1 00:00:00,229 --> 00:00:01,290 (upbeat music) 2 00:00:01,290 --> 00:00:02,870 Gorillas are one of 3 00:00:02,870 --> 00:00:05,003 our closest living relatives, 4 00:00:06,020 --> 00:00:09,653 and yet they're also among the rarest animals on Earth. 5 00:00:11,150 --> 00:00:13,003 At the brink of extinction, 6 00:00:14,397 --> 00:00:15,810 (light dramatic music) 7 00:00:15,810 --> 00:00:18,412 humans are to blame for their demise. 8 00:00:18,412 --> 00:00:20,660 (light dramatic music) 9 00:00:20,660 --> 00:00:23,463 Their body parts are used in traditional medicine. 10 00:00:25,410 --> 00:00:28,833 Diseases have been spread by people entering the forest. 11 00:00:30,310 --> 00:00:34,453 They have lost vast expanses of land to human development. 12 00:00:41,260 --> 00:00:42,883 And they are killed and eaten, 13 00:00:45,690 --> 00:00:49,463 illegally harvested to feed an ever-growing population. 14 00:00:53,330 --> 00:00:56,383 We are pushing a close cousin out of existence. 15 00:00:59,170 --> 00:01:00,123 Why should we care? 16 00:01:02,540 --> 00:01:07,367 Get to know a typical day for a typical family and find out. 17 00:01:09,883 --> 00:01:13,133 (light dramatic music) 18 00:01:20,114 --> 00:01:22,480 (leaves rustling) 19 00:01:22,480 --> 00:01:26,550 In legend, the huge fearsome male gorilla 20 00:01:26,550 --> 00:01:27,923 was something to fear. 21 00:01:30,500 --> 00:01:32,803 His maturity is written in his fur. 22 00:01:34,860 --> 00:01:36,973 An iconic silverback. 23 00:01:39,570 --> 00:01:43,190 The term given to male gorillas, that like humans, 24 00:01:43,190 --> 00:01:45,423 develop some gray hair with age. 25 00:01:49,650 --> 00:01:52,830 He stands about as tall as an average man, 26 00:01:52,830 --> 00:01:55,600 but weighs more than twice as much. 27 00:01:55,600 --> 00:01:57,323 A mass of muscle. 28 00:02:00,980 --> 00:02:02,483 He's immensely powerful, 29 00:02:03,430 --> 00:02:05,230 but does he throw his weight around? 30 00:02:09,770 --> 00:02:11,033 Not so much. 31 00:02:13,060 --> 00:02:17,823 Actually, he uses his incredible power to defend his family, 32 00:02:20,130 --> 00:02:25,130 and today he stands proud watching over his newborn son. 33 00:02:25,814 --> 00:02:28,314 (light music) 34 00:02:30,061 --> 00:02:32,894 (leaves rustling) 35 00:02:35,330 --> 00:02:38,543 He's the dominant animal in a troop of about a dozen. 36 00:02:40,078 --> 00:02:42,911 (leaves rustling) 37 00:02:44,180 --> 00:02:47,443 His family members are all females and their offspring. 38 00:02:50,770 --> 00:02:53,020 He fathered each of the babies in this troop. 39 00:03:02,230 --> 00:03:04,993 The new baby causes great excitement in the group. 40 00:03:07,210 --> 00:03:09,360 Everyone wants to meet the new arrival. 41 00:03:10,258 --> 00:03:12,925 (playful music) 42 00:03:25,090 --> 00:03:28,420 For their own safety, all of the gorillas in the troop 43 00:03:28,420 --> 00:03:29,620 need to know each other. 44 00:03:34,020 --> 00:03:36,210 They must learn to recognize one another 45 00:03:36,210 --> 00:03:38,496 and help to keep the clan together. 46 00:03:38,496 --> 00:03:41,329 (leaves rustling) 47 00:03:43,940 --> 00:03:45,353 The mother is protective. 48 00:03:47,410 --> 00:03:49,263 This is her first baby. 49 00:03:52,090 --> 00:03:55,033 Like humans, gorillas are slow to mature. 