0:00:04 > 0:00:05Wow!
0:00:07 > 0:00:10Every day thousands of different animals
0:00:10 > 0:00:11are being moved around the globe.
0:00:13 > 0:00:15From the massive...
0:00:15 > 0:00:16HIPPO GRUNTS
0:00:16 > 0:00:20It's probably just about as hairy as it gets in this line of business.
0:00:20 > 0:00:22..to the minute.
0:00:22 > 0:00:24You usually get stung a lot.
0:00:24 > 0:00:26The dangerous...
0:00:26 > 0:00:28If I need you to run for any reason, just get out.
0:00:28 > 0:00:30..to the delightful.
0:00:30 > 0:00:31Hi, baby!
0:00:31 > 0:00:33PENGUIN CALLS
0:00:33 > 0:00:35It's all done in the name of improving
0:00:35 > 0:00:39the lives of individual animals and saving species.
0:00:39 > 0:00:42I think they're going to be very, very, very happy.
0:00:42 > 0:00:44Much more appropriate for the species.
0:00:45 > 0:00:48But getting them safely to their destination
0:00:48 > 0:00:50takes a huge amount of know-how...
0:00:51 > 0:00:55It's strong, it's light and we can get really great air flow
0:00:55 > 0:00:58from top to bottom. Not just a pretty face, eh?
0:00:58 > 0:01:00..and great skill.
0:01:00 > 0:01:04It's a live animal, and they can react in many different ways.
0:01:04 > 0:01:08This series follows the expert animal handlers responsible for
0:01:08 > 0:01:13transporting some of the world's most precious and demanding cargo.
0:01:13 > 0:01:14Whoa!
0:01:14 > 0:01:20Welcome to the non-stop world of Animal Moves.
0:01:23 > 0:01:25In this episode,
0:01:25 > 0:01:28the challenge of moving two tons of angry hippo.
0:01:31 > 0:01:34The reinforced travel crate is put to the test.
0:01:34 > 0:01:35WOOD CRACKS
0:01:38 > 0:01:4112 penguins journey from New Zealand to England,
0:01:41 > 0:01:45stopping off at some of the hottest places on earth.
0:01:45 > 0:01:48The air ambient outside could be 55.
0:01:48 > 0:01:53And can eight million bees survive the journey from Italy to the UK
0:01:53 > 0:01:55to help save British farms?
0:01:55 > 0:01:58If it's the difference between bringing bees in
0:01:58 > 0:02:00and not having bees, then there's no contest.
0:02:04 > 0:02:08Pinky is a 20-year-old two ton female hippo
0:02:08 > 0:02:11who's about to make an 850 mile journey by road
0:02:11 > 0:02:16from West Midland Safari Park to a zoo near Toulouse in France.
0:02:18 > 0:02:21Hippos kill more people in Africa than any other animal.
0:02:23 > 0:02:26Moving Pinky is going to be a monumental task
0:02:26 > 0:02:28for zoo director Bob Lawrence.
0:02:30 > 0:02:33Messing around with hippos is probably just about as hairy
0:02:33 > 0:02:35as it gets in this line of business.
0:02:35 > 0:02:37Very dangerous, I mean, she gets het up,
0:02:37 > 0:02:40she literally goes through the roof of the building.
0:02:42 > 0:02:43Eyeing us up.
0:02:46 > 0:02:47Corner of her eye at us.
0:02:49 > 0:02:52Hippos have incredibly powerful jaws
0:02:52 > 0:02:54and they're aggressively territorial.
0:02:56 > 0:02:58None more so than Pinky.
0:03:00 > 0:03:03She's probably the stroppiest one we've got. Invariably,
0:03:03 > 0:03:05if you go too close to the fence and get in her space,
0:03:05 > 0:03:09she's usually the first to put her head down and come at you,
0:03:09 > 0:03:13so they couldn't have picked a worse one from our point of view.
0:03:13 > 0:03:15With wild hippo numbers in decline,
0:03:15 > 0:03:18this dangerous animal move is critical.
0:03:19 > 0:03:22It's part of a Europe wide match-making strategy
0:03:22 > 0:03:26to ensure the survival of the captive hippo population.
0:03:27 > 0:03:29The StudBook co-ordinator has identified Pinky
0:03:29 > 0:03:32as being of particular genetic value.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35She's been moved to a new facility with an unrelated male from Spain
0:03:35 > 0:03:38so they can breed there and continue that valuable line.
0:03:41 > 0:03:44Pinky will soon be leaving the zoo she was born in
0:03:44 > 0:03:47to go and live with a Spanish suitor from Madrid.
0:03:50 > 0:03:52At West Midland Safari Park,
0:03:52 > 0:03:56Pinky will somehow have to be coaxed into a crate,
0:03:56 > 0:03:58then craned onto a lorry.
0:03:58 > 0:04:00She'll cross the Channel by ferry
0:04:00 > 0:04:04and be driven the length of France to a zoo near Toulouse,
0:04:04 > 0:04:06where in another difficult operation
0:04:06 > 0:04:09she'll be unloaded into her new enclosure.
0:04:12 > 0:04:15Pinky's crate has to be delivered a month ahead of her move.
0:04:18 > 0:04:21She is too dangerous to be handled,
0:04:21 > 0:04:25so Bob, along with keepers Noel and Emma, must use these four weeks
0:04:25 > 0:04:28to train her to walk into the crate on her own.
0:04:28 > 0:04:32This also gives Pinky a chance to get used to spending time
0:04:32 > 0:04:34in her transport box before her big journey.
0:04:37 > 0:04:41The first step is to use food to tempt her out of the lake
0:04:41 > 0:04:43and into the hippo house.
0:04:46 > 0:04:48Once you get to this stage,
0:04:48 > 0:04:49this is the crate here,
0:04:49 > 0:04:53so at the far end of the crate we'll have some metal poles in there,
0:04:53 > 0:04:56which is obviously a barrier to stop Pinky from going any further,
0:04:56 > 0:04:59and we'll just put some food at the far end of the crate
0:04:59 > 0:05:03so that Pinky can come in, quite happily, just go in and feed.
0:05:03 > 0:05:05Sounds easy.
0:05:05 > 0:05:08But Pinky needs to oblige on her travel day,
0:05:08 > 0:05:10and she plays by her own rules.
0:05:11 > 0:05:12METAL CLANGING
0:05:12 > 0:05:13Pinks!
0:05:16 > 0:05:18Come on, then. Pinks.
0:05:18 > 0:05:20It's rehearsal time.
0:05:20 > 0:05:22Half an hour of cabbage chucking,
0:05:22 > 0:05:26and Pinky cautiously makes her way out of the lake enclosure
0:05:26 > 0:05:28and spots the food in the crate.
0:05:29 > 0:05:30Pinky!
0:05:33 > 0:05:37Yet more cabbage is thrown to lure her into the hippo house.
0:05:42 > 0:05:44But Pinky grows suspicious...
0:05:46 > 0:05:47..comes back out...
0:05:49 > 0:05:52..and stubbornly refuses to be tempted back in.
0:05:52 > 0:05:54Pinky!
0:05:55 > 0:05:57She kind of didn't play ball today, really.
0:05:57 > 0:06:00We did get to the stage of bringing her up onto the pad here,
0:06:00 > 0:06:02but we didn't get her as far as the crate.
0:06:02 > 0:06:07We've got a date set, there's transport companies booked in,
0:06:07 > 0:06:09there's transport in terms of ferries booked in,
0:06:09 > 0:06:13so we kind of need her to cooperate on the day.
