- 1 day ago
The spy creatures dive into the world of animal emotions by befriending the most complex minds in the ocean and gaining insights into their innermost feelings. Bottlenose dolphins are famed for their intelligence, but Spy Dolphin is on a mission to find out what they really feel. Spy Dolphin is prep…
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AnimalsTranscript
00:00Earth's oceans are full of wonder.
00:03An alien world waiting to be explored.
00:09A place of extraordinary life forms.
00:13With intriguing social lives.
00:17And incredible intelligence.
00:20To reveal their secrets, a hidden team goes undercover.
00:27Spy creatures.
00:32The most innovative undersea robots in the world.
00:40They not only look like the animals they film.
00:43They interact with them as no human can.
00:52Equipped with hidden cameras.
00:58They reveal their astonishing lives.
01:04As our spies join their undersea world.
01:08They shed light on some of the mysteries of the deep.
01:20Last time, our spies looked at how ocean creatures think.
01:25This time, they explore how they feel.
01:32As we dive into the world of animal emotions, we can't help but be moved.
01:38But their feelings aren't that different from our own.
01:54Surfing dolphins certainly seem to be having fun.
01:57As we dive into the world.
02:02As we dive into the world.
02:02Proving it is another matter.
02:07To investigate what they're feeling, a new spy will join them.
02:15The spy dolphin will be surfing with the best.
02:25It not only swims like a dolphin, extra thrust helps power it through the waves.
02:36But can it surf with the best?
02:45Dolphins are famed for their intelligence.
02:47But how they feel may be just as important.
02:53To find out more, spy dolphin will join them in the waves.
02:58Its camera eye capturing what they experience.
03:22Not bad for the first attempt.
03:27Dolphins will play like this for hours.
03:34For our spy, a chance for another go.
03:49A wipe out.
03:53Well, they say practice does make perfect.
04:00And there's always another wave.
04:06Like human surfers, dolphins wait for the big one.
04:12And like us, surfing is a communal event.
04:17By playing and having fun, they learn social skills.
04:21And get to know what others are feeling.
04:26Like any surfer, they wait for the perfect wave.
04:31And catch it just before it breaks.
04:35At the point of maximum power.
04:44For spy dolphin, a chance to try again.
04:57For real dolphins, a chance for some tricks.
05:11What dolphins feel when surfing may not be far from what we feel.
05:25When we surf, we feel a surge of endorphins.
05:28Feel-good hormones found in other animals, including dolphins.
05:33When we surf, we feel a surge of endorphins.
05:44Feel-good hormones found in other animals, including dolphins.
05:45To build friendships, too.
05:52And what could be better than surfing with friends?
05:56And what could be better than surfing with friends?
06:15And what could be better than surfing with dolphins?
06:18And what could be better than surfing with dolphins?
06:25No longer a newbie, our spy is now a surfing crew.
06:32But it takes a real dolphin to experience the joy.
06:46French Polynesia is the next destination for our surf-loving spy.
06:55This time, he's investigating the emotional life of humpback whales.
07:03Each winter, they travel over 3,000 miles from Antarctica to reach these warmer waters.
07:11They come to this safe haven to find a mate or nurse their young.
07:17But this is a humpback like no other.
07:23One that can film.
07:26Together, they'll investigate the playful nature of young whales.
07:32A lively duo on a mission.
07:42They needn't wait long.
07:51A calf, just two months old.
08:06This is how a whale-calf plays.
08:14To find out more, our spy must make its acquaintance.
08:25Whales are inquisitive.
08:26They're young, the most curious of all.
08:36He certainly seems welcoming.
08:38A promising sign.
09:03Just when the encounter seems over, it comes back for more.
09:11Again, another close pass.
09:15Ending with a playful swish of his tail.
09:31Play is an important part of a young calf's life.
09:38So what will happen when he meets spy whale?
09:45A spy creature his own size.
09:54Already, the calf is reacting differently.
09:57Already, the calf is reacting differently.