50 00:03:56,150 --> 00:03:58,913 They don't start to breed until they reach their teens. 51 00:04:01,300 --> 00:04:03,930 Even fully grown, the mothers only half 52 00:04:03,930 --> 00:04:05,380 the weight of the silverback. 53 00:04:08,530 --> 00:04:11,150 This little one arrived, like a human baby, 54 00:04:11,150 --> 00:04:13,283 after nearly nine months of pregnancy. 55 00:04:15,750 --> 00:04:19,090 Just like a human infant, it's entirely dependent 56 00:04:19,090 --> 00:04:23,950 on its mother and will stay in physical contact with her 57 00:04:23,950 --> 00:04:26,763 for at least its first five months of life. 58 00:04:29,510 --> 00:04:32,550 Even after a year, young gorillas are rarely out 59 00:04:32,550 --> 00:04:34,150 of arm's reach of their mothers. 60 00:04:36,830 --> 00:04:39,000 Most of the other infants in the troop are two 61 00:04:39,000 --> 00:04:42,349 or three years old and hang out together for fun and games. 62 00:04:42,349 --> 00:04:45,200 (upbeat music) 63 00:04:45,200 --> 00:04:48,033 (leaves rustling) 64 00:05:02,860 --> 00:05:05,810 But there's not much opportunity for playtime this morning. 65 00:05:09,500 --> 00:05:11,473 The silverback watches carefully. 66 00:05:12,886 --> 00:05:15,886 (light piano music) 67 00:05:20,310 --> 00:05:22,600 The responsibility for the health and safety 68 00:05:22,600 --> 00:05:26,423 of the whole family rests squarely on his broad shoulders. 69 00:05:30,540 --> 00:05:33,450 He decides on a plan each day to safely get 70 00:05:33,450 --> 00:05:35,193 his family to food and water. 71 00:05:36,980 --> 00:05:38,933 And now it's time to leave. 72 00:05:40,644 --> 00:05:42,610 (upbeat music) 73 00:05:42,610 --> 00:05:46,060 The troop's home range is about 10 square kilometers 74 00:05:46,060 --> 00:05:49,243 deep in the heart of West Africa's tropical rainforest. 75 00:05:50,900 --> 00:05:53,843 A dense, tangled, massive forest and wetland. 76 00:05:55,510 --> 00:05:59,000 A maze to most, but the silverback knows his patch 77 00:05:59,000 --> 00:06:00,533 like the back of his hand. 78 00:06:06,700 --> 00:06:09,070 His intimate knowledge is vital to provide 79 00:06:09,070 --> 00:06:11,491 his family with all that they need. 80 00:06:11,491 --> 00:06:16,491 (leaves rustling) (birds squawking) 81 00:06:16,650 --> 00:06:19,540 He might lead them over 1,000 meters a day 82 00:06:19,540 --> 00:06:21,463 to ensure a fresh supply of food. 83 00:06:24,220 --> 00:06:26,430 His ability to plan for the future 84 00:06:26,430 --> 00:06:28,480 based on experience from the past 85 00:06:28,480 --> 00:06:31,253 is an example of the gorilla's deep intelligence. 86 00:06:35,970 --> 00:06:39,150 This nomadic lifestyle also ensures 87 00:06:39,150 --> 00:06:41,600 that no one patch of forest is overused 88 00:06:43,870 --> 00:06:46,070 and will be good to return to in the future. 89 00:06:49,650 --> 00:06:52,470 One of the key reasons for keeping on the move 90 00:06:52,470 --> 00:06:54,833 is to follow the ripening of fruit trees. 91 00:06:57,930 --> 00:07:01,019 Finding fresh fruit for breakfast is his plan. 92 00:07:01,019 --> 00:07:04,352 (light dramatic music) 93 00:07:09,280 --> 00:07:12,190 Dense jungle can harbor many dangers, 94 00:07:12,190 --> 00:07:14,763 which is why the family must stay together. 