1 00:00:32,960 --> 00:00:35,519 The end of the Arctic summer, 2 00:00:35,600 --> 00:00:38,319 and the sun hasn't set for three months. 3 00:00:38,920 --> 00:00:42,559 It's hard to imagine the bitter cold will soon return. 4 00:00:53,520 --> 00:00:56,319 Some will welcome the chills of autumn, 5 00:00:56,400 --> 00:01:01,639 but for most, time is running out before they will have to retreat to the south. 6 00:01:11,600 --> 00:01:14,479 Early autumn in the Canadian Arctic 7 00:01:14,560 --> 00:01:17,319 and polar bears are gathering on the coastal strip, 8 00:01:17,400 --> 00:01:19,599 waiting for the sea to freeze. 9 00:01:28,160 --> 00:01:33,679 But a life spent alone on the sea-ice is no preparation for a crowded beach. 10 00:01:35,720 --> 00:01:39,359 Such close contact with other bears must be stressful. 11 00:01:39,440 --> 00:01:41,159 Surely tempers will flare. 12 00:01:47,880 --> 00:01:50,879 Over half a ton of bear slams into the other. 13 00:02:09,040 --> 00:02:13,879 Polar bears will fight to the death over mates, but not in autumn. 14 00:02:15,200 --> 00:02:17,839 Now these fearsome predators display 15 00:02:17,920 --> 00:02:20,919 a surprisingly tolerant side to their natures. 16 00:02:22,960 --> 00:02:26,959 Being marooned on land means the bears no longer have access 17 00:02:27,040 --> 00:02:29,319 to the seals they usually hunt 18 00:02:29,400 --> 00:02:32,759 and they have to scrape by on whatever they can find. 19 00:02:34,640 --> 00:02:38,239 Like bears the world over, they're not choosy feeders. 20 00:02:39,120 --> 00:02:41,079 They even turn vegetarian, 21 00:02:41,160 --> 00:02:44,639 delicately picking out berries from between the thorns. 22 00:02:55,200 --> 00:02:56,959 There are plenty to go around, 23 00:02:57,040 --> 00:02:59,799 so there's no need to squabble over them. 24 00:03:03,400 --> 00:03:05,639 Any fighting is just for fun. 25 00:03:19,240 --> 00:03:22,599 The bears select sparring partners who are well-matched 26 00:03:22,680 --> 00:03:24,559 and they always pull their punches. 27 00:03:24,640 --> 00:03:27,519 No one wants to get hurt in a play-fight. 28 00:03:58,320 --> 00:04:01,879 Perhaps these bouts are a way of testing rivals 29 00:04:01,960 --> 00:04:05,079 in case they ever meet again out on the sea-ice. 30 00:04:08,080 --> 00:04:09,359 One thing's for sure, 31 00:04:09,440 --> 00:04:14,959 the famous loners are revealing a social, playful side we rarely see. 32 00:04:27,600 --> 00:04:30,239 It's all just boisterous fun, 33 00:04:30,320 --> 00:04:32,439 but with so many big males around, 34 00:04:32,520 --> 00:04:35,799 the females keep their cubs at a safe distance. 35 00:04:59,360 --> 00:05:04,039 The wary mother will lead her young to a quieter beach along the coast 36 00:05:04,120 --> 00:05:06,879 while she waits for the ocean to freeze. 37 00:05:18,120 --> 00:05:21,679 The sea-ice is now at its minimum extent. 38 00:05:22,720 --> 00:05:25,759 In the Canadian Arctic, vast stretches of coastline 39 00:05:25,840 --> 00:05:29,479 are now unlocked and ready to receive visitors. 40 00:05:36,880 --> 00:05:40,519 Belugas, the white whales of the north. 41 00:05:42,240 --> 00:05:46,519 They're relying on open water to reach an ancient rendezvous. 42 00:05:50,200 --> 00:05:54,279 It's a journey they make every year along traditional routes. 43 00:06:21,720 --> 00:06:24,079 Baby belugas ride piggy-back, 44 00:06:24,320 --> 00:06:27,159 pulled along by their mother's slipstream. 45 00:06:28,840 --> 00:06:31,199 This one is only a month old, 46 00:06:31,280 --> 00:06:34,159 and won't turn white for another five years. 47 00:06:45,040 --> 00:06:47,799 Thousands of belugas are being drawn 48 00:06:47,880 --> 00:06:51,319 to one special estuary in the Canadian Arctic. 49 00:07:00,080 --> 00:07:02,599 It isn't food that brings them here. 50 00:07:05,280 --> 00:07:08,559 Curiously, it's personal hygiene. 51 00:07:12,360 --> 00:07:15,599 When the tide is low, they swim into the shallows 52 00:07:15,680 --> 00:07:18,679 and flail around with great enthusiasm. 53 00:07:28,280 --> 00:07:30,999 They're after a body scrub. 54 00:07:39,160 --> 00:07:41,079 The gravel acts as a loofah 55 00:07:41,160 --> 00:07:45,599 and thrashing their bodies across it helps to get rid of their old skin. 56 00:07:48,480 --> 00:07:51,679 Presumably the treatment keeps them clean and streamlined. 57 00:07:52,240 --> 00:07:54,399 But it also appears to feel good. 58 00:08:10,400 --> 00:08:11,679 Bliss! 