1
00:00:01,400 --> 00:00:37,466
♪♪

2
00:00:37,466 --> 00:00:40,333
-Incredible ingenuity,

3
00:00:40,333 --> 00:00:42,466
dedication,

4
00:00:42,466 --> 00:00:45,666
and extraordinary teamwork.

5
00:00:45,666 --> 00:00:50,466
This is what it takes
to be a parent on our planet.

6
00:00:52,433 --> 00:00:55,400
Meet the hard-working parents

7
00:00:55,400 --> 00:00:58,166
raising their families,

8
00:00:58,166 --> 00:01:00,866
doing all they can to protect...

9
00:01:02,600 --> 00:01:04,766
...and provide

10
00:01:04,766 --> 00:01:06,633
for the next generation.

11
00:01:07,766 --> 00:01:09,666
Discover the extraordinary ways

12
00:01:09,666 --> 00:01:12,266
animal parents navigate
their world.

13
00:01:13,233 --> 00:01:18,000
But a changing planet
is forcing them to adapt.

14
00:01:19,033 --> 00:01:21,800
Success for all parents

15
00:01:21,800 --> 00:01:25,433
has, perhaps, the greatest
of consequences.

16
00:01:26,500 --> 00:01:31,033
It ensures the future
of life on earth.

17
00:01:32,433 --> 00:01:35,100
This is "Parenthood."

18
00:01:35,100 --> 00:01:44,300
♪♪

19
00:02:05,733 --> 00:02:12,200
[ Squeaking ]

20
00:02:12,200 --> 00:02:22,933
♪♪

21
00:02:22,933 --> 00:02:24,700
-Deep underground,

22
00:02:24,700 --> 00:02:28,800
Amazon turtle hatchlings
are waiting for rain.

23
00:02:30,266 --> 00:02:32,166
They need just the right amount

24
00:02:32,166 --> 00:02:36,066
to soften the sand
to dig themselves free.

25
00:02:39,333 --> 00:02:43,300
Their mothers are waiting
nearby in the river.

26
00:02:43,300 --> 00:02:52,566
♪♪

27
00:02:52,566 --> 00:02:56,166
Too little rain,
and they will be trapped.

28
00:02:56,166 --> 00:02:59,533
Too much, and they will drown.

29
00:02:59,533 --> 00:03:05,533
♪♪

30
00:03:05,533 --> 00:03:09,100
Life cannot exist without water.

31
00:03:09,100 --> 00:03:12,666
But too much or too little
can be disastrous.

32
00:03:14,466 --> 00:03:17,500
And it can change in an instant.

33
00:03:21,133 --> 00:03:22,666
If they are to succeed

34
00:03:22,666 --> 00:03:26,100
in spite of freshwater's
constant changes,

35
00:03:26,100 --> 00:03:29,566
parents everywhere must adapt.

36
00:03:29,566 --> 00:03:36,866
♪♪

37
00:03:39,666 --> 00:03:44,866
In the Amazon's dry season,
huge sandbanks appear.

38
00:03:47,733 --> 00:03:49,600
In three months' time,

39
00:03:49,600 --> 00:03:51,766
the annual rains will return

40
00:03:51,766 --> 00:03:55,033
and submerge the banks
once more.

41
00:03:56,733 --> 00:04:00,833
Now is the giant Amazon
river turtle's opportunity

42
00:04:00,833 --> 00:04:02,800
to lay eggs.

43
00:04:04,633 --> 00:04:08,033
But she must get
the timing right.

44
00:04:10,300 --> 00:04:13,466
Other turtle mothers
are gathering,

45
00:04:13,466 --> 00:04:15,400
waiting to lay their eggs.

46
00:04:15,400 --> 00:04:20,200
♪♪

47
00:04:20,200 --> 00:04:22,133
This is the biggest gathering

48
00:04:22,133 --> 00:04:25,233
of freshwater turtles
on the planet.

49
00:04:29,366 --> 00:04:32,833
The exposed banks
remind the females

50
00:04:32,833 --> 00:04:36,100
that now is the right time
to nest.

51
00:04:37,966 --> 00:04:42,000
When one finds a place
that suits her,

52
00:04:42,000 --> 00:04:45,600
she lays nearly a hundred eggs

53
00:04:45,600 --> 00:04:48,166
a meter beneath the surface.

54
00:04:48,166 --> 00:04:58,466
♪♪

55
00:04:58,466 --> 00:05:00,833
She has made her best guess

56
00:05:00,833 --> 00:05:04,233
as to the right time
to nest this year.

57
00:05:05,433 --> 00:05:09,933
Now she needs the rain
to match her predictions.

58
00:05:09,933 --> 00:05:14,966
♪♪

59
00:05:14,966 --> 00:05:17,100
Six weeks pass.

60
00:05:18,100 --> 00:05:20,766
The sun has baked the sand
above the eggs

61
00:05:20,766 --> 00:05:23,300
into a protective crust.

62
00:05:25,300 --> 00:05:28,100
But the rain clouds arrive...

63
00:05:28,100 --> 00:05:29,633
early.

64
00:05:33,500 --> 00:05:36,133
In two of the past five years,

65
00:05:36,133 --> 00:05:39,700
early rain drowned
most of the hatchlings.

66
00:05:39,700 --> 00:05:44,300
♪♪

67
00:05:44,300 --> 00:05:46,833
This is not good.

68
00:05:46,833 --> 00:05:48,333
[ Squeaks ]

69
00:05:48,333 --> 00:05:53,933
♪♪

70
00:05:53,933 --> 00:05:55,633
As the rain falls,

71
00:05:55,633 --> 00:05:58,100
the river starts to rise.

72
00:05:58,100 --> 00:06:04,466
♪♪

73
00:06:04,466 --> 00:06:05,933
The babies have hatched,

74
00:06:05,933 --> 00:06:09,200
but they can't yet dig
themselves free.

