1 00:00:22,300 --> 00:00:26,440 China is a land of myth and mystery, 2 00:00:26,440 --> 00:00:30,480 almost inconceivably vast and diverse. 3 00:00:33,760 --> 00:00:37,080 From the eastern coastal plain... 4 00:00:37,080 --> 00:00:39,240 ..through mountain ranges and forests... 5 00:00:42,360 --> 00:00:44,520 ..to the high plateau of Qinghai. 6 00:00:52,000 --> 00:00:54,480 From this magnificent landscape 7 00:00:54,480 --> 00:00:56,160 are born countless lives... 8 00:00:58,280 --> 00:01:00,760 Each of them part of a much larger story... 9 00:01:05,760 --> 00:01:09,160 An all-encompassing circle of life 10 00:01:09,160 --> 00:01:11,480 that is fuelled by the love, 11 00:01:11,480 --> 00:01:14,160 the losses, and the hopes, 12 00:01:14,160 --> 00:01:16,000 of many different creatures. 13 00:01:34,240 --> 00:01:37,360 Our story takes place far from the bustling cities 14 00:01:37,360 --> 00:01:39,120 we often think of as China. 15 00:01:45,080 --> 00:01:47,840 It is a story of cranes, 16 00:01:47,840 --> 00:01:49,520 pandas, 17 00:01:49,520 --> 00:01:51,160 antelope, 18 00:01:51,160 --> 00:01:52,600 monkeys, 19 00:01:52,600 --> 00:01:54,000 and leopards... 20 00:01:55,280 --> 00:01:58,480 All of whom call China their home. 21 00:02:27,680 --> 00:02:29,120 CRANE TRUMPETS 22 00:02:29,120 --> 00:02:32,400 Among all the creatures in Chinese mythology, 23 00:02:32,400 --> 00:02:35,440 the crane holds a very special place. 24 00:02:38,080 --> 00:02:41,320 A symbol of longevity and good fortune, 25 00:02:41,320 --> 00:02:43,480 it is one of the oldest 26 00:02:43,480 --> 00:02:45,720 and most prominent figures in Chinese art, 27 00:02:45,720 --> 00:02:47,640 dating back thousands of years. 28 00:02:49,880 --> 00:02:53,280 It is said that when a crane takes flight 29 00:02:53,280 --> 00:02:56,280 it carries along the spirit of a departed creature... 30 00:02:57,960 --> 00:03:00,600 ..from this world to the next. 31 00:03:19,120 --> 00:03:21,520 The Qinghai Plateau in western China 32 00:03:21,520 --> 00:03:24,360 is the highest mountain plateau on Earth, 33 00:03:24,360 --> 00:03:28,040 and here, the elusive snow leopard 34 00:03:28,040 --> 00:03:29,440 rules the range. 35 00:03:31,080 --> 00:03:32,960 This is Dawa... 36 00:03:34,120 --> 00:03:36,800 ..and this incredible dreamscape is her home. 37 00:03:40,240 --> 00:03:43,680 At an altitude of 14,000 feet above sea level, 38 00:03:43,680 --> 00:03:46,320 the climate here is too cold for most mammals... 39 00:03:48,200 --> 00:03:50,400 ..but Dawa thrives here. 40 00:03:58,720 --> 00:04:03,320 Every part of her body is designed for this unique terrain... 41 00:04:03,320 --> 00:04:05,800 From her exceptionally long tail 42 00:04:05,800 --> 00:04:07,840 that helps her maintain balance, 43 00:04:07,840 --> 00:04:09,880 to her grey, dappled fur 44 00:04:09,880 --> 00:04:12,120 that provides the perfect camouflage 45 00:04:12,120 --> 00:04:13,720 in these rocky surroundings. 46 00:04:16,840 --> 00:04:20,040 Dawa is at the top of her food chain 47 00:04:20,040 --> 00:04:21,480 and at the top of her game. 48 00:04:23,320 --> 00:04:27,160 She knows every crag and cranny of this mountain. 49 00:04:27,160 --> 00:04:29,680 This is her turf. 50 00:04:35,080 --> 00:04:36,680 But she's picked up a scent... 51 00:04:38,720 --> 00:04:40,440 An unwelcome visitor. 52 00:04:44,000 --> 00:04:45,840 DAWA GROWLS 53 00:04:48,920 --> 00:04:52,040 The intruder knows she's in Dawa's territory, 54 00:04:52,040 --> 00:04:54,560 but challenges her, nonetheless. 55 00:04:58,000 --> 00:05:00,040 LOW GROWLING 56 00:05:04,200 --> 00:05:07,040 They face off in a chilling test of nerves. 57 00:05:12,760 --> 00:05:15,040 Dawa must convey strength 58 00:05:15,040 --> 00:05:16,840 or risk a full-on battle. 59 00:05:19,960 --> 00:05:21,600 SNARLING 60 00:05:46,840 --> 00:05:49,000 The intruder finally submits. 61 00:05:56,520 --> 00:05:58,960 Dawa retains her supremacy... 62 00:06:03,840 --> 00:06:05,200 ..for now. 63 00:06:20,280 --> 00:06:24,280 Dawa is not a feline to be messed with, 64 00:06:24,280 --> 00:06:27,360 and, right now, nothing could shake her resolve. 65 00:06:31,160 --> 00:06:33,880 After all, it's not just her hunting grounds 66 00:06:33,880 --> 00:06:35,440 she's protecting. 67 00:06:43,440 --> 00:06:45,080 CUBS YELP 68 00:06:50,160 --> 00:06:53,760 To her, these two little cubs 69 00:06:53,760 --> 00:06:55,960 are the most important things on Earth. 70 00:06:58,280 --> 00:07:01,520 Providing for them and keeping them safe 71 00:07:01,520 --> 00:07:03,560 is her life's mission. 72 00:07:18,280 --> 00:07:20,840 Far to the east of Dawa, 73 00:07:20,840 --> 00:07:23,880 in the Sichuan mountain valleys of central China, 74 00:07:23,880 --> 00:07:27,320 a mere 8,000 feet above sea level, 75 00:07:27,320 --> 00:07:30,160 golden snub-nosed monkeys run wild. 76 00:07:34,040 --> 00:07:36,840 Monkeys have long been figures of rebellion and mischief 77 00:07:36,840 --> 00:07:39,880 in Chinese folk tales. 78 00:07:39,880 --> 00:07:41,720 One of the most mischievous monkeys 79 00:07:41,720 --> 00:07:44,600 on this mountain is Tao Tao. 80 00:07:45,640 --> 00:07:48,280 He's the class clown of his troop 81 00:07:48,280 --> 00:07:50,880 and an aspiring kung fu master. 82 00:07:52,720 --> 00:07:54,520 At two years old, 83 00:07:54,520 --> 00:07:58,040 Tao Tao no longer needs to be overseen by his parents, 84 00:07:58,040 --> 00:08:00,640 but he still likes to come home to his father's side 85 00:08:00,640 --> 00:08:02,720 after a long day of adventuring. 86 00:08:08,120 --> 00:08:09,880 SQUEAKING 87 00:08:09,880 --> 00:08:12,680 Tao Tao just loves his dad. 88 00:08:16,280 --> 00:08:19,040 His dad, however, isn't big on showing affection... 89 00:08:22,560 --> 00:08:25,960 ..leaving Tao Tao feeling a little unappreciated. 90 00:08:28,800 --> 00:08:30,280 Oh, well. 91 00:08:30,280 --> 00:08:32,880 He can always count on his mother to shower him with attention... 92 00:08:35,360 --> 00:08:37,000 BABY MONKEY SQUEALS 93 00:08:37,000 --> 00:08:40,560 ..but the recent arrival of a new baby sister in the family 94 00:08:40,560 --> 00:08:44,280 has spoiled some of that maternal magic on the home front. 95 00:08:47,960 --> 00:08:50,560 While monkey families only have one father, 96 00:08:50,560 --> 00:08:52,720 they each have several mothers, 97 00:08:52,720 --> 00:08:54,880 who all help one another care for their young. 