Original subtitles

(BIRDS CHIRPING)

Animals have taken to the air in ways we can only dream of.

Animals have taken to the air in ways we can only dream of.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

And conquered the skies.

And conquered the skies.

With determination and courage,

they've dared to defy gravity...

they've dared to defy gravity...

(ANIMALS CALLING)

..opening up a whole new world of opportunity

..opening up a whole new world of opportunity

..and danger.

(GRAND THEME MUSIC)

(GRAND THEME MUSIC)

(HUMMINGBIRDS TICK)

Whether it's to find food...

Whether it's to find food...

(BIRDS CHITTER) ..escape enemies...

or forge new paths...

..every flying creature hopes to gain the advantage by reaching skyward.

..every flying creature hopes to gain the advantage by reaching skyward.

(BIRD CHIRPS)

Especially...when it comes to the mating game.

Especially...when it comes to the mating game.

Some have extraordinary tactics to seduce a partner.

Others put on a show to outshine rivals.

Others put on a show to outshine rivals.

(BIRDS CHIRP) And a few must fight for love.

Taking to the air lifts romance to a whole new level...

..thanks to the ultimate superpower.

(BIRDS CHIRPING)

(BIRDS TWEETING)

(BIRDS TWEETING)

(ANIMALS CALLING)

The journey to finding a mate often starts with making yourself

The journey to finding a mate often starts with making yourself

as attractive as possible.

In the dry tropical forests of Jalisco, Mexico,

In the dry tropical forests of Jalisco, Mexico,

a tiny creature is on a mission to make himself irresistible.

(BEE BUZZES)

This solitary orchid bee is a master perfumier.

Thanks to his incredible flight endurance,

he's been travelling 20km a day,

using his antennae to pick up specific scents

using his antennae to pick up specific scents

from across the forest.

He's creating a complex cologne

he hopes females won't be able to resist.

But he still has three elusive ingredients to find.

But he still has three elusive ingredients to find.

After hours of searching...

..a small fungus.

..a small fungus.

This earthy scent will make him highly desirable.

This earthy scent will make him highly desirable.

Using hairs on his front legs,

Using hairs on his front legs,

he sweeps up a few droplets of oil.

And transfers them to hollow chambers on his back legs for storage.

And transfers them to hollow chambers on his back legs for storage.

No time to rest,

No time to rest,

he's back on the scent trail.

(BIRDS CHIRPING)

The resin of this tree provides an enticing woody aroma.

The resin of this tree provides an enticing woody aroma.

But he still needs to find the rarest ingredient of all.

But he still needs to find the rarest ingredient of all.

Deep in the forest...

..Stanhopea orchids are flowering.

They have the most seductive scent

but bloom for only a few days.

but bloom for only a few days.

Jackpot!

He must act quickly before other males arrive.

He must act quickly before other males arrive.

Too late!

Too late!

The intoxicating bouquet draws in rivals from every direction.

The intoxicating bouquet draws in rivals from every direction.

He can't get a look in.

As they fight amongst themselves...

..he homes in on another scent trail.

..he homes in on another scent trail.

An orchid all to himself.

It takes all of his strength to climb into the waxy chamber.

It takes all of his strength to climb into the waxy chamber.

But it's worth it.

To him, these scented oils...

To him, these scented oils...

..are liquid gold.

It's not quite enough,

he must find more to complete his cologne.

he must find more to complete his cologne.

But before he can leave,

this orchid wants some pay back for his visit.

The slippery surface has forced him into its tight grip.

As he struggles free...

a pollen pack is glued to his back.

a pollen pack is glued to his back.

He's become the orchid's personal courier...

..ready to fly the pollen to the next flower.

..ready to fly the pollen to the next flower.

For he's not the only one looking to reproduce.

With his perfume complete...

..his marathon mission is over.

..his marathon mission is over.

Now he can advertise his presence through the air.

He positions himself upwind.