75
00:06:11,100 --> 00:06:13,100
First, they must wait

76
00:06:13,100 --> 00:06:16,666
while they absorb
part of their yolk sack.

77
00:06:20,633 --> 00:06:23,766
The river continues to rise,

78
00:06:23,766 --> 00:06:26,133
and before the eggs
have all hatched,

79
00:06:26,133 --> 00:06:29,233
some nests start to flood.

80
00:06:29,233 --> 00:06:36,233
♪♪

81
00:06:36,233 --> 00:06:40,033
The sand is getting more
and more waterlogged.

82
00:06:43,733 --> 00:06:46,633
They can't wait any longer.

83
00:06:46,633 --> 00:07:05,266
♪♪

84
00:07:11,700 --> 00:07:14,433
Three days after hatching,

85
00:07:14,433 --> 00:07:19,366
the baby turtles see sunlight
for the first time.

86
00:07:22,333 --> 00:07:25,666
But their mother's job
is not done yet.

87
00:07:26,800 --> 00:07:29,766
Waiting off shore, they call.

88
00:07:29,766 --> 00:07:32,100
[ Turtle bleating ]

89
00:07:32,100 --> 00:07:33,933
It seems as if the mothers' song

90
00:07:33,933 --> 00:07:38,533
guides the hatchlings to safety
amongst the adults.

91
00:07:38,533 --> 00:08:00,066
♪♪

92
00:08:00,066 --> 00:08:04,833
This year, many mothers got
their timing right.

93
00:08:04,833 --> 00:08:10,800
♪♪

94
00:08:10,800 --> 00:08:15,166
And over two million
hatchlings emerge.

95
00:08:15,166 --> 00:08:50,633
♪♪

96
00:08:50,633 --> 00:08:53,866
As the hatchlings join
their mothers in the water,

97
00:08:53,866 --> 00:08:56,833
they add their voices
to the chorus.

98
00:08:56,833 --> 00:08:58,833
[ Hatchlings squeaking ]

99
00:08:58,833 --> 00:09:04,966
♪♪

100
00:09:04,966 --> 00:09:08,500
When freshwater flows
are reliable,

101
00:09:08,500 --> 00:09:10,666
parents are able to give
their young

102
00:09:10,666 --> 00:09:12,933
an excellent start in life.

103
00:09:12,933 --> 00:09:17,666
♪♪

104
00:09:17,666 --> 00:09:20,666
But even
when water levels are stable,

105
00:09:20,666 --> 00:09:24,433
there may still be dangers
for young animals.

106
00:09:26,500 --> 00:09:28,533
[ Birds calling ]

107
00:09:32,200 --> 00:09:41,233
♪♪

108
00:09:41,233 --> 00:09:45,100
In a steaming swamp
in South Carolina,

109
00:09:45,100 --> 00:09:47,966
hungry mouths gather...

110
00:09:49,200 --> 00:09:52,333
...around the perfect home

111
00:09:52,333 --> 00:09:55,700
for a family of swamp canaries.

112
00:09:55,700 --> 00:10:02,533
♪♪

113
00:10:02,533 --> 00:10:06,500
These parents have chosen
an excellent site --

114
00:10:06,500 --> 00:10:10,200
a slim tree,
surrounded by water.

115
00:10:13,266 --> 00:10:16,333
Nests like these
are difficult to reach

116
00:10:16,333 --> 00:10:18,833
from land, water, or air

117
00:10:18,833 --> 00:10:21,700
for anything but a small bird.

118
00:10:22,966 --> 00:10:26,133
Useful to protect baby chicks...

119
00:10:26,133 --> 00:10:31,233
♪♪

120
00:10:31,233 --> 00:10:34,000
...up to seven of them
in a nest.

121
00:10:34,000 --> 00:10:44,400
♪♪

122
00:10:44,400 --> 00:10:46,366
As well as feeding their young,

123
00:10:46,366 --> 00:10:49,200
the parents keep
their nests clean

124
00:10:49,200 --> 00:10:52,200
by removing
the chick's droppings...

125
00:10:53,333 --> 00:10:55,266
...in poo-bags.

126
00:10:55,266 --> 00:11:19,933
♪♪

127
00:11:19,933 --> 00:11:22,666
Caring for
as many chicks as this

128
00:11:22,666 --> 00:11:25,066
is a two-bird job.

129
00:11:25,066 --> 00:11:52,100
♪♪

130
00:11:52,100 --> 00:11:54,766
A small nest may be safe,

131
00:11:54,766 --> 00:11:58,733
but chicks can quickly grow
too big for it.

132
00:12:03,900 --> 00:12:09,400
Leaving their tower will require
them to take their first flight.

133
00:12:10,866 --> 00:12:16,633
But the moat around their castle
is now a major obstacle.

134
00:12:17,900 --> 00:12:22,100
Predators lurk,
waiting for an easy meal.

135
00:12:22,100 --> 00:12:26,900
♪♪

136
00:12:26,900 --> 00:12:31,300
It is at least 30 feet
from the nearest tree.

137
00:12:33,233 --> 00:12:38,133
Ready or not,
time to leave the nest.

138
00:12:38,133 --> 00:12:39,666
♪♪

139
00:12:41,733 --> 00:12:45,433
♪♪

140
00:12:45,433 --> 00:12:48,533
The first hatched
are the strongest,

141
00:12:48,533 --> 00:12:51,200
and they lead the way.

142
00:12:52,766 --> 00:12:56,833
Later-hatched chicks
are smaller and weaker.

143
00:12:56,833 --> 00:13:11,666
♪♪

144
00:13:11,666 --> 00:13:14,933
The water is no place
for a chick,

145
00:13:14,933 --> 00:13:17,666
but there's nothing
his parents can do.

