0:00:13 > 0:00:17India, a land of ancient tales and fables.
0:00:26 > 0:00:31The country that inspired Kipling's famous Jungle Book characters.
0:00:32 > 0:00:34Shere Khan.
0:00:34 > 0:00:35Hathi.
0:00:38 > 0:00:40The cheeky monkey tribe, Bandar-log.
0:00:42 > 0:00:45And perhaps, best loved of all...
0:00:46 > 0:00:47..Baloo.
0:00:49 > 0:00:54This is the story of the real-life Baloo, the Indian sloth bear.
0:00:56 > 0:00:58Sloth bears are shy and secretive creatures.
0:00:58 > 0:01:01Surprisingly little is known about them.
0:01:03 > 0:01:06We are going to follow the fortunes of a young male, our Baloo,
0:01:06 > 0:01:08setting out on his first year alone.
0:01:23 > 0:01:26Karnataka in southern India.
0:01:26 > 0:01:29This sparse landscape is Baloo's home.
0:01:30 > 0:01:33In a country of over a billion people,
0:01:33 > 0:01:35there's little space for wildlife.
0:01:35 > 0:01:39So this inaccessible terrain is a haven for wild animals.
0:01:49 > 0:01:52Sloth bears are found throughout the Indian subcontinent.
0:01:52 > 0:01:53In most places,
0:01:53 > 0:01:58they only come out at night to avoid contact with humans.
0:01:58 > 0:02:02But here, they also still go about their business in broad daylight.
0:02:06 > 0:02:10Two male bears are pitting their strength against each other.
0:02:10 > 0:02:13It's only play, and one is clearly older and stronger than the other.
0:02:15 > 0:02:16He is a fully-grown adult.
0:02:21 > 0:02:23Like all males,
0:02:23 > 0:02:25he likes to challenge younger bears to test his authority.
0:02:28 > 0:02:31The two opponents take care not to injure each other
0:02:31 > 0:02:33with their teeth and claws.
0:02:39 > 0:02:44Their contest is watched from a safe distance by another bear, Baloo.
0:02:47 > 0:02:49Baloo is wise to keep out of the way.
0:02:54 > 0:02:57He is just three years old,
0:02:57 > 0:03:01and it's not long since he left his mother's side to fend for himself.
0:03:02 > 0:03:06One day, he'll also be fighting other male bears.
0:03:06 > 0:03:10But for now, he still has a lot to learn.
0:03:21 > 0:03:25The bears have highly sensitive noses
0:03:25 > 0:03:29and can easily detect an ant's nest hidden under the stones.
0:03:35 > 0:03:39The sloth bear is so-called, as early European zoologists
0:03:39 > 0:03:40thought it was indeed a sloth,
0:03:40 > 0:03:44because of its long, curved claws and shaggy coat.
0:03:47 > 0:03:50But in fact, it's a true bear, even if a rather unusual one.
0:03:53 > 0:03:56At an early age, the bears lose two of their front teeth,
0:03:56 > 0:03:59creating a useful gap through which to suck up insects,
0:03:59 > 0:04:03like a high-powered vacuum cleaner.
0:04:03 > 0:04:05It's noisy, but effective.
0:04:05 > 0:04:08BALOO SNORTS
0:04:27 > 0:04:32Nonetheless, Baloo needs to consume vast quantities
0:04:32 > 0:04:34of these fancy ants.
0:04:34 > 0:04:37Mother Nature's recipes can be hard work!
0:04:39 > 0:04:42Baloo's noisy feeding habits have attracted some peafowl,
0:04:42 > 0:04:45which pick off any insects he misses.
0:04:50 > 0:04:54A young male does his best to impress the ladies.
0:05:06 > 0:05:08But no-one seems to pay him any attention.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11Maybe he's still got to work on his moves.
0:05:14 > 0:05:16Baloo is not having any better luck.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28The midday sun is relentless.
0:05:30 > 0:05:32Few animals are active in this heat.
0:05:32 > 0:05:34Temperatures outside are over 40 degrees.
0:05:43 > 0:05:45BALOO PANTS
0:05:45 > 0:05:48Baloo retreats into the cool shade of a cave.
0:05:48 > 0:05:51Down here, it's ten degrees cooler than above.
