1 00:00:01,068 --> 00:00:03,269 Viewers like you make this program possible. 2 00:00:03,270 --> 00:00:05,339 Support your local PBS station. 3 00:00:06,674 --> 00:00:09,176 [ Birds chirping ] 4 00:00:09,677 --> 00:00:13,046 - Deep in the monsoon forests of Nepal, 5 00:00:13,047 --> 00:00:15,549 there is one special place... 6 00:00:17,218 --> 00:00:20,388 ...where a river has shaped the land... 7 00:00:21,322 --> 00:00:24,492 ...creating an island full of life... 8 00:00:26,794 --> 00:00:29,997 ...home to an icon of the natural world... 9 00:00:33,167 --> 00:00:35,468 ...the Bengal tiger. 10 00:00:35,469 --> 00:00:36,970 [ Tiger growls ] 11 00:00:36,971 --> 00:00:40,707 These secretive big cats are notoriously difficult to film. 12 00:00:40,708 --> 00:00:42,675 [ Tiger growls, hisses ] 13 00:00:42,676 --> 00:00:46,579 But on this island, they're starting to reveal themselves. 14 00:00:46,580 --> 00:00:48,214 - There's something really strange about being 15 00:00:48,215 --> 00:00:49,783 on foot with a tiger. 16 00:00:49,784 --> 00:00:52,419 - And unlike in other parts of their range, 17 00:00:52,420 --> 00:00:55,221 here, they can be filmed from the air... 18 00:00:55,222 --> 00:00:56,923 - He is ginormous. 19 00:00:56,924 --> 00:00:59,993 - ...making this one of the best places in the world 20 00:00:59,994 --> 00:01:01,394 to observe their behavior. 21 00:01:01,395 --> 00:01:02,730 - Right there. 22 00:01:04,465 --> 00:01:06,232 - Now, for the first time, 23 00:01:06,233 --> 00:01:09,836 an expert team is following the tigers through the day... 24 00:01:09,837 --> 00:01:12,606 - Ooh! Ooh! Film, film, film, film, film, film! 25 00:01:14,341 --> 00:01:16,910 - ...and even... 26 00:01:16,911 --> 00:01:18,745 into the night. 27 00:01:18,746 --> 00:01:20,180 - [ Gasps ] 28 00:01:20,181 --> 00:01:23,383 - This time, a king returns... 29 00:01:23,384 --> 00:01:24,684 - [ Whispering ] You don't wanna mess with him. 30 00:01:24,685 --> 00:01:26,119 - ...looking to make his mark... 31 00:01:26,120 --> 00:01:29,355 [ Tiger growls ] ...and assert his dominance. 32 00:01:29,356 --> 00:01:31,991 - This is a male with the whole family. 33 00:01:31,992 --> 00:01:33,827 [ Tiger growls ] 34 00:01:33,828 --> 00:01:37,096 - Tigers are so much more complex than we every thought possible. 35 00:01:37,097 --> 00:01:45,840 {\an8}♪ 36 00:01:48,542 --> 00:01:51,277 {\an8}[ Birds chirping ] 37 00:01:51,278 --> 00:01:53,714 {\an8}- Western Nepal. 38 00:01:56,050 --> 00:01:59,653 The crew are back after two months away. 39 00:02:01,188 --> 00:02:05,825 Led by local guides and sisters Sushila and Manju Mahatara, 40 00:02:05,826 --> 00:02:08,561 they're following the island's tiger mothers... 41 00:02:08,562 --> 00:02:10,597 - Oh, there she is. Stop, stop, stop, stop. 42 00:02:10,598 --> 00:02:15,502 - ...Goma, a mature tigress who is raising two cubs, 43 00:02:15,503 --> 00:02:18,505 and her adult daughter, Mala, 44 00:02:18,506 --> 00:02:21,342 who was last seen with one surviving cub. 45 00:02:23,043 --> 00:02:24,577 [ Thunder rumbling ] 46 00:02:24,578 --> 00:02:26,779 As the monsoon season approaches, 47 00:02:26,780 --> 00:02:29,617 temperatures exceed 100 degrees. 48 00:02:31,252 --> 00:02:33,319 The forest is growing thicker. 49 00:02:33,320 --> 00:02:36,456 - It's so dense and so wild. 50 00:02:36,457 --> 00:02:38,925 - And the tigers are becoming more elusive, 51 00:02:38,926 --> 00:02:41,595 making it difficult to follow them during the day. 52 00:02:43,631 --> 00:02:46,666 - Monsoon season is completely changing 53 00:02:46,667 --> 00:02:48,935 the behavior of our tigers. 54 00:02:48,936 --> 00:02:50,036 - For the first time, 55 00:02:50,037 --> 00:02:52,906 the team is preparing to track them after dark. 56 00:02:52,907 --> 00:02:55,842 - We're gonna have to move to our thermal cameras. 57 00:02:55,843 --> 00:02:58,712 That will help us follow the tigers into the night. 58 00:03:00,514 --> 00:03:04,017 - This thing's a beast but it's gonna allow us 59 00:03:04,018 --> 00:03:07,955 to pick up tigers from three miles away. 60 00:03:11,325 --> 00:03:13,826 [ Birds chirping ] 61 00:03:13,827 --> 00:03:16,696 - Biologist Dan O'Neill and guide Sushila 62 00:03:16,697 --> 00:03:19,098 are hoping to catch up with Goma's family 63 00:03:19,099 --> 00:03:21,835 to find out just how active they are at night. 64 00:03:29,977 --> 00:03:32,979 - [ Whispering ] So, this must be the pool that they drink from. 65 00:03:32,980 --> 00:03:35,382 - [ Whispering ] Yeah. 66 00:03:36,250 --> 00:03:38,452 {\an8}- Mm-hmm. Yeah, I think so. 67 00:03:40,354 --> 00:03:44,023 - Dan and Sushila are aiming to blend into their surroundings, 68 00:03:44,024 --> 00:03:46,860 while the crew sets up thermal cameras behind them. 69 00:03:48,862 --> 00:03:51,931 [ Insects chirping ] 70 00:03:51,932 --> 00:03:55,134 With night vision six times better than ours, 71 00:03:55,135 --> 00:03:56,836 the tigers have the upper hand, 72 00:03:56,837 --> 00:04:00,073 and everyone needs to be extremely vigilant. 73 00:04:00,074 --> 00:04:02,475 - Super eerie driving down these roads at night 74 00:04:02,476 --> 00:04:06,179 because you never know what you're gonna come across. 75 00:04:06,180 --> 00:04:08,348 And equally, we just can't see 76 00:04:08,349 --> 00:04:12,418 anything into the darkness apart from through this camera. 77 00:04:12,419 --> 00:04:14,921 - Tigers have rarely been observed at night, 78 00:04:14,922 --> 00:04:18,825 and very little is known about their nocturnal behavior. 79 00:04:18,826 --> 00:04:22,996 - But this is, uh, all of a bit of an unknown quantity, really, 80 00:04:22,997 --> 00:04:26,332 which makes me excited and nervous at the same time 81 00:04:26,333 --> 00:04:28,167 because no one's ever tried 82 00:04:28,168 --> 00:04:30,704 to follow tigers at night like this. 83 00:04:34,842 --> 00:04:36,409 [ Whispering ] Dan and Sushila 84 00:04:36,410 --> 00:04:39,046 are staking out this watering hole. 85 00:04:41,315 --> 00:04:42,982 We know that Goma's got a kill up here 86 00:04:42,983 --> 00:04:45,451 and she's likely to come down to drink. 87 00:04:45,452 --> 00:04:48,856 This is gonna be the best chance to get eyes on her. 88 00:04:51,058 --> 00:04:53,292 - [ Whispering ] She's coming down the bank. 89 00:04:53,293 --> 00:04:57,230 {\an8}♪ 90 00:04:57,231 --> 00:04:59,832 - [ Exhales sharply ] 91 00:04:59,833 --> 00:05:01,467 - Wow! 92 00:05:01,468 --> 00:05:04,337 - [ Chuckles ] - She's drinking. 93 00:05:04,338 --> 00:05:06,439 She's so close to us. 94 00:05:06,440 --> 00:05:09,543 She's literally 25, 30 meters from us. 95 00:05:11,612 --> 00:05:14,681 - [ Whispering ] This is so strange because... 96 00:05:14,682 --> 00:05:17,150 you can't see any stripes. 97 00:05:17,151 --> 00:05:19,852 - Thermal cameras only detect heat, 98 00:05:19,853 --> 00:05:22,623 making a tiger's color patterns invisible. 