146
00:13:17,666 --> 00:13:27,266
♪♪

147
00:13:27,266 --> 00:13:29,533
Although he's made it
to the tree,

148
00:13:29,533 --> 00:13:31,766
he's still in danger.

149
00:13:31,766 --> 00:13:34,900
But now, his parents can help...

150
00:13:34,900 --> 00:13:39,133
♪♪

151
00:13:39,133 --> 00:13:41,300
...using rewards.

152
00:13:41,300 --> 00:13:51,833
♪♪

153
00:13:51,833 --> 00:13:55,533
Bit by bit,
they coax him higher.

154
00:13:55,533 --> 00:14:04,566
♪♪

155
00:14:04,566 --> 00:14:06,866
Just a few more steps.

156
00:14:06,866 --> 00:14:14,133
♪♪

157
00:14:14,133 --> 00:14:17,666
There, now.
He's out of immediate danger.

158
00:14:21,333 --> 00:14:24,000
His parents coax
the rest of the chicks

159
00:14:24,000 --> 00:14:27,600
to safe hiding places
all over the swamp.

160
00:14:29,366 --> 00:14:34,266
They will continue to feed their
chicks for five more weeks.

161
00:14:38,766 --> 00:14:42,933
Large expanses of freshwater
can be dangerous.

162
00:14:44,233 --> 00:14:48,033
Small pools, like this one
away from the main Amazon River,

163
00:14:48,033 --> 00:14:51,066
are safer for young animals.

164
00:14:52,933 --> 00:14:56,466
The center is open and clear,

165
00:14:56,466 --> 00:15:01,333
and the edges provide plenty
of hiding places.

166
00:15:01,333 --> 00:15:05,233
Excellent for a family
of cichlids --

167
00:15:05,233 --> 00:15:09,366
provided that the parents
can work together.

168
00:15:12,033 --> 00:15:15,100
A carefully chosen rock
in the center of the pool

169
00:15:15,100 --> 00:15:17,800
camouflages the eggs.

170
00:15:20,033 --> 00:15:22,366
They are starting to hatch.

171
00:15:26,200 --> 00:15:30,500
Wriggling tails, however,
could attract attention.

172
00:15:30,500 --> 00:15:36,333
♪♪

173
00:15:36,333 --> 00:15:39,433
But the mother
gently picks them up

174
00:15:39,433 --> 00:15:43,200
and puts them out of sight
under a leaf.

175
00:15:43,200 --> 00:15:49,233
♪♪

176
00:15:49,233 --> 00:15:52,200
Father tries his best
to help...

177
00:15:52,200 --> 00:15:56,800
♪♪

178
00:15:56,800 --> 00:15:59,166
...but he's getting in her way.

179
00:15:59,166 --> 00:16:03,466
♪♪

180
00:16:03,466 --> 00:16:06,666
While mother is collecting
more eggs...

181
00:16:08,866 --> 00:16:13,566
...she turns around to find
that her partner is at it again.

182
00:16:15,433 --> 00:16:17,400
Caught in the act!

183
00:16:19,466 --> 00:16:22,466
She clearly wants to finish
the job herself.

184
00:16:22,466 --> 00:16:26,833
♪♪

185
00:16:26,833 --> 00:16:28,700
Working alone,

186
00:16:28,700 --> 00:16:32,366
mother gets every last wriggler
tucked away safely.

187
00:16:32,366 --> 00:16:38,466
♪♪

188
00:16:38,466 --> 00:16:41,766
But she will need father's help

189
00:16:41,766 --> 00:16:44,800
when their wrigglers
become swimmers.

190
00:16:46,166 --> 00:16:48,866
Now both parents must guide
their offspring

191
00:16:48,866 --> 00:16:52,733
to the edge of the pool
where there's more cover.

192
00:16:54,100 --> 00:16:58,933
First step -- navigate
through a shoal of curimbatá.

193
00:17:01,100 --> 00:17:05,033
It's a job that requires
two adults.

194
00:17:05,033 --> 00:17:17,500
♪♪

195
00:17:17,500 --> 00:17:20,900
So now, it's father's chance
to help.

196
00:17:20,900 --> 00:17:38,500
♪♪

197
00:17:38,500 --> 00:17:42,233
They made it.
All fry accounted for.

198
00:17:43,233 --> 00:17:47,000
But they've hit
yet another road-block.

199
00:17:51,000 --> 00:17:53,600
Cichlids are very territorial,

200
00:17:53,600 --> 00:17:58,566
and this family has drifted
into someone else's patch.

201
00:18:00,533 --> 00:18:03,100
Their neighbor has turned dark,

202
00:18:03,100 --> 00:18:06,200
showing that he really
wants them gone.

203
00:18:06,200 --> 00:18:12,433
♪♪

204
00:18:12,433 --> 00:18:14,866
Worse, he might also be hungry

205
00:18:14,866 --> 00:18:18,633
and regard the fry
as a welcome snack.

206
00:18:18,633 --> 00:18:37,933
♪♪

207
00:18:37,933 --> 00:18:41,200
By coordinating their attack...

208
00:18:43,033 --> 00:18:45,400
...they win the fight.

209
00:18:49,333 --> 00:18:54,166
Finally united, they can
continue to their new home.

210
00:18:54,166 --> 00:18:57,066
It's exactly what they need.

211
00:18:57,066 --> 00:19:01,400
The fry can practice swimming
in the spring's bubbles,

212
00:19:01,400 --> 00:19:04,366
and there are plenty
of hiding places.

213
00:19:04,366 --> 00:19:14,466
♪♪

214
00:19:14,466 --> 00:19:17,400
Together, the cichlids
have made the most

215
00:19:17,400 --> 00:19:21,433
of all this pool has to offer
their young family.