95 00:07:17,740 --> 00:07:20,270 They also keep safe by being aware 96 00:07:20,270 --> 00:07:22,033 of their other animal neighbors. 97 00:07:26,351 --> 00:07:31,351 (dramatic music) (birds chirping) 98 00:07:31,821 --> 00:07:34,725 (light dramatic music) 99 00:07:34,725 --> 00:07:36,072 (branch rustling) 100 00:07:36,072 --> 00:07:39,290 If the birds and the monkeys are quiet, 101 00:07:39,290 --> 00:07:40,413 the gorillas are safe. 102 00:07:42,770 --> 00:07:45,973 If they spot danger they will sound the alarm. 103 00:07:50,097 --> 00:07:54,647 But for now it sounds like the troop is safe to proceed. 104 00:07:54,647 --> 00:07:57,230 (upbeat music) 105 00:08:05,650 --> 00:08:08,050 (water trickling) 106 00:08:08,050 --> 00:08:11,053 Their homeland is crisscrossed with streams and rivers, 107 00:08:13,150 --> 00:08:15,593 one of the outcomes of living in a rainforest. 108 00:08:19,090 --> 00:08:22,263 Humans are the only great apes that seem to enjoy a dunk. 109 00:08:24,330 --> 00:08:26,930 The others prefer not to paddle if they can help it. 110 00:08:28,690 --> 00:08:30,543 They cautiously test the water. 111 00:08:34,870 --> 00:08:38,810 Tool use was thought to be a strictly human trait, 112 00:08:38,810 --> 00:08:41,580 but wild gorillas have been seen using logs 113 00:08:41,580 --> 00:08:44,650 as bridges and placing long sticks in the water 114 00:08:44,650 --> 00:08:45,833 to measure its depths. 115 00:08:47,500 --> 00:08:49,853 Fortunately, today they don't need to. 116 00:08:51,290 --> 00:08:53,330 They trust the silverback's choice in leading 117 00:08:53,330 --> 00:08:54,630 them through the shallows. 118 00:08:55,557 --> 00:09:00,060 (light music) (water splashing) 119 00:09:00,060 --> 00:09:02,440 The youngsters seem to have a mixed reaction 120 00:09:02,440 --> 00:09:03,533 to the experience. 121 00:09:07,620 --> 00:09:11,280 One is so unsure that she tries to find a way to climb over, 122 00:09:24,696 --> 00:09:28,447 but others see it as yet another excuse to play. 123 00:09:28,447 --> 00:09:33,447 (playful music) (water splashing) 124 00:09:37,440 --> 00:09:38,973 Gorillas rarely drink. 125 00:09:41,410 --> 00:09:43,913 They get plenty of moisture from their plant diet, 126 00:09:44,810 --> 00:09:47,360 but the crossing gives them a chance to take a sip. 127 00:09:48,993 --> 00:09:51,493 (light music) 128 00:09:56,518 --> 00:09:59,351 (water splashing) 129 00:10:10,410 --> 00:10:11,910 And then they're on their way. 130 00:10:14,193 --> 00:10:19,193 (birds squawking) (monkeys hollering) 131 00:10:23,110 --> 00:10:25,210 A troop of drills are already foraging 132 00:10:25,210 --> 00:10:27,067 on foreign fruit when they arrive. 133 00:10:31,930 --> 00:10:34,770 The drills are baboon cousins that specialize 134 00:10:34,770 --> 00:10:36,033 in rainforest living. 135 00:10:44,810 --> 00:10:48,140 Like the gorillas, they live in clans of 10 to 20 136 00:10:48,140 --> 00:10:49,723 led by a dominant male. 137 00:10:54,490 --> 00:10:56,190 They seem happy to move on 138 00:10:56,190 --> 00:10:58,190 when the silverback leads his family in. 139 00:10:59,218 --> 00:11:04,218 (birds squawking) (leaves rustling) 140 00:11:10,010 --> 00:11:12,630 Though gorillas spend a lot of time on the ground, 141 00:11:12,630 --> 00:11:15,050 they retain good climbing skills 142 00:11:15,050 --> 00:11:17,180 and the youngsters seem to race up 143 00:11:17,180 --> 00:11:18,593 to reach the ripest fruits. 