0:05:54 > 0:05:56This is a regular daytime hideout
0:05:56 > 0:05:59and he knows the most comfortable spots
0:05:59 > 0:06:01for a well-deserved midday nap.
0:06:09 > 0:06:12He will sleep for the next four or five hours,
0:06:12 > 0:06:14snug and safe in his den.
0:06:23 > 0:06:29While Baloo is resting, another bear is out and about.
0:06:29 > 0:06:33It's Baloo's mother and she has new cubs with her.
0:06:40 > 0:06:43Ten weeks ago, she gave birth in a cave to twins,
0:06:43 > 0:06:46Baloo's tiny brothers
0:06:46 > 0:06:48and this is their first excursion.
0:06:51 > 0:06:53Midday is the safest time to be outside for young cubs,
0:06:53 > 0:06:57when adult bears, which can be a threat, are resting.
0:06:57 > 0:07:00From the safety of their mother's back,
0:07:00 > 0:07:03the youngsters can watch the world go by.
0:07:12 > 0:07:16The small cubs can even manage to have a little brotherly squabble.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24A pair of mongoose watches the antics.
0:07:26 > 0:07:29But every mother sometimes gets impatient
0:07:29 > 0:07:31with the constant wrangling.
0:07:42 > 0:07:43Newborn sloth bear cubs
0:07:43 > 0:07:46have exceptionally strong forelegs and toes.
0:07:46 > 0:07:49They can support their entire weight with their claws.
0:07:55 > 0:07:59And they are also already excellent climbers.
0:07:59 > 0:08:02They need to be, because at the slightest sign of danger,
0:08:02 > 0:08:03their mother is off.
0:08:15 > 0:08:19And there is one animal that sloth bears fear more than any other.
0:08:25 > 0:08:26The tiger.
0:08:31 > 0:08:34This tiger has spotted a sambar deer.
0:08:59 > 0:09:01A split second distraction...
0:09:04 > 0:09:07..and it's all over.
0:09:13 > 0:09:16Shere Khan has taken his prize.
0:09:20 > 0:09:24Although tigers can be a threat to sloth bears,
0:09:24 > 0:09:26they rarely take on a mother with cubs
0:09:26 > 0:09:28as she will fight back ferociously.
0:09:35 > 0:09:38In the afternoon, the sun loses some of its heat.
0:09:38 > 0:09:43Bonnet macaques are attracted to the sweet fragrance of a jackfruit tree.
0:09:46 > 0:09:50The first ripe fruits have fallen to the ground, and the macaques
0:09:50 > 0:09:54fill their cheek pouches with as much of the juicy flesh as they can.
0:10:01 > 0:10:05Baloo's sensitive nose has also picked up the enticing scent.
0:10:08 > 0:10:10The macaques quickly grab a last handful.
0:10:22 > 0:10:26Baloo is no danger to the macaques,
0:10:26 > 0:10:29but his noisy appearance scares them off.
0:10:36 > 0:10:38BALOO PANTS
0:10:41 > 0:10:43Sloth bears are adapted to feeding on insects,
0:10:43 > 0:10:46but they're also partial to fruit.
0:10:50 > 0:10:54But there's nothing they like better than a good old scratch!
0:11:09 > 0:11:12With his strong claws,
0:11:12 > 0:11:15Baloo skilfully opens the leathery skin of the fruit.
0:11:22 > 0:11:25Jackfruit is sweet and rich in energy.
0:11:25 > 0:11:29And meal times, as always, are noisy affairs.
0:11:29 > 0:11:31BALOO CHEWS AND SNORTS
0:11:34 > 0:11:39A palm squirrel has also joined in the feast.
0:11:42 > 0:11:46But the rock agama is not happy sharing his basking spot.
0:11:55 > 0:11:58Baloo is after a second helping.
0:12:07 > 0:12:12He'll have to be patient - the fruits on the tree are not yet ripe.
0:12:23 > 0:12:27Meanwhile, male palm squirrels show off their skills.
0:12:37 > 0:12:41And when they're on the move, it's best not to get in the way.
0:12:58 > 0:13:00It's early evening
0:13:00 > 0:13:04and Baloo's mother takes another walk with her cubs.
0:13:08 > 0:13:11It's far more dangerous for the family to be out
0:13:11 > 0:13:12at this time of day.
0:13:12 > 0:13:14They risk encountering a male bear.
0:13:17 > 0:13:18Or a leopard.
