00:21:56,720 But there are challenges, too. 153 00:21:59,000 --> 00:22:02,000 This loris is a single mother. 154 00:22:08,120 --> 00:22:13,360 She has twins who, unfortunately, are just too big to bring along. 155 00:22:16,040 --> 00:22:19,840 So the youngsters are parked in dense vegetation, 156 00:22:19,880 --> 00:22:23,800 where they're expected to sit tight and wait for her to return. 157 00:22:37,400 --> 00:22:41,640 But tonight, one of the infants is not where she left him. 158 00:23:06,760 --> 00:23:10,560 This little loris has slipped from his roost, 159 00:23:10,600 --> 00:23:13,080 and now he's in trouble. 160 00:23:15,080 --> 00:23:16,120 (SQUEAKS) 161 00:23:17,520 --> 00:23:19,760 At only five weeks old, 162 00:23:19,800 --> 00:23:21,840 he's little bigger than a golf ball. 163 00:23:30,240 --> 00:23:32,480 But already, he's well equipped. 164 00:23:38,320 --> 00:23:42,240 (SQUEAKS) 165 00:23:45,360 --> 00:23:48,560 He's one of few primates with night vision, 166 00:23:48,600 --> 00:23:53,600 thanks to a special reflective layer of cells, the tapetum, 167 00:23:53,640 --> 00:23:55,720 in his oversized eyes. 168 00:23:59,600 --> 00:24:03,040 Whilst most young primates take months, or even years, 169 00:24:03,080 --> 00:24:04,400 to fully find their feet, 170 00:24:04,440 --> 00:24:09,000 this baby loris already climbs with confidence. 171 00:24:16,000 --> 00:24:20,040 And he was born with a vice-like grip. 172 00:24:23,800 --> 00:24:26,040 (SQUEAKS) 173 00:24:29,040 --> 00:24:30,600 His mother can hear him. 174 00:24:30,640 --> 00:24:32,160 (SQUEAKING CONTINUES) 175 00:24:36,880 --> 00:24:39,880 (SQUEAKS) 176 00:24:52,720 --> 00:24:54,640 Reunited at last. 177 00:25:03,000 --> 00:25:05,400 A loris must grow up fast. 178 00:25:06,840 --> 00:25:10,440 Their infancy is one of the shortest of any primate. 179 00:25:15,200 --> 00:25:17,920 In less than four months' time, 180 00:25:17,960 --> 00:25:21,320 he and his twin will strike out alone. 181 00:25:23,520 --> 00:25:26,720 But even then, their mother won't abandon them. 182 00:25:29,760 --> 00:25:31,800 She'll let them share her territory, 183 00:25:31,840 --> 00:25:35,920 ensuring that they have what they need in the early days of independence. 184 00:25:54,320 --> 00:25:59,600 In this cabruca forest, towering trees crawl with microscopic life. 185 00:26:16,240 --> 00:26:18,160 And this miniature world 186 00:26:18,200 --> 00:26:22,480 has its very own miniature squirrel-sized monkey. 187 00:26:33,440 --> 00:26:35,840 A golden-headed lion tamarin. 188 00:26:38,120 --> 00:26:39,480 He's a dad, 189 00:26:39,520 --> 00:26:42,400 with a small but demanding family. 190 00:26:55,160 --> 00:26:58,080 He's being tracked using a radio collar, 191 00:26:58,120 --> 00:27:00,960 so scientists know one thing for sure - 192 00:27:01,000 --> 00:27:03,040 he is devoted. 193 00:27:14,440 --> 00:27:15,640 Despite that, 194 00:27:15,680 --> 00:27:19,000 today it seems he's forgotten something. 195 00:27:20,320 --> 00:27:21,640 (SCREECHES) 196 00:27:25,160 --> 00:27:27,280 - His daughter. - (SCREECHES) 197 00:27:35,320 --> 00:27:36,760 (SCREECHES) 198 00:27:47,080 --> 00:27:49,880 For a tiny tamarin mother, 199 00:27:49,920 --> 00:27:52,760 pregnancy and birth takes a huge toll. 200 00:27:52,800 --> 00:27:56,640 So the lion's share of childcare falls to her partner. 201 00:28:02,760 --> 00:28:06,120 He leads everyone to the day's first stop... 202 00:28:07,800 --> 00:28:09,240 ...breakfast! 