59 00:08:18,680 --> 00:08:22,039 The water in the estuary is warmer and less salty 60 00:08:22,120 --> 00:08:26,359 and that seems to soften the skin, making the scrub more effective. 61 00:08:54,800 --> 00:08:59,519 This secluded estuary is only a temporary whale spa. 62 00:08:59,600 --> 00:09:04,439 The ocean will soon freeze again, forcing the whales to travel south. 63 00:09:13,920 --> 00:09:18,759 Vast seabird colonies are the jewels of the Arctic. 64 00:09:31,200 --> 00:09:34,119 Brünnich guillemots have spent the summer months 65 00:09:34,200 --> 00:09:38,519 packed together on vertical cliffs beyond the reach of predators. 66 00:09:47,960 --> 00:09:51,639 They are among the most numerous seabirds in the Northern Hemisphere. 67 00:09:51,720 --> 00:09:55,919 This colony alone contains 100,000 birds 68 00:09:56,000 --> 00:09:59,919 and there are many more like it all along the Arctic coastline. 69 00:10:05,320 --> 00:10:09,039 In just a few weeks, these cliffs will empty, 70 00:10:09,120 --> 00:10:12,959 but before the guillemots can leave, their chicks must fledge. 71 00:10:13,760 --> 00:10:15,879 Their feathers are now fully formed, 72 00:10:15,960 --> 00:10:20,119 but their stubby wings are still too short for them to fly properly. 73 00:10:20,800 --> 00:10:22,799 This will be a challenge. 74 00:10:27,000 --> 00:10:29,599 It's a 150-metre drop 75 00:10:29,680 --> 00:10:32,799 and they need to make it all the way to the sea. 76 00:10:34,800 --> 00:10:36,119 Here goes. 77 00:10:45,480 --> 00:10:48,839 He falls short and survives the crash landing. 78 00:10:54,760 --> 00:10:59,079 The chicks are manna from heaven for an Arctic fox. 79 00:11:04,240 --> 00:11:07,079 The next chick is accompanied by a parent. 80 00:11:18,960 --> 00:11:20,559 Failed again. 81 00:11:27,920 --> 00:11:29,639 This looks better. 82 00:11:44,920 --> 00:11:46,279 Success! 83 00:11:48,560 --> 00:11:51,119 Aquatic landings are certainly gentler 84 00:11:51,200 --> 00:11:53,679 and foxes can't reach you out here. 85 00:11:56,640 --> 00:12:01,199 The chicks will stay in their parents' care for another month. 86 00:12:12,000 --> 00:12:15,359 The guillemots are not the only ones preparing to leave. 87 00:12:16,040 --> 00:12:19,519 All across the Arctic, millions of summer visitors 88 00:12:19,600 --> 00:12:22,039 are beginning to return south. 89 00:12:46,960 --> 00:12:49,519 The guillemot chicks can't fly yet, 90 00:12:49,600 --> 00:12:53,839 so they and their families must swim to their winter feeding grounds. 91 00:12:55,720 --> 00:13:00,319 It's a journey that will take them a thousand miles south to the open ocean 92 00:13:00,400 --> 00:13:02,839 and away from the approaching ice. 93 00:13:08,640 --> 00:13:14,079 The breeding season is over and silence returns to the Arctic. 94 00:13:21,520 --> 00:13:24,319 But as the first storms of autumn 95 00:13:24,400 --> 00:13:26,799 sweep through the deserted nesting grounds, 96 00:13:26,880 --> 00:13:30,999 they bring an unexpected bonanza for the few that remain. 97 00:13:39,720 --> 00:13:42,799 The discovery doesn't remain secret for long. 98 00:13:53,960 --> 00:13:56,839 It's a huge fin whale carcass. 99 00:13:57,800 --> 00:14:00,919 The polar bears have been drawn from several miles away, 100 00:14:01,000 --> 00:14:03,999 guided by their extraordinary sense of smell. 101 00:14:06,600 --> 00:14:08,839 Bears are arriving all the time, 102 00:14:08,920 --> 00:14:12,839 but there's plenty of room at this 18-metre long dining table. 103 00:14:18,920 --> 00:14:20,999 They're surprisingly relaxed, 104 00:14:21,080 --> 00:14:24,599 but with enough for everyone, there's no need to argue. 105 00:14:29,200 --> 00:14:32,679 The tastiest morsels are often underwater. 106 00:14:46,040 --> 00:14:49,399 Others prefer some greens with their dinner. 107 00:15:13,960 --> 00:15:16,359 After a well-balanced meal, 108 00:15:16,440 --> 00:15:19,479 there's nothing better than some good company. 109 00:15:38,840 --> 00:15:41,239 Despite their reputation as loners, 110 00:15:41,320 --> 00:15:44,999 it's surprising just how sociable polar bears can be. 111 00:16:06,920 --> 00:16:10,959 All across the Arctic, the temperature is now dropping 112 00:16:11,040 --> 00:16:13,759 and the sea is beginning to freeze. 113 00:16:14,400 --> 00:16:19,359 Every day over 20,000 square miles of ocean turn to ice 114 00:16:19,440 --> 00:16:21,039 as the cold spreads south. 