144 00:11:21,755 --> 00:11:26,755 (light music) (leaves rustling) 145 00:11:30,200 --> 00:11:32,833 Their efforts dislodge plenty of others, 146 00:11:35,640 --> 00:11:38,600 so the heavyweight silverback can sit underneath 147 00:11:38,600 --> 00:11:39,500 and take his pick. 148 00:11:43,680 --> 00:11:45,963 He sniffs the fruit to check it's ripe. 149 00:11:52,043 --> 00:11:57,043 (leaves rustling) (bugs trilling) 150 00:11:58,670 --> 00:11:59,823 Dad's done well. 151 00:12:02,510 --> 00:12:05,093 (upbeat music) 152 00:12:07,750 --> 00:12:09,303 There's a feast for the family. 153 00:12:28,880 --> 00:12:30,513 Once all their bellies are full, 154 00:12:33,330 --> 00:12:34,983 it's time for a siesta. 155 00:12:36,674 --> 00:12:41,674 (birds chirping) (leaves rustling) 156 00:12:46,040 --> 00:12:48,700 Most of them make a bed before they settle, 157 00:12:48,700 --> 00:12:51,440 either in the trees or on the ground. 158 00:12:51,440 --> 00:12:53,540 Pulling together leaves and branches 159 00:12:53,540 --> 00:12:55,203 to make a comfortable mattress. 160 00:12:59,410 --> 00:13:02,253 Another example of gorilla tool use. 161 00:13:03,939 --> 00:13:06,970 (gorilla snoring) 162 00:13:06,970 --> 00:13:09,663 While the adults are quick to get some shut eye, 163 00:13:11,130 --> 00:13:16,130 it would be peaceful were it not for the youngsters. 164 00:13:16,775 --> 00:13:19,358 (upbeat music) 165 00:13:20,200 --> 00:13:23,003 The little ones seem to have different ideas. 166 00:13:31,540 --> 00:13:33,880 It's not just babies in the group, 167 00:13:33,880 --> 00:13:36,070 there are adolescents as well. 168 00:13:36,070 --> 00:13:38,970 Much bigger and stronger individuals who 169 00:13:38,970 --> 00:13:41,003 have not yet reached maturity. 170 00:13:43,630 --> 00:13:46,970 But as they develop and hormones kick in, 171 00:13:46,970 --> 00:13:48,673 they can get a bit boisterous. 172 00:13:51,510 --> 00:13:54,363 Sometimes their games get a bit out of hand. 173 00:13:57,830 --> 00:14:00,350 The father doesn't care for the young directly 174 00:14:00,350 --> 00:14:03,310 like the mothers, but will intervene 175 00:14:03,310 --> 00:14:04,610 to stop them getting hurt. 176 00:14:08,150 --> 00:14:10,313 The big boys play too rough. 177 00:14:14,616 --> 00:14:17,740 (light dramatic music) 178 00:14:17,740 --> 00:14:18,793 But not for long. 179 00:14:23,977 --> 00:14:26,977 (gorilla hollering) 180 00:14:33,359 --> 00:14:35,740 (dramatic music) 181 00:14:35,740 --> 00:14:38,283 The adolescent male gets a telling off. 182 00:14:40,000 --> 00:14:43,110 Gorillas are strong and can be rough, 183 00:14:43,110 --> 00:14:45,670 but serious injuries are rare. 184 00:14:45,670 --> 00:14:48,403 It's just enough to put him in his place. 185 00:14:49,400 --> 00:14:52,273 The young male will soon face a choice. 186 00:14:53,550 --> 00:14:56,633 Most gorillas leave their family as they reach maturity. 187 00:15:00,690 --> 00:15:03,230 Young males have the choice of staying, 188 00:15:03,230 --> 00:15:05,800 but only if they're willing to remain subordinate 189 00:15:05,800 --> 00:15:06,823 to the silverback. 