He positions himself upwind.

And uses the breeze to waft his complex fragrance

across the vast forest.

across the vast forest.

He'll release his scent for weeks...

..and if he's lucky, somewhere in the wilderness,

a female will answer his call.

Drawing attention to yourself using the air is a clever strategy.

And even more remarkable when the crowd you want to stand out from...

..is beneath the ocean.

..is beneath the ocean.

The coastal waters of the Baja California Peninsula.

Each year, Munk Mobula rays come here in their thousands.

Each year, Munk Mobula rays come here in their thousands.

With their wing-like fins,

they fly through the water like a flock of birds.

they fly through the water like a flock of birds.

This is one of the largest gatherings of rays in the world.

And one of the best opportunities to find a mate.

And one of the best opportunities to find a mate.

This female needs to make an impression.

So, she's going to do something remarkable.

So, she's going to do something remarkable.

The impact of her one-metre wingspan on the water

The impact of her one-metre wingspan on the water

creates sound waves beneath the surface...

(HIGH-PITCH RINGING)

..signalling her presence

and triggering a chain reaction across the school.

She senses the males' vibrations...

..as they try to jump the highest...

..as they try to jump the highest...

..to advertise their strength.

But these aerial flirtations have attracted unwanted attention.

Orcas.

This pod can hear the splashing.

(ORCA WHISTLE)

And they specialise in hunting Mobula.

And they specialise in hunting Mobula.

The orcas close in,

The orcas close in,

surrounding the school

and sending the rays into a frenzy.

As the Mobulas scatter,

the orcas herd a small group into a tight pack.

the orcas herd a small group into a tight pack.

(ORCAS WHISTLING)

(ORCA WHISTLES)

The rays are easy pickings.

(ORCAS WHISTLING)

With the orcas gone...

the female's instinct...

drives her to take to the air once more.

drives her to take to the air once more.

And it pays off!

And it pays off!

She's attracted the attention of many males.

She swiftly changes course,

creating a courtship train to judge their physical prowess.

They drop off one by one...

..until only the fittest suitor remains.

..until only the fittest suitor remains.

She'll continue to test him for hours...

She'll continue to test him for hours...

..with the ultimate reward...

the chance to mate with one of the strongest males...

..in the school.

..in the school.

(BIRDS SQUAWKING)

By getting airborne,

this fearless female has succeeded in making a splash.

this fearless female has succeeded in making a splash.

(BIRDS CHIRPING AND ANIMALS CALL)

(BIRDS CHIRPING AND ANIMALS CALL)

As night falls,

flight helps some creatures advertise their presence

in an illuminating way.

in an illuminating way.

On a few nights in spring,

the forests of the southern United States begin to stir.

the forests of the southern United States begin to stir.

(INSECTS CHIRPING)

For this male firefly,

For this male firefly,

it's the most important night of his life.

He's a Big Dipper firefly

and has spent the first two years of life underground.

Now, newly hatched as a fully mature adult,

the time has come to scout for a mate.

To attract females,

he produces a chemical reaction inside his abdomen...

he produces a chemical reaction inside his abdomen...

..sending out bioluminescent pulses of light.

It's his language of love.

The brighter the flash, the more appealing he will seem.

Deep in the vegetation,

females are watching and waiting.

They will only flash back if they like what they see.

To get noticed,

To get noticed,

he must take to the air...

..with wings he's never used before.

..with wings he's never used before.

(WINGS FLUTTER)

(WINGS FLUTTER)

His lantern produces a flash pattern,

unique to his species.

Slowing it down reveals a flick of light that resembles a "J"...

Slowing it down reveals a flick of light that resembles a "J"...

..letting the females know he's one of them

..letting the females know he's one of them

and ready to mate.

Thousands of other hopeful males join him in flight.

Thousands of other hopeful males join him in flight.

To be in with a chance of mating,

they all need to put on the show of a lifetime.

they all need to put on the show of a lifetime.

