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