216
00:19:26,466 --> 00:19:30,500
In the jungle, there are
freshwater pools everywhere...

217
00:19:31,766 --> 00:19:37,900
...in leaves, fronds,
and holes in trees.

218
00:19:37,900 --> 00:19:43,800
♪♪

219
00:19:43,800 --> 00:19:46,700
But pools can have problems.

220
00:19:47,700 --> 00:19:51,466
Big ones are likely
to attract predators...

221
00:19:53,633 --> 00:19:58,133
...and small ones
are likely to dry out.

222
00:20:00,933 --> 00:20:05,233
Parents must find the pools
that are just right.

223
00:20:07,700 --> 00:20:13,866
Meet Tinctorius, a poison-dart
frog carrying his tadpole.

224
00:20:15,166 --> 00:20:20,200
He needs a pool for it,
and quickly.

225
00:20:21,566 --> 00:20:25,900
This palm leaf may be
convenient,

226
00:20:25,900 --> 00:20:30,366
but it's shallow and exposed,

227
00:20:30,366 --> 00:20:34,666
and could dry out
before a tadpole could develop.

228
00:20:37,766 --> 00:20:40,966
So, although he leaves one here,

229
00:20:40,966 --> 00:20:43,866
he continues his search
for accommodation

230
00:20:43,866 --> 00:20:46,566
for his remaining three.

231
00:20:48,233 --> 00:20:50,966
They are waiting in a leaf,

232
00:20:50,966 --> 00:20:54,600
which will dry out
if left here much longer.

233
00:20:57,266 --> 00:20:59,366
No time to waste.

234
00:20:59,366 --> 00:21:03,400
One climbs immediately
on to its father's back.

235
00:21:04,733 --> 00:21:08,166
To spread his bet,
he needs a different pool.

236
00:21:10,700 --> 00:21:15,966
A hop, skip, and a jump,

237
00:21:15,966 --> 00:21:18,066
and he's found somewhere deeper,

238
00:21:18,066 --> 00:21:20,733
but without much food.

239
00:21:21,700 --> 00:21:24,066
He can still do better.

240
00:21:26,966 --> 00:21:32,533
Night falls, and he still needs
to find two more pools.

241
00:21:32,533 --> 00:21:34,566
[ Frog croaks ]

242
00:21:37,666 --> 00:21:41,733
A call echoes
through the jungle.

243
00:21:50,166 --> 00:21:53,866
A milk-frog with his tadpoles.

244
00:21:57,466 --> 00:22:01,833
His loud calls are invitations
to milk-frog females

245
00:22:01,833 --> 00:22:05,533
to lay their eggs in his pool.

246
00:22:07,833 --> 00:22:11,166
Scientists believe
that when a male Tinctorius

247
00:22:11,166 --> 00:22:14,300
hears the calls
of milk-frog fathers...

248
00:22:15,733 --> 00:22:18,866
...he may decide
that the milk-frog's pool

249
00:22:18,866 --> 00:22:22,233
would suit one of his tadpoles.

250
00:22:25,433 --> 00:22:27,233
The next morning,

251
00:22:27,233 --> 00:22:29,100
he sets out again

252
00:22:29,100 --> 00:22:32,433
with another tadpole
on his back.

253
00:22:35,366 --> 00:22:37,466
There's only one problem.

254
00:22:37,466 --> 00:22:42,066
♪♪

255
00:22:42,066 --> 00:22:46,600
The milk-frog's pool
is over 60 feet up.

256
00:22:46,600 --> 00:22:53,833
♪♪

257
00:22:53,833 --> 00:22:56,866
Getting there
with a tadpole on his back

258
00:22:56,866 --> 00:22:59,700
will be a long climb.

259
00:22:59,700 --> 00:23:21,400
♪♪

260
00:23:23,200 --> 00:23:26,933
Undeterred, he starts off again.

261
00:23:26,933 --> 00:23:38,900
♪♪

262
00:23:38,900 --> 00:23:43,900
It's a huge effort for the sake
of just one tadpole.

263
00:23:43,900 --> 00:23:51,866
♪♪

264
00:23:51,866 --> 00:23:53,466
Made it.

265
00:23:53,466 --> 00:23:58,333
And he's not bothered
by the milk frog.

266
00:24:02,233 --> 00:24:05,766
Not only will his offspring
be safe here,

267
00:24:05,766 --> 00:24:08,633
it will also have plenty
to eat...

268
00:24:09,633 --> 00:24:13,033
...because, milk-frog tadpoles
are good food

269
00:24:13,033 --> 00:24:16,500
for Tinctorious tadpoles.

270
00:24:18,333 --> 00:24:21,133
But he can't rest just yet.

271
00:24:22,866 --> 00:24:27,066
He still has one last tadpole
which needs a pool.

272
00:24:27,066 --> 00:24:50,633
♪♪

273
00:24:50,633 --> 00:24:53,933
This dad will go to
extreme heights

274
00:24:53,933 --> 00:24:57,533
to find the best pools
for his tadpoles.

275
00:25:01,833 --> 00:25:05,033
Parents can afford
the pursuit of perfection

276
00:25:05,033 --> 00:25:08,566
where freshwater is plentiful.

277
00:25:08,566 --> 00:25:11,566
However,
where freshwater is rare,

278
00:25:11,566 --> 00:25:14,533
parents have fewer options.

279
00:25:17,166 --> 00:25:19,733
The Namibian desert.

280
00:25:19,733 --> 00:25:24,433
Here, there is very little water
for miles around.

281
00:25:25,966 --> 00:25:30,166
Except in the breast feathers
of this Namaqua sandgrouse.

282
00:25:31,333 --> 00:25:36,533
They are specially adapted
to absorb an ounce of water.

