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The Secret Life of Elephants

Episode 1

Duration: 59 minutes

First broadcast: on BBC One LondonLatest broadcast: on BBC Four HD

First in a series of three programmes revealing the emotional and dramatic lives of elephants in Kenya's Samburu reserve.

As the day begins, there is great excitement in one elephant family when a new baby, named Breeze, is born. But her first few weeks look set to be the most dangerous of her life. Meanwhile, elephant experts Iain and Saba Douglas-Hamilton face the huge challenge of fitting a radio collar to a three-tonne female elephant with an entire herd looking out for her. Breeze faces her first big test, crossing a river, and the research team investigate when one of their best-known bull elephants is found dead in suspicious circumstances.

Back in the reserve, a young calf becomes injured and cannot keep up with his herd. His mother sticks with him, but will he survive without the support of a family? There is further tragedy when a matriarch dies. In unique footage, a herd of elephants visit her body, and appear to mourn her death. Show less

Contributors

Narrator:
Sarah Parish
Participant:
David Dabellen
Participant:
Onesmas Kahindi
Executive Producer:
Sara Ford
Series Producer:
Nigel Pope

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