0:06:15 > 0:06:18If Pinky refuses to go in the crate on move day it would be a disaster.
0:06:23 > 0:06:2712,000 miles away in Auckland, New Zealand,
0:06:27 > 0:06:30an equally wily and elusive animal is supposed to be
0:06:30 > 0:06:33heading off on a journey of a lifetime.
0:06:33 > 0:06:34Hello!
0:06:34 > 0:06:36Rocky, come here, darling girl.
0:06:37 > 0:06:40Rocky, a shy but clever Gentoo penguin,
0:06:40 > 0:06:45and 11 of her friends, will soon leave the enclosure
0:06:45 > 0:06:49where they've spent their entire life and emigrate to Birmingham.
0:06:52 > 0:06:56This is Rocky. Rocky is one of the one year olds going to Birmingham.
0:06:58 > 0:07:02She's young and she gets bullied by the others.
0:07:05 > 0:07:09Laura Seaman is a keeper at Kelly Tarlton Aquarium.
0:07:09 > 0:07:11She has looked after the penguins for eight years
0:07:11 > 0:07:14and will be escorting them on their incredible journey.
0:07:17 > 0:07:21Gentoos are really active, curious, inquisitive penguins.
0:07:21 > 0:07:25They are always busy, they've always got something going on.
0:07:25 > 0:07:27When I first started here I thought
0:07:27 > 0:07:29there is no way you can tell them apart.
0:07:29 > 0:07:34But they are all real individual characters.
0:07:34 > 0:07:37The way that they walk, the size of their feet,
0:07:37 > 0:07:41even how long their bill is, their call, who they hang out with.
0:07:41 > 0:07:43It's all completely different.
0:07:45 > 0:07:47PENGUIN CALLS
0:07:47 > 0:07:51It is going to be difficult for us not to have these guys in our colony.
0:07:52 > 0:07:56I'm anxious for them because it's going to be different.
0:07:59 > 0:08:02Gentoos are native to icy Antarctic waters
0:08:02 > 0:08:04and have highly insulated feathers.
0:08:05 > 0:08:09Temperatures above 12 degrees centigrade induce panic
0:08:09 > 0:08:12and hyperventilation and could even be fatal.
0:08:14 > 0:08:17But on their journey to the other side of the world
0:08:17 > 0:08:20they'll go through some extremely hot places.
0:08:23 > 0:08:25In Auckland, they'll be loaded into
0:08:25 > 0:08:27a bespoke refrigerated transport container.
0:08:29 > 0:08:34Their 12,500 mile journey includes stops at scorching Singapore
0:08:34 > 0:08:36and Sharjah.
0:08:37 > 0:08:41On landing at Heathrow, they'll travel by refrigerated van
0:08:41 > 0:08:43up to their new purpose-built home
0:08:43 > 0:08:45in Birmingham's National Sea Life Centre.
0:08:51 > 0:08:54The penguins travelling have been selected for
0:08:54 > 0:08:56the European breeding programme
0:08:56 > 0:08:59to reflect a natural colony, and includes two couples.
0:09:02 > 0:09:04We've got pairs here who've been together for 16 years
0:09:04 > 0:09:06which is their whole reproductive life.
0:09:08 > 0:09:10It's not only the fact that they are together
0:09:10 > 0:09:12during their breeding seasons,
0:09:12 > 0:09:15they spend time together all year round.
0:09:15 > 0:09:17So, they'll go swimming together.
0:09:17 > 0:09:21They have positions in the enclosure which they come back to every day
0:09:21 > 0:09:23with their partner.
0:09:25 > 0:09:29The pairs will be joined by eight youngsters yet to couple up.
0:09:30 > 0:09:34Together, they'll create a new self-sustaining colony in England
0:09:34 > 0:09:36that will help preserve the species.
0:09:39 > 0:09:41But their journey has risks.
0:09:44 > 0:09:47All of our penguins have been hatched and raised in captivity,
0:09:47 > 0:09:51so they are really susceptible to anything new
0:09:51 > 0:09:53which is introduced into their environment.
0:09:53 > 0:09:54Especially anything respiratory.
0:09:55 > 0:09:58Absolutely everything the penguins could touch
0:09:58 > 0:10:00is laboriously disinfected.
0:10:02 > 0:10:06People think it's glamorous when you say you're a penguin keeper.
0:10:06 > 0:10:08People think it might be cuddling penguins all day,
0:10:08 > 0:10:10but we're actually very good cleaners.
0:10:12 > 0:10:14To stop these Antarctic birds fatally overheating
0:10:14 > 0:10:17on their trip across the equator,
0:10:17 > 0:10:20a hi-tech transport crate has been designed and built.
0:10:23 > 0:10:27How are you? All good? How are you, baby?
0:10:28 > 0:10:30So, there it is.
0:10:31 > 0:10:34It's the handiwork of Greg Giarratana,
0:10:34 > 0:10:37an expert handler of live and delicate shipments.
0:10:40 > 0:10:41He's passionate about penguins,
0:10:41 > 0:10:46and has spent three months and £40,000 creating his masterpiece.
0:10:46 > 0:10:49Now, he can show it off to his colleagues.
0:10:50 > 0:10:54You're getting a bit of an idea now what it's going to look like.
0:10:54 > 0:10:56All designed by moi.
0:10:56 > 0:10:58That's the air intake
0:10:58 > 0:11:00because we want to keep it refrigerant in there,
0:11:00 > 0:11:02we want to get fresh air in there.
0:11:02 > 0:11:06And most importantly, we want to get the carbon dioxide out.
0:11:08 > 0:11:12- There's two layers, so obviously six penguins per layer?- Yes.
0:11:12 > 0:11:17Every window is a little window seat.
0:11:17 > 0:11:20- So, they face out. - This is first class upstairs.
0:11:20 > 0:11:24Economy down at the bottom... Nah, they're exactly the same.
0:11:24 > 0:11:28This is a great little design. Once again....
0:11:28 > 0:11:30- Oh, wow.- Look at that.
0:11:30 > 0:11:35It's all netted. We've got to make sure that no insects come in.
0:11:35 > 0:11:41The mesh protects the penguins from mosquitoes that carry avian malaria.
0:11:41 > 0:11:44Which can be prevalent in tropical areas like Singapore.
0:11:46 > 0:11:49This is where we spray. We spray straight into it.
0:11:49 > 0:11:53The time when we only really spray the birds is basically in Sharjah.
0:11:53 > 0:11:56It gets quite warm.
0:11:56 > 0:11:58The penguins will get an in-flight drink,
0:11:58 > 0:12:01but to avoid travel sickness there'll be no meal.
0:12:03 > 0:12:07Let me tell you. After 36 hours or 40 hours in a cage,
0:12:07 > 0:12:11it's amazing how they come up to you and they say, "Get me outta here!"
0:12:13 > 0:12:16With the flight leaving in 12 hours,
0:12:16 > 0:12:19Laura now needs to round up the travelling penguins.
0:12:20 > 0:12:24I think you can go in right now before anybody sees you.
0:12:28 > 0:12:31We do know birds which are a bit more elusive to capture than
0:12:31 > 0:12:34the other birds, so we'll try and aim for them first
0:12:34 > 0:12:36before they realise what's happening.
0:12:37 > 0:12:40Rocky knows something's up and makes a dash for it.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46To catch the ones hiding in the water they launch a dinghy.
0:12:49 > 0:12:52Gentoos, come jump on the boat!
0:12:56 > 0:12:58Whoa!