98 00:09:03,800 --> 00:09:05,320 Tao Tao misses the days 99 00:09:05,320 --> 00:09:08,480 when he used to be the centre of attention. 100 00:09:08,480 --> 00:09:11,320 Despite the danger involved... 101 00:09:12,960 --> 00:09:16,520 ..he's quickly coming to the realisation that he's no longer 102 00:09:16,520 --> 00:09:18,240 the darling of his family. 103 00:09:21,400 --> 00:09:24,680 This new little bundle of joy has taken his place. 104 00:09:26,320 --> 00:09:28,320 It seems so unfair, 105 00:09:28,320 --> 00:09:31,600 when all the comfort and acceptance you've got used to 106 00:09:31,600 --> 00:09:33,400 is suddenly stolen from you. 107 00:09:41,560 --> 00:09:43,280 "Fine, forget it, then!" 108 00:09:47,080 --> 00:09:48,680 This is exactly the kind of thing 109 00:09:48,680 --> 00:09:50,520 that makes a monkey turn to mischief. 110 00:09:57,320 --> 00:09:59,680 Right next door to Tao Tao, 111 00:09:59,680 --> 00:10:03,760 in a lush bamboo forest on the other side of the mountain, 112 00:10:03,760 --> 00:10:07,400 life is decidedly less stressful. 113 00:10:09,240 --> 00:10:11,040 This is Ya Ya... 114 00:10:12,280 --> 00:10:14,880 A giant panda. 115 00:10:14,880 --> 00:10:18,400 Pandas are basically the opposite of monkeys. 116 00:10:18,400 --> 00:10:20,440 They're not interested in stirring up trouble. 117 00:10:22,400 --> 00:10:24,680 They just want to be left alone to eat... 118 00:10:26,720 --> 00:10:28,520 ..and relax... 119 00:10:31,360 --> 00:10:32,960 ..and scratch... 120 00:10:34,880 --> 00:10:36,840 ..various, different areas. 121 00:10:40,360 --> 00:10:44,000 Once Ya Ya has completed her morning chores, 122 00:10:44,000 --> 00:10:48,320 she returns to her real focus in life, 123 00:10:48,320 --> 00:10:51,320 her newborn daughter, Mei Mei. 124 00:10:55,920 --> 00:10:57,760 Outside of raising cubs, 125 00:10:57,760 --> 00:11:01,240 adult female pandas live almost completely solitary lives. 126 00:11:03,800 --> 00:11:06,240 So, for Ya Ya, 127 00:11:06,240 --> 00:11:09,320 this is the most treasured time of her life. 128 00:11:10,880 --> 00:11:12,440 BLEATING 129 00:11:19,240 --> 00:11:21,840 These two will be spending the next several months 130 00:11:21,840 --> 00:11:23,800 snuggled up here inside this den. 131 00:11:26,600 --> 00:11:28,840 But then, they'll step out into the world... 132 00:11:31,280 --> 00:11:33,680 ..and the real journey will begin. 133 00:11:43,640 --> 00:11:46,720 Up in the higher elevations of western China, 134 00:11:46,720 --> 00:11:50,160 a very different kind of family roams the plateau. 135 00:11:53,840 --> 00:11:57,640 Chiru antelope are worshipped as sacred creatures in this region. 136 00:11:59,640 --> 00:12:01,520 They are the living embodiment 137 00:12:01,520 --> 00:12:03,760 of nature's back-and-forth, seasonal cycle. 138 00:12:07,240 --> 00:12:10,280 Every spring, thousands of female chiru 139 00:12:10,280 --> 00:12:12,520 embark on an epic journey, 140 00:12:12,520 --> 00:12:15,160 but it's a bittersweet occasion. 141 00:12:15,160 --> 00:12:17,600 They must bid farewell to the males 142 00:12:17,600 --> 00:12:19,800 who will not see them again for several months. 143 00:12:19,800 --> 00:12:21,520 ANTELOPE BELLOWS 144 00:12:27,120 --> 00:12:28,560 In the meantime... 145 00:12:30,000 --> 00:12:32,040 ..these bucks will have to make do on their own. 146 00:12:32,040 --> 00:12:33,480 SNORTS 147 00:12:36,000 --> 00:12:39,320 The migration of these revered creatures 148 00:12:39,320 --> 00:12:42,920 washes across the mountain plains of western China 149 00:12:42,920 --> 00:12:44,560 like an ocean tide. 150 00:12:47,640 --> 00:12:50,120 Their destination? 151 00:12:50,120 --> 00:12:53,080 The legendary Zhuonai Lake 152 00:12:53,080 --> 00:12:55,840 in the remote uplands of the Qinghai Plateau. 153 00:13:02,280 --> 00:13:05,240 RASPING MEOW 154 00:13:05,240 --> 00:13:07,200 Dawa's cubs are now old enough 155 00:13:07,200 --> 00:13:09,600 to venture outside their cave into the sunshine. 156 00:13:12,440 --> 00:13:15,760 To them, this vast mountain range 157 00:13:15,760 --> 00:13:18,120 is just one big, rocky playground. 158 00:13:32,600 --> 00:13:34,320 Like pandas, 159 00:13:34,320 --> 00:13:37,360 adult snow leopards live very solitary lives, 160 00:13:37,360 --> 00:13:40,080 so with no-one infringing on her territory, 161 00:13:40,080 --> 00:13:43,120 no competition for Queen of the Mountain, 162 00:13:43,120 --> 00:13:46,320 she can focus all her attention on her young. 163 00:14:00,520 --> 00:14:02,800 Dawa could not be more content. 164 00:14:04,440 --> 00:14:08,480 Nothing compares to being loved by the ones you love most. 165 00:14:08,480 --> 00:14:10,520 PURRING 166 00:14:17,640 --> 00:14:19,680 And while Dawa would love nothing more 167 00:14:19,680 --> 00:14:23,120 than to just sit back and watch them climb and play, 168 00:14:23,120 --> 00:14:25,400 she has other responsibilities. 169 00:14:28,000 --> 00:14:29,840 She needs to hunt. 170 00:14:31,840 --> 00:14:35,320 These yaks offer a bounty of meat 171 00:14:35,320 --> 00:14:37,480 but are far too powerful and dangerous. 172 00:14:40,040 --> 00:14:42,000 She considers this marmot. 173 00:14:42,000 --> 00:14:43,240 SHARP TRILL 174 00:14:45,280 --> 00:14:47,160 No, she doesn't. 175 00:14:47,160 --> 00:14:49,520 But these glorious creatures? 176 00:14:49,520 --> 00:14:52,160 This is what dinner looks like. 177 00:14:56,080 --> 00:14:58,560 Bharal sheep are Dawa's main prey. 178 00:15:05,960 --> 00:15:08,200 Her intimate knowledge of her home terrain 179 00:15:08,200 --> 00:15:10,520 helps her locate her prey and manoeuvre them 180 00:15:10,520 --> 00:15:13,120 into rocky narrows and steep slopes 181 00:15:13,120 --> 00:15:15,120 where they are more vulnerable to attack. 182 00:15:17,880 --> 00:15:22,440 Like Dawa, these sheep are built to survive in these mountains. 183 00:15:22,440 --> 00:15:25,320 Their blanched fur is the ideal camouflage 184 00:15:25,320 --> 00:15:28,960 and their strong legs make them remarkably fast and nimble... 185 00:15:34,200 --> 00:15:35,280 SHRILL CHIRP 186 00:15:35,280 --> 00:15:36,720 LOUD BLEATING 187 00:15:39,080 --> 00:15:41,320 ..but Dawa is smarter. 188 00:15:45,320 --> 00:15:48,080 Her cubs will go to sleep with full stomachs tonight. 