99 00:05:24,625 --> 00:05:27,827 - If I didn't know that that was a tiger, 100 00:05:27,828 --> 00:05:31,098 I might have no idea what kind of big cat that was. 101 00:05:35,803 --> 00:05:37,904 - She's up. She's up. She's moving. 102 00:05:37,905 --> 00:05:40,307 Oh, whoa. 103 00:05:42,576 --> 00:05:45,111 Okay, she's looking at us. She's looking at us. 104 00:05:45,112 --> 00:05:47,748 - Yeah. 105 00:05:51,518 --> 00:05:55,121 - She stared directly at Sushila and Dan. 106 00:05:55,122 --> 00:05:58,625 I mean, there's no doubt that she can see us. 107 00:06:01,161 --> 00:06:04,564 At night, these cats definitely have the upper hand, 108 00:06:04,565 --> 00:06:07,134 and she probably thinks we can't even see her. 109 00:06:10,871 --> 00:06:12,872 She's having a bath. 110 00:06:12,873 --> 00:06:18,544 {\an8}♪ 111 00:06:18,545 --> 00:06:21,380 As soon as the sun sets, it's her chance to-- 112 00:06:21,381 --> 00:06:23,917 to finally cool down. 113 00:06:29,123 --> 00:06:31,190 {\an8}- Yeah. Cubs. [ Tiger calling ] 114 00:06:31,191 --> 00:06:33,360 {\an8}- Oh, you hear? You hear? 115 00:06:34,161 --> 00:06:35,962 {\an8}- She's calling the cubs in. 116 00:06:35,963 --> 00:06:45,204 {\an8}♪ 117 00:06:45,205 --> 00:06:46,973 [ Calling continues ] 118 00:06:46,974 --> 00:06:49,642 Okay, there it is. 119 00:06:49,643 --> 00:06:52,478 - There's a cub. The cub's coming down. 120 00:06:52,479 --> 00:06:55,882 - Oh, wow. 121 00:06:55,883 --> 00:06:59,452 Look at that. 122 00:06:59,453 --> 00:07:02,356 [ Calling continues ] That's the female cub. 123 00:07:03,490 --> 00:07:05,926 She's looking right at us. 124 00:07:10,664 --> 00:07:13,766 Just staying dead still. 125 00:07:13,767 --> 00:07:17,538 Oh, it is incredible to be stared at by a tiger like that. 126 00:07:22,743 --> 00:07:25,312 I think this one's the male. 127 00:07:30,818 --> 00:07:32,953 Unbelievable. 128 00:07:37,457 --> 00:07:40,359 - At a year old, the cubs are beginning their journey 129 00:07:40,360 --> 00:07:42,830 towards independence. 130 00:07:44,998 --> 00:07:46,933 - It's amazing how much they've grown. 131 00:07:46,934 --> 00:07:50,269 They don't really look like cubs anymore. 132 00:07:50,270 --> 00:07:53,740 They're sort of gangly adolescents. 133 00:07:57,511 --> 00:07:59,779 - They are totally aware of us right now. 134 00:07:59,780 --> 00:08:02,815 I mean, can you see them switching? 135 00:08:02,816 --> 00:08:07,186 One looks, and another drinks. 136 00:08:07,187 --> 00:08:09,756 They are very wary. 137 00:08:11,458 --> 00:08:13,693 But to do that without mum-- 138 00:08:13,694 --> 00:08:16,363 that is a level of confidence, isn't it? 139 00:08:21,001 --> 00:08:23,603 It's like she's giving them these lessons. 140 00:08:23,604 --> 00:08:25,204 Now it's time for you to go down 141 00:08:25,205 --> 00:08:28,374 and have your drinking experience on your own. 142 00:08:28,375 --> 00:08:30,710 Stay vigilant. Look after one another. 143 00:08:30,711 --> 00:08:35,581 {\an8}♪ 144 00:08:35,582 --> 00:08:38,050 [ Tiger calling ] 145 00:08:38,051 --> 00:08:41,020 I mean, it's such a rare thing to be able to see. 146 00:08:41,021 --> 00:08:44,891 You never are able to follow tiger cubs 147 00:08:44,892 --> 00:08:47,693 through their adolescence like this. 148 00:08:47,694 --> 00:08:50,630 [ Calling continues ] 149 00:08:50,631 --> 00:08:54,734 - The thermal cameras just give us a window 150 00:08:54,735 --> 00:08:57,303 into the world that we've never seen. 151 00:08:57,304 --> 00:09:00,073 All these intimate moments. 152 00:09:05,412 --> 00:09:07,680 [ Engine starts ] 153 00:09:07,681 --> 00:09:10,616 - Goma is leading her cubs into the forest, 154 00:09:10,617 --> 00:09:13,185 and Max is following. 155 00:09:13,186 --> 00:09:15,288 [ Insects chirping ] 156 00:09:15,289 --> 00:09:17,791 [ Camera whirring ] 157 00:09:19,526 --> 00:09:22,429 - Everyone stay as still as you can. 158 00:09:24,164 --> 00:09:26,633 She's checking us out. 159 00:09:30,370 --> 00:09:32,873 She's coming right towards the car now. 160 00:09:34,441 --> 00:09:36,108 Ooh. 161 00:09:36,109 --> 00:09:38,578 It's getting a bit too close for comfort. 162 00:09:40,013 --> 00:09:41,414 We need to pull out. 163 00:09:41,415 --> 00:09:44,884 Hey guys, get ready to move. 164 00:09:44,885 --> 00:09:46,452 Guys. 165 00:09:46,453 --> 00:09:48,120 Mate, we need to get out of here. 166 00:09:48,121 --> 00:09:50,524 [ Engine revving ] Be careful. 167 00:09:53,160 --> 00:09:57,330 Whoa. 168 00:09:57,331 --> 00:09:59,465 [ Exhales sharply ] 169 00:09:59,466 --> 00:10:01,868 Phew. Oh, my goodness. 170 00:10:03,470 --> 00:10:05,973 - That was insanely close. 171 00:10:08,742 --> 00:10:10,743 Do you need a new pair of underwear? 172 00:10:10,744 --> 00:10:13,546 - [ Chuckles ] I think I need a stiff drink. 173 00:10:13,547 --> 00:10:15,514 - I could see very clearly how close she was, 174 00:10:15,515 --> 00:10:17,049 and it was-- was really close. 175 00:10:17,050 --> 00:10:18,250 She was interested. 176 00:10:18,251 --> 00:10:20,354 - At night, they're just so confident. 177 00:10:24,024 --> 00:10:25,358 {\an8}- Yeah. 178 00:10:25,359 --> 00:10:27,728 {\an8}They probably think that we can't see them. 179 00:10:33,166 --> 00:10:35,101 - The team pick up signs 180 00:10:35,102 --> 00:10:37,804 there may be another tiger roaming the island. 181 00:10:39,172 --> 00:10:41,674 [ Radio beeps ] - We're hearing a lot of roaring 182 00:10:41,675 --> 00:10:44,243 coming from the northeast. 183 00:10:44,244 --> 00:10:46,679 [ Radio beeps ] [ Drone whirring ] 184 00:10:46,680 --> 00:10:49,850 - Anna is using the thermal drone to check who's out there. 185 00:10:50,917 --> 00:10:52,986 - Ooh. 186 00:10:54,654 --> 00:10:56,856 Just got the drone up 187 00:10:56,857 --> 00:11:01,394 and pretty much immediately have found a tiger. 188 00:11:01,395 --> 00:11:05,097 And judging by the size of its neck, 189 00:11:05,098 --> 00:11:07,100 this has gotta be a male tiger. 190 00:11:10,003 --> 00:11:12,138 Oh, he's scent-marking. 191 00:11:12,139 --> 00:11:15,608 - Tigers leave their scent to communicate status, 192 00:11:15,609 --> 00:11:18,378 mark territory, and attract mates. 193 00:11:21,448 --> 00:11:24,483 - This looks like a bit of a territorial march 194 00:11:24,484 --> 00:11:26,620 for this tiger. 195 00:11:29,456 --> 00:11:32,091 I think this could be 196 00:11:32,092 --> 00:11:34,627 the dominant male. 197 00:11:34,628 --> 00:11:37,431 This could be Bandheil. 198 00:11:40,033 --> 00:11:42,869 - Bandheil is the most powerful tiger in the area. 199 00:11:43,970 --> 00:11:47,140 The crew have no idea how he'll behave at night. 200 00:11:48,608 --> 00:11:51,078 - I think it's a bit worrying. 201 00:11:53,447 --> 00:11:57,183 - A male tiger this close could be dangerous. 