283
00:25:38,066 --> 00:25:40,933
And that enables his family
to nest

284
00:25:40,933 --> 00:25:44,366
in remote corners of the desert.

285
00:25:48,066 --> 00:25:52,833
But the chicks must drink at
least once every day to survive.

286
00:25:54,500 --> 00:25:58,133
So, father must fetch some
for them.

287
00:25:58,133 --> 00:26:03,833
♪♪

288
00:26:03,833 --> 00:26:06,200
Almost 20 miles
from their nest,

289
00:26:06,200 --> 00:26:10,933
a thin strip of green
indicates standing water.

290
00:26:14,366 --> 00:26:19,200
The male sandgrouse flies
to this waterhole every day.

291
00:26:22,200 --> 00:26:26,633
Here, he joins a flock
of other thirsty sandgrouse.

292
00:26:28,266 --> 00:26:32,933
But they all know better than
to head straight to the water.

293
00:26:36,800 --> 00:26:40,666
First, they settle
at a safe distance.

294
00:26:42,533 --> 00:26:44,866
Hidden among the rocks,

295
00:26:44,866 --> 00:26:50,333
the flock's many eyes scan
for lurking threats.

296
00:26:50,333 --> 00:26:53,866
Because when freshwater is rare,

297
00:26:53,866 --> 00:26:57,600
it can be used by some
as a trap.

298
00:27:00,100 --> 00:27:04,366
A lanner falcon, a booted eagle,

299
00:27:04,366 --> 00:27:06,933
and an African hawk-eagle

300
00:27:06,933 --> 00:27:11,200
have all taken up positions
around the water hole.

301
00:27:11,200 --> 00:27:15,200
♪♪

302
00:27:15,200 --> 00:27:17,000
Despite the threats,

303
00:27:17,000 --> 00:27:20,533
some sandgrouse decide
to take their chance.

304
00:27:21,733 --> 00:27:24,733
Parents are vulnerable
at the water.

305
00:27:24,733 --> 00:27:27,400
They need at least five minutes
in a pond

306
00:27:27,400 --> 00:27:30,233
to saturate their feathers.

307
00:27:30,233 --> 00:27:33,400
The more cautious birds wait
to see what happens

308
00:27:33,400 --> 00:27:35,600
to the first group.

309
00:27:36,600 --> 00:27:56,900
♪♪

310
00:27:56,900 --> 00:27:59,300
The lanner picks a target.

311
00:27:59,300 --> 00:28:12,733
♪♪

312
00:28:12,733 --> 00:28:14,466
She misses.

313
00:28:17,600 --> 00:28:20,566
The booted eagle sees
her chance.

314
00:28:20,566 --> 00:28:26,466
♪♪

315
00:28:26,466 --> 00:28:29,866
Together, they keep
the flock in the air.

316
00:28:29,866 --> 00:28:34,000
A spectacle visible
from all around.

317
00:28:34,000 --> 00:28:40,200
♪♪

318
00:28:40,200 --> 00:28:41,933
Especially to a male,

319
00:28:41,933 --> 00:28:45,533
judging when it's safe
to collect water for his chicks.

320
00:28:45,533 --> 00:28:53,533
♪♪

321
00:28:53,533 --> 00:28:56,266
Birds of prey seldom stop...

322
00:28:56,266 --> 00:29:01,333
♪♪

323
00:29:01,333 --> 00:29:03,566
...until they make a catch.

324
00:29:03,566 --> 00:29:17,900
♪♪

325
00:29:17,900 --> 00:29:21,000
Even now,
going alone could be fatal.

326
00:29:21,966 --> 00:29:24,366
He must stick with the group.

327
00:29:28,166 --> 00:29:30,933
There's no one left in the air.

328
00:29:32,266 --> 00:29:36,000
If the predators are
concentrating on eating,

329
00:29:36,000 --> 00:29:39,600
now could be
the sandgrouse's opportunity.

330
00:29:39,600 --> 00:29:48,466
♪♪

331
00:29:48,466 --> 00:29:51,633
But they have overlooked
someone.

332
00:29:53,833 --> 00:29:55,800
The hawk eagle.

333
00:29:55,800 --> 00:30:02,500
♪♪

334
00:30:02,500 --> 00:30:07,466
To soak their feathers, parents
must wade deeper into the pool.

335
00:30:07,466 --> 00:30:15,000
♪♪

336
00:30:15,000 --> 00:30:17,866
In their desperation for water,

337
00:30:17,866 --> 00:30:21,366
no one notices the eagle's
approach.

338
00:30:21,366 --> 00:30:40,766
♪♪

339
00:30:40,766 --> 00:30:44,000
The father must hold his nerve.

340
00:30:44,000 --> 00:30:47,566
He has not yet collected
enough water.

341
00:30:47,566 --> 00:31:13,933
♪♪

342
00:31:13,933 --> 00:31:15,466
Missed.

343
00:31:15,466 --> 00:31:22,533
♪♪

344
00:31:22,533 --> 00:31:25,333
This father wings his way home,

345
00:31:25,333 --> 00:31:28,566
breast feathers fully loaded
with water.

346
00:31:30,500 --> 00:31:32,933
He will have to repeat
this journey every day

347
00:31:32,933 --> 00:31:35,100
for the next eight weeks...

348
00:31:36,500 --> 00:31:38,666
...until his chicks are ready

349
00:31:38,666 --> 00:31:41,866
to visit the waterhole
for themselves.

350
00:31:45,866 --> 00:31:50,866
For now, they can enjoy
a good long drink.

351
00:31:50,866 --> 00:31:54,300
♪♪

352
00:31:56,066 --> 00:31:57,666
The water's presence here

353
00:31:57,666 --> 00:32:01,566
has enabled these parents
to succeed.

