Five critically endangered African species find protection in one modest haven - De Hoop Nature reserve is not only a World heritage Site its's also incredibly important for the survival of these iconic animal. 36,000 hectares are home to the rare and plucky Cape Mountain Zebra; the beautiful Bontebok; one of the last remaining breeding colonies of Cape Vultures; the African Black Oystercatcher and the mighty Southern Right Whale. Hunted to the brink of extinction, these very different characters are making a remarkable recovery. We follow developments as the pulse of the seasons drives cycles of life in the park, from the arrival of whales in the late winter, to the spring breeding season for Oystercatchers to male Bonteboks' incredible displays of power in the summer rut. As the creatures here live out their lives, the park's tireless staff embark on their own quest to capture Cape Mountain Zebra, to spread the species further into their previous natural range.
On the coast of south Africa, a group of mammoth mammals is arriving from the deep ocean. Every year humpback and southern right whales make incredible migrations from the Antarctic seas to mate and give birth along southern Africa’s rich protected coast. Just arriving in time won’t be enough to guarantee a mate. Humpbacks conduct awe-inspiring aerial displays and chaotic competitions for attention before showing off their grace in underwater ballets. In calm bays, mothers of both species birth their young, protected from the hubbub and wild seas. Finally the rich coast offers up a feeding frenzy of unbelievable proportions.
In the heart of the Ivory Coast a small rural village has a very special resident. The last white rhino in the country sleeps on the village outskirts and feeds on the villagers’ crops. He’s survived a gunshot to the shoulder and a decade of civil war, and he’s something of a celebrity here. But all is not well. The rhino has killed the chief of the village, and it’s time for him to go. Join South African vet Willem Burger as he travels across the continent to perform the most remarkable big game translocation of his career. In foreign territory and unfamiliar circumstances Willem and his team undertake to collect their precious cargo and deliver him to the safety of a new reserve. Will the team succeed, or will the pressure of the high profile case get the better of them?
On the savannah of southern Africa, rains have turned the land green and lush. It’s the time of plenty and for the cast of wild characters here, cashing in is priority number one. From polecat to aardwolf, some of the continent’s most seldom seen creatures are out to make the most of the abundance. Some families gorge on the plentiful grasses, while for others there’s no such thing as an easy meal, even at this time of year. What sets each animal apart from the others in the never-ending quest to feed?
Five critically endangered African species find protection in one modest haven - De Hoop Nature reserve is not only a World heritage Site its's also incredibly important for the survival of these iconic animal. 36,000 hectares are home to the rare and plucky Cape Mountain Zebra; the beautiful Bontebok; one of the last remaining breeding colonies of Cape Vultures; the African Black Oystercatcher and the mighty Southern Right Whale. Hunted to the brink of extinction, these very different characters are making a remarkable recovery. We follow developments as the pulse of the seasons drives cycles of life in the park, from the arrival of whales in the late winter, to the spring breeding season for Oystercatchers to male Bonteboks' incredible displays of power in the summer rut. As the creatures here live out their lives, the park's tireless staff embark on their own quest to capture Cape Mountain Zebra, to spread the species further into their previous natural range.
On the coast of south Africa, a group of mammoth mammals is arriving from the deep ocean. Every year humpback and southern right whales make incredible migrations from the Antarctic seas to mate and give birth along southern Africa’s rich protected coast. Just arriving in time won’t be enough to guarantee a mate. Humpbacks conduct awe-inspiring aerial displays and chaotic competitions for attention before showing off their grace in underwater ballets. In calm bays, mothers of both species birth their young, protected from the hubbub and wild seas. Finally the rich coast offers up a feeding frenzy of unbelievable proportions.
In the heart of the Ivory Coast a small rural village has a very special resident. The last white rhino in the country sleeps on the village outskirts and feeds on the villagers’ crops. He’s survived a gunshot to the shoulder and a decade of civil war, and he’s something of a celebrity here. But all is not well. The rhino has killed the chief of the village, and it’s time for him to go. Join South African vet Willem Burger as he travels across the continent to perform the most remarkable big game translocation of his career. In foreign territory and unfamiliar circumstances Willem and his team undertake to collect their precious cargo and deliver him to the safety of a new reserve. Will the team succeed, or will the pressure of the high profile case get the better of them?
On the savannah of southern Africa, rains have turned the land green and lush. It’s the time of plenty and for the cast of wild characters here, cashing in is priority number one. From polecat to aardwolf, some of the continent’s most seldom seen creatures are out to make the most of the abundance. Some families gorge on the plentiful grasses, while for others there’s no such thing as an easy meal, even at this time of year. What sets each animal apart from the others in the never-ending quest to feed?