This aerial phenomenon is one of the most magical mating displays

This aerial phenomenon is one of the most magical mating displays

in the animal kingdom.

A flash from a female.

But it's not for him.

She's called in another male close by.

With so much competition,

it's difficult to get noticed.

But by venturing into the darkest corners of the forest...

But by venturing into the darkest corners of the forest...

..his light becomes more striking.

In the darkness...

an enticing flash catches his eye.

He answers.

A female, and she seems interested.

But things aren't quite what they seem.

She's a different species of firefly...

She's a different species of firefly...

..a femme fatale.

A cunning copycat.

She's evolved to mimic a female of his species.

He hasn't got a clue...

(TENSE MUSIC)

..that it's a dinner date she's after...

..that it's a dinner date she's after...

..and he is on the menu.

His body contains compounds.

His body contains compounds.

(FLESH SQUELCHING)

Ingesting them will make her repellent to predators.

His demise ensures HER survival.

His demise ensures HER survival.

His first date...

..is his last.

(OWL HOOTS) (INSECTS CHIRP)

His life may have been cut short,

His life may have been cut short,

but thousands of other males continue to take flight

to find their perfect match.

(BIRD TWEETING)

For one aerial creature,

seduction is all about looking your best

seduction is all about looking your best

and jumping at the chance to dazzle.

(WATER BUFFALO SNORTING)

(WATER BUFFALO SNORTING)

In the grasslands of Kenya...

..Jackson's widowbirds are arriving...

..with only one thing on their mind..

..with only one thing on their mind..

(BIRDS CHIRPING)

..pairing up for the mating season.

..pairing up for the mating season.

(ELEPHANT GROANS)

It will be this young male's first attempt at wooing.

Over the last few months,

Over the last few months,

he has transformed his dull brown plumage into a shining black suit.

Including brand new tail feathers...

..as long as his body.

Just what the females are looking for.

But to win a girl in the tall grass...

(JACKSON WIDOWBIRD CHIRPS)

..he'll need to showcase his feathered finery...

..with some smooth aerial moves.

(JACKSON WIDOWBIRD CALLING)

A female.

He tries to get noticed...

..but barely gets 10cm off the ground.

..but barely gets 10cm off the ground.

Her gaze is drawn...

..to a handsome high jumper.

(JACKSON WIDOWBIRD CALLING)

The novice is struggling.

His new tail feathers create a lot of drag.

His new tail feathers create a lot of drag.

Thankfully, it's not just the outfit that wins over mates.

(JACKSON WIDOWBIRD CALLING)

Females prefer males with a lot of...energy.

He's nothing if not tenacious!

He's rejected.

To be a contender,

he must gather all of his strength.

he must gather all of his strength.

He generates power with his legs,

propelling him into the air.

By beating his wings... (JACKSON WIDOWBIRD CALLING)

By beating his wings... (JACKSON WIDOWBIRD CALLING)

..he lifts himself higher.

Finally,

he reaches one metre.

(CALLING CONTINUES)

And has piqued the interest of another female.

Now he needs to convince her he's a real catch!

Now he needs to convince her he's a real catch!

(JACKSON WIDOWBIRD CHIRPING)

With his puffed out plumage,

he attempts to seduce her with a vigorous dance.

he attempts to seduce her with a vigorous dance.

If she likes him,

she'll quiver with excitement.

And for the finale,

And for the finale,

he fans out his fabulous tail feathers.

(FEMALE CHITTERS)

(FEMALE CHITTERS)

Success!

(JACKSON WIDOWBIRD TWITTERING)

It may have been a brief encounter...

..but this rookie Romeo has started his legacy

..but this rookie Romeo has started his legacy

of bouncing birds on the savanna.

(BIRDS CHIRPING)

(BIRDS CHIRPING)

(ANIMALS CHIRPING AND CALLING)

Taking to the air to attract a mate is one thing...