10:05His approach is slower.
10:09And he rubs alongside as he would another calf.
10:17He also shows off by rolling and flashing his belly.
10:33Slapping his fins is an invitation to join in.
10:43Twisting and rolling suggests he wants more than to play.
10:46He wants to be friends.
10:48He wants to be friends.
10:53Adults make the same welcoming gestures.
11:09Through play, he learns the skills he'll need later in life.
11:13To be with her in his home, to be friends with him.
11:15که که که که که که که که که که که که که حد pr FL.
11:44Then, as quickly as it started, introductions are over.
11:52But there's plenty more for our spies to see.
11:57Spy whale captures the moment the calf's mother returns.
12:11He dives down to greet her.
12:22After all that play, perhaps the strongest emotion of all.
12:27The love between a mother and her young.
12:47It's this deep connection that will keep the calf safe
12:51on their long journey back to Antarctica.
13:03Off the coast of Australia, there are more emotions to explore.
13:10Giant cuttlefish are never ones to hide their feelings.
13:14In fact, they are clear for all to see.
13:26Their ever-changing moods are displayed on their skin.
13:40To find out more, a doppelganger has infiltrated the gathering.
13:49One of the most sophisticated spies ever made.
13:56Its back conceals a screen that can replay the patterns expressed by the cuttlefish.
14:15How will this imposter be received?
14:25It's already attracting attention.
14:31The skin of the cuttlefish shows his emotional state.
14:47Linked to his brain, thousands of pigment cells expand and contract.
14:57These chromatophores show what's on his mind.
15:04Our spy's screen responds in kind.
15:10Playing the patterns displayed by males.
15:16A first contact with an alien mind.
15:24He turns to check if rivals are watching.
15:31As he does, the patterns switch to his other side.
15:35The one that faces our spy.
15:43Then, a clue to what he's feeling.
15:47He approaches our spy from the side.
15:52It's something he'd only do to another male.
16:09It seems our spy is displaying a provocative message.
16:13That of a rival male.
16:18By approaching from the side, he avoids the male's sharp mouthparts.
16:32But as our spy isn't aggressive, the cuttlefish is intrigued.
16:49It then changes its display to the more neutral patterns of a female.
17:00The male is even more curious.
17:04In female guise, our spy gets a very different reaction.
17:12He now dares approach from the front.
17:20A sure sign he knows he's not with a male.
17:35But a female cuttlefish attracts many admirers.
17:46Ones he must keep at bay.
17:56He returns to our spy.
17:59He returns to our spy.
18:09A unique relationship has been formed.
18:17One that will reveal more about the emotional lives of these extraordinary creatures.
18:28Cuttlefish aren't the only sea creatures to wear their feelings on their skin.
18:35The colours of octopus also change with their moods.
18:41Spy octopus couldn't possibly compete.
18:44But it may find someone who can.
18:52Mimic octopus are the tricksters of the ocean.
18:57They not only change their skin colour with their emotional state.
19:04They change to match their surroundings too.
19:09But our spy discovers that's just the start.
19:14It even recreates the grains of sand.
19:21Raising its skin to match the texture.
19:28That's not all.
19:35Among seagrass, he'll even mirror its shape and movement.
19:46A trick to fool his enemies.
19:52But his impersonations go, he's just warming up.
20:04For his next trick, he needs inspiration.
20:13Hidden in the sand is another vanishing act.
20:19A poisonous flatfish.
20:28Impersonate this and he can avoid being eaten.
20:33Not bad at all.
20:36But will it fool the real thing?
20:47By staying in character, the mimic has gained an admirer.
20:53The flatfish is looking for a mate.
21:08This relationship is dead in the water.
21:17But he has plenty more tricks to pull.
21:23Constantly changing persona confuses predators.
21:30New inspiration is never far away.
21:34The deadlier, the better.
21:39A lionfish, armed with 18 venomous spines.
21:46But is he up for the challenge?
21:55He'll certainly give it a go.