0:12:58 > 0:12:59In my hands.
0:12:59 > 0:13:03When this fails, they try tempting them with fish.
0:13:03 > 0:13:05Look at this!
0:13:06 > 0:13:07Hello, little girl.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17Good boy, darling. I know. You're all right.
0:13:17 > 0:13:18You're all right, darling.
0:13:22 > 0:13:25Oh, Major, do you want to go in too? Do you?
0:13:25 > 0:13:26PENGUIN CALLS
0:13:26 > 0:13:28Yeah, yeah. Silly Billy.
0:13:34 > 0:13:35It's all right, honey.
0:13:38 > 0:13:4011 birds down, one to go.
0:13:42 > 0:13:44Where's Rocky?
0:13:44 > 0:13:46Wow!
0:13:46 > 0:13:48Rocky is proving elusive.
0:13:49 > 0:13:51Rocky, come here.
0:13:52 > 0:13:54Rocky!
0:13:54 > 0:13:57The penguin's favourite toy - a small plastic pipe -
0:13:57 > 0:13:59is called into action.
0:13:59 > 0:14:01Rocky, come here!
0:14:01 > 0:14:02Woo-hoo!
0:14:02 > 0:14:06The other penguins enjoy the game, but Rocky refuses to leave the pool.
0:14:08 > 0:14:12We've got one bird in the pool who I think's going to be quite elusive.
0:14:12 > 0:14:13We'll see how we go.
0:14:20 > 0:14:21I can see you!
0:14:23 > 0:14:25Wow, look at this, let's play.
0:14:25 > 0:14:27Come on.
0:14:27 > 0:14:29Whoa!
0:14:29 > 0:14:31Come on. Woo-hoo!
0:14:31 > 0:14:33Look, look, look! Hello, Rocky.
0:14:38 > 0:14:41Rocky has joined her travelling companions.
0:14:42 > 0:14:46The flightless birds are almost ready to take to the sky.
0:14:54 > 0:14:56The team in the West Midlands are also a little closer
0:14:56 > 0:14:59to sending off their obstinate animal passenger.
0:15:02 > 0:15:07Over four weeks, and with vast amounts of patience and cabbage...
0:15:09 > 0:15:11..Noel and Emma have managed to tempt Pinky into
0:15:11 > 0:15:13the crate numerous times.
0:15:15 > 0:15:20Performing the crate training with Pinky does mean you build up
0:15:20 > 0:15:24a bit of an affinity for her, despite her aggressive ways.
0:15:24 > 0:15:27It will be sad to see her go, really.
0:15:29 > 0:15:31Now, it's move day,
0:15:31 > 0:15:34and months of plans and preparation
0:15:34 > 0:15:36are at the mercy of one wilful hippo.
0:15:41 > 0:15:44Worst case scenario would be that Pinky doesn't go in.
0:15:44 > 0:15:47That's the worst thing that could happen.
0:15:47 > 0:15:49If she doesn't go in, then the move's cancelled.
0:15:49 > 0:15:52It is 50/50, really, whether she goes in or not.
0:15:52 > 0:15:56If something happens which really spooks her, that's going to be it
0:15:56 > 0:15:58for a long, long time, maybe months.
0:16:01 > 0:16:05It's hoped Pinky can be enticed into the crate to feed as usual.
0:16:05 > 0:16:07But this time,
0:16:07 > 0:16:10bars suspended above the entrance will be dropped down by Noel.
0:16:14 > 0:16:17Everything now depends on Pinky.
0:16:20 > 0:16:23She cautiously makes her way through the yard
0:16:23 > 0:16:24and into the hippo house.
0:16:29 > 0:16:33She approaches the crate, but seems to sense something is up.
0:16:43 > 0:16:45Eventually she edges forward.
0:17:05 > 0:17:09After the initial shock, Pinky quickly calms down.
0:17:12 > 0:17:14There was a big bang as the gate came down.
0:17:14 > 0:17:17We wanted to make sure the gate came down quickly,
0:17:17 > 0:17:20and I think the shock of that kind of just spooked her, really.
0:17:20 > 0:17:23But a couple of minutes later and she was all settled down,
0:17:23 > 0:17:24so there was no issues there.
0:17:26 > 0:17:28Pinky is given a feed to keep her going on
0:17:28 > 0:17:30the first leg of her journey to France.
0:17:32 > 0:17:35Well, if Pinky was stressed, she certainly wouldn't be as settled
0:17:35 > 0:17:39as she is now, and she certainly wouldn't be eating.
0:17:39 > 0:17:40The crate would probably be rocking
0:17:40 > 0:17:44and there probably would be bits pinging off it all over the place.
0:17:44 > 0:17:48Just got to get loaded and get her gone and then it will be all done.
0:17:49 > 0:17:51Some checks must be made before Pinky can set off.
0:17:53 > 0:17:55First, she's examined by a vet.
0:17:59 > 0:18:00She looks very fit and healthy.
0:18:03 > 0:18:06Then, Bob has to collect a faecal sample
0:18:06 > 0:18:07to check she's clear of worms.
0:18:09 > 0:18:14In the wild, hippos use their faeces to mark their territory,
0:18:14 > 0:18:16so this can be a messy exercise.
0:18:20 > 0:18:22Well, I think I've got my sample.
0:18:23 > 0:18:25A very fresh sample.
0:18:25 > 0:18:28When hippos defecate they swish their tail at the same time.
0:18:28 > 0:18:31It looks a bit like these manure spreaders you see in the fields,
0:18:31 > 0:18:33and it throws it just about everywhere.
0:18:33 > 0:18:36Usually all over the ceiling and everywhere else, that's why it's
0:18:36 > 0:18:38so difficult to keep hippo houses clean,
0:18:38 > 0:18:39but it's as fresh as it comes.
0:18:41 > 0:18:46While Pinky waits, she gives Bob a reminder of her immense power.
0:18:46 > 0:18:47WOOD CRACKS
0:18:49 > 0:18:51A nudge splinters the side of her crate.
0:18:54 > 0:18:57He reinforces it in time for the arrival of the drivers from
0:18:57 > 0:19:00a Dutch haulage company who specialise in
0:19:00 > 0:19:02the transportation of zoo animals.
0:19:04 > 0:19:06Just go through here.
0:19:14 > 0:19:16When the crane arrives,
0:19:16 > 0:19:19the safari park's engineer takes the driver to assess the job.
0:19:21 > 0:19:23When we begin to pick the crate up,
0:19:23 > 0:19:26the centre of gravity will find where it wants to go.
0:19:26 > 0:19:29It's the natural physics of trying to lift it on the chain as we
0:19:29 > 0:19:33put it in tension. The hippo will then feel the crate moving and
0:19:33 > 0:19:36that's when she'll decide whether she's going to jump about or not.
0:19:36 > 0:19:38Hippos tend to jump around a bit,
0:19:38 > 0:19:42so we're expecting a bit of wobbling, not too much, hopefully.
0:19:42 > 0:19:43Now he tells me.
0:19:47 > 0:19:50The hippo's making funny noises already. It loves me.
0:19:52 > 0:19:53Where's the hippo going?
0:19:55 > 0:19:57Toulouse?
0:19:58 > 0:20:00Hope she can speak French.
0:20:08 > 0:20:10We're going to put a rope on to keep it steady.
0:20:10 > 0:20:12Yeah, I've got the rope here, yeah.
0:20:14 > 0:20:18If two-ton Pinky decides to jump around,
0:20:18 > 0:20:21her shift in weight could swing the crate violently into the building.