(BIRDS TWITTERING)

..but competing to keep them

requires a whole other level of aerial expertise.

(ANIMAL CALLING)

The rainforests of Borneo.

The rainforests of Borneo.

The canopy is home to a tiny creature that hasn't set foot on the ground

The canopy is home to a tiny creature that hasn't set foot on the ground

since the day he was born.

This arboreal reptile,

no longer than a pencil...

..is a Draco lizard.

..is a Draco lizard.

For his size, his territory is huge.

Spanning three ancient trees,

Spanning three ancient trees,

each 60 metres high,

it's the envy of his neighbours.

Rival males would like to overthrow him,

as he shares his home with several females...

..who will mate with whoever's in charge.

He's king of the canopy,

but to keep his crown,

but to keep his crown,

he must constantly patrol,

checking in with the females

and keeping intruders out.

Traversing the treeline on foot would waste time and energy...

..so he has evolved a special aerial adaptation.

A cape that is supported by his extended rib cage,

creating a wingsuit...

..enabling him to glide to his next tree,

..eight metres away.

..eight metres away.

By using his tail as a rudder,

he steers through the forest.

he steers through the forest.

And by subtly changing position,

his cape creates drag,

his cape creates drag,

slowing him down for the perfect landing.

His impressive flight skills don't go unnoticed.

But with more females to visit...

..he can't hang around.

(CURIOUS MUSIC)

He spots another.

He spots another.

And another.

His prospects are looking good.

The more females in his territory,

the greater the chance he has to mate.

But they're not quite ready for his advances.

But they're not quite ready for his advances.

While he waits,

he must always be on guard,

he must always be on guard,

watching out for other males looking to claim his throne.

A trespasser!

A trespasser!

The interloper reveals his yellow dewlap.

A challenge.

A challenge.

This cannot be tolerated.

He warns him off.

But the hot headed intruder won't back down.

The king keeps his cool,

but the rival gives him no choice.

but the rival gives him no choice.

He must defend his mating rights.

It's fight or flight.

He chases...

..forcing the intruder to take to the air.

..forcing the intruder to take to the air.

On the edge of his territory,

the rival hesitates.

the rival hesitates.

The king shows a final display of aggression.

Defeated...

..the challenger flees.

..the challenger flees.

With his incredible wingsuit,

he's defended his kingdom,

ensuring his consorts will only have eyes for him.

ensuring his consorts will only have eyes for him.

Fighting off one rival is tough...

Fighting off one rival is tough...

..but when you're faced with many,

only superior airpower will do.

Isla Contoy, Mexico.

Isla Contoy, Mexico.

This secluded island is a safe haven for travellers.

For this magnificent frigate bird,

flight is a breeze.

(MAGNIFICENT FRIGATE BIRD SHRILLS)

(MAGNIFICENT FRIGATE BIRD SHRILLS)

Her exceptionally large wings have kept her aloft

as she's cruised the Caribbean in search of food.

as she's cruised the Caribbean in search of food.

She is amongst thousands...

..all here for one purpose...

..all here for one purpose...

(ALL SQUAWKING)

..to find the perfect partner.

The island makes the most romantic setting.

The island makes the most romantic setting.

(ALL SQUAWKING)

She soars above, watching the males as they arrive.

She soars above, watching the males as they arrive.

This elevation is essential for her

This elevation is essential for her

to judge who's claimed the best nesting site.

(MAGNIFICENT FRIGATE BIRD CHIRPING)

Competition can get heated.

(MAGNIFICENT FRIGATE BIRDS SHRILLING)

And to help win her over,

the males try to tempt her with their most enticing attribute.

the males try to tempt her with their most enticing attribute.

By pushing air into the gular sac on the front of their chests,

By pushing air into the gular sac on the front of their chests,

they inflate like balloons. (AIR RUSHES)

The larger the sac,

The larger the sac,

the more attractive she'll find them.