22:13He flattens his tentacles to mimic the lionfish spines.
22:22And changes his shape and colour too.
22:31Enough to fool an enemy.
22:40But it's not the end of his repertoire.
22:45Sea snakes are among the world's most venomous snakes.
22:56Even though they're surprisingly docile,
22:59their banded appearance still keeps danger away.
23:07It's certainly worth mimicking.
23:16So far, over 15 different impersonations have been discovered.
23:26But has he another to add to the list?
23:34A passable imitation of our very own spy.
23:53In New Zealand, it's an emotional time for a colony of fur seals.
24:00The pups are three months old and they've just left their mother's side.
24:07Their playground is a rock pool, safe from the ocean waves.
24:18At this sensitive time, the spy seal is here to find out what they might be feeling.
24:28Like us, their emotions are influenced by hormones.
24:31The same as those that govern our own feelings.
24:45Spy seal watches as they learn the social skills that will help them later in life.
24:58But not all are ready for play school.
25:03This pup is a few weeks behind the others.
25:07He's yet to leave his mother's side.
25:17But that's about to change.
25:22The fear of missing out makes him want to join the other pups.
25:30His first tentative steps towards independence.
25:36It's the sign his mother was waiting for.
25:42She slips away unseen.
25:47He'll be left alone for days.
25:56It's a worrying time.
26:02He's never felt loneliness before.
26:10But spy pup is near and welcoming.
26:19A comfort for a pup whose mother has gone.
26:30His next step is to join the playgroup.
26:36First, he must summon up the courage.
26:51As the youngest pup, he's the most vulnerable.
26:56And the weather is changing for the worse.
27:02Our spy is first to feel its force.
27:06And this is just the start.
27:14Those more experienced head to the shore.
27:21But the young pup is yet to learn the dangers.
27:31He's now at the mercy of the waves.
27:41He's not the only one.
27:42He's not the only one.
27:46Spy seal joins him in the surf.
27:54He's not the only one.
27:59He's not the only one.
28:02He's not the only one.
28:05He's not the only one.
28:06But waves wash both ways.
28:14And the pup makes it out as well.
28:21But his playmates have abandoned the beaches to head inland.
28:28He'll struggle to catch up with them now.
28:40They're heading upstream for somewhere safer to play.
28:49He's alone once more.
29:00Although not completely alone.
29:06A companion to raise his spirits.
29:18But it's the real pups he needs to find.
29:22Where he's going, our spy can't follow.
29:27The pup will struggle on at home.
29:34To cover the challenges he faces, rock cams take over filming duties.
29:40They are hidden all along the way.
30:02The pup won't be daunted, despite facing one hurdle after another.
30:09The pup won't be daunted, despite facing one hurdle after another.
30:23The first trial is over.
30:25But his emotions will soon be tested once more.
30:32The feelings we share with other life are found among all marine mammals.
30:40Including a visitor to the coral reefs of the Caribbean.
30:49A manatee.
30:58They come here purely to socialise, having spent most of their day out feeding.
31:06It's somewhere where friends and acquaintances can meet.
31:13A very special visitor is about to join them.
31:19A spy creature seeking company.
31:27But what will the real manatee think?
31:40It's clear he's curious.
31:43Spies based on youngsters usually go down well.
32:02Inspection over, spy manatee is off to a good start.
32:13The manatee's closest living relatives are elephants.
32:19It appears they share their emotional side too.
32:25Our spy soon finds out how affectionate they really are.
32:32It's clear.
32:36Mouths formed to graze on seagrass here offer a gentle caress.
32:43And even a slobbery kiss.
32:55Why they enjoy these touchy-feely moments soon becomes clear.
33:03Hairs that cover their body are highly sensitive to touch.
33:13Who they groom and for how long depends on the strength of their relationships, whether
33:20they are close friends or looking for a mate.
33:28Often they enjoy just hanging out together.
33:42When socialising is over, they go up a gear.
34:01For a youngster, a game of chase.