202 00:11:57,184 --> 00:11:59,151 - [ Exhales sharply ] 203 00:11:59,152 --> 00:12:04,323 Might be about to come face-to-face with... 204 00:12:04,324 --> 00:12:06,860 the biggest big cat. 205 00:12:09,096 --> 00:12:11,363 [ Tiger growling ] 206 00:12:11,364 --> 00:12:19,138 {\an8}♪ 207 00:12:19,139 --> 00:12:21,575 [ Exhales sharply ] 208 00:12:25,178 --> 00:12:28,414 [ Exhales sharply ] 209 00:12:28,415 --> 00:12:30,784 That was fleeting, but that was terrifying. 210 00:12:32,752 --> 00:12:34,987 Bandheil just looked straight at us. 211 00:12:34,988 --> 00:12:37,456 [ Tiger growling ] 212 00:12:37,457 --> 00:12:38,858 [ Exhales sharply ] 213 00:12:38,859 --> 00:12:42,495 You really start to appreciate how huge they are 214 00:12:42,496 --> 00:12:45,031 when they're that close to you. 215 00:12:47,100 --> 00:12:49,703 You don't wanna mess with him. 216 00:12:56,243 --> 00:12:58,411 {\an8}Yeah. 217 00:13:00,981 --> 00:13:03,416 {\an8}Hm. 218 00:13:06,686 --> 00:13:09,255 - Unlike other males who only pass through, 219 00:13:09,256 --> 00:13:12,892 Bandheil shares territory with the females here on the island 220 00:13:12,893 --> 00:13:16,262 and has been seen mating with them. 221 00:13:16,263 --> 00:13:20,533 This is a rare chance for the team to follow a tiger father. 222 00:13:20,534 --> 00:13:24,837 - Tigers are known to be solitary. 223 00:13:24,838 --> 00:13:29,009 Male tigers don't get involved with the cubs. 224 00:13:30,410 --> 00:13:33,078 - He may not even recognize his cubs 225 00:13:33,079 --> 00:13:35,815 and could pose a threat if he finds them. 226 00:13:44,824 --> 00:13:47,827 - He maybe would just kill them, right? 227 00:13:53,533 --> 00:13:55,601 - With Bandheil on patrol, 228 00:13:55,602 --> 00:13:58,871 Goma and her family would be wise to lay low. 229 00:13:58,872 --> 00:14:09,048 {\an8}♪ 230 00:14:09,049 --> 00:14:11,750 Using remote cameras, the crew want to track 231 00:14:11,751 --> 00:14:14,020 Bandheil's movements across the island. 232 00:14:15,755 --> 00:14:18,023 - Okay. 233 00:14:18,024 --> 00:14:19,491 - As the dominant male, 234 00:14:19,492 --> 00:14:22,729 his territory overlaps that of several females. 235 00:14:23,997 --> 00:14:26,532 The team wants to find out how the mother tigers 236 00:14:26,533 --> 00:14:29,001 respond to his presence. 237 00:14:29,002 --> 00:14:33,839 {\an8}♪ 238 00:14:33,840 --> 00:14:36,909 Two months ago, Goma's adult daughter, Mala, 239 00:14:36,910 --> 00:14:41,280 discovered just how dangerous male tigers can be... 240 00:14:41,281 --> 00:14:44,116 [ Tigers growling ] 241 00:14:44,117 --> 00:14:45,484 ...when an unknown intruder 242 00:14:45,485 --> 00:14:47,386 killed two of her cubs. - [ Gasps ] 243 00:14:47,387 --> 00:14:49,856 - That is horrible. 244 00:14:52,993 --> 00:14:55,962 - That male seems to have left the area. 245 00:14:57,797 --> 00:15:01,400 Now Dan and Sushila want to check their remote cameras 246 00:15:01,401 --> 00:15:04,036 for signs of Mala and her surviving cub. 247 00:15:04,037 --> 00:15:09,508 {\an8}♪ 248 00:15:09,509 --> 00:15:13,512 - Track. - Oh, yes. 249 00:15:13,513 --> 00:15:17,383 It's Mala, though. I can't see the cub yet. 250 00:15:17,384 --> 00:15:19,652 All right, let's have a look. 251 00:15:19,653 --> 00:15:22,889 There we go. Okay. 252 00:15:25,158 --> 00:15:27,793 [ Gasps ] 253 00:15:27,794 --> 00:15:30,597 - Ooh! - Is that Mala? 254 00:15:32,699 --> 00:15:34,800 Wow. 255 00:15:34,801 --> 00:15:36,869 {\an8}That's today. 256 00:15:36,870 --> 00:15:38,872 {\an8}Morning light. 257 00:15:41,808 --> 00:15:44,243 She's such a beautiful cat, isn't she? 258 00:15:44,244 --> 00:15:46,613 - Yeah. 259 00:15:49,783 --> 00:15:51,784 - It's just really nice to know that minutes ago 260 00:15:51,785 --> 00:15:53,485 she was right there having a drink 261 00:15:53,486 --> 00:15:55,955 and she looks great condition. 262 00:16:03,863 --> 00:16:05,698 People, right there, right there! 263 00:16:05,699 --> 00:16:07,567 - Yeah. [ Chuckles ] 264 00:16:10,337 --> 00:16:12,371 - The tigers here have had to adapt 265 00:16:12,372 --> 00:16:14,674 to sharing their home with people. 266 00:16:16,276 --> 00:16:17,910 - They're fishing just here. - Mm-hmm. 267 00:16:17,911 --> 00:16:20,647 - And she's probably sat somewhere up here hiding. 268 00:16:26,186 --> 00:16:28,988 It's amazing how close she is to people all the time. 269 00:16:32,058 --> 00:16:35,094 Is the cub there, though? 270 00:16:35,095 --> 00:16:38,864 - Only half of tiger cubs make it to adulthood. 271 00:16:38,865 --> 00:16:40,666 - No cub with her. 272 00:16:40,667 --> 00:16:42,501 It is worrying. 273 00:16:42,502 --> 00:16:45,437 - And for Mala, who is raising her first litter, 274 00:16:45,438 --> 00:16:48,375 the odds are even lower. 275 00:16:49,342 --> 00:16:52,044 - [ Gasps ] Cub! 276 00:16:52,045 --> 00:16:54,781 Oh, hello! 277 00:16:56,316 --> 00:16:58,485 {\an8}Aww. 278 00:17:17,437 --> 00:17:19,873 Lauti. - Lauti. 279 00:17:21,741 --> 00:17:24,544 She's growing very well. 280 00:17:25,912 --> 00:17:30,282 - In just a few months, she'll be quite a big cat. 281 00:17:30,283 --> 00:17:33,052 And her chances of survival are gonna be so much higher. 282 00:17:35,155 --> 00:17:38,223 Just needs to make it through the next six months. 283 00:17:38,224 --> 00:17:40,627 - Yeah. 284 00:17:44,597 --> 00:17:47,032 - Flying the drone, tiger guide Manju 285 00:17:47,033 --> 00:17:50,069 has just picked up Mala and Lauti. 286 00:17:52,138 --> 00:17:55,408 It's an opportunity to see how Lauti is developing. 287 00:18:05,251 --> 00:18:08,153 Tiger cubs gain the skills they need through play. 288 00:18:08,154 --> 00:18:09,889 [ Cubs screeching ] 289 00:18:12,659 --> 00:18:14,126 At six months old, 290 00:18:14,127 --> 00:18:17,363 Lauti will be joining her mother's hunting expeditions. 291 00:18:20,900 --> 00:18:22,901 But first, she needs to learn 292 00:18:22,902 --> 00:18:26,238 one of the most critical skills for any tiger-- 293 00:18:26,239 --> 00:18:28,073 stealth. 294 00:18:28,074 --> 00:18:29,708 [ Cub screeching ] 295 00:18:29,709 --> 00:18:33,613 After losing her siblings, Lauti only has Mala to practice on. 296 00:18:41,488 --> 00:18:44,757 But her play is attracting unwanted attention. 297 00:18:46,326 --> 00:18:48,495 - Oh, look at this! 298 00:18:52,699 --> 00:18:54,700 - Weighing two tons, 299 00:18:54,701 --> 00:18:57,904 a greater one-horned rhino can be unpredictable. 300 00:19:04,944 --> 00:19:07,814 It's the wrong target for hunting practice. 301 00:19:09,482 --> 00:19:12,385 - That's not good. That's not good for her. 302 00:19:16,489 --> 00:19:47,185 {\an8}♪ 303 00:19:47,186 --> 00:19:49,489 Oh! 304 00:19:50,790 --> 00:19:52,958 She ran. 305 00:19:52,959 --> 00:19:54,961 Good job, Lauti. 306 00:19:56,429 --> 00:19:58,363 - On an island full of danger, 307 00:19:58,364 --> 00:20:01,768 keeping a low profile will be crucial to Lauti's survival. 