354
00:32:01,566 --> 00:32:04,966
However,
when freshwater isn't reliable,

355
00:32:04,966 --> 00:32:10,400
the journey to parenthood
itself can be laborious.

356
00:32:11,933 --> 00:32:15,200
In the Caribbean,
five miles upstream,

357
00:32:15,200 --> 00:32:18,833
lies a near-perfect
nursery pool.

358
00:32:21,133 --> 00:32:23,033
Food here is plentiful,

359
00:32:23,033 --> 00:32:26,100
and the water tumbling
from the falls above

360
00:32:26,100 --> 00:32:29,466
keeps it clear and oxygenated.

361
00:32:31,266 --> 00:32:33,466
After five months at sea,

362
00:32:33,466 --> 00:32:37,200
a tri tri goby has climbed
a thousand feet

363
00:32:37,200 --> 00:32:40,733
to reach this pool
and start a family.

364
00:32:43,400 --> 00:32:47,233
His partner is ready
to lay her eggs.

365
00:32:49,300 --> 00:32:51,766
Pebbles, arranged
in the right way,

366
00:32:51,766 --> 00:32:54,033
will alter the flow
of the current

367
00:32:54,033 --> 00:32:57,100
creating good conditions
for eggs.

368
00:32:57,100 --> 00:33:01,766
♪♪

369
00:33:04,133 --> 00:33:11,766
♪♪

370
00:33:11,766 --> 00:33:15,300
His activities attract
attention.

371
00:33:17,433 --> 00:33:21,200
Rival males are eager
to take over his nest.

372
00:33:24,966 --> 00:33:28,466
He will have to fight
if he's to become a father.

373
00:33:28,466 --> 00:33:33,466
♪♪

374
00:33:33,466 --> 00:33:35,400
Good riddance,

375
00:33:39,400 --> 00:33:44,133
But one thing he can't fight
is the weather.

376
00:33:44,133 --> 00:33:46,166
[ Thunder rumbles ]

377
00:33:47,466 --> 00:33:51,333
A once-in-a-lifetime storm
is brewing.

378
00:33:51,333 --> 00:34:27,166
♪♪

379
00:34:27,166 --> 00:34:28,700
Below the fall,

380
00:34:28,700 --> 00:34:32,566
the increase in water
has turned the gentle flow

381
00:34:32,566 --> 00:34:34,700
into a whirlpool.

382
00:34:34,700 --> 00:34:45,300
♪♪

383
00:34:45,300 --> 00:34:50,366
The torrent has flushed him
miles back downstream.

384
00:34:51,766 --> 00:34:55,233
But he still has a chance
to become a father --

385
00:34:55,233 --> 00:35:00,933
if he can manage to climb
once again to his nursery pool.

386
00:35:03,000 --> 00:35:04,800
He hasn't done anything
like this

387
00:35:04,800 --> 00:35:07,133
since he was a young fish.

388
00:35:08,100 --> 00:35:10,033
And it shows.

389
00:35:13,466 --> 00:35:17,633
He's a lot bulkier
than when he was younger.

390
00:35:18,933 --> 00:35:21,266
Climbing a thousand feet again

391
00:35:21,266 --> 00:35:24,566
won't be easy
in his current condition.

392
00:35:26,533 --> 00:35:31,033
Juveniles with boundless energy
dart past him.

393
00:35:31,033 --> 00:35:35,866
♪♪

394
00:35:35,866 --> 00:35:40,233
Other adults try...and fail.

395
00:35:42,433 --> 00:35:44,833
He pushes on,

396
00:35:44,833 --> 00:35:47,466
but the closer he gets
to his pool,

397
00:35:47,466 --> 00:35:49,300
the stronger the current.

398
00:35:49,300 --> 00:36:09,500
♪♪

399
00:35:56,000 --> 00:36:09,500
♪♪

400
00:36:09,500 --> 00:36:12,000
With one final push...

401
00:36:13,333 --> 00:36:15,166
...he makes it!

402
00:36:15,166 --> 00:36:23,866
♪♪

403
00:36:23,866 --> 00:36:27,300
But the pool is unrecognizable.

404
00:36:30,300 --> 00:36:34,666
The storm has scattered all his
carefully selected pebbles.

405
00:36:36,800 --> 00:36:41,466
So, he starts work
to create another nursery.

406
00:36:41,466 --> 00:36:47,433
♪♪

407
00:36:47,433 --> 00:36:49,900
If he is to become a parent,
however,

408
00:36:49,900 --> 00:36:52,633
he will need stability.

409
00:36:53,966 --> 00:36:56,700
When freshwater is not stable,

410
00:36:56,700 --> 00:36:58,766
parents must quickly adapt

411
00:36:58,766 --> 00:37:01,800
to ensure a future
for their young.

412
00:37:07,366 --> 00:37:09,166
Thailand.

413
00:37:09,166 --> 00:37:13,433
These still waters should offer
a secure foundation

414
00:37:13,433 --> 00:37:17,066
for the family
of a lily trotter.

415
00:37:21,033 --> 00:37:25,300
Long toes spread his weight
across the lily pads,

416
00:37:25,300 --> 00:37:29,500
as he searches for insects
amongst the greenery.

417
00:37:31,300 --> 00:37:35,233
But he also has a special
and urgent job.

418
00:37:37,666 --> 00:37:40,766
He's building a floating nest!

419
00:37:43,433 --> 00:37:47,066
A messy pile of pond weeds
will have to do.

420
00:37:49,400 --> 00:37:51,966
He must hurry back to his egg.

421
00:37:53,800 --> 00:37:57,100
He misguidedly built
his first nest

422
00:37:57,100 --> 00:38:00,133
in the busiest part of the lake.

423
00:38:03,200 --> 00:38:08,233
Boats come so close that
his egg risks being crushed.