0:13:25 > 0:13:28One cub is taking his first tentative steps,
0:13:28 > 0:13:31but he needs to stay close to his mother.
0:13:48 > 0:13:53A call from the female and the cub dashes back to safety.
0:14:03 > 0:14:06Leopards are versatile hunters and will kill a bear cub,
0:14:06 > 0:14:07if they can catch one.
0:14:07 > 0:14:11But on their mother's back, the youngsters are safe again.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14The big cat will not challenge a mother bear.
0:14:21 > 0:14:25This little fellow has just learned a valuable lesson in life -
0:14:25 > 0:14:28not to stray too far from his mother's side.
0:14:28 > 0:14:32He's safe this time, but he may not be so lucky the next.
0:14:39 > 0:14:41With dusk falling,
0:14:41 > 0:14:45Baloo's mother wisely decides to retreat into a den.
0:14:58 > 0:15:01Baloo is back under the jackfruit tree.
0:15:18 > 0:15:22But the tough, green skin is proving quite a challenge.
0:15:22 > 0:15:24He just can't seem to break in.
0:15:42 > 0:15:45Sometimes, it's really frustrating to be a bear.
0:15:48 > 0:15:51Or maybe he just didn't pick the right one?
0:15:59 > 0:16:03On the other hand, maybe it's time to call it a day.
0:16:17 > 0:16:23As the sun sinks below the horizon, Baloo picks up another smell.
0:16:32 > 0:16:34A large termite mound.
0:16:34 > 0:16:37This is a new challenge for a young bear.
0:16:45 > 0:16:48Now his long, curved claws - his special digging tools -
0:16:48 > 0:16:50come into use.
0:17:00 > 0:17:05As dusk falls, the night-time hunters wait for cover of darkness.
0:17:07 > 0:17:12Baloo's mother is also out again, searching for food.
0:17:30 > 0:17:35Baloo is tackling the termite mound with ferocious determination.
0:17:35 > 0:17:37After the letdown with the jackfruit,
0:17:37 > 0:17:40nothing is going to stop him from his dinner.
0:17:45 > 0:17:49Just a few more roots to extricate and he'll have reached his target.
0:18:18 > 0:18:22India is a land of temples and ancient monuments.
0:18:24 > 0:18:27The deserted ruins, devoid of human life,
0:18:27 > 0:18:30now offer refuge to a different society...
0:18:40 > 0:18:44..the Jungle Book's Bandar-log or "monkey people."
0:18:44 > 0:18:47The bonnet macaques have a community
0:18:47 > 0:18:50based on a network of friendships and alliances.
0:18:50 > 0:18:54This is strengthened and reaffirmed by mutual grooming.
0:18:59 > 0:19:02The daily hygiene session also helps remove parasites,
0:19:02 > 0:19:05and, of course, it feels rather nice!
0:19:07 > 0:19:10But not everyone gets pampered.
0:19:10 > 0:19:14Some have to make do with DIY.
0:19:16 > 0:19:21These infants still have to learn the way macaque society works.
0:19:29 > 0:19:33Females with young babies often group together,
0:19:33 > 0:19:37so the youngsters have more than one pair of watchful eyes on them,
0:19:37 > 0:19:39and always a playmate at hand.
0:19:51 > 0:19:53The macaques are not the only ones
0:19:53 > 0:19:56to have made a home in the temple ruins.
0:19:56 > 0:19:59Giant millipedes, 20 centimetres long,
0:19:59 > 0:20:02crawl over the monument's cracked facade.
0:20:29 > 0:20:35Baloo also sometimes visits the deserted human ruins.
0:20:35 > 0:20:39They provide just as much shade as the rock caves.
0:20:43 > 0:20:46But now, he is looking for something else.
0:20:53 > 0:20:54Water.
0:20:57 > 0:21:00Water holes are scarce during the dry season,
0:21:00 > 0:21:03so Baloo takes every opportunity to drink,
0:21:03 > 0:21:07especially after feeding on dry and acidic insects.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18A group of white-spotted deer are also quenching their thirst.
0:21:18 > 0:21:21SNAPPING OF BRANCHES
0:21:21 > 0:21:22But there is one animal
0:21:22 > 0:21:26that is able to claim the watering hole for itself.
0:21:28 > 0:21:30The Indian elephant.