34:13But the manatee's favourite pastime is just chilling out.
34:20When our spy does the same, it attracts attention again.
34:45This time, it receives an affectionate once-over.
34:54And even a manatee kiss.
34:59It's the ultimate sign of acceptance.
35:04Just what we wish of our spy.
35:12Back in Australia, emotions are still running high among the cuttlefish.
35:20As before, our spy is being guarded by the jealous male.
35:33It's still displaying the subdued patterns of a female.
35:43But in the breeding season, many other males are also looking for a mate.
35:53It's a full time job, keeping them at bay.
36:06But some are ready to take him on, carefully avoiding his sharp mouth parts.
36:13Eight arms soon toss him away.
36:21But he comes back for more.
36:34And is dealt with just as decisively.
36:38And is dealt with just as decisively.
36:56To calm things down, it switches its display to that of a male.
37:07It took him by surprise, giving our spy the chance to leave him to it.
37:18The cuttlefish are left fighting it out among themselves.
37:24Even they have testosterone, the hormone that charges our own aggression.
37:44Across the reef, tensions are rising.
37:50Wherever our spy goes, it finds females jealously guarded by males.
38:02The cuttlefish hides her beneath his flowing mantle.
38:09Always just out of view.
38:16But she's a reluctant partner and tries to get away.
38:24By squirting ink, she creates a cloud of confusion.
38:34She escapes unseen.
38:41With so much rivalry, the cuttlefish find crafty ways to come out on top.
38:50Younger, smaller males use a sneaky trick.
38:59Male tentacles are longer than females, so he tucks them away to disguise his sex.
39:09His skin patterns also mimic those of a female.
39:17In this way, he sneaks in unnoticed to fool the dominant males.
39:25As they fight it out, the imposter hovers on the sidelines, waiting for his chance.
39:37When the female wriggles free, his moment arrives.
39:45Just what he was hoping for.
39:50He makes his move.
39:56Slinking past the bigger male, and stealing his female.
40:08It's a kidnap in plain sight.
40:17Beneath their embrace, he gives her a present to fertilise her eggs.
40:21A spermatophore she'll keep for later.
40:27But the female can be sneaky too.
40:30She'll mate with others and keep their gifts of sperm as well.
40:35She will choose which she'll use to father the next generation.
40:44Among cuttlefish, it seems all's fair in love and war.
40:55Everywhere, courtship is a time of heightened emotions.
41:02The tidal mudflats of Japan are the meeting grounds of some very odd fish.
41:11Ones that spend most of their lives on land.
41:20This fish out of water is a blue-spotted mudskipper.
41:31He breathes by gulping air and absorbing oxygen through his mouth.
41:40By keeping wet, he can even breathe through his skin.
41:48He certainly needs the oxygen.
41:50His courtship rituals are as bizarre as his looks.
41:58It takes a very special spy to film them.
42:06Mud is an occupational hazard, so its camera has a built-in lens cap.
42:15As the day warms, it spies a female venturing from her burrow.
42:27She's on the lookout for an eligible partner.
42:36The bigger the better.
42:40Our spy fits the bill.
42:44Weaving her fin like a flag is another good sign.
42:50Our spy waves back.
42:59But this is where it all goes wrong.
43:05There are plenty more males to choose from.
43:11Spy mudskipper has serious competition.
43:18And their flag-waving is far more seductive.
43:24But to really impress, flagging alone is not enough.
43:29He must show what else he can do.
43:36As emotions soar, it's now a competition.
43:53There's one yet to have a go.
44:02Hardly a serious contender.
44:08She's after the one that leaps the highest.
44:36She approaches the two best contestants.
44:44Our spy is cast aside.
44:49There can only be one winner.
44:53To decide, they must fight it out among themselves.
45:12The female awaits the result.
45:21Finally, the loser is driven away.
45:28She has her champion.
45:33He leads her back to his burrow.
45:43They'll spend the season together in his underground mud nest.
45:49Our spy's flagging performance was no match for the high-flying males.