115 00:16:26,720 --> 00:16:31,239 At first, a thin, greasy film appears on the surface. 116 00:16:44,040 --> 00:16:48,039 Next, pancakes of ice start to appear. 117 00:17:08,480 --> 00:17:13,039 The pancakes lock together and form a continuous sheet. 118 00:17:23,120 --> 00:17:26,599 The Arctic Ocean is freezing again. 119 00:17:35,960 --> 00:17:41,999 At last, the bear family can return to the sea-ice, where they belong. 120 00:17:53,560 --> 00:17:58,279 It's been six months since the cubs first emerged from the den. 121 00:18:00,720 --> 00:18:04,319 They've survived the hazards of melting sea-ice in spring 122 00:18:04,400 --> 00:18:06,439 and lack of food in summer, 123 00:18:06,520 --> 00:18:10,319 and now, at last, they are in their element again. 124 00:18:16,120 --> 00:18:19,919 As the north of our planet turns away from the sun, 125 00:18:20,000 --> 00:18:22,679 the big chill travels south. 126 00:18:28,000 --> 00:18:31,039 Temperatures on the tundra start to fall. 127 00:18:33,840 --> 00:18:38,159 The shorter days and colder nights trigger a dramatic change 128 00:18:38,240 --> 00:18:40,759 in the willows and blueberry bushes. 129 00:18:41,040 --> 00:18:45,159 They stop producing the green pigment that harnesses the sun's energy. 130 00:18:45,240 --> 00:18:48,479 And red and yellow pigments build up in their leaves. 131 00:19:03,440 --> 00:19:08,639 The tundra blazes with color and the whole landscape is transformed. 132 00:19:23,080 --> 00:19:28,479 A bull musk ox marks his territory with scent from the glands on his face. 133 00:19:28,840 --> 00:19:31,519 He's preparing for the breeding season. 134 00:19:33,840 --> 00:19:36,199 He shadows his harem of females 135 00:19:36,280 --> 00:19:39,599 as they graze the last of the summer grasses. 136 00:19:44,400 --> 00:19:46,359 He must be on his guard. 137 00:19:50,360 --> 00:19:52,159 An outsider is arriving, 138 00:19:52,240 --> 00:19:55,399 a large male whose intentions soon become clear. 139 00:20:01,240 --> 00:20:04,559 The newcomer circles the resident bull warily. 140 00:20:06,520 --> 00:20:09,559 The resident must take up the intruder's challenge. 141 00:20:34,520 --> 00:20:39,839 This clash of polar Titans could easily become a fight to the death. 142 00:20:51,840 --> 00:20:55,959 The impact is like a car crash at 30 miles an hour. 143 00:21:18,720 --> 00:21:22,279 A heavy skull and a helmet of horn four inches thick 144 00:21:22,360 --> 00:21:25,999 provide some protection for the musk ox's brain. 145 00:21:41,000 --> 00:21:44,599 Over the next half hour, the advantage ebbs and flows, 146 00:21:44,680 --> 00:21:47,599 as each tries to finish the duel. 147 00:21:47,680 --> 00:21:50,719 If one can turn the other and gore its flank, 148 00:21:50,800 --> 00:21:52,719 the fight will be over. 149 00:22:02,840 --> 00:22:07,919 The stakes rise as the risk of injury or even death increases. 150 00:22:20,080 --> 00:22:22,279 The rival is out-maneuvered. 151 00:22:24,840 --> 00:22:28,319 And the champion returns to his females. 152 00:22:36,520 --> 00:22:39,959 By now, most animals have migrated south, 153 00:22:40,040 --> 00:22:43,479 but the musk oxen with their thick coats will stay 154 00:22:43,560 --> 00:22:45,879 and face the approaching winter. 155 00:22:56,160 --> 00:22:57,999 As autumn progresses, 156 00:22:58,080 --> 00:23:03,359 the moisture in the air freezes and hoarfrost decorates the leaves. 157 00:23:33,960 --> 00:23:38,279 Ice crystals grow like diamonds on every twig. 158 00:23:54,080 --> 00:23:59,279 All across the tundra, both the rivers and the ground freeze solid. 159 00:24:29,640 --> 00:24:35,879 Glassy cathedrals form, as the remaining water becomes locked up as ice. 160 00:24:41,680 --> 00:24:46,519 Soon, even the largest waterfalls will be motionless. 161 00:24:51,800 --> 00:24:55,399 The tundra has been transformed once again. 162 00:24:55,480 --> 00:24:57,279 It appears deserted. 163 00:25:03,200 --> 00:25:05,519 Caribou on their migration. 164 00:25:07,120 --> 00:25:11,079 Unlike the musk ox, caribou do head south for the winter, 165 00:25:11,480 --> 00:25:14,119 but it's a long and difficult journey. 166 00:25:16,040 --> 00:25:18,799 They use the frozen lakes as ice roads. 167 00:25:18,880 --> 00:25:21,239 These are flat and firm, 168 00:25:21,320 --> 00:25:25,759 but it seems hooves and ice were never really meant to go together. 