0:21:30 > 0:21:31LOW GROWLING
0:21:43 > 0:21:46The group includes a mother with her calf.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51The elephants enjoy a much-needed drink
0:21:51 > 0:21:54and indulge in a refreshing bath.
0:22:29 > 0:22:34To finish off, they clean their teeth with a high-pressure hose...
0:22:37 > 0:22:39..and are then ready to move on.
0:22:54 > 0:22:58An Indian chameleon sits on a thorn bush.
0:23:01 > 0:23:04Baloo's mother is after any termites on the bush.
0:23:08 > 0:23:10The chameleon was hoping to keep these for itself.
0:23:12 > 0:23:16The bear decides to move on and that suits the chameleon just fine.
0:23:19 > 0:23:23Baloo's mother is now carrying just one cub.
0:23:23 > 0:23:26Overnight, his twin seems to have vanished.
0:23:35 > 0:23:40Did a leopard catch one of the youngsters off guard after all?
0:23:40 > 0:23:41Or was it another bear?
0:23:49 > 0:23:53The remaining cub is now without a playmate.
0:23:53 > 0:23:55Yet, harsh as it may seem,
0:23:55 > 0:23:58his chances of survival are better now than before.
0:23:58 > 0:24:01He will receive all of his mother's attention,
0:24:01 > 0:24:04and she will pass on her skills and knowledge to him,
0:24:04 > 0:24:07as she once did to Baloo.
0:24:13 > 0:24:16Mother and cub have come to investigate the termite mound.
0:24:16 > 0:24:18The cub is curious.
0:24:18 > 0:24:21It's his first lesson in catching insects.
0:24:34 > 0:24:39Painted spurfowl wait in the wings, hoping to pick off any morsels.
0:24:42 > 0:24:45The young cub watches and tries to copy.
0:24:45 > 0:24:47But it's not as easy as it looks
0:24:47 > 0:24:50and he always seems to be getting in the way.
0:24:57 > 0:25:00He tries to get a look-in from a different position.
0:25:07 > 0:25:10"Dig" and "suck" seems to be the principle.
0:25:11 > 0:25:15But the heat has driven the termites deep into the nest.
0:25:15 > 0:25:19It's a lot of effort for little reward.
0:25:25 > 0:25:26It's time to move on.
0:25:32 > 0:25:36Back on the rocks, there's trouble brewing in the mongoose territory.
0:25:36 > 0:25:41A member of the neighbouring clan has ventured too close.
0:25:43 > 0:25:45MONGOOSES SHRIEK
0:25:50 > 0:25:53The mongoose are fiercely protective of their home patch.
0:25:53 > 0:25:56MONGOOSE YELPS
0:26:05 > 0:26:07Back from his lesson in termite hunting,
0:26:07 > 0:26:09our young cub has time to play.
0:26:09 > 0:26:11Without his brother to tussle with,
0:26:11 > 0:26:15he's finding other ways to amuse himself.
0:26:21 > 0:26:23His mother stays close.
0:26:23 > 0:26:26She doesn't want to risk losing her second cub, too.
0:26:36 > 0:26:39The tender, mouth-to-mouth nuzzling between mother and son
0:26:39 > 0:26:42reinforces their bond
0:26:42 > 0:26:45and the young cub feeds from his mother's snout.
0:26:45 > 0:26:47It's the first time this intimate behaviour
0:26:47 > 0:26:49has been filmed in sloth bears
0:26:49 > 0:26:53and it's not known what the offering from her mouth contains,
0:26:53 > 0:26:56but it's likely to be sweet and nourishing.
0:27:09 > 0:27:12After his snack, like most children,
0:27:12 > 0:27:17all he wants to do is play and explore.
0:27:20 > 0:27:21MONGOOSE BARKS
0:27:33 > 0:27:36Could this be a new playmate?
0:27:39 > 0:27:42The cub doesn't take no for an answer.
0:27:44 > 0:27:45MONGOOSE BARKS
0:28:00 > 0:28:05Baloo's mother takes the young explorer underground for a rest.
0:28:05 > 0:28:08SHE PANTS
0:28:16 > 0:28:19She is more nervous since she lost one of her cubs
0:28:19 > 0:28:21and enters the cave cautiously...
0:28:23 > 0:28:27..making sure they don't have any other bears for company.