(AIR RUSHES)

Now the real performance can begin.

Now the real performance can begin.

(BEAKS VIBRATE)

Using their beaks the males start to drum.

The faster and bassier the beat,

the fitter they are.

It's a performance that can only really be appreciated from the air.

It's a performance that can only really be appreciated from the air.

(BEAKS VIBRATE)

(MAGNIFICENT FRIGATE BIRDS CHIRPING)

(MAGNIFICENT FRIGATE BIRDS CHIRPING)

(VIBRATING CONTINUES RAPIDLY)

She's made her choice.

She's made her choice.

His nesting site and display have won her over.

(MAGNIFICENT FRIGATE BIRD SHRILLING)

If this suitor wants to keep her...

If this suitor wants to keep her...

..he'll need to provide materials for their nest.

But these dense mangroves...

..are difficult to harvest.

Gathering twigs will require all his skills in aerial dexterity.

He uses the updraught from thermals to push him to higher altitudes.

The perfect vantage point to scout for nesting material.

As he descends, his pointed wing tips reduce his drag,

As he descends, his pointed wing tips reduce his drag,

making it easier to stay aloft...

..at slower speeds.

..at slower speeds.

(MAGNIFICENT FRIGATE BIRD SHRILLING)

He's made a great start.

He's made a great start.

As he continues to gather,

As he continues to gather,

she continues to build.

Their nest is beginning to take shape.

And it hasn't gone unnoticed.

The younger males spot an opportunity to pirate the impressive cache.

The younger males spot an opportunity to pirate the impressive cache.

With the male absent,

they terrorise the female.

they terrorise the female.

(MAGNIFICENT FRIGATE BIRDS SHRILLING)

He's seen them. (MAGNIFICENT FRIGATE BIRD SQUAWKS)

He's seen them. (MAGNIFICENT FRIGATE BIRD SQUAWKS)

He attacks from above.

(MAGNIFICENT FRIGATE BIRDS SHRILLING)

Got one!

Fighting in the air takes skill and agility.

Fighting in the air takes skill and agility.

Another stick reclaimed.

His large flexible wings allow him to swerve at high speed.

The aerial ace uses quick,

shallow wingbeats to close in on a rival...

..until he releases his grip.

Fanning out his tail generates the extra lift needed

Fanning out his tail generates the extra lift needed

to slow his speed as he corners.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

With one final manoeuvre...

(MAGNIFICENT FRIGATE BIRDS SHRILLING)

..he seizes his prize!

Having fought off the competition,

their bond is cemented.

And a few weeks later...

(CHICK SHRILLS)

(CHICK SHRILLS)

..one precious chick has secured the future

for this pair of magnificent frigate birds.

for this pair of magnificent frigate birds.

Having offspring is the ultimate goal of courtship.

Having offspring is the ultimate goal of courtship.

Raising them successfully requires devotion

and sacrifice.

(BIRDS SQUAWKING) Especially for airborne animals...

(BIRDS SQUAWKING) Especially for airborne animals...

whose young are not yet ready to take flight.

(BATS SHRIEKING)

Morning on the Yarra River, Australia.

Morning on the Yarra River, Australia.

After a long night foraging for food,

these large bats, also known as grey-headed flying foxes,

these large bats, also known as grey-headed flying foxes,

are returning to their roosts.

This mum is searching for her little one

amongst a colony of 50,000.

amongst a colony of 50,000.

(BATS SHRIEKING)

Too young to fly...

Too young to fly...

..he's spent the night alone.

(YOUNG BAT CALLS)

Despite the noise,

Despite the noise,

she can recognise the unique call of her only son.

They're soon reunited.

Thirsty for milk, he snuggles into the warm embrace of her wings.

Thirsty for milk, he snuggles into the warm embrace of her wings.

(WATER LAPS)

(WATER LAPS)

As the sun rises,

the colony settles down.