189 00:15:50,280 --> 00:15:53,120 This one meal could tide them over for an entire week. 190 00:15:57,400 --> 00:15:58,920 In Dawa's world, 191 00:15:58,920 --> 00:16:01,680 you must take life to give life. 192 00:16:08,400 --> 00:16:11,600 Tao Tao has become increasingly dejected 193 00:16:11,600 --> 00:16:13,840 and has been spending a lot of time 194 00:16:13,840 --> 00:16:16,880 just trying to avoid his little sister, and his family. 195 00:16:18,720 --> 00:16:22,360 But today, he's come across some interesting neighbours 196 00:16:22,360 --> 00:16:24,160 who could change all that. 197 00:16:27,040 --> 00:16:29,280 These are the Lost Boys, 198 00:16:29,280 --> 00:16:32,120 a gang of young, male outcasts, 199 00:16:32,120 --> 00:16:34,000 some of them as young as Tao Tao. 200 00:16:36,800 --> 00:16:39,840 These guys know all about rejection. 201 00:16:42,720 --> 00:16:46,240 Being a Lost Boy is sort of like running away to join the circus, 202 00:16:46,240 --> 00:16:49,800 except with fewer rules. 203 00:16:49,800 --> 00:16:52,640 These kids don't seem to have a care in the world. 204 00:16:55,680 --> 00:16:57,880 This is Rooster... 205 00:17:00,120 --> 00:17:01,720 ..the leader of the Lost Boys. 206 00:17:03,880 --> 00:17:06,240 He's been in a lot of battles. 207 00:17:06,240 --> 00:17:08,600 You see that eye? 208 00:17:08,600 --> 00:17:11,120 Tao Tao's father had a hand in that. 209 00:17:14,760 --> 00:17:17,640 He's certainly taken notice of Tao Tao. 210 00:17:17,640 --> 00:17:20,880 Maybe Tao Tao reminds him of himself at that age... 211 00:17:22,720 --> 00:17:25,960 ..or maybe he just stares at stuff a lot. 212 00:17:28,360 --> 00:17:30,600 In any case, if Tao Tao has been looking 213 00:17:30,600 --> 00:17:32,680 for a way to vent his frustrations 214 00:17:32,680 --> 00:17:34,560 he's come to the right place, 215 00:17:34,560 --> 00:17:36,720 because on this sunny afternoon, 216 00:17:36,720 --> 00:17:38,960 the Lost Boys have invited him. 217 00:17:38,960 --> 00:17:41,640 to play an ancient traditional monkey game 218 00:17:41,640 --> 00:17:44,200 called Let's Break Branches. 219 00:17:45,840 --> 00:17:48,080 # You told us and you told us twice 220 00:17:50,320 --> 00:17:53,200 # Burn this city to the ground 221 00:17:53,200 --> 00:17:55,200 # We're gonna burn this city to the ground 222 00:17:56,200 --> 00:17:59,240 # We're gonna burn 223 00:17:59,240 --> 00:18:01,640 # He's gonna burn 224 00:18:01,640 --> 00:18:03,760 # Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. # 225 00:18:03,760 --> 00:18:05,560 PLAYFUL SQUEALING 226 00:18:05,560 --> 00:18:08,040 This is exactly what Tao Tao needs right now! 227 00:18:10,600 --> 00:18:14,200 Some of their shenanigans, however, go a little too far for Tao Tao. 228 00:18:16,240 --> 00:18:17,960 Like stealing a baby, 229 00:18:17,960 --> 00:18:19,360 for kicks? 230 00:18:21,680 --> 00:18:24,200 But hey, it's not like it's his sister. 231 00:18:27,000 --> 00:18:29,320 Being mischievous troublemakers 232 00:18:29,320 --> 00:18:31,960 is exhausting work. 233 00:18:31,960 --> 00:18:33,800 For Tao Tao, though, 234 00:18:33,800 --> 00:18:37,440 life with the Lost Boys seems pretty sweet. 235 00:18:38,880 --> 00:18:40,360 Until... 236 00:18:42,320 --> 00:18:46,320 Goshawks are virtually the only natural predators these monkeys have 237 00:18:46,320 --> 00:18:49,840 and they're always on the lookout for abandoned babies. 238 00:18:55,320 --> 00:18:56,600 FRIGHTENED SQUEAK 239 00:19:08,160 --> 00:19:11,360 In the blink of an eye, Tao Tao's world is turned upside down. 240 00:19:11,360 --> 00:19:13,000 SHRILL SQUAWK 241 00:19:13,000 --> 00:19:15,040 "That came out of nowhere. 242 00:19:15,040 --> 00:19:16,880 "Why wasn't anyone keeping an eye out?" 243 00:19:27,000 --> 00:19:29,040 THUNDER CRACKS 244 00:19:32,920 --> 00:19:35,600 It's a harsh dose of reality for Tao Tao. 245 00:19:35,600 --> 00:19:38,080 That easily could have been his little sister. 246 00:20:05,600 --> 00:20:07,440 The summer winds, 247 00:20:07,440 --> 00:20:09,560 carrying the warm scent of fresh pastures, 248 00:20:09,560 --> 00:20:12,920 have led the chiru to their sacred destination, 249 00:20:12,920 --> 00:20:14,680 Zhuonai Lake... 250 00:20:18,960 --> 00:20:21,560 ..and the real purpose of their heroic journey... 251 00:20:21,560 --> 00:20:23,480 now reveals itself. 252 00:20:30,920 --> 00:20:34,160 The whole fantastic, continuous cycle 253 00:20:34,160 --> 00:20:35,880 that is chiru existence 254 00:20:35,880 --> 00:20:38,560 is built on this first moment of bonding 255 00:20:38,560 --> 00:20:41,560 between a mother and her baby 256 00:20:41,560 --> 00:20:43,160 sharing each other's scent. 257 00:20:49,760 --> 00:20:52,880 Miraculously, baby chiru are able to walk 258 00:20:52,880 --> 00:20:54,760 within 30 minutes of being born. 259 00:20:58,760 --> 00:21:01,760 It's that "standing still" part that's so difficult. 260 00:21:18,240 --> 00:21:19,920 Within a few days, 261 00:21:19,920 --> 00:21:22,040 they can run like their mothers. 262 00:21:50,440 --> 00:21:54,320 As mothers and their calves learn to identify each other by smell, 263 00:21:54,320 --> 00:21:57,680 they're forming the essential, unbreakable connections 264 00:21:57,680 --> 00:21:59,520 that bind the herd together 265 00:21:59,520 --> 00:22:02,200 and allow it to survive its return migration. 266 00:22:03,840 --> 00:22:05,720 Sometimes, it takes a while 267 00:22:05,720 --> 00:22:08,520 for calves to figure out whose smell is whose, 268 00:22:08,520 --> 00:22:12,360 and they're gently encouraged to keep sniffing. 269 00:22:32,280 --> 00:22:34,920 The chiru will stay here until the calves are capable 270 00:22:34,920 --> 00:22:36,880 of making their long return journey. 271 00:22:38,320 --> 00:22:41,000 Then, their pendulum will swing back toward home 272 00:22:41,000 --> 00:22:44,640 where they'll be reunited with the males they left behind. 273 00:22:44,640 --> 00:22:45,920 BELLOWING 274 00:22:55,000 --> 00:22:57,080 Up in the mountains of Sichuan 275 00:22:57,080 --> 00:22:59,480 the turn of seasons unfurls 276 00:22:59,480 --> 00:23:01,520 in a breathtaking kaleidoscope of colour. 277 00:23:19,880 --> 00:23:21,880 BABY SNUFFLES 278 00:23:21,880 --> 00:23:25,880 Ya Ya and her baby have finally emerged from their den of solitude. 