203 00:28:16,640 --> 00:28:20,440 A tamarin day is a fast and furious 204 00:28:20,480 --> 00:28:23,280 and often rather destructive hunt for food. 205 00:28:32,160 --> 00:28:37,080 These bromeliads are full of bite-size morsels. 206 00:29:01,640 --> 00:29:05,720 They'll stay just long enough for everyone to get their fill... 207 00:29:07,160 --> 00:29:10,520 ...because tamarins are bite size, too, 208 00:29:10,560 --> 00:29:14,320 and it's dangerous to stay in one place too long. 209 00:29:15,680 --> 00:29:17,120 (SQUEAKING) 210 00:29:17,160 --> 00:29:19,440 Time to move. 211 00:29:28,040 --> 00:29:29,280 Everyone follows. 212 00:29:32,200 --> 00:29:35,080 Well, almost everyone. 213 00:29:35,120 --> 00:29:37,320 (SQUEAKS) 214 00:29:40,320 --> 00:29:41,600 (SQUEAKS) 215 00:29:52,920 --> 00:29:58,680 This is how a tamarin dad is destined to spend his days. 216 00:30:03,760 --> 00:30:05,760 Whether the family are eating... 217 00:30:11,440 --> 00:30:13,160 ...grooming... 218 00:30:14,880 --> 00:30:16,960 ...or just playing... 219 00:30:24,080 --> 00:30:27,760 ...it's he who shoulders the burden of responsibility. 220 00:30:27,800 --> 00:30:30,480 (SHRILL CALLING) 221 00:30:38,920 --> 00:30:41,600 In truth, his daughter is plenty big enough 222 00:30:41,640 --> 00:30:43,160 to keep up with the family... 223 00:30:44,880 --> 00:30:49,400 ...but she'd much rather hitch a ride from her long-suffering dad. 224 00:31:13,240 --> 00:31:16,560 Amongst the ring-tailed lemurs of Madagascar, 225 00:31:16,600 --> 00:31:18,040 females rule. 226 00:31:23,240 --> 00:31:27,680 These leaders juggle childcare with territorial warfare. 227 00:31:32,920 --> 00:31:35,240 If needs must, 228 00:31:35,280 --> 00:31:38,080 they'll go into battle with baby on board. 229 00:31:45,520 --> 00:31:47,200 In primate life, 230 00:31:47,240 --> 00:31:49,160 those at the top stand out... 231 00:31:49,200 --> 00:31:53,680 ...even in the deep shade of the West African jungle, 232 00:31:53,720 --> 00:31:55,520 where the only thing more colourful 233 00:31:55,560 --> 00:31:58,840 than a dominant male mandrill's backside... 234 00:31:58,880 --> 00:32:01,360 ...is his face. 235 00:32:05,720 --> 00:32:10,760 Mandrills' bright colours signify health and dominance. 236 00:32:21,360 --> 00:32:24,680 (BARKING) 237 00:32:24,720 --> 00:32:26,840 (YELPING) 238 00:32:34,200 --> 00:32:39,080 From the extraordinary nose of Borneo's proboscis monkey... 239 00:32:39,120 --> 00:32:42,880 ...to the oversized canines of a drill... 240 00:32:46,640 --> 00:32:50,160 ...or the huge cheeks of a dominant male orangutan... 241 00:32:53,680 --> 00:32:58,160 ...these physical features mark out those at the top... 242 00:33:02,280 --> 00:33:05,440 ...but also expose them to politics and backstabbing. 243 00:33:07,400 --> 00:33:08,800 (GRUNTING) 244 00:33:11,800 --> 00:33:13,440 (GRUNTING) 245 00:33:15,480 --> 00:33:17,920 In India's desert state of Rajasthan... 246 00:33:20,360 --> 00:33:23,720 ...a single battle-scarred male Hanuman langur 247 00:33:23,760 --> 00:33:25,440 watches over his troop... 248 00:33:32,640 --> 00:33:34,840 ...50 females and youngsters 249 00:33:34,880 --> 00:33:39,400 who rely upon him to keep the peace and rivals at bay. 250 00:33:41,600 --> 00:33:45,360 (SQUEALING) 251 00:33:51,680 --> 00:33:56,600 His offspring are growing up in the safety of his protection. 252 00:34:18,640 --> 00:34:19,800 (FLY BUZZES) 253 00:34:19,840 --> 00:34:22,800 But these bachelors have banded together 254 00:34:22,840 --> 00:34:27,440 in the hope of deposing him and taking the troop by force. 