(BATS SHRIEK SOFTLY)

But the young pup is wide awake.

Wing practice is his top priority.

Wing practice is his top priority.

He's not strong enough to fly yet,

so he relies on his mother to keep him safe,

so he relies on his mother to keep him safe,

well-fed...

and comfortable. (PUP SQUEALS SOFTLY)

Her wings are packed with capillaries that help regulate her temperature...

..which, in a moderate climate,

..which, in a moderate climate,

should keep them both cool.

But by midday, it's 30 degrees Celsius

But by midday, it's 30 degrees Celsius

and rising.

The heat in the tightly packed colony becomes unbearable.

The heat in the tightly packed colony becomes unbearable.

For this devoted mum,

keeping her son cool enough to survive until nightfall

keeping her son cool enough to survive until nightfall

will be a challenge.

And one of the reasons is nearby.

Flying foxes have been here for generations...

..during which the city of Melbourne has built up around them.

..during which the city of Melbourne has built up around them.

(SIRENS WAIL IN DISTANCE)

With concrete buildings and roads retaining heat...

With concrete buildings and roads retaining heat...

..city temperatures can rise an extra eight degrees Celsius.

She fans her wings to cool her pup down.

She fans her wings to cool her pup down.

(PUP SHRIEKS)

She's desperate to drink.

But her maternal instinct to shelter her pup stops her leaving.

For those without young...

For those without young...

..the river provides instant relief.

Their absorbent fur holds water,

Their absorbent fur holds water,

enabling them to drink on the wing.

The searing heat is taking its toll.

If mum doesn't drink soon...

If mum doesn't drink soon...

they could both die.

But leaving her baby exposed to the sun could also be fatal.

But leaving her baby exposed to the sun could also be fatal.

Under these extreme conditions,

some mums have been forced to abandon their pups.

some mums have been forced to abandon their pups.

(BAT CHIRPING)

(BAT CHIRPING)

She has no choice but to leave.

She has no choice but to leave.

(BAT CHIRPING)

(TENSE MUSIC)

With a one-metre wingspan,

she powers through the air...

..desperate to reach the water.

..desperate to reach the water.

Alone and exposed,

the pup tries hard to shade itself.

the pup tries hard to shade itself.

The cooling water reduces mum's temperature...

The cooling water reduces mum's temperature...

..as her pup becomes dangerously hot.

(BAT CHIRPING)

(BAT CHIRPING)

One more dip.

One more dip.

But this time, the water is not for her.

She must be quick.

(BATS SHRIEKING)

With a delivery of cooling water,

her pup is safe for now.

The enduring bond between them will drive her to protect and nurture him

The enduring bond between them will drive her to protect and nurture him

for the next few months until he is strong enough to take flight.

for the next few months until he is strong enough to take flight.

As the sun falls below the horizon,

she's kept him alive for another day.

she's kept him alive for another day.

(BATS SHRIEKING)

Devotion is often the key to securing the next generation.

(WIND WHISTLES)

For some, this commitment is for life.

And it begins with a leap of faith.

And it begins with a leap of faith.

A late winter's morning in Hokkaido,

Japan's most northerly island.

Japan's most northerly island.

It's one of a few places in the world to host a very important event.

(CRANES CALL)

(CRANES CALL)

The annual gathering of red-crowned cranes looking to mate.

(CRANES CALL)

Each has flown from across the island...

..just as winter turns to spring.

..just as winter turns to spring.

For this sheltered valley will be the perfect place

For this sheltered valley will be the perfect place

to rear their chicks.

(CRANES CALLING)

This female is planning to rendezvous with her lifelong partner.

This female is planning to rendezvous with her lifelong partner.

Her two-and-half-metre-wide wings deliver her gracefully back to Earth.

Her two-and-half-metre-wide wings deliver her gracefully back to Earth.

Her mate is not here yet.

Her mate is not here yet.

They became separated during the flight.