279 00:23:28,440 --> 00:23:30,840 It's time for Mei Mei to meet the world. 280 00:24:09,720 --> 00:24:12,400 "Well, the baby's been fed... 281 00:24:13,960 --> 00:24:16,280 "..and cuddled... 282 00:24:16,280 --> 00:24:17,880 "..and put to bed. 283 00:24:21,680 --> 00:24:22,960 "Time for lunch." 284 00:24:35,960 --> 00:24:39,080 Pandas in the wild eat almost nothing but bamboo. 285 00:24:40,840 --> 00:24:42,880 Up to 40lbs per day. 286 00:24:45,200 --> 00:24:47,080 40... 287 00:24:47,080 --> 00:24:48,960 ..pounds... 288 00:24:48,960 --> 00:24:51,200 ..of bamboo... 289 00:24:51,200 --> 00:24:52,760 ..per day! 290 00:24:58,720 --> 00:25:01,600 Mei Mei, however, has a belly full of mother's milk 291 00:25:01,600 --> 00:25:02,760 and is fully rested... 292 00:25:04,520 --> 00:25:07,120 ..and there's a whole new world to explore. 293 00:25:14,760 --> 00:25:16,640 Right... 294 00:25:16,640 --> 00:25:18,320 She can't really go anywhere. 295 00:25:18,320 --> 00:25:21,640 At this age, panda cubs have barely learned to crawl... 296 00:25:25,520 --> 00:25:27,720 ..but that doesn't diminish her fascination 297 00:25:27,720 --> 00:25:29,920 with all these new sights and sounds... 298 00:25:32,920 --> 00:25:34,280 Like this guy. 299 00:25:39,960 --> 00:25:41,360 A red panda. 300 00:25:41,360 --> 00:25:44,440 He's not really a panda at all. 301 00:25:44,440 --> 00:25:47,680 He's actually closer to a raccoon. 302 00:25:47,680 --> 00:25:50,400 Mei Mei doesn't care what he is. 303 00:25:50,400 --> 00:25:53,600 She just wants to climb up there and say hello. 304 00:25:53,600 --> 00:25:57,200 Red pandas spend almost all their time up in trees 305 00:25:57,200 --> 00:25:59,960 which makes him a perfect role model for Mei Mei, 306 00:25:59,960 --> 00:26:02,320 because climbing trees 307 00:26:02,320 --> 00:26:04,840 is all baby pandas dream about. 308 00:26:10,400 --> 00:26:12,600 There's so much beauty. 309 00:26:15,520 --> 00:26:17,120 It's entrancing. 310 00:26:19,960 --> 00:26:21,800 But behind the beauty... 311 00:26:23,920 --> 00:26:26,240 ..lurks danger. 312 00:26:26,240 --> 00:26:28,080 MEI MEI SQUEAKS 313 00:26:37,840 --> 00:26:39,960 "OK...? 314 00:26:43,480 --> 00:26:45,760 "And here we go again..." 315 00:26:45,760 --> 00:26:47,360 PLAYFUL SQUEAK 316 00:27:04,440 --> 00:27:06,480 "Oh, my gosh. 317 00:27:06,480 --> 00:27:09,320 "That was so embarrassing." 318 00:27:45,280 --> 00:27:48,440 Mums are always there to pick you up when you fall down... 319 00:27:51,160 --> 00:27:53,200 ..and to drag you around by the neck afterward. 320 00:28:04,960 --> 00:28:06,760 If she could, 321 00:28:06,760 --> 00:28:09,480 Ya Ya would stay in this moment forever. 322 00:28:12,520 --> 00:28:14,920 All she wants to do is hold on to her baby 323 00:28:14,920 --> 00:28:16,600 and smother her with love... 324 00:28:20,440 --> 00:28:22,280 MEI MEI SNUFFLES 325 00:28:22,280 --> 00:28:24,800 ..but Mei Mei has had a taste of freedom... 326 00:28:28,520 --> 00:28:30,160 ..and she likes it. 327 00:28:48,480 --> 00:28:51,080 Pine nuts are only available in the fall, 328 00:28:51,080 --> 00:28:53,320 and today, Rooster and the Lost Boys 329 00:28:53,320 --> 00:28:55,680 have found a nice patch all to themselves. 330 00:28:57,400 --> 00:28:59,960 And Tao Tao is making sure he gets his fair share. 331 00:29:01,840 --> 00:29:03,360 "Whoops." 332 00:29:05,680 --> 00:29:08,560 He's been spending almost all his time with the Lost Boys 333 00:29:08,560 --> 00:29:11,920 ever since his cute little baby sister swallowed up his family. 334 00:29:20,120 --> 00:29:22,800 But when Tao Tao's father shows up, 335 00:29:22,800 --> 00:29:25,600 with the whole family in tow, 336 00:29:25,600 --> 00:29:28,320 the festive mood changes... 337 00:29:28,320 --> 00:29:30,400 ..to less festive. 338 00:29:41,240 --> 00:29:44,440 Rooster probably still has a chip on his shoulder 339 00:29:44,440 --> 00:29:46,360 about that whole eye thing. 340 00:29:50,800 --> 00:29:53,200 GROWLING AND SQUEALING 341 00:29:53,200 --> 00:29:56,560 Looks like it's time for some long-awaited payback. 342 00:30:08,680 --> 00:30:12,120 Tao Tao can't believe this. 343 00:30:12,120 --> 00:30:14,560 Why is Rooster picking a fight with his father? 344 00:30:20,200 --> 00:30:23,320 The females in Tao Tao's family rally around their man. 345 00:30:31,280 --> 00:30:34,280 Rooster, however, is on his own. 346 00:30:34,280 --> 00:30:37,400 The Lost Boys only look out for themselves. 347 00:30:37,400 --> 00:30:39,760 With nobody to back him up 348 00:30:39,760 --> 00:30:41,600 Rooster beats a hasty retreat. 349 00:30:51,960 --> 00:30:53,360 AGGRESSIVE SQUEAKING 350 00:30:55,760 --> 00:30:57,320 Tao Tao is torn. 351 00:30:58,920 --> 00:31:00,360 These new pals of his 352 00:31:00,360 --> 00:31:02,640 are turning out to be a bunch of self-centred brats. 353 00:31:09,800 --> 00:31:13,480 Is there anybody in this crazy world you can actually depend on? 354 00:31:23,760 --> 00:31:25,280 Up on the high plains, 355 00:31:25,280 --> 00:31:27,600 the chiru have embarked on their journey back home 356 00:31:27,600 --> 00:31:29,040 to rejoin the males... 357 00:31:31,760 --> 00:31:35,160 ..but the smell of young calves has attracted followers. 358 00:31:49,400 --> 00:31:51,240 This wolf tests the herd, 359 00:31:51,240 --> 00:31:53,040 trying to separate the little ones. 360 00:31:56,440 --> 00:31:59,800 By now, luckily, those baby legs are strong and fast, 361 00:31:59,800 --> 00:32:01,120 just like their mothers'. 362 00:32:05,080 --> 00:32:07,120 The chiru are united. 363 00:32:07,120 --> 00:32:10,160 The bonds between mums and babies hold strong, 364 00:32:10,160 --> 00:32:13,040 each calf glued to its mother's scent. 365 00:32:22,160 --> 00:32:25,200 The herd is many... 366 00:32:25,200 --> 00:32:27,240 ..but the herd is one. 367 00:32:45,520 --> 00:32:47,960 The sheer beauty of China 368 00:32:47,960 --> 00:32:50,960 manifests itself in so many different ways, 369 00:32:50,960 --> 00:32:53,120 in so many remote corners. 370 00:32:57,120 --> 00:32:59,400 It sometimes feels like another world. 