0:20:25 > 0:20:26It's just lifted, Mick.
0:20:29 > 0:20:32The first few seconds of the lift are critical.
0:20:33 > 0:20:36Ooh, the hippo's moved.
0:20:36 > 0:20:39As feared, Pinky shifts to the back of the crate.
0:20:42 > 0:20:44Oh, why did you walk backwards?
0:20:44 > 0:20:46Pinky, walk forwards.
0:20:46 > 0:20:49They try to contain the swing with the support ropes.
0:20:49 > 0:20:52Keep your tension down, keep your tension down.
0:20:53 > 0:20:55Mind the fence.
0:20:58 > 0:20:59OK, mate.
0:21:01 > 0:21:03During the lift,
0:21:03 > 0:21:07Bob discovers Pinky has caused even more damage to the crate.
0:21:07 > 0:21:11Look at it here. I think it needs a re-planking all round.
0:21:16 > 0:21:18Another foot.
0:21:18 > 0:21:23300 millimetres. Down on the rope, yeah, OK.
0:21:23 > 0:21:24Happy with that?
0:21:26 > 0:21:27Good.
0:21:29 > 0:21:33She picked her head up looking around, looks fine, steady.
0:21:33 > 0:21:35Brilliant.
0:21:40 > 0:21:42Enough food and water is sent along for the drive to
0:21:42 > 0:21:43the south of France.
0:21:45 > 0:21:47Well done. Thank you.
0:21:49 > 0:21:52- You've got the card. If there's any problems, call.- I will call.
0:21:52 > 0:21:54We won't be far behind if need be.
0:21:58 > 0:22:01Pinky is now going to be on the road for two days.
0:22:06 > 0:22:09While hippos are one the biggest animals
0:22:09 > 0:22:11transported around the world,
0:22:11 > 0:22:13in the meadows of Northern Italy
0:22:13 > 0:22:16some of the smallest are busy at work.
0:22:23 > 0:22:25Beekeeper Marco Trinchero
0:22:25 > 0:22:29is preparing to send eight million of these delicate creatures
0:22:29 > 0:22:31on 1,000 mile road trip to Britain.
0:22:34 > 0:22:39Bees are my passion, my big, big passion. I love this work,
0:22:39 > 0:22:43I love my bees and I love bees in every part of the world.
0:22:45 > 0:22:50Bees are susceptible to heat and dehydration, so safely
0:22:50 > 0:22:54transporting millions of them across Europe requires specialist skill.
0:23:00 > 0:23:04The man with those skills is Scottish beekeeper Murray McGregor.
0:23:06 > 0:23:09In the last few years he's imported more than
0:23:09 > 0:23:13100 million bees, for himself and other beekeepers.
0:23:14 > 0:23:16This has been necessary
0:23:16 > 0:23:19because of a devastating decline in our native bee population.
0:23:21 > 0:23:26You can see, this colony died out. It's always a sad sight.
0:23:26 > 0:23:28You are always sorry to see a dead hive.
0:23:28 > 0:23:32Recent dreadful winters, disease and possibly pesticides
0:23:32 > 0:23:36have wiped out a third of the bees that pollinate Britain's crops.
0:23:39 > 0:23:42At Tillington Fruit Farm in Herefordshire
0:23:42 > 0:23:46they have 500 acres of apple trees.
0:23:46 > 0:23:49A hive full of bees is needed to pollinate each acre,
0:23:49 > 0:23:53and without them they can lose up to half their crop.
0:23:54 > 0:23:58We still have 500 empty hives from the seasons before
0:23:58 > 0:23:59that we still need to fill up.
0:23:59 > 0:24:02And there are other units that still have
0:24:02 > 0:24:04less than half their hives filled up.
0:24:08 > 0:24:13So, Murray has driven 1,000 miles to Italy to bring back
0:24:13 > 0:24:16eight million bees to fill hives at Tillington Farm
0:24:16 > 0:24:17and other farms across Britain.
0:24:21 > 0:24:24He'll collect the bees from Marco near Turin.
0:24:26 > 0:24:29To avoid the delicate cargo overheating or dehydrating,
0:24:29 > 0:24:32he'll cross the Alps and France by night.
0:24:33 > 0:24:36Once over the Channel, he'll drive to a rendezvous
0:24:36 > 0:24:38with beekeepers in the Midlands.
0:24:39 > 0:24:42Two million of the bees will then head to Hereford
0:24:42 > 0:24:44where they'll pollinate apples at the fruit farm.
0:24:49 > 0:24:52Marco's honey farm is in Italy's Piedmont region.
0:24:54 > 0:24:57It's been a long drive, very straightforward, really.
0:24:57 > 0:25:00It just takes a long time to get out here.
0:25:02 > 0:25:04Here at the foot of the Alps,
0:25:04 > 0:25:09the altitude and climate makes for hardy bees resistant to wind,
0:25:09 > 0:25:11rain and low temperatures.
0:25:12 > 0:25:13Perfect for the UK.
0:25:16 > 0:25:19Despite the long drive, when Murray arrives...
0:25:19 > 0:25:22Hey, Murray! Welcome!
0:25:22 > 0:25:24..he heads straight out with Marco to help box up
0:25:24 > 0:25:26the last of the bees.
0:25:27 > 0:25:31Marco's needing to do a final few boxes just to complete
0:25:31 > 0:25:33the load ready for the trip north.
0:25:34 > 0:25:36I've known Marco for a while now
0:25:36 > 0:25:39and he's extremely passionate about his bees,
0:25:39 > 0:25:42they're the central part of his life
0:25:42 > 0:25:46and he's very enthusiastic about the stock he keeps.
0:25:46 > 0:25:49What do you think of this brood?
0:25:49 > 0:25:51Oh, Marco, that's beautiful.
0:25:51 > 0:25:54It's a good, healthy colony with a lot of young bees in it.
0:25:54 > 0:25:57You want these bees then, Murray?
0:25:57 > 0:25:58No, no, they're horrible.
0:25:59 > 0:26:00THEY LAUGH
0:26:02 > 0:26:05Before transferring the bees into their transport boxes,
0:26:05 > 0:26:08Marco first has to identify the queen.
0:26:08 > 0:26:12He's checking the colony, making sure he knows where the queen is.
0:26:27 > 0:26:30Every hive must have a queen.
0:26:30 > 0:26:33She's the only bee in a hive that lays fertilised eggs.
0:26:35 > 0:26:39She also produces chemicals called pheromones that induce
0:26:39 > 0:26:41the other bees to group together in a colony.
0:26:42 > 0:26:45The queen in this doesn't travel with the bees,
0:26:45 > 0:26:49- it's just bulk bees we want. - They stay here.
0:26:49 > 0:26:51Yes, Marco laughs, the queens got to stay here
0:26:51 > 0:26:53because it's Marco's queen, not mine.
0:26:55 > 0:26:58So, a substitute queen is need for the journey.
0:26:58 > 0:27:03A strip impregnated with pheromones is attached to the transport boxes.
0:27:04 > 0:27:06Believing there's a queen in the box,
0:27:06 > 0:27:09the bees will instinctively swarm around it.
0:27:11 > 0:27:13He's just arranging the funnel.
0:27:13 > 0:27:18And now he's just shaking a kilo and a half of bees into the box.
0:27:20 > 0:27:23They are filled to a weight and that's what you pay for.
0:27:23 > 0:27:25One and a half kilos of bees,
0:27:25 > 0:27:28depending on the size of the bee and how much honey it's got
0:27:28 > 0:27:32in its stomach will be anywhere between 15 and 18,000 bees.