308 00:20:05,204 --> 00:20:15,013 {\an8}♪ 309 00:20:15,014 --> 00:20:17,382 Checking footage from the remote cameras, 310 00:20:17,383 --> 00:20:20,053 Dan is looking for any sign of Bandheil. 311 00:20:21,955 --> 00:20:24,423 - Hello, Goma. 312 00:20:24,424 --> 00:20:26,926 Ha! Her cub. 313 00:20:29,996 --> 00:20:33,198 Oh. 314 00:20:33,199 --> 00:20:35,834 That's Bandheil. 315 00:20:35,835 --> 00:20:38,871 You can see from the stripes and the markings on the face. 316 00:20:40,940 --> 00:20:43,241 He's so interested 317 00:20:43,242 --> 00:20:46,411 and really, really licking, sniffing 318 00:20:46,412 --> 00:20:48,614 the exact spot where Goma walked up. 319 00:20:48,615 --> 00:20:52,518 This is really close to where she's keeping her cubs. 320 00:20:54,654 --> 00:20:56,455 When he's licking the ground like this 321 00:20:56,456 --> 00:20:57,990 and pulling in those scents 322 00:20:57,991 --> 00:21:00,492 and moving them around this specialist organ 323 00:21:00,493 --> 00:21:02,027 called the Jacobson's organ, 324 00:21:02,028 --> 00:21:05,197 he's basically trying to read the information left behind 325 00:21:05,198 --> 00:21:06,565 by all the cats in the area-- 326 00:21:06,566 --> 00:21:10,235 whether a female has cubs or if she's looking to mate. 327 00:21:10,236 --> 00:21:14,406 He must be aware that she's got cubs because he can smell it. 328 00:21:14,407 --> 00:21:16,709 Their scent will be everywhere here. 329 00:21:18,611 --> 00:21:22,981 - Apart from when they mate, male tigers are solitary. 330 00:21:22,982 --> 00:21:26,084 So it's unclear why Bandheil is following Goma, 331 00:21:26,085 --> 00:21:29,155 who won't be receptive until her cubs are independent. 332 00:21:30,156 --> 00:21:34,026 - To see a big adult male, regardless of who he is to her, 333 00:21:34,027 --> 00:21:36,361 in such close proximity is really worrying. 334 00:21:36,362 --> 00:21:37,763 [ Tiger growls ] 335 00:21:37,764 --> 00:21:42,134 Goma, in fear of him killing her cubs, 336 00:21:42,135 --> 00:21:45,405 will avoid any male that comes into the area 337 00:21:47,674 --> 00:21:49,708 If he comes across Goma and Goma doesn't like it, 338 00:21:49,709 --> 00:21:51,710 she's gonna get herself into a scrap, 339 00:21:51,711 --> 00:21:53,912 and the last thing a female tiger wants 340 00:21:53,913 --> 00:21:55,647 when she has cubs is to get injured 341 00:21:55,648 --> 00:21:57,984 because how's she gonna look after them? 342 00:22:03,122 --> 00:22:04,823 - Raising young cubs 343 00:22:04,824 --> 00:22:08,427 surrounded by so many other tigers isn't easy, 344 00:22:08,428 --> 00:22:10,362 but Goma has kept her cubs alive 345 00:22:10,363 --> 00:22:12,732 through their most vulnerable year. 346 00:22:14,200 --> 00:22:18,070 - We know how brutal 347 00:22:18,071 --> 00:22:20,305 tiger lives can be. 348 00:22:20,306 --> 00:22:22,874 We saw what happened to Mala's cubs, 349 00:22:22,875 --> 00:22:24,609 and I just was really hoping that 350 00:22:24,610 --> 00:22:26,545 that wouldn't be the case for Goma. 351 00:22:26,546 --> 00:22:31,650 And luckily, all of her years of experience 352 00:22:31,651 --> 00:22:33,585 are paying off, 353 00:22:33,586 --> 00:22:35,755 and she's managed to keep these cubs safe and well. 354 00:22:38,157 --> 00:22:40,625 [ Tiger growls ] - Goma has shown she can navigate 355 00:22:40,626 --> 00:22:43,328 the island's threats. 356 00:22:43,329 --> 00:22:45,063 But with Bandheil tracking her, 357 00:22:45,064 --> 00:22:48,400 she may be facing her greatest challenge yet 358 00:22:48,401 --> 00:22:51,170 as she prepares her cubs for independence. 359 00:22:52,438 --> 00:22:55,707 - The way that this cub is gnawing 360 00:22:55,708 --> 00:22:57,943 into this kill that they've got, 361 00:22:57,944 --> 00:23:00,979 you can see that they've-- they've got a taste for blood. 362 00:23:00,980 --> 00:23:04,983 [ Tigers growling ] 363 00:23:04,984 --> 00:23:08,621 One of these cubs is much more feisty. 364 00:23:09,589 --> 00:23:13,725 Booted the other one straight off the kill. 365 00:23:13,726 --> 00:23:15,961 Aw. 366 00:23:15,962 --> 00:23:18,697 There is always one. 367 00:23:18,698 --> 00:23:23,502 - The team has decided to name the cubs Asa... 368 00:23:23,503 --> 00:23:25,804 and Bune. 369 00:23:25,805 --> 00:23:29,741 Male cub Bune is the dominant sibling. 370 00:23:29,742 --> 00:23:32,410 - Goma is an incredible mum. 371 00:23:32,411 --> 00:23:34,913 She seems to be doing an amazing job 372 00:23:34,914 --> 00:23:37,717 at keeping Asa and Bune well fed. 373 00:23:39,519 --> 00:23:43,355 The girl is always gonna be a little bit smaller 374 00:23:43,356 --> 00:23:46,892 than its brother. 375 00:23:46,893 --> 00:23:49,594 - Bune needs to gain over 200 pounds 376 00:23:49,595 --> 00:23:52,365 over the next year before he leaves his mother. 377 00:23:54,467 --> 00:23:57,836 - And you can tell that size matters at the moment 378 00:23:57,837 --> 00:24:01,506 because the big brother is managing to muscle in 379 00:24:01,507 --> 00:24:04,710 on all of the food, getting the tiger's share. 380 00:24:06,312 --> 00:24:10,049 - Goma's cubs now need to learn to catch their own meals. 381 00:24:12,251 --> 00:24:15,121 [ Birds warbling, chirping ] 382 00:24:17,423 --> 00:24:20,959 As the team prepare to follow the tigers into the night, 383 00:24:20,960 --> 00:24:24,697 the heat is bringing the island's residents to the water. 384 00:24:30,336 --> 00:24:33,205 And Anna has just found Mala and Lauti. 385 00:24:33,206 --> 00:24:35,407 [ Tigers growling ] 386 00:24:35,408 --> 00:24:37,242 [ Insects chirping ] 387 00:24:37,243 --> 00:24:39,578 - [ Whispering ] It's really nice to see the bond 388 00:24:39,579 --> 00:24:41,847 between Mala and Lauti. 389 00:24:41,848 --> 00:24:44,584 They just seem really, really close-knit. 390 00:24:48,154 --> 00:24:51,890 Lauti has just submerged in the water, cooling off. 391 00:24:51,891 --> 00:24:54,594 So cute. 392 00:24:56,095 --> 00:24:59,130 Ha. That is the best way to drink water. 393 00:24:59,131 --> 00:25:01,567 Just submerge yourself in it. 394 00:25:04,637 --> 00:25:07,640 - Mala now needs to catch a meal for them both. 395 00:25:12,078 --> 00:25:15,715 At night, she gains an advantage over her prey. 396 00:25:16,816 --> 00:25:20,186 Lauti must now watch and learn. 397 00:25:21,487 --> 00:25:27,392 - Tigers are basically designed for the night time, 398 00:25:27,393 --> 00:25:29,728 their eyes especially. 399 00:25:29,729 --> 00:25:31,863 They've got really big, round eyes, 400 00:25:31,864 --> 00:25:36,002 and that means that they allow so much more light in. 401 00:25:41,674 --> 00:25:45,578 She's staring at two deer that are right in front of her. 402 00:25:47,480 --> 00:25:51,951 - But Mala's success depends on one factor she can't control. 