371 00:33:05,800 --> 00:33:07,800 Under Dawa's nurturing, 372 00:33:07,800 --> 00:33:10,760 her cubs are growing into two impressive young cats... 373 00:33:13,160 --> 00:33:15,160 ..and she's just had a successful hunt, 374 00:33:15,160 --> 00:33:17,800 which comes none too soon. 375 00:33:18,840 --> 00:33:22,920 Her cubs are now fully weaned and hungry for some fresh meat. 376 00:33:22,920 --> 00:33:28,280 They've been watching and learning the ways of the great hunter, 377 00:33:28,280 --> 00:33:30,960 their mum. 378 00:33:30,960 --> 00:33:35,680 But, suddenly, across the valley, the intruder has returned. 379 00:33:35,680 --> 00:33:38,800 This time, with her three grown sons. 380 00:33:45,840 --> 00:33:49,200 Scarcity of prey has brought them into Dawa's territory 381 00:33:49,200 --> 00:33:52,520 and they are more than prepared to take all that is hers. 382 00:33:59,200 --> 00:34:01,800 Dawa's old rival is much more emboldened 383 00:34:01,800 --> 00:34:04,320 now that she has reinforcements. 384 00:34:04,320 --> 00:34:06,760 She and Dawa both know 385 00:34:06,760 --> 00:34:10,400 Dawa would never survive a fight against all four leopards. 386 00:34:15,880 --> 00:34:17,680 SHE GROWLS 387 00:34:35,600 --> 00:34:38,480 Dawa can't bring herself to abandon this precious food, though. 388 00:34:42,080 --> 00:34:46,160 Her cubs must eat, and when it comes to their survival 389 00:34:46,160 --> 00:34:48,200 Dawa would fight almost any foe. 390 00:34:54,600 --> 00:34:57,360 The trade-off between life and death 391 00:34:57,360 --> 00:34:59,800 is sometimes a very difficult calculation. 392 00:35:17,040 --> 00:35:19,160 But then, the sons move in. 393 00:35:28,400 --> 00:35:30,840 Outnumbered and out-fanged, 394 00:35:30,840 --> 00:35:33,280 Dawa must retreat to guard her cubs. 395 00:35:41,840 --> 00:35:44,680 Not satisfied with merely stealing Dawa's kill, 396 00:35:44,680 --> 00:35:47,320 the interlopers now pursue her 397 00:35:47,320 --> 00:35:49,880 to let her know they're here to stay. 398 00:35:56,640 --> 00:35:58,480 To save her young, 399 00:35:58,480 --> 00:36:00,680 Dawa must take them and leave the area. 400 00:36:19,800 --> 00:36:22,800 Expelled from their own home. 401 00:36:40,320 --> 00:36:43,680 When your baby is the cutest, fuzziest creature 402 00:36:43,680 --> 00:36:46,160 this side of the Yangtze River, 403 00:36:46,160 --> 00:36:49,040 it's not easy to just leave it alone. 404 00:36:55,200 --> 00:36:57,160 PLAYFUL SQUEAKING 405 00:37:07,920 --> 00:37:10,440 At six months old, Mei Mei is thinking 406 00:37:10,440 --> 00:37:12,280 she's ready to move about on her own. 407 00:37:14,680 --> 00:37:16,680 Her mother is thinking... 408 00:37:16,680 --> 00:37:18,600 "Yeah, not so much." 409 00:37:19,920 --> 00:37:21,560 That's a tall tree, 410 00:37:21,560 --> 00:37:24,080 and Mei Mei is no expert climber... 411 00:37:24,080 --> 00:37:25,600 ..yet. 412 00:37:36,400 --> 00:37:37,600 HIGH-PITCHED SQUEAKING 413 00:37:40,240 --> 00:37:43,240 "Come on. Mum! I just want to... 414 00:37:43,240 --> 00:37:44,520 "Argh!" 415 00:37:50,120 --> 00:37:54,880 Being a helicopter mum can suffocate a cub's curiosity, though. 416 00:37:54,880 --> 00:37:57,960 For young pandas, tree climbing is a rite of passage. 417 00:37:59,480 --> 00:38:02,200 When a cub is able to successfully climb a tree 418 00:38:02,200 --> 00:38:04,400 it means it can be safe from predators. 419 00:38:06,440 --> 00:38:08,680 A cub that can climb a tree 420 00:38:08,680 --> 00:38:11,120 is a cub that no longer needs its mother. 421 00:38:14,880 --> 00:38:17,640 "Mum, relax. I got this." 422 00:38:23,560 --> 00:38:24,920 SHRILL SQUEAK 423 00:38:36,280 --> 00:38:38,320 On the plains of Qinghai 424 00:38:38,320 --> 00:38:41,120 the male chiru stand guard on the home front, 425 00:38:41,120 --> 00:38:43,880 awaiting the return of their far-roving females. 426 00:38:55,760 --> 00:38:58,280 The females have travelled long and far 427 00:38:58,280 --> 00:39:00,640 to be reunited with their partners. 428 00:39:09,680 --> 00:39:11,240 Unfortunately, 429 00:39:11,240 --> 00:39:14,040 after being away from each other for so long, 430 00:39:14,040 --> 00:39:17,040 neither the males nor the females 431 00:39:17,040 --> 00:39:19,680 have the slightest idea who their partners are. 432 00:39:22,280 --> 00:39:24,400 But not to worry, 433 00:39:24,400 --> 00:39:27,880 the males are more than happy to impress new females 434 00:39:27,880 --> 00:39:30,000 and start new families. 435 00:39:35,800 --> 00:39:38,680 They've spent the entire spring and summer bulking up 436 00:39:38,680 --> 00:39:40,560 and vying with each other for supremacy, 437 00:39:40,560 --> 00:39:44,080 and they're raring to show off their masculinity. 438 00:39:48,600 --> 00:39:51,040 "Problems with wolves, ladies?" 439 00:39:51,040 --> 00:39:54,240 "Fear not. I'll deal with this scoundrel!" 440 00:39:57,560 --> 00:39:59,000 GRUNTING 441 00:40:00,600 --> 00:40:03,280 One glance at that imposing male physique 442 00:40:03,280 --> 00:40:06,440 and this scrappy little predator is soon sent on his way. 443 00:40:06,440 --> 00:40:07,920 "Hey! 444 00:40:07,920 --> 00:40:09,520 "Whoa!" 445 00:40:11,160 --> 00:40:12,600 "It's all good." 446 00:40:14,200 --> 00:40:16,240 "The ice causes a bit of a... Whoa!" 447 00:40:37,600 --> 00:40:39,720 Regardless of how they accomplish it, 448 00:40:39,720 --> 00:40:43,480 the herd always comes together again as one great big family... 449 00:40:45,920 --> 00:40:50,400 ..and the never-ending tide of chiru life flows on. 450 00:40:50,400 --> 00:40:52,000 BLEATING 451 00:41:02,720 --> 00:41:05,240 As the temperatures begin to plummet, 452 00:41:05,240 --> 00:41:07,640 the once mighty Queen of the Mountain 453 00:41:07,640 --> 00:41:09,680 hasn't made a kill in over a week. 454 00:41:11,120 --> 00:41:14,960 Now, she's forced to share her unfamiliar, new territory 455 00:41:14,960 --> 00:41:16,760 with more successful rivals. 456 00:41:28,360 --> 00:41:30,960 She must survey the area constantly 457 00:41:30,960 --> 00:41:32,200 to get the lay of the land 458 00:41:32,200 --> 00:41:35,280 and re-establish her dominion with scent markings... 459 00:41:38,560 --> 00:41:40,560 ..but she's been spotted by this area's male. 460 00:41:49,120 --> 00:41:51,320 AGGRESSIVE SNARLING AND SPITTING 461 00:41:54,360 --> 00:41:57,400 She defends her ground bravely, 462 00:41:57,400 --> 00:41:59,440 but is forced to retreat back to her cubs. 463 00:42:07,160 --> 00:42:09,440 Those playful days of summer 464 00:42:09,440 --> 00:42:12,000 seem very far away to Dawa right now. 465 00:42:22,600 --> 00:42:26,040 If only a family's love could determine its fate. 466 00:42:39,840 --> 00:42:41,840 SNUFFLING AND SQUEAKING 467 00:42:43,720 --> 00:42:46,760 Ya Ya's instinct is to keep her cub safe... 468 00:42:55,080 --> 00:42:57,320 ..but she can't protect Mei Mei forever. 