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Natural World · S39 · E2

Hippos: Africa's River Giants

  • TV-PG
  • Apr 14, 2019

With incredible underwater footage, David Attenborough reveals the true nature of the hippopotamus – an animal that cannot swim yet is utterly dependent on water.

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About this episode

With incredible underwater footage, David Attenborough reveals the true nature of the hippopotamus – an animal that cannot swim yet is utterly dependent on water.

Season 39

9 episodes
  1. 1Florida: America's Animal Paradise

    Apr 7, 2019

    Florida is famous for its beaches, blue water and year round sun – but it also has a surprising wild side. It is home to pine forests, coral reefs and the famous Everglades wetland, the largest sub-tropical wilderness in the US. Here, manatees swim in crystal clear rivers, baby alligators practice their hunting skills and miniature deer roam free. Every year, this state faces the full forces of nature - from wildfires to flooding and powerful hurricanes. And today, a growing human population and a cast of animal invaders are threatening this wild paradise. With the help of pioneering scientists, will Florida’s wildlife continue to weather the storm?

  2. 2Hippos: Africa's River Giants

    Apr 14, 2019Now viewing

    With incredible underwater footage, David Attenborough reveals the true nature of the hippopotamus – an animal that cannot swim yet is utterly dependent on water.

  3. 3The Octopus in My House

    Aug 22, 2019

    A professor develops an extraordinary relationship with an octopus when he invites it to live in his home to learn about its intelligence.

  4. 4Weasels: Feisty and Fearless

    59 minOct 25, 2019

    Looking at the true nature of weasels. Often portrayed as the villains of the natural world, do they deserve this reputation?

  5. 5Meet the Bears

    59 minNov 4, 2019

    How bears across the world have overcome the challenges of life - from finding food and raising cubs to confronting rivals and habitat loss - all thanks to brains, brawn and amazing adaptability.

  6. 6Tigers: Hunting the Traffickers

    Mar 4, 2020

    Former Royal Marines commando Aldo Kane exposes the shocking secrets of the illegal tiger trade in south east Asia, and those who profit from it.

  7. 7Wild Cuba: A Caribbean Journey (1)

    Mar 6, 2020

    Colin Stafford-Johnson explores corners of Cuba that few outsiders have seen. Amongst the wonders he encounters is the bee hummingbird, the world’s tiniest bird found nowhere else on the planet.

  8. 8Wild Cuba: A Caribbean Journey (2)

    Mar 13, 2020

    Colin Stafford-Johnson continues his journey in Cuba, encountering bats feeding on nectar from giant hibiscus flowers, and tiny frogs, smaller than a fingernail.

  9. 9Super Powered Eagles

    Mar 20, 2020

    The science behind the extraordinary abilities of eagles, the most powerful birds in the sky, with dramatic stories and some remarkable experiments.

Guest stars

David AttenboroughNarrator