403 00:25:53,419 --> 00:25:55,020 - Oh, Lauti's moving in. 404 00:25:55,021 --> 00:25:57,522 Lauti's moving in towards the deer. 405 00:25:57,523 --> 00:26:04,029 {\an8}♪ 406 00:26:04,030 --> 00:26:06,898 Going straight towards the deer. It's really close to them. 407 00:26:06,899 --> 00:26:15,073 {\an8}♪ 408 00:26:15,074 --> 00:26:17,275 Ohh. Ohh. 409 00:26:17,276 --> 00:26:19,778 No. 410 00:26:19,779 --> 00:26:22,882 - Lauti is not yet as stealthy as her mother. 411 00:26:24,951 --> 00:26:27,419 - I wish I could get into Mala's head for a moment. 412 00:26:27,420 --> 00:26:29,889 I wonder if she's annoyed? 413 00:26:33,659 --> 00:26:37,095 - If she's to catch a meal, Mala will need to make sure 414 00:26:37,096 --> 00:26:39,397 Lauti knows to make herself invisible. 415 00:26:39,398 --> 00:26:45,971 {\an8}♪ 416 00:26:45,972 --> 00:26:48,708 [ Birds chirping ] 417 00:26:51,777 --> 00:26:55,648 Early morning, and the team has picked up something unusual. 418 00:26:57,149 --> 00:27:00,118 Goma is moving her cubs towards the river. 419 00:27:00,119 --> 00:27:07,392 {\an8}♪ 420 00:27:07,393 --> 00:27:09,961 And Manju is tracking them. 421 00:27:09,962 --> 00:27:15,735 {\an8}♪ 422 00:27:20,773 --> 00:27:23,608 As water levels rise during the rainy season, 423 00:27:23,609 --> 00:27:26,112 Goma and the cubs must adapt. 424 00:27:28,481 --> 00:27:30,615 - Look at them! 425 00:27:30,616 --> 00:27:33,085 Wow. [ Laughs ] 426 00:27:56,275 --> 00:28:04,315 {\an8}♪ 427 00:28:04,316 --> 00:28:08,054 - There may be another reason Goma is moving her cubs. 428 00:28:10,389 --> 00:28:13,191 - Whoa. 429 00:28:13,192 --> 00:28:15,226 - Bandheil. 430 00:28:15,227 --> 00:28:22,401 {\an8}♪ 431 00:28:27,139 --> 00:28:33,612 {\an8}♪ 432 00:28:38,084 --> 00:28:43,154 {\an8}♪ 433 00:28:43,155 --> 00:28:44,856 - There's something going on. 434 00:28:44,857 --> 00:28:46,724 He's crossed over the river on a real mission, 435 00:28:46,725 --> 00:28:51,262 and now it's clear that he's marking his territory. 436 00:28:51,263 --> 00:28:52,831 And I guess he's just saying that, 437 00:28:52,832 --> 00:28:55,134 "This-- This territory's mine." 438 00:28:56,769 --> 00:28:58,937 And he's doing this flehmen response where they-- 439 00:28:58,938 --> 00:29:01,940 almost sort of tasting the air. 440 00:29:01,941 --> 00:29:04,442 - It appears Bandheil is asserting his claim 441 00:29:04,443 --> 00:29:07,379 over the island and the resident females. 442 00:29:23,062 --> 00:29:25,797 If Bandheil is pursuing Goma to mate, 443 00:29:25,798 --> 00:29:28,467 he could attack Asa and Bune. 444 00:29:31,070 --> 00:29:33,973 - This is potentially really, really dangerous. 445 00:29:35,641 --> 00:29:40,646 He's gotta be one of the biggest male tigers in the area. 446 00:29:44,783 --> 00:29:48,153 If a male comes in and thinks it's not their cubs, 447 00:29:48,154 --> 00:29:49,787 they could kill them. 448 00:29:49,788 --> 00:29:51,156 They wouldn't even think about it. 449 00:29:51,157 --> 00:29:53,324 They will just go straight for these cubs. 450 00:29:53,325 --> 00:29:58,496 {\an8}♪ 451 00:29:58,497 --> 00:29:59,964 Hang on. 452 00:29:59,965 --> 00:30:02,767 She's just made a move towards him. 453 00:30:02,768 --> 00:30:04,602 - With cubs depending on her, 454 00:30:04,603 --> 00:30:06,839 Goma can't afford to get injured. 455 00:30:08,908 --> 00:30:11,477 But she's their only line of defense. 456 00:30:15,147 --> 00:30:17,750 - They're about four meters from each other at the moment. 457 00:30:19,585 --> 00:30:21,853 Ooh. What is she's doing? 458 00:30:21,854 --> 00:30:23,521 Ooh, he's charging, he's charging. 459 00:30:23,522 --> 00:30:26,058 [ Tiger growling ] 460 00:30:31,897 --> 00:30:34,633 She's being submissive at the moment. 461 00:30:37,203 --> 00:30:40,104 She's essentially saying, "Don't come any closer. 462 00:30:40,105 --> 00:30:42,541 I don't want to fight." 463 00:30:46,579 --> 00:30:49,748 - For now, Goma has stopped Bandheil's advance. 464 00:30:50,983 --> 00:30:54,285 - She's really showing what it means to be a mum, 465 00:30:54,286 --> 00:30:56,922 and that is to be a protector. 466 00:31:00,025 --> 00:31:02,961 - And Bandheil seems to have gotten the message, 467 00:31:02,962 --> 00:31:04,963 at least for now. 468 00:31:04,964 --> 00:31:10,134 {\an8}♪ 469 00:31:10,135 --> 00:31:12,705 [ Thunder crashing ] 470 00:31:14,406 --> 00:31:16,574 The sudden arrival of a monsoon storm 471 00:31:16,575 --> 00:31:19,011 forces the team to take cover. 472 00:31:24,917 --> 00:31:30,588 - Goma is sat over there with her two cubs right now. 473 00:31:30,589 --> 00:31:34,692 There's lightning coming from all directions. 474 00:31:34,693 --> 00:31:36,862 [ Wind whipping ] 475 00:31:38,731 --> 00:31:42,767 These are really, really unforgiving storms. 476 00:31:42,768 --> 00:31:44,602 And we-- 477 00:31:44,603 --> 00:31:46,337 And we have a lot of equipment 478 00:31:46,338 --> 00:31:48,973 that can get destroyed really quickly. 479 00:31:48,974 --> 00:31:52,043 It's unreal. 480 00:31:52,044 --> 00:31:56,015 Oh, my gosh, the tent is filling in! 481 00:31:59,852 --> 00:32:02,253 Da. 482 00:32:02,254 --> 00:32:06,090 Oh, I expect Goma's having a horrible time right now. 483 00:32:06,091 --> 00:32:07,859 It's the beginning of the monsoon season, 484 00:32:07,860 --> 00:32:09,927 so these are just gonna be getting more frequent 485 00:32:09,928 --> 00:32:12,030 and more intense. 486 00:32:12,031 --> 00:32:14,365 [ Rain pounding ] [ Thunder rumbling ] 487 00:32:14,366 --> 00:32:15,867 I don't even want to hold this metal bar. 488 00:32:15,868 --> 00:32:18,404 I feel like it's a lightning rod. 489 00:32:20,806 --> 00:32:24,743 This is what these cats have to contend with all the time. 490 00:32:28,647 --> 00:32:30,748 I can only imagine how uncomfortable it is. 491 00:32:30,749 --> 00:32:32,985 They're probably all together, huddled up. 492 00:32:34,520 --> 00:32:37,288 The second this goes, we need to be out there 493 00:32:37,289 --> 00:32:39,957 and trying to relocate her. 494 00:32:39,958 --> 00:32:41,993 [ Thunder crashing ] 495 00:32:41,994 --> 00:32:44,128 [ Birds chirping ] 496 00:32:44,129 --> 00:32:50,201 {\an8}♪ 497 00:32:50,202 --> 00:32:52,570 - With concern growing for Goma, 498 00:32:52,571 --> 00:32:55,573 Dan is keen to check on her and the cubs. 499 00:32:55,574 --> 00:32:58,476 - The water level is definitely going up. 500 00:32:58,477 --> 00:33:00,478 Yeah, it's really, really high. 501 00:33:00,479 --> 00:33:02,815 Okay, I'm swimming. 502 00:33:04,450 --> 00:33:07,318 Well, the tigers have to cross this, 503 00:33:07,319 --> 00:33:09,688 so so do we! 504 00:33:11,357 --> 00:33:14,992 [ Whistles ] 505 00:33:14,993 --> 00:33:16,627 Ooh! 506 00:33:16,628 --> 00:33:18,229 [ Radio beeps ] 507 00:33:18,230 --> 00:33:22,433 - Hey, Dan, we have a tiger coming in your direction. 