0:28:49 > 0:28:53Her youngster is still blissfully unaware of such dangers
0:28:53 > 0:28:56and settles down for a good scratch.
0:29:16 > 0:29:20At last, the female is satisfied, too, and relaxes
0:29:20 > 0:29:23and the cub is ready for another feed.
0:29:26 > 0:29:30His mother's complete dedication to him
0:29:30 > 0:29:32will continue over the next two years,
0:29:32 > 0:29:36giving this young bear the best possible start in life.
0:29:41 > 0:29:45The following day, Baloo's mother left the area with her cub.
0:29:45 > 0:29:48Why, we will never know.
0:29:48 > 0:29:50Maybe she moved on in search of food.
0:29:50 > 0:29:54Whatever the reason, she was never seen again.
0:30:22 > 0:30:24The monsoon rains are approaching.
0:30:24 > 0:30:28Within a few days, the landscape will be transformed.
0:30:37 > 0:30:40Baloo barely seems to have noticed his mother's departure.
0:30:40 > 0:30:44He's well on his way to becoming an adult.
0:30:52 > 0:30:55Much more importantly for Baloo,
0:30:55 > 0:30:57there's a glamorous young, new female on the block.
0:31:03 > 0:31:04Baloo has picked up her scent.
0:31:11 > 0:31:15June is mating season for sloth bears
0:31:15 > 0:31:18and females will mate with a number of males.
0:31:18 > 0:31:22But the young beauty doesn't appear to be interested.
0:31:22 > 0:31:26Is Baloo still too young or has she already conceived?
0:31:26 > 0:31:29He decides not to press the matter.
0:31:35 > 0:31:37The female is more concerned
0:31:37 > 0:31:39with something she's detected in the bushes.
0:31:49 > 0:31:52A ripe red caper berry.
0:32:01 > 0:32:05As with most fruits, the caper seeds will be dispersed further
0:32:05 > 0:32:07and germinate faster
0:32:07 > 0:32:09by passing through the bear's body.
0:32:11 > 0:32:14The rain is becoming heavier.
0:32:20 > 0:32:22Small streams converge
0:32:22 > 0:32:25to become raging torrents.
0:33:16 > 0:33:19There are water holes everywhere now,
0:33:19 > 0:33:21and for the animals, it's a time of plenty.
0:33:29 > 0:33:32This calf is just a few days old.
0:33:32 > 0:33:34It's still covered in soft, downy hair.
0:33:43 > 0:33:47Taking a bath is one of its first adventures.
0:34:00 > 0:34:03Mother and calf stay close together,
0:34:03 > 0:34:08a bond that will last for the next ten to 15 years.
0:34:16 > 0:34:20The monsoon rains have rejuvenated the landscape.
0:34:32 > 0:34:36Baloo's terrain is tinged with a lush, green growth.
0:34:48 > 0:34:51Now, Baloo doesn't have to search far for a drink.
0:34:51 > 0:34:55Water has collected in the many rock crevices...
0:34:58 > 0:35:00..along with clouds of tadpoles.
0:35:05 > 0:35:07If this becomes his regular drinking spot,
0:35:07 > 0:35:09the tadpoles will not survive -
0:35:09 > 0:35:12they'll soon be sitting high and dry.
0:35:18 > 0:35:22Even during the rainy season, the midday heat is oppressive.
0:35:27 > 0:35:30BALOO PANTS
0:36:24 > 0:36:27Baloo has found his favourite spot again...
0:36:31 > 0:36:33..and is fast asleep.
0:36:36 > 0:36:39Meanwhile, an adult male has turned up in the area.
0:36:42 > 0:36:46He's rather scruffy, with an untidy coat,
0:36:46 > 0:36:49but he could be competition for Baloo.
0:36:50 > 0:36:53He's heading for the beauty's favourite resting spot.
0:37:02 > 0:37:06The scruffy stranger has detected her scent.
0:37:11 > 0:37:14He's literally frothing with excitement
0:37:14 > 0:37:16and approaches her expectantly.
0:37:25 > 0:37:28But she is not quite as enthusiastic.
0:37:30 > 0:37:32SHE ROARS
0:37:41 > 0:37:45Yet, after the initial brush-off, she seems to tolerate his advances.
