CHAMPIONS OF THE WILD HIPPOS / CHIMPANZEES IN JOHANNESBURG

CHAMPIONS OF THE WILD - HIPPOS / CHIMPANZEES Synopsis: Across the world scientists, activists and biologists dedicate their lives to studying some of the world’s rarest, most endangered species. Through years of close observation these individuals, often working against traditional scientific thought, have come to understand their animals better than anyone. They are the CHAMPIONS OF THE WILD. HIPPO’S average 3.5 meters long, 1.5 meters tall at the shoulder, and weigh from to kilograms. They are approximately the same size as the White Rhinoceros, and experts are split on which is the next largest land animal after the elephant. Male hippos appear to continue growing throughout their lives, whereas the females reach a maximum weight around age 25. The eyes, ears, and nostrils of the hippo are placed high on the roof of the skull. This allows them to spend most of the day submerged in the waters of the tropical rivers to stay cool and prevent sunburn. CHIMPANZEES in an African National Park, the trees are dripping with monkeys. The park has one of the highest concentrations of primates on the planet. Primatologist Colin Chapman has spent a decade here getting to know them. From the leaf-eating red colobus monkey, to the once desperately endangered black-and-white colobus, to chimpanzees, our closest relations in the animal world -all contribute to the health of the forest, and all have come under Chapman’s careful scrutiny. Chapman’s simple question (how many primates live here? In what groups?) have led to some complex answers. What they reveal about monkey and chimp behaviour can help us save the forests where they live - and better understand our own societies.     Starring: In Association With Discovery Channel   Category: Documentary, Wildlife   Age Restriction: ALL AGES