424
00:38:10,833 --> 00:38:15,733
He has decided to move
to a quieter neighborhood.

425
00:38:19,266 --> 00:38:21,966
Building a new nest was easy.

426
00:38:21,966 --> 00:38:26,900
♪♪

427
00:38:26,900 --> 00:38:29,433
Moving an egg
without hands --

428
00:38:29,433 --> 00:38:31,633
significantly harder.

429
00:38:34,733 --> 00:38:38,400
Other lily trotters carry
their eggs with their beaks.

430
00:38:40,566 --> 00:38:44,733
This one has adopted
a different method --

431
00:38:44,733 --> 00:38:48,466
that takes a lot longer.

432
00:38:48,466 --> 00:38:58,566
♪♪

433
00:38:58,566 --> 00:39:00,800
At last!

434
00:39:03,866 --> 00:39:08,800
Now he must settle his egg
into this perfect new home

435
00:39:08,800 --> 00:39:12,000
in his perfect new neighborhood.

436
00:39:14,333 --> 00:39:17,100
But in trying
to avoid one threat...

437
00:39:19,000 --> 00:39:21,833
...he hasn't noticed another.

438
00:39:28,133 --> 00:39:33,433
Caterpillars have invaded
the lake almost overnight.

439
00:39:34,633 --> 00:39:40,933
♪♪

440
00:39:40,933 --> 00:39:43,833
They don't have
any predators here.

441
00:39:50,100 --> 00:39:52,766
His precious chick
has hatched --

442
00:39:52,766 --> 00:39:55,333
into devastation.

443
00:39:55,333 --> 00:40:03,600
♪♪

444
00:40:03,600 --> 00:40:06,000
The insects that live
amongst the lilies

445
00:40:06,000 --> 00:40:08,266
are harder to find,

446
00:40:08,266 --> 00:40:10,466
let alone catch.

447
00:40:12,466 --> 00:40:16,733
And the caterpillars
are completely inedible.

448
00:40:20,600 --> 00:40:23,600
His chick needs food.

449
00:40:25,966 --> 00:40:30,700
Once again, he will have to find
somewhere better.

450
00:40:34,833 --> 00:40:38,100
Lily trotters aren't built
for this.

451
00:40:38,100 --> 00:40:43,100
♪♪

452
00:40:43,100 --> 00:40:46,666
But walking
is their only option.

453
00:40:46,666 --> 00:40:49,333
The chick can't yet fly.

454
00:40:49,333 --> 00:41:00,400
♪♪

455
00:41:07,266 --> 00:41:12,233
These are the last remaining
lilies in the lake.

456
00:41:12,233 --> 00:41:21,066
♪♪

457
00:41:21,066 --> 00:41:27,166
It's not perfect, but there are
plenty of insects for his chick.

458
00:41:29,266 --> 00:41:32,166
Here, it can thrive.

459
00:41:32,166 --> 00:41:48,233
♪♪

460
00:41:48,233 --> 00:41:50,766
Lily trotters are
not the only parents

461
00:41:50,766 --> 00:41:53,433
who must settle for
the less-than-perfect

462
00:41:53,433 --> 00:41:55,766
in our changing world.

463
00:42:00,300 --> 00:42:03,533
In East Africa,
as the climate heats,

464
00:42:03,533 --> 00:42:07,166
rainfall is becoming
less predictable.

465
00:42:07,166 --> 00:42:09,300
[ Elephants grumble ]

466
00:42:09,300 --> 00:42:13,433
This elephant matriarch
has kept her family alive

467
00:42:13,433 --> 00:42:16,533
throughout two years of drought.

468
00:42:19,500 --> 00:42:22,533
She's leading them
to the last flowing water

469
00:42:22,533 --> 00:42:24,400
she knows of --

470
00:42:24,400 --> 00:42:27,400
the Ewaso Ng'iro River.

471
00:42:30,000 --> 00:42:32,700
This is the only place
for miles around

472
00:42:32,700 --> 00:42:36,333
which still has any water
or food for grazing animals.

473
00:42:40,066 --> 00:42:43,300
Until rain and good grazing
return elsewhere,

474
00:42:43,300 --> 00:42:47,400
this is an oasis
for the whole family.

475
00:42:47,400 --> 00:43:06,566
♪♪

476
00:43:06,566 --> 00:43:10,466
They haven't drunk for days.

477
00:43:10,466 --> 00:43:13,733
This is a chance
for a mother to demonstrate

478
00:43:13,733 --> 00:43:16,333
good trunk technique.

479
00:43:18,700 --> 00:43:22,500
Her calf certainly needs
the tutorial.

480
00:43:24,066 --> 00:43:28,033
Step one -- get water
into your trunk.

481
00:43:30,133 --> 00:43:34,366
Step two -- get water
from your trunk to your mouth.

482
00:43:34,366 --> 00:43:38,766
♪♪

483
00:43:38,766 --> 00:43:43,233
Sometimes it's easier
to take a more direct route.

484
00:43:43,233 --> 00:43:50,466
♪♪

485
00:43:50,466 --> 00:43:54,200
These days spent in the cool,
calm river

486
00:43:54,200 --> 00:43:58,566
are much needed relief
for the whole elephant family.

487
00:43:58,566 --> 00:44:19,333
♪♪

488
00:44:19,333 --> 00:44:24,200
But the elephants are not the
only travelers seeking refuge.

489
00:44:24,200 --> 00:44:46,100
♪♪

490
00:44:46,100 --> 00:44:50,100
The elephant matriarch decides
that it's not safe enough

491
00:44:50,100 --> 00:44:53,300
for trunk lessons to continue.

492
00:44:55,833 --> 00:45:00,533
Wild elephants and human beings
usually avoid one another.