46:05While mudskippers are not short of passion, some creatures are prepared to swim thousands of miles to find a mate.
46:18In Costa Rica, olive ridley turtles are returning to the beaches where they were born to lay their eggs.
46:29But first, they need to be fertilised.
46:34A job for the males.
46:40Among them is spy turtle.
46:43Ready to take a closer look.
46:59Then, what our spy came to see.
47:03A pair of mating turtles.
47:07The female travelled over 1,000 miles to get here, so she makes sure the journey was worth it.
47:14Her current partner is the first of many.
47:19To improve his chance of success, claws on his flippers help him hang on for several hours.
47:28But while he's on board, the female is firmly in control.
47:41She's making a beeline for our spy.
47:48It valiantly keeps filming, while the male does his best to hang on.
48:01She strokes its face to show her interest.
48:11But spy turtle has a job to do.
48:17And so do the turtles.
48:22For a spy seeking the emotionally aware, there's always more to discover.
48:32A pod of bottlenose dolphins has arrived.
48:47They give our spy the once-over.
48:57Dolphins not only know how to enjoy themselves.
48:59They also form strong emotional attachments to each other.
49:08Pod members may come and go, but most form enduring friendships.
49:15The relationships between them are strengthened by touching and even tickling each other.
49:28There's even a dolphin's version of cuddling.
49:44But of all of them, a newborn baby gets the most attention.
50:04At five days old, he still bears wrinkles from his time curled up in the womb.
50:13For the first few weeks of life, he never leaves his mother's side.
50:20To keep him safe, she must change her way of life completely.
50:31As she can stay down for 15 minutes, and he must breathe every two.
50:36For the first few weeks of life, she must keep him close to the surface.
50:55She'll care for him as only a mother can, while teaching him the ways of the dolphins.
51:04Of all the emotional bonds our spies have found, the strongest of all is between a mother and her offspring.
51:15But in New Zealand, there's still one lost baby far from his mother.
51:22Spy Albatross is tracking the path of the lonesome seal pup.
51:30It follows the mountain stream the pup was left climbing.
51:44His destination is a waterfall high in the hills.
51:53But the pup is still trying to reach it.
51:58He tries to press on, but it doesn't get any easier.
52:09And the journey so far has taken its toll.
52:17He's dispirited and exhausted.
52:24But once more, he's not alone.
52:46Spy seal invites him to play.
52:54And has the perfect plaything.
53:05How better to improve his mood.
53:12Play releases endorphins, just as it does with dolphins.
53:34It's just the boost he needs.
53:44It's just the boost he needs.
53:45But he still has one last hurdle to climb.
54:11But he still has one last hurdle to climb.
54:17His quest is finally over.
54:22All he needs to do is take the plunge.
54:28Reunited with the pups he last saw in the ocean.
54:34Here he can play without a care in the world.
54:40But has he forgotten someone?
54:44His companion and playmate.
54:53With a new toy to play with.
55:00One to be shared with everyone.
55:04But there's still one who's missing out.
55:08A spy that's now a friend.
55:15With some encouragement, it too takes the plunge.
55:24With a full team, the games begin again.
55:30Passing the stick is a lesson in working together.
55:40Vital when hunting fish shawls as a team.
56:03It also builds strength for life in the ocean.
56:32The pup will enjoy this mountain paradise for a week or so.
56:35Before returning to the sea.
56:41He's had an emotional journey to get here.
56:45But he's now better equipped for adult life.
56:55By befriending our spy, the pup gave us insights into his inner feelings.
57:04Whoever he meets in the future, he'll never make a friend quite like his first friend.
57:13Next time, our spies will discover the extraordinary relationships found throughout the oceans.
57:23And how working together is always the better way.
57:32Time is running out for one of the most endangered species in the world.
57:35We're chasing a solution on BBC Sounds in the song of the right whale.
57:39Coming up next here, there's some unusual keepsakes in all new Antiques Roadshow.
57:57Hang on, then.