508 00:33:22,434 --> 00:33:25,303 [ Radio beeps ] - Okay, how far away is she? 509 00:33:25,304 --> 00:33:29,507 - Currently 8-0, 80 meters away. 510 00:33:29,508 --> 00:33:31,944 - [ Whispering ] Okay. 511 00:33:33,479 --> 00:33:35,881 I can see her. 512 00:33:38,050 --> 00:33:40,052 Hello, Goma. 513 00:33:42,054 --> 00:33:44,556 She is so stunning. 514 00:33:46,325 --> 00:33:48,794 Look at that. 515 00:33:53,065 --> 00:33:55,600 No cubs, though. 516 00:33:55,601 --> 00:33:57,836 Hopefully she's left them somewhere safe. 517 00:34:01,807 --> 00:34:05,476 There's been quite a lot of rain, 518 00:34:05,477 --> 00:34:09,280 so all of her scent marks will have washed away. 519 00:34:09,281 --> 00:34:12,450 And that puts her and the cubs 520 00:34:12,451 --> 00:34:14,585 in a not-so-good situation 521 00:34:14,586 --> 00:34:16,855 because other tigers might try to move in. 522 00:34:20,025 --> 00:34:22,928 - Goma looks to be on a territorial patrol. 523 00:34:25,731 --> 00:34:29,067 She may be scent-marking to lead Bandheil away from her family. 524 00:34:34,039 --> 00:34:36,307 - She's definitely gonna be moving a lot now. 525 00:34:36,308 --> 00:34:48,886 {\an8}♪ 526 00:34:48,887 --> 00:34:51,055 - To help track Goma after dark, 527 00:34:51,056 --> 00:34:53,558 Anna is taking over with the thermal camera. 528 00:34:53,559 --> 00:34:55,894 [ Engine revving ] 529 00:34:57,329 --> 00:34:58,996 [ Insects chirping ] 530 00:34:58,997 --> 00:35:01,866 Goma has returned to her cubs Asa and Bune, 531 00:35:01,867 --> 00:35:04,069 who are practicing hunting skills. 532 00:35:06,305 --> 00:35:08,873 [ Cub growls ] 533 00:35:08,874 --> 00:35:11,610 And it's time to put them to the test. 534 00:35:13,946 --> 00:35:16,113 - [ Whispering ] Asa and Bune are like twins. 535 00:35:16,114 --> 00:35:18,249 They like to do everything together. 536 00:35:18,250 --> 00:35:20,786 They just want to play with everything around them. 537 00:35:23,822 --> 00:35:27,426 - With prey nearby, Goma seems to be signaling. 538 00:35:28,594 --> 00:35:30,561 [ Tiger growls ] 539 00:35:30,562 --> 00:35:34,432 - It kind of looks like Goma uses her tail 540 00:35:34,433 --> 00:35:37,435 to direct her two cubs. 541 00:35:37,436 --> 00:35:39,136 - When hunting as a family, 542 00:35:39,137 --> 00:35:41,806 subtle commands appear to be important. 543 00:35:41,807 --> 00:35:44,909 It's like a secret language. 544 00:35:44,910 --> 00:35:50,515 - But they seem to use their tails and their ears as signals. 545 00:35:50,516 --> 00:35:53,284 They have created a way to communicate 546 00:35:53,285 --> 00:35:55,086 so that they are absolutely silent 547 00:35:55,087 --> 00:35:58,155 because that is what they rely on going in 548 00:35:58,156 --> 00:36:00,526 as they ambush their prey. 549 00:36:01,627 --> 00:36:05,696 - And this time, the cubs are taking the lead. 550 00:36:05,697 --> 00:36:07,231 - Oh! 551 00:36:07,232 --> 00:36:09,267 There's one cub... 552 00:36:09,268 --> 00:36:11,435 that looks like it's got a plan. 553 00:36:11,436 --> 00:36:13,204 Staring at the deer in front of it. 554 00:36:13,205 --> 00:36:15,407 Oh. It's going. 555 00:36:17,242 --> 00:36:18,676 [ Laughs ] 556 00:36:18,677 --> 00:36:20,978 This tiger cub has no idea what it's doing. 557 00:36:20,979 --> 00:36:24,515 It's literally just walking straight towards the deer. 558 00:36:24,516 --> 00:36:26,417 Ooh! 559 00:36:26,418 --> 00:36:28,452 [ Chuckling ] 560 00:36:28,453 --> 00:36:31,557 This cub is kind of hilarious. 561 00:36:34,993 --> 00:36:38,229 Bune seems to be more playful than his sister. 562 00:36:38,230 --> 00:36:40,965 He's more confident. He's always out in front. 563 00:36:40,966 --> 00:36:43,401 He's doing things he probably shouldn't be doing. 564 00:36:43,402 --> 00:36:50,308 {\an8}♪ 565 00:36:50,309 --> 00:36:52,543 [ Gasps ] Whoa! 566 00:36:52,544 --> 00:36:55,346 No way! No way! 567 00:36:55,347 --> 00:37:00,085 They just chased a deer straight into Goma's mouth. 568 00:37:01,019 --> 00:37:03,554 That was incredible. Goma wasn't even looking. 569 00:37:03,555 --> 00:37:05,156 She was walking in the opposite direction, 570 00:37:05,157 --> 00:37:08,860 turned around to a deer just coming straight towards her. 571 00:37:10,062 --> 00:37:15,100 Okay, so, Asa and Bune have just helped Goma with a hunt. 572 00:37:17,669 --> 00:37:19,737 Was not expecting that. 573 00:37:19,738 --> 00:37:22,007 [ Insects chirping ] 574 00:37:25,410 --> 00:37:26,978 Okay, this is interesting. 575 00:37:26,979 --> 00:37:30,348 Goma has just left the cubs to it. 576 00:37:30,349 --> 00:37:33,017 She just took the deer down, but she's just walked away, 577 00:37:33,018 --> 00:37:36,088 and now the cubs are suffocating it. 578 00:37:37,956 --> 00:37:40,091 It looks like Goma is starting to give them 579 00:37:40,092 --> 00:37:42,460 some responsibility in these hunts. 580 00:37:42,461 --> 00:37:47,365 The fact that she trusts them to essentially finish the job, 581 00:37:47,366 --> 00:37:51,770 it means they are coming along in their hunting skills. 582 00:37:53,405 --> 00:37:55,973 - Under Goma's guidance, Asa and Bune 583 00:37:55,974 --> 00:37:58,376 are getting to grips with operating at night. 584 00:37:58,377 --> 00:37:59,677 [ Cubs growling ] 585 00:37:59,678 --> 00:38:03,014 But for the crew, it remains a challenge. 586 00:38:03,015 --> 00:38:05,517 [ Engine revving ] 587 00:38:06,618 --> 00:38:08,619 - We're stuck. We're stuck. Okay. 588 00:38:08,620 --> 00:38:10,054 [ Radio beeps ] I don't know if anyone 589 00:38:10,055 --> 00:38:12,156 is copying us but we're currently stuck. 590 00:38:12,157 --> 00:38:15,527 Um, trying to get ourselves out of a sticky situation here. 591 00:38:18,463 --> 00:38:21,132 - With tigers around, they must work quickly 592 00:38:21,133 --> 00:38:23,235 to get the vehicle out. 593 00:38:28,306 --> 00:38:29,573 She's here. I can see her, guys. 594 00:38:29,574 --> 00:38:30,975 Guys, get in the vehicle. Get in the vehicle. 595 00:38:30,976 --> 00:38:32,610 Get in the vehicle. 596 00:38:32,611 --> 00:38:35,680 - And now Goma has noticed them. 597 00:38:35,681 --> 00:38:38,517 - She's literally looking right at us, guys. 598 00:38:40,919 --> 00:38:42,721 - Oh! 599 00:38:48,226 --> 00:38:49,927 - Oh, I think I can see lights. 600 00:38:49,928 --> 00:38:52,097 Ahh, okay, okay. 601 00:38:55,701 --> 00:38:58,937 Goma's only about 40 meters from us right now. 602 00:39:01,707 --> 00:39:04,209 Literally right there. 603 00:39:08,280 --> 00:39:11,115 It's okay. She's moving away. 604 00:39:11,116 --> 00:39:14,552 [ Exhales sharply ] 605 00:39:14,553 --> 00:39:16,587 Yeah. Let's get out. 606 00:39:16,588 --> 00:39:19,356 - Finally, the team can free their vehicle. 607 00:39:19,357 --> 00:39:21,526 [ Engine revving ] 608 00:39:22,928 --> 00:39:24,595 - Let's go! 609 00:39:24,596 --> 00:39:26,597 [ Revving continues ] 610 00:39:26,598 --> 00:39:28,632 [ Crickets chirping ] 611 00:39:28,633 --> 00:39:32,838 Following Goma's trail, the crew have picked up Bandheil. 