493
00:45:01,600 --> 00:45:04,500
Each is too dangerous
to the other.

494
00:45:05,500 --> 00:45:07,033
In this drought, however,

495
00:45:07,033 --> 00:45:12,466
they have no choice but to share
the river and the grass

496
00:45:12,466 --> 00:45:14,966
until rain returns.

497
00:45:14,966 --> 00:45:18,500
♪♪

498
00:45:22,833 --> 00:45:24,833
Weeks pass.

499
00:45:24,833 --> 00:45:27,733
Herders and elephants
crisscross the river

500
00:45:27,733 --> 00:45:31,133
in search of any grazing
that remains.

501
00:45:33,666 --> 00:45:38,833
So many mouths to feed
takes a toll on the land,

502
00:45:38,833 --> 00:45:40,833
stripping it bare.

503
00:45:51,633 --> 00:45:55,233
At last, the elephant
matriarch senses something

504
00:45:55,233 --> 00:45:58,066
familiar on the horizon.

505
00:46:02,066 --> 00:46:05,333
Rain is falling
on the distant mountains

506
00:46:05,333 --> 00:46:07,366
that feed the river.

507
00:46:09,533 --> 00:46:11,966
This should be a good sign.

508
00:46:11,966 --> 00:46:15,866
But the hotter the air,
the more moisture it stores.

509
00:46:15,866 --> 00:46:20,333
♪♪

510
00:46:20,333 --> 00:46:23,366
So, when, after a long,
hot drought,

511
00:46:23,366 --> 00:46:26,300
rain finally comes,

512
00:46:26,300 --> 00:46:28,833
there is much more of it.

513
00:46:31,100 --> 00:46:34,766
The distant deluge runs
off the parched earth

514
00:46:34,766 --> 00:46:37,433
and becomes a flash flood.

515
00:47:01,366 --> 00:47:03,766
The herds have been
caught out...

516
00:47:04,733 --> 00:47:07,666
...split apart
by the sudden flood.

517
00:47:14,700 --> 00:47:17,833
The herders have no choice
but to cross

518
00:47:17,833 --> 00:47:20,466
and keep their livestock
together.

519
00:47:22,200 --> 00:47:26,000
♪♪

520
00:47:26,000 --> 00:47:29,833
The elephant family
has also been caught out --

521
00:47:29,833 --> 00:47:32,600
trapped on the wrong side
of the river.

522
00:47:32,600 --> 00:47:38,266
♪♪

523
00:47:38,266 --> 00:47:40,666
To follow the rain
to fresh grazing,

524
00:47:40,666 --> 00:47:43,600
the matriarch must
find a way to cross,

525
00:47:43,600 --> 00:47:46,466
while keeping the youngest safe.

526
00:47:46,466 --> 00:47:56,266
♪♪

527
00:47:56,266 --> 00:47:59,500
She tests the current
with her trunk,

528
00:47:59,500 --> 00:48:01,300
assessing whether or not

529
00:48:01,300 --> 00:48:03,966
the youngest can manage
the crossing.

530
00:48:03,966 --> 00:48:09,600
♪♪

531
00:48:09,600 --> 00:48:13,533
The flow seems gentle enough --
on this side.

532
00:48:16,366 --> 00:48:20,933
But the current runs swifter
near the opposite bank.

533
00:48:20,933 --> 00:48:40,366
♪♪

534
00:48:40,366 --> 00:48:42,966
As the current gets faster,

535
00:48:42,966 --> 00:48:47,400
the adults use their bodies
to shield the calves.

536
00:48:47,400 --> 00:48:59,533
♪♪

537
00:48:59,533 --> 00:49:03,933
As the family enters the
swiftest part of the river...

538
00:49:07,766 --> 00:49:10,833
...a calf loses his footing.

539
00:49:10,833 --> 00:49:24,566
♪♪

540
00:49:24,566 --> 00:49:28,700
So far, the matriarch
has kept her family together.

541
00:49:29,800 --> 00:49:32,900
But now, she has
a decision to make.

542
00:49:34,133 --> 00:49:37,666
Press on toward fresh grazing...

543
00:49:38,733 --> 00:49:42,300
...or turn back to keep
her calves safe?

544
00:49:42,300 --> 00:49:46,766
♪♪

545
00:49:50,133 --> 00:49:52,500
She has decided.

546
00:49:52,500 --> 00:49:55,100
The risks of crossing
have become greater

547
00:49:55,100 --> 00:49:57,166
than the pangs of hunger.

548
00:49:57,166 --> 00:50:10,000
♪♪

549
00:50:10,000 --> 00:50:15,166
The matriarch has protected
her youngest from this flood.

550
00:50:17,733 --> 00:50:19,833
But as the world gets hotter,

551
00:50:19,833 --> 00:50:24,166
droughts and floods
are becoming more intense...

552
00:50:25,700 --> 00:50:29,933
...destabilizing life
for parents everywhere.

553
00:50:32,566 --> 00:50:37,166
Already, we are adapting
to changing freshwater patterns.

554
00:50:37,166 --> 00:50:43,533
♪♪

555
00:50:43,533 --> 00:50:47,100
But we can choose
to give the next generation

556
00:50:47,100 --> 00:50:49,000
a better future...

557
00:50:50,100 --> 00:50:54,066
...a world with
more reliable freshwater.

558
00:50:54,066 --> 00:50:58,800
♪♪

559
00:50:58,800 --> 00:51:00,666
What a gift.

560
00:51:00,666 --> 00:51:03,000
♪♪

561
00:51:22,800 --> 00:51:59,933
♪♪

562
00:51:59,933 --> 00:52:03,466
-To learn more about what you've
seen on this nature program,

563
00:52:03,466 --> 00:52:06,100
visit PBS.org.

564
00:52:06,100 --> 00:52:11,800
♪♪