469 00:42:57,320 --> 00:42:59,560 At some point, 470 00:42:59,560 --> 00:43:01,440 she's going to have to let go. 471 00:43:10,840 --> 00:43:12,040 WHIMPERING 472 00:43:12,040 --> 00:43:14,280 Just...maybe not today. 473 00:43:21,360 --> 00:43:23,920 Winter turns the dense forest 474 00:43:23,920 --> 00:43:27,000 into a majestic, crystal fantasy land. 475 00:43:30,360 --> 00:43:33,480 This is the first snowfall Tao Tao's sister has ever seen. 476 00:43:34,760 --> 00:43:37,920 Her pure amazement is a welcome distraction 477 00:43:37,920 --> 00:43:39,640 from the hardships of winter. 478 00:43:41,800 --> 00:43:44,040 "What is this stuff?" 479 00:43:47,080 --> 00:43:49,400 EXCITED SQUEAKING 480 00:43:49,400 --> 00:43:51,480 "Whatever it is, it's cold. 481 00:43:53,160 --> 00:43:55,600 "Must get to higher ground!" 482 00:43:57,880 --> 00:44:00,040 Yes, snow is a bummer... 483 00:44:00,040 --> 00:44:02,040 ..and it's really cold on your hands. 484 00:44:02,040 --> 00:44:04,200 The one upside is, 485 00:44:04,200 --> 00:44:07,600 it's a perfect excuse to walk like this. 486 00:44:34,480 --> 00:44:36,440 The cold and scarcity of winter 487 00:44:36,440 --> 00:44:39,240 has brought the various groups within the troop together again. 488 00:44:39,240 --> 00:44:41,920 They're so hungry... 489 00:44:41,920 --> 00:44:43,560 ..they'll eat anything. 490 00:44:44,800 --> 00:44:46,400 LOUD GRUNTING 491 00:44:46,400 --> 00:44:49,040 Rooster certainly isn't giving Tao Tao any hand-outs... 492 00:44:49,040 --> 00:44:50,920 ..or warmth... 493 00:44:50,920 --> 00:44:52,880 ..or support. 494 00:44:56,840 --> 00:44:58,520 This is what you get 495 00:44:58,520 --> 00:45:00,200 when you're hooked up with the Lost Boys. 496 00:45:05,640 --> 00:45:07,320 Whoa! 497 00:45:07,320 --> 00:45:09,600 Rooster is scrapping over food again... 498 00:45:14,840 --> 00:45:16,880 ..and the hostility is spreading. 499 00:45:19,120 --> 00:45:21,760 Before you know it, Tao Tao gets drawn into the fray. 500 00:45:23,160 --> 00:45:25,400 Even his little sister gets caught up in it. 501 00:45:28,680 --> 00:45:31,280 She tries to help her brother and stop them from fighting 502 00:45:31,280 --> 00:45:33,720 but there's just no reasoning with these animals. 503 00:45:36,760 --> 00:45:39,440 Tao Tao's father wants nothing to do with it. 504 00:45:39,440 --> 00:45:42,680 There's barely any food here to fight over, anyway. 505 00:45:45,920 --> 00:45:47,560 He packs up his family and heads off 506 00:45:47,560 --> 00:45:49,360 to lower, warmer territory. 507 00:45:54,240 --> 00:45:56,520 With the cold biting at his bones, 508 00:45:56,520 --> 00:45:59,680 Tao Tao is longing for some comfort. 509 00:45:59,680 --> 00:46:02,560 For someone, anyone, to just keep him warm. 510 00:46:06,040 --> 00:46:07,480 He misses his family. 511 00:46:09,480 --> 00:46:12,120 Up until now, he's resisted going back to them. 512 00:46:14,440 --> 00:46:17,680 Maybe he's still bitter about his sister. 513 00:46:17,680 --> 00:46:20,560 Maybe he's trying to prove something to his father. 514 00:46:20,560 --> 00:46:21,680 Who knows? 515 00:46:24,760 --> 00:46:27,160 Right now, he needs warmth. 516 00:46:30,400 --> 00:46:32,240 He abandons the Lost Boys... 517 00:46:35,080 --> 00:46:36,880 ..and follows his family. 518 00:46:58,040 --> 00:46:59,720 His sister welcomes him back... 519 00:47:02,320 --> 00:47:04,320 ..but life isn't always that simple. 520 00:47:10,000 --> 00:47:11,840 His father won't let him in. 521 00:47:13,880 --> 00:47:16,320 Tao Tao has no-one to turn to. 522 00:47:21,440 --> 00:47:23,120 He's run out of options. 523 00:47:37,360 --> 00:47:39,480 Between winter's wrath 524 00:47:39,480 --> 00:47:41,480 and plain old bad luck 525 00:47:41,480 --> 00:47:44,760 Dawa's hunting successes have been few and far between. 526 00:47:47,600 --> 00:47:50,680 But these sheep, seeking shelter from the weather, 527 00:47:50,680 --> 00:47:52,480 have just moved within range. 528 00:48:39,200 --> 00:48:41,000 Something terrible happens, though. 529 00:48:50,160 --> 00:48:52,800 The snow has concealed jagged rocks 530 00:48:52,800 --> 00:48:54,840 and Dawa has injured her paw. 531 00:49:37,280 --> 00:49:41,560 Dawa knows if she and her cubs are to survive, 532 00:49:41,560 --> 00:49:44,240 she must be in top physical condition to hunt. 533 00:50:24,560 --> 00:50:26,680 It looks like Tao Tao has finally 534 00:50:26,680 --> 00:50:29,080 been allowed to rejoin the family furball... 535 00:50:37,040 --> 00:50:40,040 ..or more like cling onto the outside of it. 536 00:50:41,960 --> 00:50:45,400 As long as he's willing to help protect the family against the cold 537 00:50:45,400 --> 00:50:47,160 his father will let him stay. 538 00:50:49,000 --> 00:50:50,880 It's better than freezing all alone. 539 00:50:52,760 --> 00:50:55,080 At least his little sister looks happy to see him. 540 00:50:58,080 --> 00:51:00,160 Maybe Tao Tao is finally learning 541 00:51:00,160 --> 00:51:02,000 the true value of family... 542 00:51:03,920 --> 00:51:07,680 ..or maybe he's just really cold. 543 00:51:48,760 --> 00:51:50,360 In China, 544 00:51:50,360 --> 00:51:52,960 some believe the panda to be the living embodiment 545 00:51:52,960 --> 00:51:55,000 of the yin and yang concept, 546 00:51:55,000 --> 00:51:57,760 the curved black-and-white patterns of its fur 547 00:51:57,760 --> 00:51:59,680 mimicking the symbol itself. 548 00:52:05,160 --> 00:52:08,920 This duality of opposing forces exists everywhere in nature... 549 00:52:12,680 --> 00:52:14,880 ..but perhaps nowhere more so 550 00:52:14,880 --> 00:52:18,920 than in the mounting relationship between Ya Ya and Mei Mei. 551 00:52:22,360 --> 00:52:25,280 The push and pull between freedom and protection 552 00:52:25,280 --> 00:52:27,120 is coming to a head. 553 00:52:27,120 --> 00:52:29,160 HIGH-PITCHED SQUEAK 554 00:52:31,360 --> 00:52:33,280 Ya Ya wants so badly 555 00:52:33,280 --> 00:52:35,840 to hold on to her precious daughter and keep her safe... 556 00:52:37,040 --> 00:52:39,720 ..but Mei Mei has an uncontrollable, 557 00:52:39,720 --> 00:52:42,720 evolutionary urge to just climb. 