0:38:01 > 0:38:03He seizes the moment,
0:38:03 > 0:38:05showing her all the tricks of the trade -
0:38:05 > 0:38:08"I'm big, I'm agile and I'm a smooth mover,"
0:38:08 > 0:38:11is what he appears to be trying to say.
0:38:13 > 0:38:15SHE ROARS
0:38:18 > 0:38:20But the lady is not impressed.
0:38:22 > 0:38:24Her suitor gets the message and is off.
0:38:26 > 0:38:29This female is in no mood for romance.
0:38:33 > 0:38:37A young peacock is also out to win the females.
0:38:37 > 0:38:40His confidence is admirable
0:38:40 > 0:38:44but with these tail feathers, he is unlikely to make an impact.
0:38:47 > 0:38:50The peahen is sceptical.
0:38:50 > 0:38:54She only has eyes for a real Adonis.
0:39:27 > 0:39:31The younger peacock leaves the stage to the older male.
0:39:50 > 0:39:54The young beauty has been in the area for several days now.
0:39:54 > 0:39:57It looks like she intends to stay.
0:39:59 > 0:40:05But suddenly, she finds herself face to face with an older female...
0:40:10 > 0:40:12..and her cub.
0:40:17 > 0:40:19There is trouble at once.
0:40:21 > 0:40:24BEARS GROWL
0:40:39 > 0:40:42The experienced mother is protective of her youngster
0:40:42 > 0:40:43and will not give way.
0:40:48 > 0:40:52She calls back her cub and places herself in front of it.
0:41:01 > 0:41:04At last, the situation defuses.
0:41:05 > 0:41:10The older female has decided to take no chances
0:41:10 > 0:41:12and moves on with her cub.
0:41:15 > 0:41:17The beauty claims her favourite spot again.
0:41:39 > 0:41:42It's the beginning of the dry season.
0:41:42 > 0:41:45But the rivers are still high and overflow into numerous pools.
0:41:47 > 0:41:51The stagnant water attracts Indian skipper frogs.
0:42:07 > 0:42:11These frogs have an unusual trick.
0:42:11 > 0:42:13They can walk on water!
0:42:35 > 0:42:40Baloo is now four years old and has grown in build and stature.
0:42:43 > 0:42:46He's fully mastered the techniques his mother taught him.
0:43:08 > 0:43:11Over the next few months, there will be little rain
0:43:11 > 0:43:14and food will be harder to find for many animals.
0:43:19 > 0:43:21BALOO PANTS
0:43:23 > 0:43:25Hunting for ants is dusty work.
0:43:25 > 0:43:28A good rinse-out is essential.
0:43:38 > 0:43:42A colony of lesser mouse-tailed bats is roosting in the mouth of a cave.
0:43:45 > 0:43:50They are alert and nervous because they have pups.
0:43:55 > 0:43:57Someone else has started a family.
0:43:57 > 0:44:01It's the beauty and she's carrying a cub on her back.
0:44:04 > 0:44:06Their arrival scares off the bats.
0:44:08 > 0:44:10The new mother enters cautiously,
0:44:10 > 0:44:13sniffing for signs of other occupants.
0:44:18 > 0:44:20Only a mongoose.
0:44:25 > 0:44:29The beauty has done well.
0:44:29 > 0:44:31Her cub looks strong and healthy.
0:44:42 > 0:44:47As they snuggle up together and quiet returns to the cave,
0:44:47 > 0:44:50the bats settle down again, too.
0:44:54 > 0:44:58But it doesn't stay quiet for long.
0:44:58 > 0:45:00The female needs a good scratch,
0:45:00 > 0:45:03and the youngster starts to explore its surroundings.
0:45:07 > 0:45:11It's intrigued by the activities on the roof of the cave...
0:45:15 > 0:45:17..and by the mongoose.
0:45:23 > 0:45:28His mother is still having trouble with that itch.
0:45:33 > 0:45:35But suddenly, there is a commotion outside.
0:45:35 > 0:45:38GROWLING
0:45:40 > 0:45:43The beauty listens, then calls back her cub.
0:45:50 > 0:45:53Outside, a battle is in progress.
0:45:57 > 0:46:00Baloo has challenged another bear.
0:46:05 > 0:46:08He has grown in strength and confidence,
0:46:08 > 0:46:10asserting himself over the younger male
0:46:10 > 0:46:13and proving he has finally grown up.
0:46:16 > 0:46:20This is good news for Baloo
0:46:20 > 0:46:23but bad news for the beauty.