190 00:15:09,390 --> 00:15:12,600 He'll keep them around as wing men to help guard the family 191 00:15:13,600 --> 00:15:16,429 as long as they are willing to follow his lead. 192 00:15:16,429 --> 00:15:19,012 (light music) 193 00:15:22,570 --> 00:15:25,160 With the fight settled, mom pulls her youngster 194 00:15:25,160 --> 00:15:26,103 in for a feed. 195 00:15:29,150 --> 00:15:31,103 But now there is no time to rest. 196 00:15:33,810 --> 00:15:36,493 The biggest of primates have huge appetites. 197 00:15:39,700 --> 00:15:43,083 The silverback might eat 20 kilos of food a day, 198 00:15:44,780 --> 00:15:47,353 so the troop heads out for afternoon tea. 199 00:15:51,930 --> 00:15:55,443 This time, the silverback has a different menu in mind, 200 00:15:57,460 --> 00:16:01,453 but access to it is dependent on other jungle residents. 201 00:16:04,667 --> 00:16:08,510 (elephant trumpeting) 202 00:16:08,510 --> 00:16:09,963 Forest elephants. 203 00:16:11,830 --> 00:16:15,130 Slightly smaller than Africa's savanna elephant, 204 00:16:15,130 --> 00:16:19,973 and with distinctive round ears and downward pointing tusks. 205 00:16:22,490 --> 00:16:24,840 Though small by elephant standards, 206 00:16:24,840 --> 00:16:28,290 at up to four tons a piece they have a massive impact 207 00:16:28,290 --> 00:16:29,813 on the surrounding landscape. 208 00:16:35,448 --> 00:16:38,110 (light music) 209 00:16:38,110 --> 00:16:40,560 New science has shown that forest elephants 210 00:16:40,560 --> 00:16:42,133 are guardians of the jungle, 211 00:16:44,680 --> 00:16:47,353 dispersing seeds and keeping the canopy open. 212 00:16:51,580 --> 00:16:55,580 Just one herd on the move is enough to create pathways 213 00:16:55,580 --> 00:16:56,630 thanks to their bulk. 214 00:16:57,722 --> 00:17:00,389 (playful music) 215 00:17:07,237 --> 00:17:09,920 (air blowing) 216 00:17:09,920 --> 00:17:12,660 By letting light reach the forest floor, 217 00:17:12,660 --> 00:17:15,540 they encourage a greater diversity of plants 218 00:17:15,540 --> 00:17:18,090 and allow tree roots to get stronger 219 00:17:18,090 --> 00:17:20,923 resulting in a bigger, healthier canopy. 220 00:17:23,930 --> 00:17:26,163 They are ecosystem engineers, 221 00:17:27,143 --> 00:17:28,810 (elephant trumpets) 222 00:17:28,810 --> 00:17:31,490 and their biggest impact is when they are trying 223 00:17:31,490 --> 00:17:36,063 to fulfill a craving for salt. 224 00:17:40,970 --> 00:17:43,410 Jungle plants are low in sodium 225 00:17:43,410 --> 00:17:46,530 and so the elephants dig into salty mud 226 00:17:46,530 --> 00:17:49,073 so they can drink up a mineral-rich smoothie. 227 00:17:55,660 --> 00:17:58,533 The impacts of their salt cravings are dramatic. 228 00:18:01,760 --> 00:18:04,203 The elephants create huge glades, 229 00:18:08,050 --> 00:18:10,213 places where light can fall on the ground, 230 00:18:11,720 --> 00:18:14,053 encouraging grasses and other plants to grow. 231 00:18:15,990 --> 00:18:19,583 And where water rich in minerals is easily available. 232 00:18:24,840 --> 00:18:26,993 The clearings attract forest buffalo, 233 00:18:32,040 --> 00:18:33,583 African gray parrots, 234 00:18:35,382 --> 00:18:37,630 (birds squawking) 235 00:18:37,630 --> 00:18:41,643 antelope, and a host of other wildlife. 236 00:18:47,520 --> 00:18:49,823 Today, including the gorilla family. 237 00:18:58,810 --> 00:19:01,890 The pachyderms have created a salad bar 238 00:19:01,890 --> 00:19:04,773 rich in the gorilla's favorite herbs and sedges. 