558 00:52:45,600 --> 00:52:47,120 MEI MEI BLEATS 559 00:52:47,120 --> 00:52:50,120 And yeah, sure, the kid has some issues with gravity... 560 00:52:52,080 --> 00:52:54,520 ..but so what? Life is risky. 561 00:52:54,520 --> 00:52:56,520 She's going to fall down... 562 00:53:03,080 --> 00:53:05,240 ..and then, she'll get back up... 563 00:53:14,360 --> 00:53:17,480 ..but at some point, she has to do it on her own... 564 00:53:24,160 --> 00:53:27,040 ..and today is that day. 565 00:53:36,360 --> 00:53:38,600 CONTENTED BLEATING 566 00:53:38,600 --> 00:53:42,680 As deep as Ya Ya's love for her daughter is, 567 00:53:42,680 --> 00:53:45,400 there is a force that is stronger... 568 00:53:45,400 --> 00:53:47,320 A force of nature... 569 00:53:52,120 --> 00:53:54,000 ..and it's pulling them apart. 570 00:54:09,680 --> 00:54:11,320 She's going for it. 571 00:54:58,960 --> 00:55:01,320 The day you climb a tree on your own... 572 00:55:03,320 --> 00:55:04,840 ..without falling out of it... 573 00:55:04,840 --> 00:55:06,480 EXCITED SQUEAK 574 00:55:06,480 --> 00:55:08,200 ..is a big day. 575 00:55:22,400 --> 00:55:26,480 Ya Ya may be a slightly overprotective mother, 576 00:55:26,480 --> 00:55:29,920 but she's raised one extraordinary little panda. 577 00:55:34,120 --> 00:55:35,800 She also knows 578 00:55:35,800 --> 00:55:38,040 it will soon be time to say goodbye. 579 00:55:43,760 --> 00:55:46,280 The joy a mother receives 580 00:55:46,280 --> 00:55:49,200 from raising a cub from birth, however, 581 00:55:49,200 --> 00:55:51,240 is worth a thousand farewells. 582 00:56:06,440 --> 00:56:08,520 Springtime means more food... 583 00:56:13,440 --> 00:56:14,800 More fleas... 584 00:56:20,000 --> 00:56:21,920 ..and more babies... 585 00:56:27,440 --> 00:56:29,520 ..which, in turn, means... 586 00:56:29,520 --> 00:56:31,240 ..more baby fever. 587 00:56:46,360 --> 00:56:48,320 HIGH-PITCHED SQUEALS 588 00:56:50,360 --> 00:56:53,800 Though Tao Tao is getting along better with his family lately, 589 00:56:53,800 --> 00:56:57,080 he's understandably been spending less time around his father... 590 00:56:58,640 --> 00:57:01,120 ..and a lot more time by himself. 591 00:57:07,440 --> 00:57:09,840 Tao Tao's sister is growing up, too. 592 00:57:14,320 --> 00:57:17,000 She's starting to show off her own personality. 593 00:57:32,760 --> 00:57:35,800 She's at an age now where her mother can leave her alone 594 00:57:35,800 --> 00:57:37,640 to go forage for food... 595 00:57:38,920 --> 00:57:41,360 ..or for someone else's baby. 596 00:57:46,640 --> 00:57:49,680 But wherever there are little babies 597 00:57:49,680 --> 00:57:52,080 goshawks are not far away. 598 00:57:59,080 --> 00:58:01,040 Tao Tao spots the predator and sounds the alarm. 599 00:58:01,040 --> 00:58:02,880 SHARP SQUEAK 600 00:58:02,880 --> 00:58:04,680 The troop scrambles for cover. 601 00:58:07,320 --> 00:58:09,120 All little ones are accounted for. 602 00:58:09,120 --> 00:58:12,000 Except for one - Tao Tao's sister. 603 00:58:16,520 --> 00:58:18,840 But Tao Tao has been keeping an eye on her 604 00:58:18,840 --> 00:58:20,120 and leaps into action. 605 00:58:30,120 --> 00:58:31,960 He reaches her just in time. 606 00:58:34,240 --> 00:58:35,760 LOUD SQUAWK 607 00:58:46,760 --> 00:58:49,840 Tao Tao has never felt so valued. 608 00:58:49,840 --> 00:58:52,640 He acted on pure instinct to protect his sister, 609 00:58:52,640 --> 00:58:56,520 and that brave act has made him realise... 610 00:58:57,720 --> 00:58:59,240 ..that he's grown up, 611 00:58:59,240 --> 00:59:00,760 a lot. 612 00:59:02,200 --> 00:59:04,720 His dad is definitely happy to have him back in the fold. 613 00:59:08,520 --> 00:59:11,720 The young outcast without a care in the world 614 00:59:11,720 --> 00:59:14,600 has grown up into the family hero. 615 00:59:18,080 --> 00:59:20,640 He's certainly a hero in his sister's eyes. 616 00:59:40,560 --> 00:59:42,800 Back up on the high plateau, 617 00:59:42,800 --> 00:59:45,440 the winter snow lingers well into spring... 618 00:59:45,440 --> 00:59:47,680 DEEP PURRING 619 00:59:47,680 --> 00:59:50,760 ..and Dawa is still fighting to provide for her cubs. 620 00:59:55,840 --> 00:59:59,240 The injury to her foot has greatly hampered her hunting ability 621 00:59:59,240 --> 01:00:02,120 and she no longer has the speed to chase down prey 622 01:00:02,120 --> 01:00:03,960 as fast as these wild sheep. 623 01:00:12,840 --> 01:00:14,480 But an opportunity arises. 624 01:00:17,000 --> 01:00:19,600 In springtime, domesticated yaks are released 625 01:00:19,600 --> 01:00:21,600 to graze in the higher elevations. 626 01:00:24,760 --> 01:00:28,320 These beasts are ten times as heavy as Dawa 627 01:00:28,320 --> 01:00:31,880 and one blow from those powerful horns could be fatal. 628 01:00:35,480 --> 01:00:38,280 Going up against a whole herd is like attacking an army... 629 01:00:40,320 --> 01:00:42,520 ..but her cubs are relying on her. 630 01:00:54,960 --> 01:00:56,960 It's now or never. 631 01:01:02,040 --> 01:01:03,640 TENSE DRAMATIC MUSIC 632 01:01:17,080 --> 01:01:19,400 The calf's mother rallies to save her baby. 633 01:01:25,520 --> 01:01:27,520 Dawa refuses to let go. 634 01:01:27,520 --> 01:01:29,800 She knows this is her last chance... 635 01:01:36,800 --> 01:01:39,640 ..but a yak mother's will to protect her young 636 01:01:39,640 --> 01:01:41,640 is just as strong as Dawa's. 637 01:01:47,840 --> 01:01:50,200 The yak strikes Dawa hard with her horns. 638 01:01:56,640 --> 01:01:58,520 Dawa is injured badly. 639 01:02:09,720 --> 01:02:12,080 One mother's brave rescue of her baby... 640 01:02:13,880 --> 01:02:17,680 ..is another's tragic failure to feed hers. 641 01:02:17,680 --> 01:02:19,240 LOW GRUNTING 642 01:03:09,040 --> 01:03:12,040 STIRRING ORCHESTRAL MUSIC 643 01:03:35,360 --> 01:03:36,840 MELANCHOLIC VIOLIN MUSIC 644 01:03:55,320 --> 01:03:57,520 LOUD WHOOPING 645 01:04:19,720 --> 01:04:23,720 In Chinese mythology, when a life ends 646 01:04:23,720 --> 01:04:26,400 a crane carries that soul 647 01:04:26,400 --> 01:04:29,240 to rejoin the cycle of birth and rebirth. 648 01:04:35,120 --> 01:04:37,760 From the end to the beginning... 649 01:04:44,800 --> 01:04:48,080 ..time pushes this cycle ever forward. 650 01:04:53,080 --> 01:04:54,800 The young become adults... 