In the decade they've been together,

they've rarely been apart.

Their devotion has produced many chicks.

Now, she's ready for another.

After a long flight,

she wants to look her best.

She gives her feathers some much needed attention...

She gives her feathers some much needed attention...

..rubbing them with special oil from a gland by the top of her tail.

For as well as being used for flying...

For as well as being used for flying...

..these feathers play a vital role in a unique courtship ritual.

..these feathers play a vital role in a unique courtship ritual.

A dance on ice.

(CRANE CALLS)

(CALLING CONTINUES)

Others have already found their partners...

Others have already found their partners...

..but hers is nowhere to be seen.

Being alone, she draws unwanted attention.

(CRANE CALLS)

A hopeful young male tries his luck.

(CRANE CALLING)

But she's not interested in anyone else.

She'll wait for her lifelong mate...

for as long as it takes.

for as long as it takes.

The last few cranes fly in.

The last few cranes fly in.

(CRANES CALLING)

(CRANE CALLING)

Across the blanket of snow...

Across the blanket of snow...

..a familiar sound.

(CRANE CALLING IN DISTANCE) (FEMALE CRANE CALLS)

A call that is longing only for her.

A call that is longing only for her.

(CALLING CONTINUES)

(CRANE CALLING) She responds.

(CRANE CALLING) She responds.

(BOTH CRANES CALLING)

Through the crowds,

their reunion song draws them together.

their reunion song draws them together.

(CALLING CONTINUES)

To reaffirm their bonds...

To reaffirm their bonds...

..they respectfully bow to each other...

..and begin a dance.

..and begin a dance.

(CRANE CALLING)

One they choreographed when they first met.

And have continued to perform every year ever since.

And have continued to perform every year ever since.

(CALLING CONTINUES)

Despite weighing over seven kilos

Despite weighing over seven kilos

and standing at one and a half metres tall,

their enormous wings enable them to dance on air.

their enormous wings enable them to dance on air.

The two lovebirds leap...

..in unison.

Every wing flutter is imprinted in their memory.

Every wing flutter is imprinted in their memory.

And although they've performed this same dance for a decade,

And although they've performed this same dance for a decade,

each time is just as important as the first.

(CRANE CALLS)

(CRANE CALLS)

This aerial ballet reaffirms their unbreakable bond.

This aerial ballet reaffirms their unbreakable bond.

For red-crowned cranes,

love is a lifelong journey.

love is a lifelong journey.

(CRANE CALLS)

For many creatures...

..the sky is a stage where courtship unfolds...

..the sky is a stage where courtship unfolds...

..and where their legacy can be ensured.

Through dazzling displays...

..fierce aerial duels...

(BIRD SQUAWKS)

(BIRD SQUAWKS)

..and unwavering devotion.

Love is truly in the air.

(CRANES CALLING)

(CRANES CALLING)

(BIRDS CHIRPING)

To film grey-headed flying foxes

To film grey-headed flying foxes

finding relief from the summer heat...

..the Airborne crew travelled to an unusual location.

..the Airborne crew travelled to an unusual location.

Just a stones throw from the sprawling metropolis of Melbourne.

This concrete jungle surrounds the summer breeding grounds

of these incredible bats.

While filming, the crew begin to notice that something is amiss.

While filming, the crew begin to notice that something is amiss.

There's, um...

It's a pretty tragic scene, actually.

It's a pretty tragic scene, actually.

We have seen abandoned pups. We've been seeing them everyday.

It's just very sad to see.

I've also noticed, just from looking around,

I've also noticed, just from looking around,

that there's ones much higher up on its own and is not moving.

So, I don't know if it's just very, very cold or it's sadly passed away.

So, I don't know if it's just very, very cold or it's sadly passed away.

The team is concerned about the pup's condition.

Ordinarily, wildlife filmmakers don't intervene

when capturing natural behaviour,

when capturing natural behaviour,

but this city colony is supported by a dedicated community.