239 00:19:09,780 --> 00:19:12,150 Gorillas have been recorded to use more 240 00:19:12,150 --> 00:19:15,113 than 25 different sounds to communicate. 241 00:19:16,460 --> 00:19:18,863 One of the most endearing is humming. 242 00:19:19,832 --> 00:19:22,910 (gorilla humming) 243 00:19:22,910 --> 00:19:27,200 When humans tuck into dessert or an especially tasty meal, 244 00:19:27,200 --> 00:19:30,453 we often make yum sounds to show our appreciation. 245 00:19:33,750 --> 00:19:36,210 Gorillas do the same. 246 00:19:36,210 --> 00:19:39,680 And thanks to the silverback's good leadership skills, 247 00:19:39,680 --> 00:19:42,631 soon the whole troop is humming contentedly. 248 00:19:42,631 --> 00:19:45,548 (gorillas humming) 249 00:19:46,910 --> 00:19:50,810 With thick stems, they strip off the tough outer layers 250 00:19:50,810 --> 00:19:52,873 and chew on the softer pulp within. 251 00:19:55,160 --> 00:19:57,929 It's not long before bellies are bulging. 252 00:19:57,929 --> 00:20:01,170 (light music) 253 00:20:01,170 --> 00:20:04,170 (gorilla hollering) 254 00:20:05,800 --> 00:20:09,153 Suddenly an uneasy tension spreads across the troop. 255 00:20:11,710 --> 00:20:13,123 The males heard something. 256 00:20:15,560 --> 00:20:18,620 Bearing the responsibility of the group's safety, 257 00:20:18,620 --> 00:20:20,303 it's hard for him to relax. 258 00:20:24,706 --> 00:20:28,110 (elephants grumbling) 259 00:20:28,110 --> 00:20:30,170 Thanks to his vigilance, 260 00:20:30,170 --> 00:20:32,963 this disturbance hasn't gone unnoticed. 261 00:20:35,252 --> 00:20:38,570 (elephants trumpeting) 262 00:20:38,570 --> 00:20:42,190 Unsure of the threat, the females stand on their back legs 263 00:20:42,190 --> 00:20:43,333 to get a better view. 264 00:20:44,250 --> 00:20:49,133 (light dramatic music) (bugs chirping) 265 00:20:49,133 --> 00:20:51,966 (leaves rustling) 266 00:20:54,830 --> 00:20:55,663 A leopard. 267 00:20:57,430 --> 00:21:00,683 One of few animals that might threaten a gorilla's life. 268 00:21:02,453 --> 00:21:03,860 (gorilla grunting) 269 00:21:03,860 --> 00:21:06,220 A quiet signal is given and the young know 270 00:21:06,220 --> 00:21:07,633 to return to their mothers, 271 00:21:08,770 --> 00:21:11,993 clinging on in case a quick exit is required. 272 00:21:13,500 --> 00:21:16,500 (suspenseful music) 273 00:21:18,750 --> 00:21:20,173 The male is ready to fight. 274 00:21:22,860 --> 00:21:24,990 He wouldn't hesitate to risk his own life 275 00:21:24,990 --> 00:21:26,203 to protect his troop. 276 00:21:28,170 --> 00:21:31,340 But the leopard is an ambush predator, 277 00:21:31,340 --> 00:21:35,043 relying on its camouflage to sneak up on potential prey. 278 00:21:37,950 --> 00:21:40,020 Now that it's been spotted 279 00:21:40,020 --> 00:21:42,140 there's little chance of a successful hunt 280 00:21:43,260 --> 00:21:45,950 and it knows better than to risk a counterattack 281 00:21:45,950 --> 00:21:47,433 from the huge silverback. 282 00:21:51,400 --> 00:21:53,460 Though the danger has diminished, 283 00:21:53,460 --> 00:21:55,770 the silverback makes the wise decision 284 00:21:55,770 --> 00:21:58,918 to take his troop back into the depths of the forest. 