651 01:04:57,000 --> 01:04:58,600 The adults grow old... 652 01:04:59,960 --> 01:05:02,720 ..and the old are reborn. 653 01:05:07,640 --> 01:05:09,640 Death is not the end. 654 01:05:11,080 --> 01:05:15,360 It is merely a waypoint in a circle that continues endlessly. 655 01:05:26,520 --> 01:05:28,280 SOFT SNUFFLING 656 01:05:30,120 --> 01:05:31,560 TRUMPETING 657 01:05:35,640 --> 01:05:37,280 HIGH-PITCHED SQUEAKING 658 01:06:14,680 --> 01:06:17,640 CRANES WHOOP AND TRUMPET 659 01:06:22,760 --> 01:06:24,560 SQUEAKY YAWN 660 01:06:37,160 --> 01:06:39,480 Every creature plays its part 661 01:06:39,480 --> 01:06:42,200 in this great cyclical symphony. 662 01:06:46,320 --> 01:06:48,160 Each life lived 663 01:06:48,160 --> 01:06:51,280 is just one beat in the larger, beautiful rhythm. 664 01:07:02,640 --> 01:07:06,800 This vast land breeds both love and hardship... 665 01:07:08,680 --> 01:07:10,480 ..but in the hardship... 666 01:07:10,480 --> 01:07:12,120 ..there is hope. 667 01:07:16,400 --> 01:07:18,200 RAUCOUS SQUEAKING 668 01:07:21,880 --> 01:07:23,480 This is where they live. 669 01:07:31,200 --> 01:07:33,760 This is where they die. 670 01:07:40,400 --> 01:07:42,200 This is where they grow. 671 01:08:15,800 --> 01:08:18,040 This is where they are born. 672 01:08:21,800 --> 01:08:23,280 In China. 673 01:08:36,040 --> 01:08:39,520 # I spent my whole life dreaming of a perfect world 674 01:08:39,520 --> 01:08:44,200 # Where I thought you'd be Thought you'd be 675 01:08:44,200 --> 01:08:47,840 # I spent my whole life waiting for a moment 676 01:08:47,840 --> 01:08:52,280 # With you next to me Next to me... # 677 01:08:55,040 --> 01:08:58,160 We tried to take some time-lapses of the landscape. 678 01:08:58,160 --> 01:09:00,560 As you might see right now, 679 01:09:00,560 --> 01:09:03,440 the light is not very interesting. 680 01:09:03,440 --> 01:09:05,880 But the good thing is 681 01:09:05,880 --> 01:09:08,720 the weather is changing every half an hour. 682 01:09:08,720 --> 01:09:11,240 So, if you don't like the weather or the light 683 01:09:11,240 --> 01:09:14,400 you just have to wait a little bit and everything changes again. 684 01:09:17,480 --> 01:09:20,120 Got a snow leopard sneaking up on blue sheep. 685 01:09:20,120 --> 01:09:21,960 It doesn't get any better than this! 686 01:09:21,960 --> 01:09:24,520 # ..Hey yo, hey yo, yo hey 687 01:09:24,520 --> 01:09:27,640 # I don't want to miss out on a single day 688 01:09:27,640 --> 01:09:30,480 # Hey yo, hey yo, yo hey 689 01:09:30,480 --> 01:09:33,720 # I don't want to miss out on a single day 690 01:09:33,720 --> 01:09:36,200 # Cos you're my everything, everything 691 01:09:36,200 --> 01:09:38,600 # Everything, everything... # 692 01:09:41,600 --> 01:09:43,680 Now it's hailing. 693 01:09:43,680 --> 01:09:46,920 Perhaps, in half an hour, it will be beautiful sunshine. 694 01:09:46,920 --> 01:09:49,360 So, it's just a waiting game. 695 01:09:51,600 --> 01:09:55,280 # ..I heard your name up in the sky above the trees 696 01:09:55,280 --> 01:09:59,280 # When it came to me Came to me 697 01:09:59,280 --> 01:10:03,400 # I spent my whole life trying to fill my heart 698 01:10:03,400 --> 01:10:07,560 # When you're all I need All I need 699 01:10:07,560 --> 01:10:10,280 # I pull you closer and closer 700 01:10:10,280 --> 01:10:12,320 # Closer and closer 701 01:10:12,320 --> 01:10:14,400 # I don't want to let you go 702 01:10:14,400 --> 01:10:16,960 # Hey yo, hey yo, yo hey 703 01:10:16,960 --> 01:10:20,280 # I don't want to miss out on a single day 704 01:10:20,280 --> 01:10:23,240 # Hey yo, hey yo, yo hey 705 01:10:23,240 --> 01:10:26,080 # I don't want to miss out on a single day 706 01:10:26,080 --> 01:10:28,960 # Cos you're my everything, everything 707 01:10:28,960 --> 01:10:31,120 # Everything, everything 708 01:10:31,120 --> 01:10:33,640 # Hey yo, hey yo, yo hey 709 01:10:33,640 --> 01:10:36,880 # I don't want to miss out on a single day 710 01:10:36,880 --> 01:10:39,520 # Hey yo, hey yo, yo hey... # 711 01:10:40,960 --> 01:10:43,120 RADIO: Hello? 712 01:10:45,200 --> 01:10:47,040 He's looking in to the monitor! 713 01:10:48,840 --> 01:10:52,120 Oh! The camera moves. 714 01:10:52,120 --> 01:10:55,760 # ..It took my whole life 715 01:10:55,760 --> 01:10:58,440 # It took my whole life 716 01:10:58,440 --> 01:11:00,960 # To fall back into you... # 717 01:11:02,720 --> 01:11:06,440 OK, it's... Again, half an hour later, 718 01:11:06,440 --> 01:11:08,240 and now it's snowing. 719 01:11:08,240 --> 01:11:09,600 We have rolling mist 720 01:11:09,600 --> 01:11:11,320 and a proper thunderstorm. 721 01:11:13,040 --> 01:11:16,720 But I'm still convinced that if we wait another half an hour... 722 01:11:16,720 --> 01:11:19,960 we will have best conditions for my time-lapse. 723 01:11:19,960 --> 01:11:22,600 # ..Hey yo, hey yo, yo hey 724 01:11:22,600 --> 01:11:25,640 # I don't want to miss out on a single day 725 01:11:25,640 --> 01:11:28,160 # Hey yo, hey yo, yo hey 726 01:11:28,160 --> 01:11:31,680 # I don't want to miss out on a single day 727 01:11:31,680 --> 01:11:34,360 # Cos you're my everything, everything 728 01:11:34,360 --> 01:11:36,800 # Everything, everything 729 01:11:36,800 --> 01:11:39,240 # Hey yo, hey yo, yo hey... # 730 01:11:41,200 --> 01:11:43,840 It's really wonderful getting so intimate 731 01:11:43,840 --> 01:11:46,920 with the early family life of such a rare and beautiful bird. 732 01:11:49,600 --> 01:11:52,040 # ..It took my whole life 733 01:11:52,040 --> 01:11:55,280 # It took my whole life 734 01:11:55,280 --> 01:11:58,160 # To fall back into you 735 01:11:58,160 --> 01:12:00,160 # Hey yo, hey yo, yo hey 736 01:12:00,160 --> 01:12:02,720 # I don't want to miss out on a single day 737 01:12:02,720 --> 01:12:05,280 # Hey yo, hey yo, yo hey 738 01:12:05,280 --> 01:12:09,720 # I don't want to miss out on a single day 739 01:12:09,720 --> 01:12:11,520 # Cos you're my everything, everything 740 01:12:11,520 --> 01:12:14,280 # Everything, everything 741 01:12:14,280 --> 01:12:17,000 # Hey yo, hey yo, yo hey 742 01:12:17,000 --> 01:12:18,640 # I don't want to miss out 743 01:12:18,640 --> 01:12:22,720 # No, I don't want to miss out 744 01:12:22,720 --> 01:12:26,000 # I don't want to miss out on a single day 745 01:12:26,000 --> 01:12:29,000 # Cos you're my everything, everything. #