0:27:34 > 0:27:37They won't be able to forage for nectar on their trip,
0:27:37 > 0:27:39so the bees are given something to eat.
0:27:41 > 0:27:44Syrup is the bees energy source.
0:27:44 > 0:27:49It's a substitute for nectar or honey, it keeps the bees fed.
0:27:51 > 0:27:55Clustered in these boxes in the midday Italian sun,
0:27:55 > 0:27:58temperatures could rise to fatal levels,
0:27:58 > 0:28:01so Marco must quickly take the bees to a cold store.
0:28:08 > 0:28:14When the sun's heat subsides at 6pm, the bees can be safely loaded.
0:28:16 > 0:28:19Just checking there's enough syrup in these ones
0:28:19 > 0:28:20that have been in the cold store.
0:28:20 > 0:28:23Last thing we want is for them to run out of food.
0:28:23 > 0:28:26We've got a total journey of 1,300 miles.
0:28:28 > 0:28:32As he watches the bees being loaded, Murray becomes concerned.
0:28:34 > 0:28:38We still don't actually have a final count yet, this is quite perplexing.
0:28:42 > 0:28:44There are far fewer boxes than he was expecting.
0:28:46 > 0:28:48If we're going to have this problem again,
0:28:48 > 0:28:51we need to buy some from somebody else
0:28:51 > 0:28:54I have a problem with chemicals. I am sorry.
0:28:54 > 0:28:58I don't have problem with you having problems.
0:28:58 > 0:29:02Marco has fewer bees than promised because he believes
0:29:02 > 0:29:05many have been killed by pesticides used on local farms.
0:29:26 > 0:29:28The shortfall could have serious implications for the farmers
0:29:28 > 0:29:31in Britain desperate for Murray's delivery.
0:29:33 > 0:29:36They're all going to find that they are getting their orders cut.
0:29:36 > 0:29:38A lot of them are going to be really unhappy about that
0:29:38 > 0:29:42because they want them at a certain optimum moment for their season,
0:29:42 > 0:29:45particularly for oil seed rape, for example, or for
0:29:45 > 0:29:50apple pollination, and a week late and they miss their window.
0:29:53 > 0:29:55Now, the truck is nearly full,
0:29:55 > 0:29:59the millions of bees are generating a huge amount of heat,
0:29:59 > 0:30:02so the load is left open to the elements.
0:30:05 > 0:30:09You want the wind to cool the load, but not to blast it.
0:30:09 > 0:30:12So, if you're actually driving and they were lying crossways,
0:30:12 > 0:30:16the wind would go right through the package and chill it severely.
0:30:16 > 0:30:20So, you like the wind to pass along the load, keep them cool,
0:30:20 > 0:30:23let a little bit of rainwater get in for them to drink
0:30:23 > 0:30:25and not chill them too much.
0:30:26 > 0:30:30120. 160. 200. 291.
0:30:30 > 0:30:33It's what we've got, and that's what we have to run with.
0:30:35 > 0:30:39The bees could easily die from dehydration on the long drive ahead,
0:30:39 > 0:30:41so Murray's co-driver gives them a drink.
0:30:43 > 0:30:47They suck up the water and as it evaporates it keeps the load cool.
0:30:47 > 0:30:49It's still quite humid,
0:30:49 > 0:30:51it's comfortable temperatures for moving them.
0:30:51 > 0:30:53We're just not taking any chances.
0:30:53 > 0:30:57You can actually hear them react. And as the water goes on the mesh,
0:30:57 > 0:31:01their little tongues come and suck it all in.
0:31:01 > 0:31:03They like to have a drink.
0:31:04 > 0:31:07- Right, Marco.- Bye-bye. - Great to see you again.
0:31:18 > 0:31:20It's cooler now,
0:31:20 > 0:31:23so the bees are now travelling with the cool wind in their hair,
0:31:23 > 0:31:26which will actually be very good for their health on the journey.
0:31:35 > 0:31:39In New Zealand, some other temperature-sensitive creatures
0:31:39 > 0:31:42are being carefully prepared for their long journey.
0:31:43 > 0:31:45Rocky, come here.
0:31:45 > 0:31:48- Tag number?- 209.
0:31:50 > 0:31:52Like a penguin passport control,
0:31:52 > 0:31:56Rocky and the other penguins' implanted microchips are scanned
0:31:56 > 0:31:58to ensure there are no stowaways.
0:31:59 > 0:32:02Thank you very much. Beautiful.
0:32:04 > 0:32:07The stress of being handled makes the penguins jittery
0:32:07 > 0:32:09and prone to overheating.
0:32:09 > 0:32:13- All right, Rocky, aye? - It's all right, darling.
0:32:17 > 0:32:21As a precaution, each crate is lined with ice packs.
0:32:21 > 0:32:23Initially, they are a little bit confused,
0:32:23 > 0:32:27but no doubt they'll settle down. Thank you very much.
0:32:27 > 0:32:30The Gentoos are kept separate for the journey
0:32:30 > 0:32:33because when they're scared they huddle up and could suffocate.
0:32:33 > 0:32:34You're all right.
0:32:38 > 0:32:41In the wild they live in colonies with hundreds of other birds
0:32:41 > 0:32:43and hate being alone,
0:32:43 > 0:32:47so they're always kept close enough to hear one another.
0:32:47 > 0:32:49PENGUIN CALLS
0:33:02 > 0:33:04Thanks, guys.
0:33:06 > 0:33:09A refrigerated lorry will take the penguins
0:33:09 > 0:33:11on their short trip to the airport...
0:33:13 > 0:33:17..where Greg is powering up his chilly five-star penguin hotel.
0:33:20 > 0:33:23That's a good sign. That's the refrigeration now on.
0:33:24 > 0:33:28What we have here is all these temperature monitors.
0:33:28 > 0:33:33And what they will do is give me the temperature of every area.
0:33:34 > 0:33:37This is critical because the flight to England stops off
0:33:37 > 0:33:39at some very hot locations.
0:33:40 > 0:33:45Let's say like in Sharjah, the air ambient outside could be 55,
0:33:45 > 0:33:47which it probably will be,
0:33:47 > 0:33:51because the guys open up the cargo door and that wind that comes across
0:33:51 > 0:33:55the tarmac goes right the way through the whole aircraft.
0:33:55 > 0:33:58I may need to turn the set point down
0:33:58 > 0:34:00to get more refrigerant into there
0:34:00 > 0:34:04just to see that I'm getting around 8-10 degrees.
0:34:04 > 0:34:08We can keep the birds in a great safe environment.
0:34:08 > 0:34:09Not just a pretty face, eh?
0:34:11 > 0:34:14The real test of Greg's creation starts now
0:34:14 > 0:34:18because his demanding passengers have arrived to check-in.
0:34:20 > 0:34:24- Hello.- Nice to meet you.- Likewise.
0:34:24 > 0:34:28- Well, long flight ahead of us. - I know.
0:34:28 > 0:34:30It's been a very busy day.
0:34:31 > 0:34:33PENGUINS CALL
0:34:33 > 0:34:34Listen to them sing.
0:34:40 > 0:34:44What I'm doing, I'm just positioning the bird. Making sure I've got
0:34:44 > 0:34:46the seat belt on properly for them.
0:34:47 > 0:34:51As a passenger, the old hostess says, "Strap your buckle
0:34:51 > 0:34:55"in case of turbulence," the same applies to the penguins.
0:34:55 > 0:34:57Got to look after these birds.