612 00:39:36,341 --> 00:39:38,643 - I've got drone team's feed. 613 00:39:41,480 --> 00:39:43,447 He's scratching that log. 614 00:39:43,448 --> 00:39:45,751 That's how they sharpen their claws. 615 00:39:49,554 --> 00:39:51,856 - And he's just tracked Goma down. 616 00:39:51,857 --> 00:40:00,364 {\an8}♪ 617 00:40:00,365 --> 00:40:02,634 - They're coming right up to each other. 618 00:40:04,536 --> 00:40:05,903 They're greeting each other. 619 00:40:05,904 --> 00:40:09,440 They're actually greeting each other? 620 00:40:09,441 --> 00:40:11,809 [ Tiger growls ] Ooh! 621 00:40:11,810 --> 00:40:13,644 She's just given him a little swipe. 622 00:40:13,645 --> 00:40:16,113 Got a bit too close. She's a bit uncertain. 623 00:40:16,114 --> 00:40:18,783 Pfft! 624 00:40:18,784 --> 00:40:22,586 There's really not much aggression here, though. 625 00:40:22,587 --> 00:40:27,124 This is really strange. 626 00:40:27,125 --> 00:40:29,193 He's going back to her. 627 00:40:29,194 --> 00:40:32,830 He's going back. 628 00:40:32,831 --> 00:40:35,399 [ Tiger growls ] Ooh. 629 00:40:35,400 --> 00:40:38,202 Wow! She just whipped round and showed her belly to him. 630 00:40:38,203 --> 00:40:40,639 It's a sign of submission. 631 00:40:44,576 --> 00:40:47,045 Huh. They're walking together. 632 00:40:48,246 --> 00:40:52,050 They do seem more tolerant of each other than I would expect. 633 00:40:54,653 --> 00:40:57,122 There's definitely some kind of relationship here. 634 00:40:59,558 --> 00:41:02,259 - Adult tigers rarely spend time with each other 635 00:41:02,260 --> 00:41:03,894 outside of mating, 636 00:41:03,895 --> 00:41:07,432 but filming at night is giving the team new insights. 637 00:41:09,301 --> 00:41:12,903 From the thermal drone, at least one of Bandheil's motives 638 00:41:12,904 --> 00:41:15,540 for sticking with Goma is becoming clear. 639 00:41:17,275 --> 00:41:19,777 A free meal. 640 00:41:19,778 --> 00:41:25,149 {\an8}♪ 641 00:41:25,150 --> 00:41:26,951 Giving away some of her food 642 00:41:26,952 --> 00:41:29,588 is a small price to pay to keep the peace. 643 00:41:31,957 --> 00:41:34,458 With so many tigers on the island, 644 00:41:34,459 --> 00:41:37,596 it may be a strategy to avoid conflict. 645 00:41:39,731 --> 00:41:44,869 - There is some kind of driving force behind this behavior. 646 00:41:44,870 --> 00:41:48,005 Having smaller ranges that they've been forced into, 647 00:41:48,006 --> 00:41:52,343 maybe it's forcing tigers to work more together. 648 00:41:52,344 --> 00:41:55,846 The only way to survive, the only way to eke out a life 649 00:41:55,847 --> 00:41:58,182 is by being more cooperative. 650 00:41:58,183 --> 00:42:05,956 {\an8}♪ 651 00:42:05,957 --> 00:42:07,658 [ Birds chirping ] 652 00:42:07,659 --> 00:42:09,093 - As the team heads out 653 00:42:09,094 --> 00:42:11,195 to check on the mother tigers and their cubs, 654 00:42:11,196 --> 00:42:14,365 there's an unexpected visitor joining them. 655 00:42:14,366 --> 00:42:16,735 [ Tiger growls ] 656 00:42:18,536 --> 00:42:22,239 - Just arrived at drone base to set up, 657 00:42:22,240 --> 00:42:28,312 but we've got a wild elephant on the horizon 658 00:42:28,313 --> 00:42:30,615 that is getting closer and closer. 659 00:42:32,584 --> 00:42:34,151 I'm not sure if it's bothered by us, 660 00:42:34,152 --> 00:42:39,757 but quite often elephants will use diversion techniques 661 00:42:39,758 --> 00:42:43,228 like pretending to eat whilst watching you. 662 00:42:44,663 --> 00:42:46,130 Yeah, there is some flapping of ears, 663 00:42:46,131 --> 00:42:49,500 which is showing signs of aggression. 664 00:42:49,501 --> 00:42:51,635 And it is coming towards us. 665 00:42:51,636 --> 00:42:54,838 I think it might be time to start retreating. 666 00:42:54,839 --> 00:42:59,276 {\an8}♪ 667 00:42:59,277 --> 00:43:01,946 - He's close enough that if he starts running towards us 668 00:43:01,947 --> 00:43:04,348 he'll be here in no time, so let's go, Sameer, sir. 669 00:43:04,349 --> 00:43:06,517 Zam zam, zam, zam. [ Engine starts ] 670 00:43:06,518 --> 00:43:13,824 {\an8}♪ 671 00:43:13,825 --> 00:43:16,093 - Giving the elephant a wide berth, 672 00:43:16,094 --> 00:43:18,462 the team moves down river. 673 00:43:18,463 --> 00:43:20,932 [ Birds chirping ] 674 00:43:22,834 --> 00:43:25,402 Sushila and Dan are joining Manju, 675 00:43:25,403 --> 00:43:27,806 tracking Mala. 676 00:43:29,307 --> 00:43:31,041 With Lauti disrupting her hunts, 677 00:43:31,042 --> 00:43:34,411 Mala has yet to find them a meal. 678 00:43:34,412 --> 00:43:36,213 - Mm, the cub looks restless, right? 679 00:43:36,214 --> 00:43:38,717 - Yeah. - Hungry. 680 00:43:43,188 --> 00:43:45,389 - Oh, yeah. - Yeah. 681 00:43:45,390 --> 00:43:50,427 - It's the perfect target for Lauti to practice stalking. 682 00:43:50,428 --> 00:43:52,863 - Cub's creeping. 683 00:43:52,864 --> 00:43:55,166 - Stay low. 684 00:43:57,669 --> 00:44:00,171 Use the cover. 685 00:44:02,173 --> 00:44:04,341 And... pounce! 686 00:44:04,342 --> 00:44:06,811 - All: Oh! [ Laughter ] 687 00:44:09,314 --> 00:44:11,549 {\an8}- Yeah. - [ Chuckles ] 688 00:44:12,951 --> 00:44:16,020 - The cub tries to hunt, realized mum's not watching, 689 00:44:16,021 --> 00:44:18,790 and is like, "What? You didn't see?" 690 00:44:22,794 --> 00:44:25,029 - Lauti is taking her first steps 691 00:44:25,030 --> 00:44:27,765 towards becoming a successful hunter. 692 00:44:27,766 --> 00:44:31,402 But right now, the most important thing she can do 693 00:44:31,403 --> 00:44:33,972 is let her mother take the lead. 694 00:44:39,411 --> 00:44:42,580 And Mala has just spotted an opportunity. 695 00:44:45,150 --> 00:44:48,585 - [ Whispering ] Mala is moving straight towards some deer. 696 00:44:48,586 --> 00:44:57,928 {\an8}♪ 697 00:44:57,929 --> 00:45:00,297 It looks like she's just told Lauti to go, 698 00:45:00,298 --> 00:45:01,965 to go away basically. 699 00:45:01,966 --> 00:45:04,469 It's going out in the opposite direction. 700 00:45:06,404 --> 00:45:10,874 So Mala must have communicated really subtly to Lauti 701 00:45:10,875 --> 00:45:14,178 to just go away, to make itself scarce. 702 00:45:14,179 --> 00:45:20,584 {\an8}♪ 703 00:45:20,585 --> 00:45:23,187 Oh, she is meters away. 704 00:45:23,188 --> 00:45:36,133 {\an8}♪ 705 00:45:36,134 --> 00:45:38,535 Oh, my gosh. 706 00:45:38,536 --> 00:45:41,072 - She's got a kill. - She's got a kill! 707 00:45:43,475 --> 00:45:48,011 It is a small meal, but, ah, such a relief. 708 00:45:48,012 --> 00:45:51,615 Mala and Lauti finally have something to eat. 709 00:45:51,616 --> 00:45:55,219 [ Cub growls ] Lauti is just so impatient. 710 00:45:55,220 --> 00:45:58,021 [ Cub growls ] 711 00:45:58,022 --> 00:46:00,624 And Mala's just swinging it around, going, 712 00:46:00,625 --> 00:46:03,695 "No, no, no, no, no, be patient, be patient." 713 00:46:05,463 --> 00:46:08,900 Lauti is wrestling with the kill. 714 00:46:11,870 --> 00:46:14,404 - Lauti has demonstrated she can stay hidden 715 00:46:14,405 --> 00:46:15,873 while Mala is hunting, 716 00:46:15,874 --> 00:46:19,110 making it easier for Mala to provide for them both. 717 00:46:21,746 --> 00:46:25,182 - I do feel like, the way in which they communicated, 718 00:46:25,183 --> 00:46:26,783 it seems like she's learning, 719 00:46:26,784 --> 00:46:31,088 like she knows when it should go away, 720 00:46:31,089 --> 00:46:34,725 when it's not needed, when mum is on the hunt. 721 00:46:34,726 --> 00:46:39,863 And stumbled its way around the side of those deer, 722 00:46:39,864 --> 00:46:42,132 probably distracted them, 723 00:46:42,133 --> 00:46:44,701 and then that created the perfect diversion 724 00:46:44,702 --> 00:46:47,105 for Mala to come straight in. 725 00:46:50,775 --> 00:46:53,911 You could see that as them working together. 726 00:46:53,912 --> 00:46:58,749 {\an8}♪ 727 00:46:58,750 --> 00:47:01,485 [ Crickets chirping ] 728 00:47:01,486 --> 00:47:04,721 - To the south, close to the team's camp, 729 00:47:04,722 --> 00:47:07,091 Bandheil is once again on the move. 730 00:47:09,060 --> 00:47:11,896 Anna is investigating. 731 00:47:13,398 --> 00:47:14,865 - [ Whispering ] Ah, he's going up, 732 00:47:14,866 --> 00:47:16,801 and he's going into the forest. 733 00:47:18,069 --> 00:47:22,005 Max, Bandheil is moving straight towards where Goma 734 00:47:22,006 --> 00:47:24,041 and the cubs are. 735 00:47:24,042 --> 00:47:27,477 - He seems determined to track the family down. 736 00:47:27,478 --> 00:47:29,346 - [ Whispering ] Oh. 737 00:47:29,347 --> 00:47:31,882 There he is. 738 00:47:31,883 --> 00:47:36,920 {\an8}♪ 739 00:47:36,921 --> 00:47:39,423 He's checking out her scent, 740 00:47:39,424 --> 00:47:41,893 exactly where Goma's been marking. 741 00:47:44,362 --> 00:47:47,598 He's just trailing this family. 742 00:47:47,599 --> 00:47:50,435 Literally, they're just there, right under the drone. 743 00:47:55,106 --> 00:47:59,110 I just hope Goma takes her cubs away. 744 00:48:02,981 --> 00:48:05,148 Is she gonna try and have a standoff? 745 00:48:05,149 --> 00:48:07,217 What's going on? 746 00:48:07,218 --> 00:48:12,256 {\an8}♪ 747 00:48:12,257 --> 00:48:14,424 [ Tiger growls ] 748 00:48:14,425 --> 00:48:17,527 [ Whispering ] Oh, wow. 749 00:48:17,528 --> 00:48:19,864 The cub's greeting him. 750 00:48:23,501 --> 00:48:26,604 And now Goma has rubbed up against him. 751 00:48:28,973 --> 00:48:32,576 This is a male with the whole family. 752 00:48:32,577 --> 00:48:35,213 [ Tiger growling ] 753 00:48:38,716 --> 00:48:40,384 This shouldn't happen. 754 00:48:40,385 --> 00:48:43,720 Everything we know about tigers 755 00:48:43,721 --> 00:48:46,923 says that they're solitary, especially the males. 756 00:48:46,924 --> 00:48:51,094 They roam huge territories and have cubs with several mothers. 757 00:48:51,095 --> 00:48:54,464 They're not supposed to have anything to do with the cubs. 758 00:48:54,465 --> 00:48:58,935 The females are not supposed to let them anywhere near the cubs. 759 00:48:58,936 --> 00:49:02,607 This is absolutely mind-blowing. 760 00:49:05,543 --> 00:49:07,477 [ Radio beeps ] Hey, Dan, did you see all that 761 00:49:07,478 --> 00:49:09,980 play out on your screen? 762 00:49:09,981 --> 00:49:11,148 - Yeah. 763 00:49:11,149 --> 00:49:15,153 Absolutely hair-raising and totally new. 764 00:49:18,323 --> 00:49:20,724 They're one of the most secretive animals in the world, 765 00:49:20,725 --> 00:49:22,926 and what we know about them is so limited 766 00:49:22,927 --> 00:49:25,762 because we've never been able to follow them like this. 767 00:49:25,763 --> 00:49:27,431 We've been able to uncover something 768 00:49:27,432 --> 00:49:31,102 that maybe happens with more tigers than we realize. 769 00:49:34,939 --> 00:49:39,242 - To see them interacting together as a family 770 00:49:39,243 --> 00:49:41,845 suggests that these cats 771 00:49:41,846 --> 00:49:44,649 are far more social than we ever imagined. 772 00:49:48,219 --> 00:49:50,721 She's now moving away, 773 00:49:50,722 --> 00:49:53,957 and the cubs have gone back to Bandheil. 774 00:49:53,958 --> 00:49:57,729 She trusts him so much, she's left him with the cubs. 775 00:50:00,431 --> 00:50:04,635 Maybe these males play a bigger part in the lives of the cubs. 776 00:50:06,337 --> 00:50:10,374 Tiger Island is just rewriting what we know about tigers. 777 00:50:10,375 --> 00:50:15,545 {\an8}♪ 778 00:50:15,546 --> 00:50:17,981 [ Insects chirping ] 779 00:50:17,982 --> 00:50:21,018 [ Birds chirping ] 780 00:50:24,055 --> 00:50:27,190 [ Tiger growling ] 781 00:50:27,191 --> 00:50:30,193 - With Bandheil offering fatherly protection, 782 00:50:30,194 --> 00:50:32,863 the future of the cubs is more secure. 783 00:50:32,864 --> 00:50:36,666 - Bandheil's presence here is key for Goma 784 00:50:36,667 --> 00:50:39,803 in terms of her cubs' survival. 785 00:50:39,804 --> 00:50:43,206 It means that other males are unlikely 786 00:50:43,207 --> 00:50:46,777 to try and muscle in on Bandheil's territory. 787 00:50:46,778 --> 00:50:50,147 [ Tiger growling ] 788 00:50:50,148 --> 00:50:53,817 - Over the next year, the cubs will grow to independence, 789 00:50:53,818 --> 00:50:57,954 the biggest step in their young lives. 790 00:50:57,955 --> 00:51:00,891 - It's gonna be lots of change for these cubs. 791 00:51:00,892 --> 00:51:03,794 Goma's cubs-- they'll have to branch away 792 00:51:03,795 --> 00:51:05,729 and get a territory of their own, 793 00:51:05,730 --> 00:51:07,931 and that's gonna be fascinating. 794 00:51:07,932 --> 00:51:11,835 Mala is doing incredibly well as a first-time mum, 795 00:51:11,836 --> 00:51:14,705 and Lauti is getting more independent. 796 00:51:21,379 --> 00:51:23,213 - These tigers are showing us 797 00:51:23,214 --> 00:51:27,384 they perhaps aren't the solitary big cats we believed they were. 798 00:51:27,385 --> 00:51:28,919 - They are so much more complex, 799 00:51:28,920 --> 00:51:33,290 so much more social than we ever thought possible. 800 00:51:33,291 --> 00:51:35,225 - On this remarkable island, 801 00:51:35,226 --> 00:51:37,962 tigresses are looking after each other's cubs... 802 00:51:39,564 --> 00:51:42,232 ...and sharing food with males, 803 00:51:42,233 --> 00:51:45,736 while fathers are playing a role in family life. 804 00:51:48,105 --> 00:51:49,906 - You think with the biggest cat in the world 805 00:51:49,907 --> 00:51:52,576 that there's likely not that much left to find, 806 00:51:52,577 --> 00:51:54,946 and then you come here and it changes everything. 807 00:52:01,552 --> 00:52:03,353 [ Tiger growling ] 808 00:52:03,354 --> 00:52:29,679 {\an8}♪ 809 00:52:29,680 --> 00:52:32,015 {\an8}[ Tiger growls ] 810 00:52:32,016 --> 00:52:51,269 {\an8}♪