169 00:25:34,720 --> 00:25:37,439 The frisky males would be well-advised 170 00:25:37,520 --> 00:25:41,959 to keep at least one eye on the road as the mating season begins. 171 00:25:56,800 --> 00:26:00,839 A cow is being closely guarded by a mature bull, 172 00:26:00,920 --> 00:26:03,119 with his much larger antlers. 173 00:26:10,600 --> 00:26:13,079 The females are busy feeding up for the winter, 174 00:26:13,560 --> 00:26:16,399 but the bull has other things on his mind. 175 00:26:18,800 --> 00:26:21,279 The cow is playing hard to get. 176 00:26:22,320 --> 00:26:24,799 She heads off with her admirer in pursuit. 177 00:26:36,320 --> 00:26:39,039 Several other bulls join in the chase. 178 00:26:52,080 --> 00:26:53,359 She's out in front, 179 00:26:53,440 --> 00:26:56,199 but the amorous males are gaining on her. 180 00:27:05,320 --> 00:27:09,039 The big bull breaks off his chase to deal with a rival. 181 00:27:11,880 --> 00:27:15,079 But now he's fallen behind the other challengers. 182 00:27:23,240 --> 00:27:25,479 The younger bulls, with their lighter antlers, 183 00:27:25,560 --> 00:27:27,519 keep up with the cow more easily, 184 00:27:27,600 --> 00:27:31,759 but as the pace slows, the older bull catches up. 185 00:27:32,040 --> 00:27:34,319 Again he has to stop and fight. 186 00:28:00,200 --> 00:28:03,639 A decisive victory for the big male. 187 00:28:04,560 --> 00:28:07,279 He's earned the respect of the vanquished bulls 188 00:28:07,360 --> 00:28:09,519 and they now trail in his wake. 189 00:28:11,040 --> 00:28:14,559 It's now become a game of Grandma's Footsteps. 190 00:28:15,280 --> 00:28:17,279 One look from the boss 191 00:28:19,080 --> 00:28:21,959 and the young-bloods freeze in their tracks. 192 00:28:30,680 --> 00:28:33,559 The exhausted bull guards his prize, 193 00:28:33,640 --> 00:28:38,279 but he'll need to recover before he is able to make the most of his victory. 194 00:28:39,200 --> 00:28:41,919 And the herd continues its journey south 195 00:28:42,000 --> 00:28:44,799 to avoid the worst of the advancing cold. 196 00:28:57,360 --> 00:28:59,439 From the ocean to the tundra, 197 00:28:59,520 --> 00:29:02,679 the north of our planet is now completely frozen. 198 00:29:08,440 --> 00:29:10,359 The Antarctic. 199 00:29:10,440 --> 00:29:11,959 In the far south, 200 00:29:12,040 --> 00:29:16,839 autumn can be a particularly savage and unpredictable time. 201 00:29:21,160 --> 00:29:23,799 South Georgia is a splinter of rock 202 00:29:23,880 --> 00:29:26,679 in the middle of the vast Southern Ocean. 203 00:29:26,760 --> 00:29:30,999 It's only 100 miles long and is battered by the elements. 204 00:29:38,040 --> 00:29:41,839 This ocean generates some of the largest waves on the planet. 205 00:29:42,040 --> 00:29:45,639 They gain size and power as they travel around the globe, 206 00:29:46,000 --> 00:29:50,039 uninterrupted by land for 12,000 miles. 207 00:29:53,120 --> 00:29:56,999 As they buffet South Georgia, they also bring food. 208 00:29:59,280 --> 00:30:00,959 A seal carcass. 209 00:30:03,960 --> 00:30:06,639 A prize worth braving the surf for. 210 00:30:09,160 --> 00:30:12,839 Giant petrels are the vultures of Antarctica 211 00:30:13,600 --> 00:30:15,959 and are always the first to the spoils. 212 00:30:30,080 --> 00:30:33,119 The word is out and the hordes move in. 213 00:30:45,720 --> 00:30:49,199 Like feathered dinosaurs, they lock beaks in battle. 214 00:31:33,960 --> 00:31:38,999 These butchers provide a service for some unlikely meat-eaters. 215 00:31:41,800 --> 00:31:46,319 With the carcasses now opened, pintail ducks arrive for a meal. 216 00:31:50,880 --> 00:31:53,039 There's plenty of good food here 217 00:31:53,120 --> 00:31:55,599 and none of South Georgia's inhabitants 218 00:31:55,680 --> 00:31:59,159 can afford to be fussy with winter looming. 219 00:32:05,920 --> 00:32:10,079 After the feast, it's time for a rinse and spin. 220 00:32:20,680 --> 00:32:23,599 The breeding season is finally over 221 00:32:23,680 --> 00:32:26,759 and the petrels will soon be heading out to sea 222 00:32:26,840 --> 00:32:29,399 to avoid the worst of the winter. 223 00:32:36,200 --> 00:32:40,159 A snowstorm is an omen of things to come. 224 00:32:48,320 --> 00:32:50,479 There is now little left to eat 225 00:32:50,560 --> 00:32:55,999 and South Georgia's beaches will soon be abandoned to the cold and ice. 226 00:33:05,600 --> 00:33:07,319 Further south still, 227 00:33:07,400 --> 00:33:11,839 and the first storms are striking the continent of Antarctica. 