0:34:58 > 0:35:03I personally have handled 72 of these birds into the country.
0:35:03 > 0:35:06I've got a special bond with them. Absolutely love 'em.
0:35:06 > 0:35:09Us humans can learn something from them.
0:35:10 > 0:35:12Commitment! Commitment in the relationship.
0:35:12 > 0:35:15These two, they are committed for life.
0:35:16 > 0:35:19Tell that to the divorce lawyers, they'll be out of business.
0:35:21 > 0:35:23PENGUINS CALL
0:35:23 > 0:35:25They're communicating with each other
0:35:27 > 0:35:28Chatting to each other.
0:35:28 > 0:35:31"Are you there? Yeah, I'm here. Are you here? Yeah."
0:35:31 > 0:35:33Probably got the best cabin.
0:35:36 > 0:35:40I think these guys are going to be travelling better than me.
0:35:40 > 0:35:41It's almost time to go.
0:35:41 > 0:35:45Feeling a bit apprehensive about what we've got ahead of us,
0:35:45 > 0:35:48but seeing the penguins so settled makes me feel a lot better.
0:35:52 > 0:35:55Two hours later, the penguins are loaded onto the cargo plane for what
0:35:55 > 0:35:59promises to be a luxurious flight in their first class accommodation.
0:36:07 > 0:36:11In a truck stop outside Paris, the overnight accommodation
0:36:11 > 0:36:16for Pinky the hippo's driver Dominique is far from luxurious.
0:36:16 > 0:36:19We sleep not so good because the hippo was aggressive.
0:36:19 > 0:36:22Moving a lot. Then it goes like this...
0:36:24 > 0:36:26Forward and backwards.
0:36:27 > 0:36:30So, a bad night, bad night, yeah.
0:36:33 > 0:36:36Dominique gives Pinky a service station breakfast.
0:36:39 > 0:36:42They then continue on their journey to Toulouse.
0:36:49 > 0:36:52500 miles away at Pinky's new home,
0:36:52 > 0:36:56the zoo's head vet Sylvie Clavel is preparing for the hippo's arrival.
0:36:58 > 0:37:02Our first hippo will be in the new enclosure.
0:37:02 > 0:37:07We can now receive the animals and we hope that everything will be good.
0:37:10 > 0:37:15Pinky will be sharing the brand-new enclosure with her Spanish suitor
0:37:15 > 0:37:17who will be arriving from Madrid in a week.
0:37:21 > 0:37:25Sylvie and keeper Maxim are able to follow Pinky's progress
0:37:25 > 0:37:28because her lorry is fitted with a GPS tracker.
0:37:42 > 0:37:46In fact, it's 9pm by the time Dominique is approaching Toulouse.
0:37:48 > 0:37:51It's been a long journey, but it's a nice journey.
0:37:51 > 0:37:54When you start this job it's really tough, it's really hard
0:37:54 > 0:37:57and you're sitting like this and eating sweets and drinking a lot
0:37:57 > 0:38:01of coffee to stay awake, but if you do it longer then it will be normal.
0:38:01 > 0:38:05I like the challenge. I like to work with the animals.
0:38:05 > 0:38:10I don't see it as my job, I see it more as a way of life or my hobby.
0:38:12 > 0:38:13I am always happy when I arrive,
0:38:13 > 0:38:18and I'm more happy when the animals are unloaded
0:38:18 > 0:38:23because the trip is always a little bit exciting
0:38:23 > 0:38:26and we have a lot of responsibility.
0:38:28 > 0:38:33By the time Dominique gets to the zoo it's too late to offload.
0:38:33 > 0:38:34So, he gives Pinky a drink.
0:38:36 > 0:38:39Then, the two bed down for their second night together in the truck.
0:38:47 > 0:38:49She moves a lot, so...
0:38:50 > 0:38:53..another sleepless night, it's the second one.
0:38:54 > 0:38:57We have enough time for breakfast with coffee, bread,
0:38:57 > 0:39:00we wash a little bit.
0:39:00 > 0:39:01It's Italian shower.
0:39:04 > 0:39:05That's with the deodorant.
0:39:08 > 0:39:12Pinky was loaded with a 38 ton crane,
0:39:12 > 0:39:15but the French plan to use a rather smaller lifting device.
0:39:24 > 0:39:28Dominique's worried the small forklift may not handle four tons
0:39:28 > 0:39:29of crate and hippo...
0:39:31 > 0:39:34..so bravely uses himself as a counterbalance.
0:39:38 > 0:39:43I was afraid the crate was too heavy for the forklift,
0:39:43 > 0:39:46but it's on the edge.
0:39:46 > 0:39:48But we can do it.
0:39:51 > 0:39:53The crate needs to be angled
0:39:53 > 0:39:55so Pinky will run down a corridor when released.
0:39:56 > 0:39:58But this has caused a problem.
0:40:00 > 0:40:02The normal way to release Pinky would be to first open
0:40:02 > 0:40:04the outer wooden door.
0:40:05 > 0:40:08Then, Dominique could lift up the thick metal bars behind
0:40:08 > 0:40:10while perched safely on top of the crate.
0:40:12 > 0:40:13But in this position,
0:40:13 > 0:40:16the bars can't be lifted up because of the low roof.
0:40:19 > 0:40:22We have to remove the bars before we open the door.
0:40:22 > 0:40:28- Yeah, but then maybe my door is broken, if she...- OK.- It's wood.
0:40:31 > 0:40:34They want to take out the safety bars first,
0:40:34 > 0:40:38then we place it in position and then open the doors.
0:40:38 > 0:40:40I said that's OK, but the doors are only wood,
0:40:40 > 0:40:45so if you remove the tubes, the hippo starts banging on the door,
0:40:45 > 0:40:47then my door's broken.
0:40:50 > 0:40:53Pinky has already shown she can crack the crate.
0:40:54 > 0:40:58And now, the safety bars are being cautiously removed
0:40:58 > 0:41:01only a wooden door stands between the people and Pinky.
0:41:04 > 0:41:08The worst thing that can happen now is that she breaks the wood,
0:41:08 > 0:41:11she can escape.
0:41:11 > 0:41:12A little bit stressed.
0:41:14 > 0:41:17Also worryingly for Dominique,
0:41:17 > 0:41:20he now has to be right in front of the door to open it.
0:41:21 > 0:41:24When I open the door and the hippo's here...
0:41:24 > 0:41:27It's a little of a problem when he stays there and the door opens
0:41:27 > 0:41:29and the hippo comes out.
0:41:29 > 0:41:32Comes out and I stay here, so where would I...?
0:41:32 > 0:41:34Where I stay when the hippo comes out?
0:41:37 > 0:41:40Their solution is to try pulling the bolts open
0:41:40 > 0:41:42with a rope from a relatively safe position.
0:42:13 > 0:42:15Pinky's release is accomplished safely,
0:42:15 > 0:42:19and after the initial excitement she soon calms down.
0:42:24 > 0:42:26She came out really quickly.
0:42:26 > 0:42:29She's really nervous of this long travel
0:42:29 > 0:42:31and we have to leave her quiet.
0:42:36 > 0:42:38I think we did a good job.
0:42:39 > 0:42:43So, now we go to Madrid and we pick up another hippo,
0:42:43 > 0:42:47a friend for Pinky, and then she's not alone anymore.
0:42:55 > 0:42:58By the following day, Pinky is settled in her new home.
0:43:01 > 0:43:02She is now quiet.
0:43:04 > 0:43:08She sleeps and eats a little bit hay and apples.