0:46:23 > 0:46:26Baloo is heading straight for the cave.
0:46:32 > 0:46:33Now Baloo is an adult,
0:46:33 > 0:46:36he could be a danger to her youngster.
0:46:37 > 0:46:42Male bears will sometimes kill cubs in order to mate with a female.
0:46:42 > 0:46:45Or is Baloo simply curious?
0:46:46 > 0:46:48SHE ROARS
0:47:01 > 0:47:03The beauty is taking no chances.
0:47:14 > 0:47:18Previously, an attack like that would have been enough
0:47:18 > 0:47:19to scare Baloo off.
0:47:19 > 0:47:21But this time, he returns.
0:47:24 > 0:47:27The female takes up position again.
0:47:31 > 0:47:33SHE GROWLS
0:47:43 > 0:47:45She's driven him right out of the cave,
0:47:45 > 0:47:48but Baloo doesn't seem to get the message.
0:48:02 > 0:48:05The little cub looks frightened.
0:48:21 > 0:48:26Baloo retreats from the onslaught of the protective mother.
0:48:26 > 0:48:29With a dent to his manly pride,
0:48:29 > 0:48:32he seeks solace in the safety of a cave.
0:48:32 > 0:48:34BALOO PANTS
0:48:46 > 0:48:51Back in the den, the beauty tries to calm her terrified cub.
0:48:55 > 0:48:59She won't be ready to mate again for a couple of years.
0:48:59 > 0:49:04For now, her priority is to keep her young son alive.
0:49:16 > 0:49:22For Baloo, real life is far tougher than any story in a book.
0:49:25 > 0:49:29But he's learned how to survive on his own and has reached maturity.
0:49:37 > 0:49:43Now, he's ready for the next chapter of his life.
0:50:16 > 0:50:20This is the first film ever made about the Indian sloth bear.
0:50:20 > 0:50:24When German film-makers Ivo Norenberg and Oliver Goetzl
0:50:24 > 0:50:26set out to make it,
0:50:26 > 0:50:29very little footage of these elusive bears existed.
0:50:33 > 0:50:35It took three years, great tenacity
0:50:35 > 0:50:39and cunning inventiveness to capture these unique images.
0:50:39 > 0:50:42And it was dangerous work -
0:50:42 > 0:50:47sloth bears attack more human beings every year than tigers do.
0:50:49 > 0:50:51HE RATTLES METAL TOOL
0:50:54 > 0:50:59Their first challenge is to work out how to film inside a bear den.
0:50:59 > 0:51:02But they need to make sure that there's nobody at home.
0:51:02 > 0:51:05Meeting a bear face to face could be fatal.
0:51:08 > 0:51:11The bears use cavities between the boulders to sleep in
0:51:11 > 0:51:13during the heat of the day.
0:51:15 > 0:51:18Presumably, they are more flexible than Oliver!
0:51:22 > 0:51:25While he squeezes through the narrow gaps,
0:51:25 > 0:51:28Ivo checks out the situation above.
0:51:36 > 0:51:38HE PANTS
0:51:41 > 0:51:45They find a small hole in the ceiling of the cave.
0:51:49 > 0:51:53OK, Ivo, could you please give me the camera? Carefully.
0:52:21 > 0:52:24Oh, I don't want to be a bear!
0:52:26 > 0:52:29But Oliver is happy with the location they've found.
0:52:29 > 0:52:31Such a beauty cave.
0:52:31 > 0:52:33Wow!
0:52:36 > 0:52:40In order to get close to the bears outside,
0:52:40 > 0:52:43Oliver and Ivo also set up a bamboo hide
0:52:43 > 0:52:46near a trail regularly used by bears.
0:52:46 > 0:52:48Yeah, karadi?
0:52:48 > 0:52:49Karadi walk.
0:52:49 > 0:52:52So this is karadi motorway, huh?
0:52:52 > 0:52:54THEY LAUGH
0:52:54 > 0:52:57"Karadi" is the local word for sloth bear.
0:53:02 > 0:53:05Ivo is well hidden, but the hide offers little protection.
0:53:07 > 0:53:12It's not long before he hears a bear approaching.
0:53:21 > 0:53:23Even for an experienced cameraman,
0:53:23 > 0:53:26this bear comes too close for comfort.