255 00:34:30,240 --> 00:34:32,040 (GROWLS) 256 00:34:33,200 --> 00:34:35,640 If they succeed, 257 00:34:35,680 --> 00:34:38,440 they will kill his infants. 258 00:34:43,120 --> 00:34:46,480 (GRUNTING) 259 00:34:59,160 --> 00:35:02,280 (GRUNTING) 260 00:35:06,640 --> 00:35:08,560 (RAPID CLICKING) 261 00:35:08,600 --> 00:35:11,680 Teeth grinding is a display of defiance. 262 00:35:11,720 --> 00:35:13,360 (CLICKING) 263 00:35:13,400 --> 00:35:15,040 (BARKS) 264 00:35:15,080 --> 00:35:17,920 He's not going down without a fight. 265 00:35:20,920 --> 00:35:22,840 (CLICKING) 266 00:35:22,880 --> 00:35:25,200 Challenge accepted. 267 00:35:25,240 --> 00:35:27,400 (CLICKING CONTINUES) 268 00:35:33,520 --> 00:35:35,480 (SQUEALING) 269 00:35:39,080 --> 00:35:42,680 Attack is the best form of defence. 270 00:36:01,680 --> 00:36:06,120 (SCREECHING) 271 00:36:16,480 --> 00:36:18,240 (GRUNTS) 272 00:36:26,560 --> 00:36:31,000 He's seen off his rivals by intimidation. 273 00:36:31,040 --> 00:36:32,240 (GRUNTS) 274 00:36:37,200 --> 00:36:39,480 And his offspring are safe... 275 00:36:43,120 --> 00:36:46,000 ...for the time being, at least. 276 00:36:52,120 --> 00:36:55,880 A leader's dominance is under constant threat. 277 00:36:58,320 --> 00:37:01,480 Eventually, everyone must step aside. 278 00:37:07,120 --> 00:37:11,600 In Morocco's cedar forests, winter brings short days... 279 00:37:16,560 --> 00:37:19,760 ...for the world's most isolated monkey. 280 00:37:29,400 --> 00:37:32,680 Barbary macaques' morning commute 281 00:37:32,720 --> 00:37:34,320 is short... 282 00:37:34,360 --> 00:37:35,400 ...but steep. 283 00:38:11,800 --> 00:38:12,960 (SQUEALING) 284 00:38:21,880 --> 00:38:24,640 Playtime is not wasted. 285 00:38:24,680 --> 00:38:28,240 These antics mask political jostling. 286 00:38:28,280 --> 00:38:31,120 The playmates are testing one another... 287 00:38:32,360 --> 00:38:33,720 establishing status... 288 00:38:35,360 --> 00:38:39,240 ...and forging alliances - 289 00:38:39,280 --> 00:38:43,000 that secret weapon in primate society. 290 00:38:48,640 --> 00:38:52,280 But one macaque watches from the sidelines. 291 00:38:58,320 --> 00:39:01,600 He's a male in his final years... 292 00:39:08,000 --> 00:39:12,280 ...known here by researchers for his battle-scarred nose 293 00:39:12,320 --> 00:39:15,200 and by the fact he's usually alone. 294 00:39:26,200 --> 00:39:30,280 His status and importance has waned. 295 00:39:33,680 --> 00:39:38,360 But he was once second in command of this troop of 40. 296 00:39:41,400 --> 00:39:45,080 To climb the ranks, he was ruthless. 297 00:39:46,320 --> 00:39:49,240 In his youth, he too jostled for position... 298 00:39:56,040 --> 00:39:57,400 ...made allies... 299 00:39:59,200 --> 00:40:01,120 ...and enemies, too, 300 00:40:01,160 --> 00:40:06,120 to secure his role in the top ranks of this group. 301 00:40:19,520 --> 00:40:21,880 But those days... 302 00:40:21,920 --> 00:40:24,320 ...are behind him now. 303 00:40:36,720 --> 00:40:39,400 These Barbary macaques are marooned 304 00:40:39,440 --> 00:40:43,880 2,000 metres up in Morocco's Atlas Mountains 305 00:40:43,920 --> 00:40:46,080 where they endure 306 00:40:46,120 --> 00:40:49,000 some of the biggest climactic extremes 307 00:40:49,040 --> 00:40:50,360 of any primate. 308 00:40:55,840 --> 00:40:57,160 In just hours, 309 00:40:57,200 --> 00:41:00,960 the temperature can fall by 30 degrees centigrade. 