285 00:21:58,918 --> 00:22:03,918 (upbeat music) (bugs trilling) 286 00:22:08,530 --> 00:22:11,323 If you know where to look, there's still plenty to eat. 287 00:22:15,570 --> 00:22:17,530 And although plants make up nearly all 288 00:22:17,530 --> 00:22:20,390 of the gorilla's diets, they are not averse 289 00:22:20,390 --> 00:22:21,503 to a bit of protein. 290 00:22:22,807 --> 00:22:27,807 (light music) (leaves rustling) 291 00:22:29,860 --> 00:22:33,003 An experienced female knows exactly where to look. 292 00:22:36,630 --> 00:22:38,880 She rips off bark knowing termites 293 00:22:38,880 --> 00:22:40,393 will be sheltering underneath. 294 00:22:46,590 --> 00:22:48,650 With the termite mound exposed 295 00:22:48,650 --> 00:22:51,463 she can tear off chunks and eat at her leisure. 296 00:22:52,782 --> 00:22:55,532 (birds chirping) 297 00:22:56,950 --> 00:23:00,150 It's a bit like eating a wriggling pomegranate. 298 00:23:00,150 --> 00:23:03,020 Instead of picking the tasty seeds from the pith, 299 00:23:03,020 --> 00:23:05,670 she must fish out termites from their honeycomb home. 300 00:23:08,450 --> 00:23:10,623 Sometimes it's easier to shake them out. 301 00:23:14,240 --> 00:23:16,713 Her youngster dashes in to see what she's up to. 302 00:23:20,380 --> 00:23:22,890 Gorillas have long periods with their mothers, 303 00:23:22,890 --> 00:23:26,260 up to six years, and this is why. 304 00:23:26,260 --> 00:23:27,903 To watch and learn. 305 00:23:29,384 --> 00:23:31,967 (light music) 306 00:23:39,290 --> 00:23:42,220 Brow furrowed in concentration, 307 00:23:42,220 --> 00:23:45,740 the little one knows if he can master this technique 308 00:23:45,740 --> 00:23:47,903 he'll be rewarded with a tasty snack. 309 00:23:55,810 --> 00:23:57,133 His study pays off. 310 00:24:02,240 --> 00:24:05,100 This is how learning spreads through the troop; 311 00:24:05,100 --> 00:24:07,101 watching and copying. 312 00:24:07,101 --> 00:24:09,684 (light music) 313 00:24:14,440 --> 00:24:15,857 But that's enough for now. 314 00:24:21,980 --> 00:24:25,893 It's been a long day, time for the family to retire. 315 00:24:33,310 --> 00:24:35,033 While the troop is settling down, 316 00:24:35,890 --> 00:24:37,823 one of the females is feeling frisky. 317 00:24:46,360 --> 00:24:48,153 Rolling on her back to flirt, 318 00:24:49,460 --> 00:24:51,180 she solicits the male's attention 319 00:24:57,004 --> 00:25:00,254 and they adopt the missionary position. 320 00:25:11,880 --> 00:25:14,720 Making love face to face was once thought 321 00:25:14,720 --> 00:25:16,503 to be a strictly human trait. 322 00:25:18,380 --> 00:25:21,213 (leaves rustling) 323 00:25:27,380 --> 00:25:31,203 Then finally, the family can enjoy a peaceful night. 324 00:25:32,958 --> 00:25:37,958 (light music) (birds chirping) 325 00:25:44,380 --> 00:25:46,813 Gorillas are like us in so many ways. 326 00:25:48,530 --> 00:25:50,483 They have growth rates like humans, 327 00:25:51,350 --> 00:25:52,883 where young need nurturing, 328 00:25:53,870 --> 00:25:55,630 and it takes years for them to build 329 00:25:55,630 --> 00:25:57,053 their impressive knowledge. 330 00:25:58,490 --> 00:26:01,413 The long schooling is a sign of intelligence. 331 00:26:06,170 --> 00:26:08,520 They have been shown to be capable of laughter. 332 00:26:11,350 --> 00:26:13,750 They have strong emotional relationships 333 00:26:16,430 --> 00:26:18,243 and will grieve for their dead. 334 00:26:19,591 --> 00:26:22,424 (leaves rustling) 335 00:26:24,690 --> 00:26:28,253 We share 98% of the same DNA as gorillas. 