228 00:33:33,160 --> 00:33:37,919 The Adélie penguins must rear their half-grown chicks to adulthood 229 00:33:38,000 --> 00:33:41,199 before winter hits in just a few weeks' time. 230 00:33:45,920 --> 00:33:48,639 The chicks are only three weeks old. 231 00:33:48,720 --> 00:33:51,639 Their downy coats aren't fully waterproof yet 232 00:33:51,720 --> 00:33:54,319 and they cluster together for warmth. 233 00:34:00,600 --> 00:34:03,839 These crèches are essential during bad weather, 234 00:34:03,920 --> 00:34:08,679 as most of the adults are away at sea fishing for their fast-growing families. 235 00:34:17,800 --> 00:34:19,639 When the parents return, 236 00:34:19,720 --> 00:34:22,559 their offspring quickly leave the comfort of their peers. 237 00:34:29,080 --> 00:34:31,799 Both chicks are ravenously hungry. 238 00:34:38,720 --> 00:34:41,879 But there may be only enough food for one. 239 00:34:41,960 --> 00:34:47,839 This race could determine which chick has the better prospects. 240 00:35:03,720 --> 00:35:09,719 Most Adélie pairs will only manage to raise a single chick each season. 241 00:35:13,240 --> 00:35:16,199 And this may not be it. 242 00:35:22,520 --> 00:35:26,039 At least number one is getting stronger by the day. 243 00:35:32,800 --> 00:35:36,759 With one meal delivered, the parents must quickly find another. 244 00:35:48,520 --> 00:35:51,479 To rear their chicks before the onset of winter, 245 00:35:51,560 --> 00:35:54,519 the penguins must work round the clock. 246 00:36:09,800 --> 00:36:14,799 The parents can travel over 100 miles to reach the best fishing grounds 247 00:36:14,880 --> 00:36:17,439 and may be gone for several days at a time. 248 00:36:29,520 --> 00:36:33,039 They return with a kilogram of fish and squid in their bellies, 249 00:36:33,120 --> 00:36:34,319 feed their chicks 250 00:36:34,400 --> 00:36:37,599 and then go off again to repeat the process. 251 00:36:44,280 --> 00:36:48,159 The job must be finished before the sea freezes over again. 252 00:36:55,880 --> 00:36:57,519 At seven weeks old, 253 00:36:57,600 --> 00:37:00,879 the chicks are losing the last of their baby down, 254 00:37:00,960 --> 00:37:03,839 and are now fully equipped to take the plunge. 255 00:37:05,080 --> 00:37:07,519 Confidence is all that's lacking. 256 00:37:09,560 --> 00:37:13,079 Perhaps it'll help if the parents lead by example. 257 00:37:21,200 --> 00:37:24,799 There. Effortless and as graceful as any fish. 258 00:37:34,600 --> 00:37:38,599 It seems penguins are not born with a love of water. 259 00:37:53,120 --> 00:37:56,479 Staying submerged is the next problem. 260 00:37:59,440 --> 00:38:03,079 Buoyancy control is clearly a skill that needs practice. 261 00:38:13,240 --> 00:38:14,999 Well, it's a start. 262 00:38:17,440 --> 00:38:21,079 And at least they can now reach the ice floes. 263 00:38:28,200 --> 00:38:31,239 Swimming is the first of many lessons. 264 00:38:31,720 --> 00:38:36,519 They must next learn to recognize danger in all its forms. 265 00:39:03,440 --> 00:39:04,959 A leopard seal. 266 00:39:14,000 --> 00:39:17,439 Even high up on an ice floe, the penguins aren't safe. 267 00:39:20,240 --> 00:39:26,079 Each year, leopard seals will take 5,000 of them from this colony alone. 268 00:39:34,040 --> 00:39:38,439 The Adélies that survive drift out into the Southern Ocean. 269 00:39:55,560 --> 00:39:59,279 They will spend the next five months feeding at sea, 270 00:39:59,360 --> 00:40:03,959 avoiding the great freeze that is about to envelop Antarctica. 271 00:40:18,640 --> 00:40:24,159 The edge of the sea-ice advances by up to two and a half miles a day. 272 00:40:32,760 --> 00:40:36,239 Eventually, over five million square miles of ice 273 00:40:36,320 --> 00:40:38,719 will surround the continent of Antarctica, 274 00:40:38,800 --> 00:40:41,079 effectively doubling its size. 275 00:40:49,040 --> 00:40:52,359 The great white wilderness is empty. 276 00:40:54,360 --> 00:40:55,999 But not for long. 277 00:41:09,440 --> 00:41:13,599 Bizarrely, it's now that the emperor penguins arrive, 278 00:41:13,680 --> 00:41:16,439 just as all the other penguins have left. 279 00:41:28,520 --> 00:41:31,319 These giants are now at their heaviest. 280 00:41:32,320 --> 00:41:36,639 They've been feeding at sea all summer and can weigh 40 kilos. 