310 00:41:03,960 --> 00:41:07,040 The lives of the young and the old are at risk. 311 00:41:13,680 --> 00:41:16,600 At dusk, the group start to form huddles, 312 00:41:16,640 --> 00:41:20,000 teaming up to fend off the cold. 313 00:41:29,160 --> 00:41:31,480 They provide warmth to each other, 314 00:41:31,520 --> 00:41:34,240 helping them all to survive until morning. 315 00:41:37,080 --> 00:41:40,480 The old male, however, is alone... 316 00:41:52,360 --> 00:41:53,960 ...until... 317 00:41:55,000 --> 00:41:58,080 ...he's joined by some unlikely friends. 318 00:42:05,960 --> 00:42:08,800 He's found a new role in the group... 319 00:42:14,800 --> 00:42:19,640 ...caring for young who are not his own, and it's paid off. 320 00:42:22,000 --> 00:42:26,480 Male Barbary macaques form lasting grandfather-like relationships 321 00:42:26,520 --> 00:42:27,680 with youngsters. 322 00:42:27,720 --> 00:42:31,400 (TEETH CHATTER) 323 00:42:33,360 --> 00:42:34,600 And now, together, 324 00:42:34,640 --> 00:42:38,760 they all stand a better chance of surviving the night. 325 00:42:42,680 --> 00:42:46,160 They can endure the extremes of the mountain winter 326 00:42:46,200 --> 00:42:48,440 thanks to cooperation. 327 00:42:55,040 --> 00:42:58,720 Working together is at the heart of the success... 328 00:43:00,680 --> 00:43:03,360 ...of this entire animal family... 329 00:43:06,160 --> 00:43:10,320 ...a family whose story has a new chapter. 330 00:43:17,160 --> 00:43:18,960 In 1997, 331 00:43:19,000 --> 00:43:22,720 scientists embarked upon an expedition to a lost world... 332 00:43:24,360 --> 00:43:27,760 ...a remote plateau in Northern Sumatra. 333 00:43:34,040 --> 00:43:36,600 1,000 metres above sea level... 334 00:43:39,600 --> 00:43:42,800 ...this is Batang Toru. 335 00:44:12,640 --> 00:44:14,680 After weeks of searching, 336 00:44:14,720 --> 00:44:16,600 they caught a glimpse... 337 00:44:19,640 --> 00:44:20,960 ...of this. 338 00:44:23,920 --> 00:44:27,880 A new species of primate. 339 00:44:27,920 --> 00:44:29,160 A great ape. 340 00:44:43,360 --> 00:44:46,080 The Tapanuli orangutan. 341 00:44:54,760 --> 00:44:56,920 (GRUNTS SOFTLY) 342 00:44:56,960 --> 00:44:58,520 They are smaller, 343 00:44:58,560 --> 00:45:02,280 have paler, thicker fur than their lowland cousins. 344 00:45:02,320 --> 00:45:06,360 Scientists believe these are adaptations for living at altitude. 345 00:45:08,360 --> 00:45:10,160 But like all orangutans... 346 00:45:11,200 --> 00:45:14,080 ...the bond between an infant and its mother 347 00:45:14,120 --> 00:45:17,240 is one of the strongest and longest in the natural world. 348 00:45:27,160 --> 00:45:29,040 At this high elevation, 349 00:45:29,080 --> 00:45:31,320 it seems these orangutans 350 00:45:31,360 --> 00:45:35,200 need a greater variety of plant foods to survive. 351 00:45:38,840 --> 00:45:41,680 All of which this infant has to learn. 352 00:45:53,160 --> 00:45:58,320 It will take five years before she's ready to head off alone. 353 00:46:01,880 --> 00:46:06,880 But her world is changing...and fast. 354 00:46:14,760 --> 00:46:18,960 When the Tapanuli orangutan was named in 2017, 355 00:46:19,000 --> 00:46:20,760 it became the newest, 356 00:46:20,800 --> 00:46:25,280 and in the same moment, the most endangered great ape on Earth. 357 00:46:35,000 --> 00:46:38,400 There are only 800 individuals. 358 00:46:44,840 --> 00:46:48,800 Their lost world is no longer a secret. 359 00:46:51,440 --> 00:46:54,480 In fact, it's under immediate threat 360 00:46:54,520 --> 00:46:58,360 from logging, mining and hydropower projects. 