So, producer Dani decides it's time to call them in.

So, producer Dani decides it's time to call them in.

(CHATTERS)

Straight on the scene are local bat rescuers Lotus and Emma.

Emma has six years' experience in the field. And knows only too well

the challenges these bats face every summer.

the challenges these bats face every summer.

We have extreme heat days down here in Melbourne.

Anywhere between 39 to 41 degrees.

As a result of that, Mum's instinct is to survive.

As a result of that, Mum's instinct is to survive.

And they are having to abandon their pups.

There are barely signs of life. (BAT SHRIEKS)

So, they need to act quickly. Come here, pup-pup.

It looks like he'd dead. He may even be.

He's alive but very weak.

We give them glucose just to get their sugar levels back up again.

Based on his size, I'm guessing

he's gonna be extremely under weight,

which mean Mum hasn't come back for some reason.

Searingly hot days are followed by bitter-cold nights.

Searingly hot days are followed by bitter-cold nights.

And without his mum to keep him warm,

Lotus uses her body heat to try to raise his temperature.

Lotus uses her body heat to try to raise his temperature.

Emma will take the role of this baby's mother.

And that means he's going home with her.

And that means he's going home with her.

In her city apartment,

she'll care for him along with many others.

Every year, she tends to their needs

until they are strong enough to be released back into the wild.

But this year, she's notice a concerning increase in numbers.

But this year, she's notice a concerning increase in numbers.

Last year, we had 70 bats in total.

We've already hit 100 in care at the moment,

We've already hit 100 in care at the moment,

and we haven't even finished the year.

Good boy.

(LAUGHS) Come here, baby girl.

(LAUGHS) Come here, baby girl.

We're getting them in daily, multiple times a day. So,

definitely something's shifted this year.

definitely something's shifted this year.

Emma suspects it's linked with the ever-changing climate.

The bat's not only have to overcome extreme heat by day

The bat's not only have to overcome extreme heat by day

and chillingly cold nights...

(THUNDER RUMBLES) ..but now they are contending with unseasonal,

almost tropical downpours.

almost tropical downpours.

These rains wash away nectar and pollen from gum trees.

Without their main food source,

Without their main food source,

the bats are facing starvation. (THUNDER RUMBLES)

(BAT CLICKS) After days of torrential rain,

(BAT CLICKS) After days of torrential rain,

Emma's fears have been realised.

With so many abandoned pups to rescue,

With so many abandoned pups to rescue,

the community pulls together in a co-ordinated effort.

We've got volunteers coming down

We've got volunteers coming down

every single day to monitor the colony.

Where there are bats we know are potentially orphaned

we've got people marking them. And then in the afternoons,

we've got people marking them. And then in the afternoons,

we'll come throw and collect any ones

that we believe are still vulnerable.

Many ears and eyes on the ground,

Many ears and eyes on the ground,

enable Emma and Lotus to make light work of rescuing dozens of pups.

(BATS SHRIEKING)

(BATS SHRIEKING)

Oh, gosh, you're beautiful.

She's quite warm. That's good.Yeah.

Oh, baby, I'm sorry, so sorry. Are you ok?

Oh, baby, I'm sorry, so sorry. Are you ok?

You give them some food and they're you're best friend. (LAUGHS)

With the flying fox population declining,

With the flying fox population declining,

the team is determined to make a difference.

Once you start getting involved, it's hard to step away.

Two baby bats.

Two baby bats.

Oh, so soft.

Once you release them back into the wild

and know that they've got a second chance at life,

I think that's what keeps you going. It's so rewarding.

With the support from so many dedicated individuals,

grey-headed flying foxes have been given a lifeline.

grey-headed flying foxes have been given a lifeline.

(GRAND THEME MUSIC)

(GRAND THEME MUSIC)

Subtitles by Sky Access Services www.skyaccessibility.sky