336 00:26:30,140 --> 00:26:32,790 They are not as different from us as you might think. 337 00:26:35,210 --> 00:26:38,730 These gentle giants are guardians of the forest 338 00:26:38,730 --> 00:26:41,433 vital in spreading seeds as they forage. 339 00:26:45,284 --> 00:26:46,900 There are four kinds of gorilla. 340 00:26:47,870 --> 00:26:50,900 This family are western lowland gorillas, 341 00:26:50,900 --> 00:26:54,923 the commonest kind, but common is a relative term. 342 00:26:56,970 --> 00:26:59,313 There are less than 100,000 of them. 343 00:27:00,350 --> 00:27:02,793 They are considered critically endangered. 344 00:27:04,180 --> 00:27:06,723 The other three kinds are much rarer. 345 00:27:11,480 --> 00:27:16,360 And these cross river gorillas, never filmed before, 346 00:27:16,360 --> 00:27:17,643 are the rarest of all 347 00:27:23,160 --> 00:27:25,033 with just 300 left. 348 00:27:31,210 --> 00:27:34,550 It's shocking that we can let our closest relatives 349 00:27:34,550 --> 00:27:36,923 reach such dire low numbers, 350 00:27:42,900 --> 00:27:46,337 but there are people trying to make a difference. 351 00:27:46,337 --> 00:27:49,360 (light dramatic music) (leaves rustling) 352 00:27:49,360 --> 00:27:52,720 Dedicated field researchers, rangers, 353 00:27:52,720 --> 00:27:57,050 and anti-poaching patrols spend decades in the forest 354 00:27:57,050 --> 00:27:59,290 working in difficult conditions 355 00:27:59,290 --> 00:28:02,743 in order to protect and study the last gorillas. 356 00:28:04,574 --> 00:28:07,824 (light dramatic music) 357 00:28:13,886 --> 00:28:15,070 (upbeat music) 358 00:28:15,070 --> 00:28:19,300 Orphans are brought to wildlife rehabilitation centers 359 00:28:19,300 --> 00:28:21,593 where they are shown love and kindness, 360 00:28:22,830 --> 00:28:24,360 where they can become ambassadors 361 00:28:24,360 --> 00:28:25,960 for their relatives in the wild. 362 00:28:29,590 --> 00:28:32,290 Most rescued gorillas are kept in clans, 363 00:28:32,290 --> 00:28:34,843 trying to replicate their lifestyles in the wild. 364 00:28:36,730 --> 00:28:37,793 But not this one. 365 00:28:39,240 --> 00:28:41,600 After seeing her mother killed for meat 366 00:28:41,600 --> 00:28:43,670 and being abused as a baby, 367 00:28:43,670 --> 00:28:47,370 she was rescued and became the only cross river gorilla 368 00:28:47,370 --> 00:28:49,113 ever brought into captivity. 369 00:28:50,721 --> 00:28:52,570 (light dramatic music) (speaking foreign language) 370 00:28:52,570 --> 00:28:55,943 For most of her life people were the only family she knew, 371 00:28:57,510 --> 00:28:59,420 but they did their best to fulfill 372 00:28:59,420 --> 00:29:01,373 her need to have a loving family. 373 00:29:04,020 --> 00:29:06,980 She lived in captivity for 12 years. 374 00:29:06,980 --> 00:29:10,980 During her life she showed just how close humans 375 00:29:10,980 --> 00:29:12,183 and gorillas are. 376 00:29:14,130 --> 00:29:17,403 She didn't have keepers, she had friends. 377 00:29:19,410 --> 00:29:22,710 If only more humans would extend the hand of friendship 378 00:29:22,710 --> 00:29:25,930 and care this much about their closest cousins 379 00:29:25,930 --> 00:29:28,177 ensuring a future for us all. 380 00:29:32,138 --> 00:29:34,721 (upbeat music)