361 00:47:10,240 --> 00:47:13,520 The Tapanuli orangutan was isolated, 362 00:47:13,560 --> 00:47:15,000 hidden, 363 00:47:15,040 --> 00:47:18,200 for nearly 700,000 years. 364 00:47:19,560 --> 00:47:21,320 It's now thought 365 00:47:21,360 --> 00:47:23,120 that within a generation 366 00:47:23,160 --> 00:47:25,000 they could be gone. 367 00:47:35,880 --> 00:47:37,400 And across the world, 368 00:47:37,440 --> 00:47:39,920 this is becoming a familiar story. 369 00:47:43,200 --> 00:47:47,960 95% of Madagascar's lemurs are endangered. 370 00:47:53,640 --> 00:47:57,160 The Barbary macaques' home is shrinking fast 371 00:47:57,200 --> 00:48:00,160 in the face of rapid climate change. 372 00:48:06,680 --> 00:48:13,120 India's lion-tailed macaques' forests are now adrift in a sea of agriculture. 373 00:48:18,000 --> 00:48:23,920 Today, over half of all primate species are under threat. 374 00:48:32,000 --> 00:48:33,880 And the future of them all... 375 00:48:35,280 --> 00:48:38,400 ...is in the hands of one primate. 376 00:48:42,680 --> 00:48:44,080 Us. 377 00:48:54,200 --> 00:48:58,960 The Primates team embarked on almost 30 filming expeditions 378 00:48:59,000 --> 00:49:00,720 across the world, 379 00:49:00,760 --> 00:49:03,520 climbing trees, scaling mountains 380 00:49:03,560 --> 00:49:08,440 and weathering storms to film primates at home in the wild. 381 00:49:12,240 --> 00:49:15,160 But at a secret location in Malaysia, 382 00:49:15,200 --> 00:49:17,440 one shoot was a little different. 383 00:49:21,280 --> 00:49:25,440 These lar gibbons have been rescued from the pet trade 384 00:49:25,480 --> 00:49:27,920 and are being prepared for release back into the wild 385 00:49:27,960 --> 00:49:31,240 by Malaysian gibbon guardian Bam. 386 00:49:31,280 --> 00:49:33,640 Here we do the rehabilitation project for gibbons. 387 00:49:34,720 --> 00:49:39,320 We expose them to the wild as much as possible. 388 00:49:39,360 --> 00:49:44,560 We introduce them with other gibbons so they can learn their own language. 389 00:49:44,600 --> 00:49:48,000 We encourage them to climb higher. 390 00:49:48,040 --> 00:49:52,520 We help them to harness the skills to make them wild again. 391 00:49:53,680 --> 00:49:58,000 Like all primates, young gibbons should grow up as part of a family. 392 00:49:58,040 --> 00:50:01,080 But in this case, that family is Bam. 393 00:50:01,120 --> 00:50:03,760 We give them love, motivation and support. 394 00:50:03,800 --> 00:50:05,400 Bam's dedication 395 00:50:05,440 --> 00:50:09,440 offers the chance to reveal the lives of gibbons as never before. 396 00:50:09,480 --> 00:50:11,080 Having the chance to film gibbons 397 00:50:11,120 --> 00:50:13,360 which are halfway through the process of being rehabilitated 398 00:50:13,400 --> 00:50:15,040 is a real treat. 399 00:50:15,080 --> 00:50:17,920 They're showing very, very natural behaviour, 400 00:50:17,960 --> 00:50:20,560 but they're not completely freaked out by my presence, 401 00:50:20,600 --> 00:50:22,400 which is really, really good. 402 00:50:22,440 --> 00:50:23,600 And with Bam's expert help, 403 00:50:23,640 --> 00:50:27,080 the team can try a completely new approach. 404 00:50:27,120 --> 00:50:29,160 The way that gibbons move, 405 00:50:29,200 --> 00:50:30,720 they live in a 3D world. You know? 406 00:50:30,760 --> 00:50:32,600 They're up, down, left, right, diagonal, 407 00:50:32,640 --> 00:50:33,760 backwards, forwards... 408 00:50:33,800 --> 00:50:34,960 They're everywhere. 