0:43:10 > 0:43:12She is in good condition.
0:43:21 > 0:43:24The millions of Italian bees are still on their
0:43:24 > 0:43:261,000 mile journey across Europe.
0:43:28 > 0:43:31They've crossed the Channel by ferry
0:43:31 > 0:43:33to the fascination of other travellers.
0:43:34 > 0:43:36I love bees.
0:43:36 > 0:43:40They are very gentle cos you can do this, look.
0:43:40 > 0:43:42- Touch them and feel how warm... - Yeah, you can feel the heat.
0:43:42 > 0:43:46- Yeah, you can touch right down, they won't sting you.- Lovely.
0:43:48 > 0:43:51Murray's now heading to a service station near Birmingham.
0:43:53 > 0:43:56Here he's handing over half a million of the bees
0:43:56 > 0:43:58to Kristjan Tabur.
0:43:58 > 0:43:59It's been some trip.
0:44:02 > 0:44:06There are fewer bees than expected, but it's been worthwhile.
0:44:07 > 0:44:11There's still a lot of bees come into the country, a lot of
0:44:11 > 0:44:15new colonies established, and in the long run it'll work out fine.
0:44:19 > 0:44:23Kristjan is taking the Italian bees to Tillington Fruit Farm
0:44:23 > 0:44:26in Herefordshire, where it's blossom season,
0:44:26 > 0:44:30and they are desperately needed by the farm's manager William Barnett.
0:44:32 > 0:44:36We need the bees to cross pollinate, and that's taking
0:44:36 > 0:44:39the pollen from an individual flower of one variety
0:44:39 > 0:44:43and transferring it to another flower of another variety,
0:44:43 > 0:44:45creating a cross pollination,
0:44:45 > 0:44:47which fertilises the flowers and produces fruits.
0:44:51 > 0:44:55The farm grows up to 7,000 tons of apples a year,
0:44:55 > 0:44:58but without bees they could lose half their crop.
0:45:00 > 0:45:03We haven't got enough native bees to set the pollination.
0:45:03 > 0:45:06If it's the difference between bringing bees in
0:45:06 > 0:45:09and not having bees, then there's no contest.
0:45:11 > 0:45:14There are now enough Italian bees arriving to establish
0:45:14 > 0:45:1730 new hives at the farm.
0:45:17 > 0:45:20This is the hives where we're going to we put the packages in,
0:45:20 > 0:45:24they're all set up just waiting for the bees.
0:45:30 > 0:45:34We're going to take the syrup out, then take the pheromone strip out.
0:45:34 > 0:45:36before we put the new queen in.
0:45:37 > 0:45:42There can't be two queen scents in one hive. It's quite risky.
0:45:42 > 0:45:45There might be a fight and they will kill the queen.
0:45:49 > 0:45:51Kristjan has learnt the hard way to seal
0:45:51 > 0:45:53the pheromone strips in a plastic bag.
0:45:55 > 0:45:57The first year we left it on the truck
0:45:57 > 0:46:01and the truck was pretty much full of bees.
0:46:01 > 0:46:04So, we don't do that mistake again.
0:46:04 > 0:46:06Bees are so attracted by the pheromones
0:46:06 > 0:46:09some have hitchhiked all the way from Italy.
0:46:12 > 0:46:16After 40 hours in their boxes, it's time for the bees' liberation.
0:46:25 > 0:46:27But they appear lethargic.
0:46:28 > 0:46:29They are not dead, no.
0:46:29 > 0:46:32They are just trying to keep warm
0:46:32 > 0:46:36because it was raining last night, so they are a bit wet.
0:46:38 > 0:46:41When I move them they start to come a bit more alive.
0:46:45 > 0:46:47As they dry off in the sun
0:46:47 > 0:46:51the bees get livelier and the job gets trickier.
0:46:51 > 0:46:54When bees have arrived at a new place after a long journey
0:46:54 > 0:46:56they are often bad-tempered because
0:46:56 > 0:46:59they've been stuck in a box for a long time.
0:46:59 > 0:47:03If they find even the smallest gap, and if they're angry,
0:47:03 > 0:47:06and they're trying to get you, they'll get you.
0:47:06 > 0:47:08You usually get stung a lot.
0:47:11 > 0:47:12This looks like quite a lively one.
0:47:12 > 0:47:16The bees are dying to get out, so just going to help them a bit.
0:47:18 > 0:47:22Hot days are bad to put the packages in
0:47:22 > 0:47:26because the bees are flying all over the place.
0:47:26 > 0:47:30One box contains enough bees to establish a single hive.
0:47:31 > 0:47:33Each now needs a queen.
0:47:33 > 0:47:35They have been sourced separately
0:47:35 > 0:47:37and travel in special royal carriages
0:47:39 > 0:47:44When you put the queen in you first open up this plastic bit over here.
0:47:47 > 0:47:50With the queens added the new hives are complete.
0:47:58 > 0:48:01Within a day the Italian bees are busy working
0:48:01 > 0:48:03the orchards of Herefordshire.
0:48:05 > 0:48:10This spring, with Murray's bees, is the first time for 6-10 years
0:48:10 > 0:48:14where you can actually stand in the orchard and you can hear them hum.
0:48:16 > 0:48:19The fact that all these bees are on farm at this time of year
0:48:19 > 0:48:22at least gives me less sleepless nights.
0:48:25 > 0:48:29The arrival of Murray's bees means the farm should have a bumper crop
0:48:29 > 0:48:33this year, hopefully double that of 2012.
0:48:39 > 0:48:42At Heathrow Airport, another precious
0:48:42 > 0:48:45and delicate cargo has almost arrived at its new home.
0:48:47 > 0:48:52After a 12,500 mile flight, the 12 penguins have landed.
0:48:53 > 0:48:57Like millions of other animal travellers every year,
0:48:57 > 0:49:00they'll now pass through the airport's Animal Reception Centre.
0:49:00 > 0:49:03I'm Laura. Hi, Amy, nice to meet you.
0:49:03 > 0:49:05- I'm James.- Hi, James, nice to meet you.
0:49:05 > 0:49:07The birds have been doing really well.
0:49:07 > 0:49:09We've been checking them along the journey.
0:49:09 > 0:49:13Checking toenails, beaks, breathing and doing really good.
0:49:13 > 0:49:15We're just admiring your handiwork,
0:49:15 > 0:49:18probably the finest box I've ever seen.
0:49:18 > 0:49:21Let me tell you. This journey, we put it through its trials
0:49:21 > 0:49:24and it shaped up to be perfect.
0:49:24 > 0:49:26It was running like a dream.
0:49:26 > 0:49:30It's a hectic night for the reception centre team.
0:49:30 > 0:49:32We had penguins and horses on the same flight,
0:49:32 > 0:49:35and we've also waiting for fish waiting to be offloaded too,
0:49:35 > 0:49:39so we have very large vehicles trying to get into a very small space.
0:49:41 > 0:49:45The penguins are in a queue behind 20 temperamental racehorses.
0:49:50 > 0:49:54But the avian arrival is causing particular excitement.
0:49:55 > 0:49:57I have two penguin T-shirts.
0:49:57 > 0:50:01One says, "I love penguins." I have penguin pyjamas,
0:50:01 > 0:50:05a penguin housecoat, penguin slippers, penguin underwear,
0:50:05 > 0:50:07yep, I love penguins.
0:50:07 > 0:50:11But I doubt I'll actually get to see them in that refrigerator.