281 00:41:59,720 --> 00:42:03,799 From the edge of the sea-ice, they head towards their colony. 282 00:42:05,680 --> 00:42:09,639 But an obstacle course of jumbled ice blocks stands in their way. 283 00:42:14,640 --> 00:42:18,159 The males are particularly fat at this time of year. 284 00:42:20,680 --> 00:42:24,479 This will be crucial for their survival in the months ahead, 285 00:42:24,560 --> 00:42:28,439 but it doesn't make squeezing through narrow gaps any easier. 286 00:43:04,560 --> 00:43:06,799 With the worst behind them, 287 00:43:06,880 --> 00:43:11,519 they start a 20-mile march into the freezer to breed, 288 00:43:12,400 --> 00:43:14,559 the only animals to do so. 289 00:43:24,960 --> 00:43:29,119 By tobogganing, they can travel at twice their walking speed 290 00:43:29,200 --> 00:43:31,879 and it takes the weight off tired feet. 291 00:43:53,360 --> 00:43:57,359 Their destination is the thicker ice closer to shore, 292 00:43:57,440 --> 00:44:01,159 which will stay solid long enough for them to safely rear their chicks 293 00:44:01,240 --> 00:44:03,479 throughout the months to come. 294 00:44:11,840 --> 00:44:16,679 Their colony is in the lee of icebergs trapped in the frozen ocean, 295 00:44:16,760 --> 00:44:20,079 which will shelter them from the bitter Antarctic winds. 296 00:44:25,400 --> 00:44:28,679 Newly formed pairs promenade together. 297 00:44:45,640 --> 00:44:51,599 Courtship demands that both partners strike and hold a variety of poses. 298 00:44:52,080 --> 00:44:53,639 It's an important process, 299 00:44:53,720 --> 00:44:58,279 as the bond between the couple will have to be an exceptionally strong one. 300 00:45:10,080 --> 00:45:13,919 The final act lacks the elegance of the prelude, 301 00:45:14,760 --> 00:45:16,719 but at least it's quick. 302 00:45:22,960 --> 00:45:25,439 The egg is laid a few days later. 303 00:45:25,760 --> 00:45:29,079 It contains the female's last reserves. 304 00:45:29,840 --> 00:45:31,879 She now has nothing more to give 305 00:45:31,960 --> 00:45:35,039 and must pass the egg to the male to incubate. 306 00:45:40,960 --> 00:45:42,439 The couple must be quick. 307 00:45:42,520 --> 00:45:45,999 If the egg rests on the ice for too long, it'll freeze. 308 00:45:51,400 --> 00:45:54,399 With their eggs safe in the care of the males, 309 00:45:54,480 --> 00:45:58,439 the females start the long journey back to the sea. 310 00:46:11,080 --> 00:46:16,239 The sun is also leaving and will be gone for many months. 311 00:46:19,640 --> 00:46:22,999 The precious eggs, balanced on the males' feet, 312 00:46:23,080 --> 00:46:26,799 will make the terrible ordeal ahead worthwhile. 313 00:46:37,400 --> 00:46:40,759 With no food and only each other for warmth, 314 00:46:40,840 --> 00:46:44,279 they will attempt to keep the next generation alive 315 00:46:44,360 --> 00:46:48,159 while surviving in the most brutal conditions on Earth. 316 00:46:51,040 --> 00:46:53,679 Not all of them will succeed. 317 00:46:58,960 --> 00:47:01,199 At both ends of our planet, 318 00:47:01,280 --> 00:47:04,439 the sun sets for the last time in autumn. 319 00:47:06,840 --> 00:47:09,639 A season of change comes to an end 320 00:47:09,720 --> 00:47:13,839 and one of endless darkness and bitter cold begins. 321 00:47:42,360 --> 00:47:45,039 The spectacular return of the emperor penguins 322 00:47:45,120 --> 00:47:47,959 was a key event for the Frozen Planet team. 323 00:47:55,160 --> 00:47:56,559 The crew will have to operate 324 00:47:56,640 --> 00:47:59,519 in the most dangerous of all polar environments, 325 00:47:59,600 --> 00:48:01,599 the edge of the sea-ice. 326 00:48:03,400 --> 00:48:05,479 They have to fly in everything they'll need 327 00:48:05,560 --> 00:48:08,359 for a month of living on the frozen ocean. 328 00:48:12,760 --> 00:48:17,359 On board are slow-motion cameraman John Aitchison, 329 00:48:17,880 --> 00:48:23,399 underwater cameraman Didier Noirot and director Chadden Hunter. 330 00:48:26,400 --> 00:48:29,159 With the plane gone, the team are on their own. 331 00:48:29,240 --> 00:48:31,559 This is home for the next month. 