409 00:50:35,000 --> 00:50:40,280 The crew decide to experiment with filming in all directions at once 410 00:50:40,320 --> 00:50:43,400 with a 360-degree camera. 411 00:50:43,440 --> 00:50:45,080 We can really spin around 412 00:50:45,120 --> 00:50:48,120 and show their world from their point of view. 413 00:50:49,960 --> 00:50:51,480 But before they can begin, 414 00:50:51,520 --> 00:50:53,520 the crew need Bam's help to introduce themselves - 415 00:50:53,560 --> 00:50:55,760 and their unusual equipment - 416 00:50:55,800 --> 00:50:57,160 to the gibbons. 417 00:50:57,200 --> 00:50:59,440 When we first got the camera out, 418 00:50:59,480 --> 00:51:03,120 it was a completely alien sight to the gibbons. 419 00:51:03,160 --> 00:51:06,320 I think they were a little bit scared of it and very cautious. 420 00:51:06,360 --> 00:51:08,800 Bam is just getting up to the camera 421 00:51:08,840 --> 00:51:12,200 and interacting with it and just showing that it's safe. 422 00:51:12,240 --> 00:51:15,640 It's just a little bit of an introduction to the camera system. 423 00:51:15,680 --> 00:51:17,320 Then they got curious about it. 424 00:51:17,360 --> 00:51:20,600 They were testing - hands all over the lenses 425 00:51:20,640 --> 00:51:25,840 and coming up and licking the lenses and then trying to bite on the cables. 426 00:51:25,880 --> 00:51:28,480 Over the week, they've got more comfortable with it 427 00:51:28,520 --> 00:51:30,200 and then they were starting to ignore it 428 00:51:30,240 --> 00:51:31,960 and act a little bit more naturally, 429 00:51:32,000 --> 00:51:33,800 which was exactly what we were after. 430 00:51:37,880 --> 00:51:41,840 With everything in place and the gibbons reassured, 431 00:51:41,880 --> 00:51:43,920 the crew are finally ready to film. 432 00:51:45,360 --> 00:51:47,040 But there's a problem. 433 00:51:47,080 --> 00:51:50,040 We tried to film the adults for the first time, 434 00:51:50,080 --> 00:51:52,560 and the adults have learnt how to be gibbons, 435 00:51:52,600 --> 00:51:54,680 so they go high in the trees, usually. 436 00:51:57,240 --> 00:52:00,800 It was quite frustrating cos James was 60 foot up in that tree, 437 00:52:00,840 --> 00:52:03,480 looking across - it looked great - 438 00:52:03,520 --> 00:52:05,640 but the gibbons were on the floor. 439 00:52:05,680 --> 00:52:08,840 But for Bam, this is a familiar problem, 440 00:52:08,880 --> 00:52:11,600 and she knows exactly what to do. 441 00:52:11,640 --> 00:52:14,760 JAMES: I used a catapult to fire a light-weight line up 442 00:52:14,800 --> 00:52:16,840 over one of the top branches, 443 00:52:16,880 --> 00:52:20,320 and then we used that line to pull up a blue plastic bucket 444 00:52:20,360 --> 00:52:22,680 that was basically full of treats - 445 00:52:22,720 --> 00:52:27,080 oranges, bits of papaya, bananas, all the things that gibbons really love. 446 00:52:27,120 --> 00:52:29,040 And as soon as they saw that bucket, 447 00:52:29,080 --> 00:52:32,040 from a distance, they knew that it was worth investigating, 448 00:52:32,080 --> 00:52:35,120 and then we could then get the shots of them moving in. 449 00:52:35,160 --> 00:52:36,520 Bam does whatever it takes 450 00:52:36,560 --> 00:52:39,560 to ready her gibbons for a life in the wild. 451 00:52:39,600 --> 00:52:42,600 It's all part of the rehab process, which is very, very convenient for us. 452 00:52:42,640 --> 00:52:45,560 This morning, the gibbons climbed right up into the tree, 453 00:52:45,600 --> 00:52:48,040 and we were able to get some really nice shots of both of them 454 00:52:48,080 --> 00:52:52,080 doing what gibbons do best - up high, incredible acrobatics, 455 00:52:52,120 --> 00:52:53,960 big, break-neck jumps going across, 456 00:52:54,000 --> 00:52:57,160 death-defying stunts - really, really good. 457 00:52:57,200 --> 00:53:00,360 And the 360 camera captured 458 00:53:00,400 --> 00:53:02,000 a never-seen-before angle 459 00:53:02,040 --> 00:53:04,440 of the gibbons' canopy world. 460 00:53:09,720 --> 00:53:12,200 The most important thing is that they...they get back to the wild, 461 00:53:12,240 --> 00:53:15,320 and actually I hope what we've been doing is enriching their lives, 462 00:53:15,360 --> 00:53:17,840 helping with their play, getting them better at climbing. 463 00:53:17,880 --> 00:53:20,800 Today, I saw Betsy and Lola playing on that tree. 464 00:53:20,840 --> 00:53:22,520 They don't really go there. 465 00:53:22,560 --> 00:53:26,320 And then, after the training, they start playing on that tree. 466 00:53:26,360 --> 00:53:27,640 It's the highest tree here, in the centre, 467 00:53:27,680 --> 00:53:29,280 so they climbed really high. 468 00:53:29,320 --> 00:53:31,280 It's good. They are more confident. 469 00:53:31,320 --> 00:53:34,400 The filming also gives Bam a new perspective - 470 00:53:34,440 --> 00:53:37,000 a gibbon's perspective, high in the trees. 471 00:53:37,040 --> 00:53:39,160 Wow, I didn't know 472 00:53:39,200 --> 00:53:40,480 - that it's so high. - Yeah. 473 00:53:40,520 --> 00:53:43,160 And she sees something she's never seen before. 474 00:53:43,200 --> 00:53:45,160 - They're really high. - Higher than this one. 475 00:53:45,200 --> 00:53:46,680 JAMES: I know. 476 00:53:47,720 --> 00:53:49,360 BAM: Aw! 477 00:53:49,400 --> 00:53:50,480 Wow. 478 00:53:50,520 --> 00:53:51,600 It's a backflip! 479 00:53:51,640 --> 00:53:53,000 - What, up there? - Yeah. 480 00:53:53,040 --> 00:53:54,440 Oh, my God! 481 00:53:55,480 --> 00:53:56,720 I know! 482 00:53:56,760 --> 00:53:58,000 It's mad, isn't it? 483 00:53:58,040 --> 00:53:59,960 (BOTH LAUGH) 484 00:54:01,880 --> 00:54:02,880 Thank you for showing me. 485 00:54:02,920 --> 00:54:04,680 Oh, it's an absolute pleasure. 486 00:54:04,720 --> 00:54:08,560 No, it's been absolutely just wonderful filming them. 487 00:54:08,600 --> 00:54:13,120 But some of Bam's gibbons still have a way to go. 488 00:54:13,160 --> 00:54:15,960 STEVE: We fell in love with them instantly. 489 00:54:16,000 --> 00:54:19,360 JAMES: The infants are just crazy. 490 00:54:19,400 --> 00:54:22,960 It's hard not to be really sucked into their world 491 00:54:23,000 --> 00:54:25,920 and to be really quite captivated by them. 492 00:54:25,960 --> 00:54:28,880 STEVE: They're such adorable animals 493 00:54:28,920 --> 00:54:30,840 that it's really easy to see 494 00:54:30,880 --> 00:54:33,800 why people want to keep them as pets. 495 00:54:35,560 --> 00:54:38,720 Infant gibbons bond closely with their carers, 496 00:54:38,760 --> 00:54:41,200 and that makes them vulnerable. 497 00:54:44,800 --> 00:54:46,440 Bam is leading the charge 498 00:54:46,480 --> 00:54:47,640 against the biggest threat 499 00:54:47,680 --> 00:54:49,960 faced by gibbons in Malaysia - 500 00:54:50,000 --> 00:54:52,120 the trade in infants. 501 00:54:53,200 --> 00:54:55,680 And it's not just gibbons. 502 00:54:55,720 --> 00:55:00,400 Primates of all kinds are sold, most often via social media, 503 00:55:00,440 --> 00:55:03,640 for photo opportunities on the street 504 00:55:03,680 --> 00:55:06,880 or as exotic pets. 505 00:55:07,960 --> 00:55:11,200 These infants have been rescued from a life 506 00:55:11,240 --> 00:55:14,320 for which they are completely unsuited. 507 00:55:14,360 --> 00:55:16,280 Gibbons are so cute when they're small, 508 00:55:16,320 --> 00:55:18,440 but once they reach one years old, 509 00:55:18,480 --> 00:55:21,520 they start to become destructive, they need more space. 510 00:55:21,560 --> 00:55:23,480 JAMES: They're wild animals. 511 00:55:23,520 --> 00:55:25,760 They haven't evolved to be kept as pets. 512 00:55:25,800 --> 00:55:28,960 And as they grow up, they become demanding, 513 00:55:29,000 --> 00:55:30,040 they become very physical. 514 00:55:31,120 --> 00:55:32,240 Oops! 515 00:55:33,480 --> 00:55:34,920 (MIC SCRATCHES) 516 00:55:34,960 --> 00:55:39,120 It's not the cute cuddly little thing it used to be, 517 00:55:39,160 --> 00:55:40,360 so out it goes. 518 00:55:40,400 --> 00:55:44,000 But it's not just the individual gibbons that suffer. 519 00:55:44,040 --> 00:55:47,760 BAM: To get one baby, it is estimated around 10 or 11 die 520 00:55:47,800 --> 00:55:49,240 during the process. 521 00:55:53,880 --> 00:55:56,000 The capture of infant gibbons 522 00:55:56,040 --> 00:55:59,080 is decimating the wild population in Malaysia. 523 00:56:00,400 --> 00:56:04,320 Bam campaigns to raise awareness and convict traders. 524 00:56:05,480 --> 00:56:08,080 But at least for the gibbons in her care, 525 00:56:08,120 --> 00:56:13,200 there are positive signs - and sounds - that they're on the right track. 526 00:56:13,240 --> 00:56:16,640 It's a classic early morning sound of the Southeast Asian rainforest. 527 00:56:16,680 --> 00:56:18,680 It's a beautiful dawn chorus. 528 00:56:18,720 --> 00:56:21,640 Gibbons are the only primates that can sing - 529 00:56:21,680 --> 00:56:25,440 to mark their territory, to find mate, to communicate. 530 00:56:25,480 --> 00:56:26,840 (CALLS) 531 00:56:26,880 --> 00:56:28,800 JAMES: And it's fantastic, listening to these guys, 532 00:56:28,840 --> 00:56:31,280 because obviously they're rehabilitated animals... 533 00:56:31,320 --> 00:56:33,000 (CALLING) 534 00:56:33,040 --> 00:56:35,640 ...and they're calling now, in the distance. 535 00:56:35,680 --> 00:56:37,480 It's a great sound. 536 00:56:37,520 --> 00:56:38,600 When gibbons sing, 537 00:56:38,640 --> 00:56:41,640 it's an indication that the rehabilitation is working 538 00:56:41,680 --> 00:56:44,640 and that they're one step closer to the wild. 539 00:56:44,680 --> 00:56:48,040 BAM: The gibbons give melody to the jungle. 540 00:56:48,080 --> 00:56:50,120 No gibbons means no melody. 541 00:56:50,160 --> 00:56:52,200 So I hope the forests will sing again. 542 00:56:52,240 --> 00:56:57,040 Over half of the primate species are in need of help. 543 00:56:57,080 --> 00:57:01,400 Primate champions like Bam are working to turn the tide, 544 00:57:01,440 --> 00:57:04,680 and there's hope that these gibbons, at least, 545 00:57:04,720 --> 00:57:08,280 can look forward to a life in the wild. 546 00:57:10,200 --> 00:57:13,800 Next time, meet the people making ground-breaking discoveries... 547 00:57:13,840 --> 00:57:15,360 Right there. 548 00:57:17,240 --> 00:57:19,960 ...revealing the secret lives... 549 00:57:20,000 --> 00:57:21,800 Wow! 550 00:57:21,840 --> 00:57:23,640 (RADIO CHATTER) 551 00:57:23,680 --> 00:57:27,760 ...and safeguarding our closest relatives. 552 00:57:27,800 --> 00:57:31,040 Our number one objective is zero extinctions.