0:50:11 > 0:50:14They've also been in that box a very long time,
0:50:14 > 0:50:17- so they're going to stink.- They're cute as hell, but they reek.
0:50:20 > 0:50:23The penguins are transferred from Greg's luxury crate
0:50:23 > 0:50:26to a more run of the mill refrigerated van.
0:50:31 > 0:50:32It's a little bit tight.
0:50:32 > 0:50:35Should be all right, as long as they strap them down.
0:50:35 > 0:50:39Haven't travelled all this way to a last-minute hiccup, let me tell you.
0:50:43 > 0:50:45Well, you have a safe journey.
0:50:45 > 0:50:47I've done my part, you do yours
0:50:47 > 0:50:51and breed well, lots of breeding, lots of breeding.
0:50:53 > 0:50:57I am a little tired, ready to get some sleep.
0:50:57 > 0:51:01Get a drink, really, I'd love a cold beer.
0:51:01 > 0:51:03No rest for the wicked.
0:51:06 > 0:51:09The penguins set off on the final few hours of their journey.
0:51:15 > 0:51:19Their new home will be the National Sea Life Centre in Birmingham.
0:51:21 > 0:51:25They have spent £2.5 million constructing a penguin paradise
0:51:25 > 0:51:28complete with snow machines and lights that mimic the Arctic sun.
0:51:32 > 0:51:35Outside, fledgling penguin keeper Naomi
0:51:35 > 0:51:38is waiting for her very special delivery.
0:51:39 > 0:51:42I feel like I'm about to come a mum or something.
0:51:42 > 0:51:46- You don't know what to expect. - It's so exciting, yeah.
0:51:47 > 0:51:49- This is it, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:51:57 > 0:51:59PENGUINS CALL
0:52:02 > 0:52:04It's all right, guys, you're here now.
0:52:06 > 0:52:09They really like voices, so use your voices, don't feel like a dork.
0:52:09 > 0:52:11I sound like a dork, so...
0:52:15 > 0:52:17Hello.
0:52:17 > 0:52:19You're a big fella.
0:52:25 > 0:52:26You all right?
0:52:27 > 0:52:31Once offloaded, the penguins are given a health check by Laura
0:52:31 > 0:52:34and the aquarium curator James Robson.
0:52:39 > 0:52:40Hello, darling. Are you all right?
0:52:40 > 0:52:42Are you all right?
0:52:53 > 0:52:55Good boy, good boy.
0:52:56 > 0:52:57OK. 5.04.
0:53:00 > 0:53:03It's a tough job. She's doing some really important checks
0:53:03 > 0:53:08after 30 hours of being awake, so this is a key moment to make sure
0:53:08 > 0:53:12the birds are as happy as possible before we move them through.
0:53:12 > 0:53:15Hi. Hi, baby.
0:53:15 > 0:53:18You're all right. You want to come out, don't you?
0:53:21 > 0:53:22They're a little bit scared,
0:53:22 > 0:53:25but actually it's more the process of taking them out
0:53:25 > 0:53:27as they're kind of settled into the enclosures they're in.
0:53:27 > 0:53:30Taking them out is scaring them.
0:53:30 > 0:53:33Greg's transport crate has lived up to expectations.
0:53:34 > 0:53:37They're in really, really good condition.
0:53:37 > 0:53:39Their respiration's not too high.
0:53:39 > 0:53:42We put a lot of effort into the design of the container coming over,
0:53:42 > 0:53:44so I think we are really seeing the benefits now.
0:53:48 > 0:53:49First bird.
0:54:02 > 0:54:04Hello, darling.
0:54:04 > 0:54:06Good girl.
0:54:06 > 0:54:10First into the enclosure is a two-year-old female - Marama.
0:54:11 > 0:54:13You'll have a friend in a minute.
0:54:13 > 0:54:16Because she's separated from her friends,
0:54:16 > 0:54:19she becomes rooted to the spot and calls out to them.
0:54:19 > 0:54:22SHE CALLS
0:54:22 > 0:54:25Oh, she can hear the other honks.
0:54:25 > 0:54:27They're in there, I know, they're not far away.
0:54:30 > 0:54:32Oh, number two's coming, I think.
0:54:33 > 0:54:35The infamous Rocky.
0:54:38 > 0:54:39Oh, Rocky.
0:54:43 > 0:54:48- Aw.- Together, Rocky and Marama have the courage to explore.
0:54:49 > 0:54:51Oh, they might come and say hello.
0:55:01 > 0:55:05The penguins in the enclosure keep checking on their friends outside.
0:55:06 > 0:55:10It's very sweet, when they honk I can hear a reply in quarantine.
0:55:12 > 0:55:14PENGUIN CALLS
0:55:14 > 0:55:16PENGUIN CALLS
0:55:19 > 0:55:22Because they're nervous, the Gentoos puff out their bodies.
0:55:24 > 0:55:26Look at you puffing up.
0:55:27 > 0:55:29They really can puff, can't they?
0:55:30 > 0:55:35I didn't realise they can change shape that much. Pretty big puff.
0:55:37 > 0:55:40They're getting more confident with each penguin, aren't they?
0:55:40 > 0:55:43Oh, I think we're going to have water soon.
0:55:45 > 0:55:47If the penguins go for a swim,
0:55:47 > 0:55:50it would be a good sign that they're healthy, happy and settled.
0:55:52 > 0:55:54Who's going to go in first?
0:55:55 > 0:55:57It's a bit like when you're kids,
0:55:57 > 0:55:59who's the first one to jump, isn't it?
0:55:59 > 0:56:01Who's the brave one?
0:56:32 > 0:56:35It's the perfect start to their new life,
0:56:35 > 0:56:37and Laura will stay with the penguins for four days
0:56:37 > 0:56:40to help them settle in and to pass on her knowledge.
0:56:43 > 0:56:45They're looking good after their move.
0:56:45 > 0:56:48They're really starting to relax into their new enclosure.
0:56:48 > 0:56:51Maybe look out for Grub, can be a bit aggressive
0:56:51 > 0:56:53when you're trying to feed the other birds,
0:56:53 > 0:56:57so you might get a bit of a bite on the back of your leg.
0:56:57 > 0:56:59Now, Laura has to say her goodbyes.
0:57:00 > 0:57:02Right. Well, see you guys later.
0:57:02 > 0:57:04PENGUIN CALLS
0:57:09 > 0:57:12- It's nice to meet you.- Thank you. - Best of luck with the birds.
0:57:12 > 0:57:13Let me know if you need anything.
0:57:13 > 0:57:16Thanks for coming down and thank you for training them up so well.
0:57:16 > 0:57:18- Have a day off.- Yeah.
0:57:20 > 0:57:23It's a bit nerve-racking now that Laura's gone to be,
0:57:23 > 0:57:24sort of, here on our own.
0:57:24 > 0:57:26But signs are good.
0:57:26 > 0:57:30They're all eating, they're all healthy, so a good start.
0:57:41 > 0:57:44Two months later there are signs of love blossoming.
0:57:44 > 0:57:48Rocky and Grub are competing for the affection of Buzz,
0:57:48 > 0:57:50and chicks could soon be on their way.
0:57:57 > 0:58:04Next week, the mission to move a six foot ray shark across the UK.
0:58:07 > 0:58:10Misfits in their Hungarian home,
0:58:10 > 0:58:13two Arctic wolves are offered a new life in the UK.
0:58:15 > 0:58:19And three eight foot saltwater crocs
0:58:19 > 0:58:24come over from France in the ultimate test of moving animals.
0:58:24 > 0:58:26Whoa! Back up!