332 00:48:32,440 --> 00:48:34,319 But it doesn't look like much right now. 333 00:48:36,320 --> 00:48:39,679 Their tents should be secure on the permanent sea-ice, 334 00:48:39,760 --> 00:48:43,559 but they're still miles from the ocean, where they hope to film. 335 00:48:43,640 --> 00:48:45,559 The locals are keen to get acquainted 336 00:48:45,640 --> 00:48:48,639 with anything of a familiar shape and size. 337 00:48:50,800 --> 00:48:53,959 The emperors are welcome neighbors around the camp, 338 00:48:54,040 --> 00:48:56,799 but the team need to film them returning from the water 339 00:48:56,880 --> 00:48:59,999 and to do that, they face a daunting task. 340 00:49:00,520 --> 00:49:03,359 They must find a path to the open sea 341 00:49:03,440 --> 00:49:06,519 through a shifting landscape of jagged sea-ice. 342 00:49:08,200 --> 00:49:11,039 Their first scouting trip doesn't look promising. 343 00:49:11,120 --> 00:49:15,999 Neither maps nor sat-nav are any help in this ever-changing environment. 344 00:49:17,240 --> 00:49:20,519 The only clue that the ocean lies somewhere to the east 345 00:49:20,600 --> 00:49:22,919 is a steady procession of penguins. 346 00:49:24,200 --> 00:49:25,279 Any suggestions, Didier? 347 00:49:25,360 --> 00:49:27,879 - We must find a way. - Yes. 348 00:49:27,960 --> 00:49:29,879 And we will find a way. 349 00:49:30,640 --> 00:49:32,199 I like the attitude. 350 00:49:32,280 --> 00:49:34,119 The penguins have found a way. 351 00:49:34,600 --> 00:49:36,999 It seems the emperors will be the key 352 00:49:37,080 --> 00:49:39,439 to reaching the ice edge. 353 00:49:39,560 --> 00:49:40,759 Okay, let's go. 354 00:49:42,480 --> 00:49:44,479 With their penguin guides leading the way, 355 00:49:44,560 --> 00:49:48,639 snowmobiles are brought in to haul 500 kilograms of equipment 356 00:49:48,720 --> 00:49:50,559 through the icy maze. 357 00:49:52,920 --> 00:49:56,719 It's tough going for film crew and penguins. 358 00:49:58,000 --> 00:50:02,719 When the ice ridges halt progress, it's time for some back-breaking work. 359 00:50:09,760 --> 00:50:11,839 The next three days are spent chiseling 360 00:50:11,920 --> 00:50:14,599 through mile after mile of broken sea-ice. 361 00:50:28,360 --> 00:50:32,479 Once finally clear of the ice boulders, they spot their goal, 362 00:50:32,560 --> 00:50:35,799 a patch of open ocean with penguins. 363 00:50:42,720 --> 00:50:44,799 John is first in position. 364 00:50:44,880 --> 00:50:47,479 He hopes to capture the most striking images 365 00:50:47,560 --> 00:50:50,999 by using a computerized slow-motion camera. 366 00:50:52,960 --> 00:50:55,639 But attempts to film the penguins underwater 367 00:50:55,720 --> 00:50:58,319 are halted by an unwelcome visitor. 368 00:50:58,680 --> 00:51:01,959 We just saw the head of a massive leopard seal. 369 00:51:02,320 --> 00:51:05,159 So we'll get closer to see what's going on. 370 00:51:06,480 --> 00:51:08,319 We must be careful, because those guys 371 00:51:08,400 --> 00:51:12,199 can come out very quickly out of the hole and give a bite, 372 00:51:12,280 --> 00:51:16,439 but being red like that, we should be quite protected, you know? 373 00:51:17,560 --> 00:51:21,439 Being dressed in red may be Didier's idea of safety, 374 00:51:21,520 --> 00:51:25,599 but the rest of the crew have a healthy respect for leopard seals. 375 00:51:26,040 --> 00:51:30,279 They can be fiercely territorial and are not afraid to attack humans. 376 00:51:31,800 --> 00:51:34,639 I think I can run faster than him on land. 377 00:51:35,560 --> 00:51:36,679 That's very exciting, 378 00:51:36,760 --> 00:51:40,959 that's the first time I've ever seen a leopard seal in my life. 379 00:51:41,040 --> 00:51:45,759 And he's come straight out of the hole and starts walloping towards us. 380 00:51:45,840 --> 00:51:47,999 So there's a lot of adrenaline. 381 00:51:48,840 --> 00:51:51,039 With the seal frightening the penguins away 382 00:51:51,120 --> 00:51:55,479 and hassling the crew, it's time to try a new hole. 383 00:52:02,120 --> 00:52:03,439 Oh, hello. 384 00:52:05,040 --> 00:52:06,639 Can you see him? 385 00:52:09,920 --> 00:52:11,159 While the seal is around, 386 00:52:11,240 --> 00:52:13,439 there's little hope of filming the penguins. 387 00:52:13,520 --> 00:52:17,679 But now a far greater threat is posed by the changing weather. 388 00:52:19,040 --> 00:52:21,799 That dark headland in the distance is Cape Washington. 389 00:52:21,880 --> 00:52:24,879 That's our last sign of mainland. 390 00:52:24,960 --> 00:52:26,199 We can't see anything else. 391 00:52:26,280 --> 00:52:28,919 Once we lose sight of that mainland, 392 00:52:29,000 --> 00:52:32,879 that means we're out here on our own on the sea-ice 393 00:52:32,960 --> 00:52:35,079 and this visibility is getting lower and lower. 