0:53:26 > 0:53:28BEAR PANTS
0:53:35 > 0:53:40It's a slightly unsettling, yet thrilling experience for Ivo.
0:53:40 > 0:53:46(Just two metres close to us and he was behaving like Baloo.)
0:53:47 > 0:53:51(Unfortunately, we couldn't film because it was by the side, but...)
0:53:51 > 0:53:56(just two metres sitting like that, relaxing like Baloo.)
0:53:56 > 0:53:57(Great.)
0:53:58 > 0:54:03In the meantime, Oliver checks the remote-controlled camera in the cave
0:54:03 > 0:54:06from his watchtower.
0:54:06 > 0:54:09Only a couple of hours after they installed the camera,
0:54:09 > 0:54:12the first bear enters the cave, completely relaxed.
0:54:20 > 0:54:23This is simply not true!
0:54:23 > 0:54:25This is a tamed animal, definitely.
0:54:25 > 0:54:27This must be a tamed animal, isn't it?
0:54:27 > 0:54:31HE GIGGLES No, it's not! It's wild!
0:54:32 > 0:54:34And it gets even better!
0:54:39 > 0:54:40'Ja.'
0:54:45 > 0:54:49Having waited in his sweltering hide for hours,
0:54:49 > 0:54:51Ivo finds it hard to be enthusiastic.
0:54:51 > 0:54:53Ciao, ciao.
0:54:53 > 0:54:55This was a fantastic shot!
0:54:59 > 0:55:01YES!
0:55:01 > 0:55:03The end of a successful day.
0:55:03 > 0:55:06But the next morning will bring more excitement
0:55:06 > 0:55:09than Oliver and Ivo had bargained for.
0:55:11 > 0:55:13It's an early start.
0:55:13 > 0:55:15The team need to film aerials of the bear's habitat
0:55:15 > 0:55:18and their only option is a hot-air balloon.
0:55:18 > 0:55:21But Oliver is nervous.
0:55:35 > 0:55:37It's not a good omen for the pair.
0:55:37 > 0:55:39Just a few years ago,
0:55:39 > 0:55:43they had a serious accident while filming from a balloon in Russia,
0:55:43 > 0:55:45in which Ivo was badly injured.
0:55:53 > 0:55:57But nothing will deter them from getting the perfect shot.
0:56:06 > 0:56:09Fortunately, it looks like it will be a smooth flight.
0:56:09 > 0:56:14And as the beautiful landscape unfolds below them,
0:56:14 > 0:56:15it all seems worth it.
0:56:26 > 0:56:29Then, all of a sudden, there appears to be a problem.
0:56:30 > 0:56:33The burner is not working properly.
0:56:33 > 0:56:37The fuel seems to be contaminated.
0:56:40 > 0:56:44The pilot decides to make an immediate emergency landing.
0:56:47 > 0:56:50INSTRUCTIONS ARE SHOUTED
0:56:50 > 0:56:53THE BALLOON BEGINS ITS DESCENT
0:56:57 > 0:56:59- Ah! Aah!- Oh.
0:57:04 > 0:57:07The impact on the rocks below was hard.
0:57:07 > 0:57:09You maybe fall down for several metres.
0:57:15 > 0:57:18And Oliver seems to be injured and winded.
0:57:47 > 0:57:49The team are lucky.
0:57:49 > 0:57:51Oliver has only injured his elbow,
0:57:51 > 0:57:55whilst Ivo and the pilot have got away with scratches and bruises.
0:58:01 > 0:58:03The accident could have been fatal.
0:58:03 > 0:58:06They narrowly avoided collision with a huge rock,
0:58:06 > 0:58:08the reason for their dramatic descent.
0:58:10 > 0:58:13For Ivo and Oliver, the three years of hard work -
0:58:13 > 0:58:15and near-death experience -
0:58:15 > 0:58:17have been worth it.
0:58:17 > 0:58:18Their remote-controlled cameras
0:58:18 > 0:58:21have captured the first intimate pictures
0:58:21 > 0:58:23of a mother bear with her cub.
0:58:23 > 0:58:26They've witnessed some extraordinary behaviours...
0:58:26 > 0:58:28PART OF CAMERA BREAKS OFF
0:58:28 > 0:58:33..and given us a unique insight into the life of the Indian sloth bear.
0:58:56 > 0:58:59Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd