Program Category: Natural History

No other animal has influenced our lives as much as the horse. Our entire history is indivisibly linked to this animal. This documentary portrays a relationship that goes far beyond what we imagine. Although the use of horses has fallen drastically since the start of the Industrial Revolution, our hearts still beat as one; when we look through their eyes, we see ourselves. When we think of free- dom… of harmony… of beauty… of nobility… of strength… of speed… we think of horses as a reference point… HORSES

On the far west of the Australian continent, with the limitless Indian Ocean beyond, there is a set of islands where the wild animals defy the laws of nature. The three islands lie side by side, but each is ruled by a different yet equally extraordinary animal. For the first time in the world, the life-cycle of the mysterious Quokka, the Little Penguin and the Tiger Snake, has been documented. Using the latest filming equipment and techniques, Rottnest Island Kingdom of the Quokka reveals incredible secrets with an exclusive and intimate look at the inhabitants and those intertwined in their lives on the islands and in the fringing ocean.

Whales are absolutely fascinating for us today, but only a few decades ago these giants of the oceans were close to extinction. How could this relationship change? The film presents the history of this century-long relationship and accompanies one of the most experienced whale rescue team on their dangerous mission. 

Outback Wrangler Matt Wright teams up with former cricketers Kevin Pietersen and Graeme Smith as they follow the desperate efforts in South Africa to save the critically endangered rhinoceros. 80% of the world’s rhinoceros, whose population is now hovering below 25,000 at the hands of poachers hunting for the highly sought-after rhino horn, live in and around South Africa. Presently, three rhinos are killed every day and if this continues, the animal will be extinct by 2025. If the ban on illegal rhino horn trade is removed, it could be as rapid as a couple of years. Save This Rhino is a thought-provoking and emotionally-charged documentary charting the struggles, obstacles, and wins of the courageous men and women who are determined to fight on the frontlines of this conservational war to prevent rhino extinction. An avid conservationist, Kevin Pietersen is deeply committed to saving the rhino and making a real difference in the lives of these majestic sensitive creatures.

Every once in a while, a television program comes along that is so very special that it becomes a national talking point, an emotional tear-jerker that is reflected in winning ratings. Such a program is YINDI: The Last Koala?, a one hour docu-drama that follows the life of a most extraordinary koala, Yindi.

Flourishing in the wilds of South America is a greater variety of birds than anywhere else on Earth. Like its people, the continent’s birds are unique and flamboyant. This superbly shot programme, WINGBEATS TO THE AMAZON, captures the more colourful, majestic and bizarre of South America’s birds….the world’s biggest and most colourful parrots, tiny hummingbirds not much larger than a bumblebee and stylish male mannikins that perform odd, vibrating dances to entice a female.

There is action aplenty with the many exotic and elusive creatures of South America. From jaguars and ocelot on the hunt in the Amazon, to anacondas snatching and swallowing whole caiman in the Pantanal.

WILDEST ISLANDS OF AUSTRALIA shows the enormous diversity of both plants and wildlife, in the islands surrounding Australia.