394 00:52:35,160 --> 00:52:38,839 It's started snowing and this wind is just blowing off-shore, 395 00:52:38,920 --> 00:52:43,439 so if all this ice heads out, we don't want to be on it. 396 00:52:44,040 --> 00:52:46,159 So I think we're going to can filming for the day. 397 00:52:51,880 --> 00:52:56,559 All the signs suggest that a big Antarctic storm is on its way. 398 00:52:59,960 --> 00:53:04,919 Winds pick up to 70 miles an hour and everyone retreats to their tents. 399 00:53:08,120 --> 00:53:11,279 High winds then turn to heavy snow. 400 00:53:12,920 --> 00:53:16,999 On the driest continent on Earth, a big snowfall is rare. 401 00:53:19,400 --> 00:53:23,799 White-out conditions take the penguins and the film crew by surprise. 402 00:53:27,240 --> 00:53:30,559 Each day they must dig out their buried equipment, 403 00:53:30,640 --> 00:53:32,719 filming has ground to a halt. 404 00:53:39,920 --> 00:53:44,759 One week and a meter of snow later, the headland is visible again 405 00:53:44,840 --> 00:53:48,399 and the team are raring to get back to the ice edge. 406 00:53:50,640 --> 00:53:53,519 They follow their old route back through the frozen maze 407 00:53:53,600 --> 00:53:55,319 and with no leopard seal in sight, 408 00:53:55,400 --> 00:53:58,679 it's time for another attempt with the pole cam. 409 00:54:00,720 --> 00:54:04,639 It's cumbersome, but it allows the team to capture underwater images 410 00:54:04,720 --> 00:54:07,839 without having to risk the icy water themselves. 411 00:54:11,000 --> 00:54:12,599 - That is okay? - That's perfect. 412 00:54:13,080 --> 00:54:15,719 They are coming, I can see some. 413 00:54:15,800 --> 00:54:19,039 - Oh, wow. - Oh, penguin's coming in the hole. 414 00:54:19,120 --> 00:54:21,399 This is awesome, this is great. 415 00:54:21,800 --> 00:54:24,959 The aim now is to film the penguins' dramatic exit 416 00:54:25,040 --> 00:54:26,319 from the hole. 417 00:54:26,400 --> 00:54:28,999 The only problem, which hole? 418 00:54:38,760 --> 00:54:41,519 These penguins keep outsmarting us. 419 00:54:41,600 --> 00:54:44,799 We tried to switch holes to film them coming up 420 00:54:44,880 --> 00:54:47,799 and of course, they all just completely came up behind us. 421 00:54:48,440 --> 00:54:49,959 Whatever the crew try, 422 00:54:50,040 --> 00:54:53,239 there's always someone who hasn't read the script. 423 00:54:55,320 --> 00:54:56,719 John has been filming, 424 00:54:56,800 --> 00:55:01,519 but he can't view his slow-motion shots until they are downloaded to a computer. 425 00:55:03,120 --> 00:55:06,519 While he waits, Didier seizes his chance. 426 00:55:06,600 --> 00:55:08,399 Come, my friend, come. 427 00:55:08,720 --> 00:55:11,119 If you can't beat them, join them. 428 00:55:11,200 --> 00:55:15,239 It's time to go scuba diving in the coldest waters on the planet. 429 00:55:15,320 --> 00:55:17,879 I will see you on the other side. 430 00:55:24,280 --> 00:55:26,519 The team are 300 miles from help 431 00:55:26,600 --> 00:55:30,359 and have only a small hole as their lifeline to the surface. 432 00:55:35,360 --> 00:55:37,559 A magical world opens up. 433 00:55:37,920 --> 00:55:42,439 For the first time, Didier now shares the penguins' perspective 434 00:55:42,520 --> 00:55:44,719 from beneath the ice. 435 00:55:59,240 --> 00:56:02,919 This is Antarctica at its most enchanting. 436 00:56:05,280 --> 00:56:07,919 For Chadden, after weeks of struggle, 437 00:56:08,000 --> 00:56:11,479 the sequence quite literally falls into his lap. 438 00:56:12,200 --> 00:56:14,159 Whoa! 439 00:56:14,440 --> 00:56:15,639 Sorry! 440 00:56:17,520 --> 00:56:19,479 I think I'm in the way. 441 00:56:24,480 --> 00:56:25,639 Up they go. 442 00:56:25,720 --> 00:56:29,079 Oh! Just a little... Come this way. Here we go. 443 00:56:33,440 --> 00:56:37,039 I'm getting run over by penguins. Ooh! 444 00:56:37,800 --> 00:56:39,919 I think it worked. It's very difficult to tell. 445 00:56:40,640 --> 00:56:43,199 John's camera is finally capturing 446 00:56:43,280 --> 00:56:47,839 the super-slow-motion images of the emperors' dramatic return. 447 00:56:51,200 --> 00:56:55,479 With the penguins performing perfectly, it was all falling into place. 448 00:56:55,560 --> 00:56:58,879 The team were finally able to capture Antarctica's 449 00:56:58,960 --> 00:57:01,479 most spectacular belly flop.