0:00:12 > 0:00:15There's a whole bunch of monkeys in my van.
0:00:18 > 0:00:22That one there - that's Peanut. He's only got one hand.
0:00:24 > 0:00:27We've become good mates over the last few months.
0:00:29 > 0:00:32He's a bit of an outsider, and so was I at the beginning.
0:00:33 > 0:00:34SHORT GRUNTS
0:00:34 > 0:00:38And then there's Hero - well, he's just a lovable rogue.
0:00:42 > 0:00:47It's so rare to get this close to truly wild animals,
0:00:47 > 0:00:50and that's made for some very special moments.
0:00:53 > 0:00:54So come and meet my new mates -
0:00:54 > 0:00:58they're huge characters, and they could do with a bit of help.
0:01:15 > 0:01:20Indonesia is a pretty inspiring place for a wildlife cameraman,
0:01:20 > 0:01:24but there's one island that's always fascinated me,
0:01:24 > 0:01:28and I've come back after a long absence.
0:01:28 > 0:01:29TOOTS HORN
0:01:30 > 0:01:33I was last in northern Sulawesi 25 years ago
0:01:33 > 0:01:37and I really fell in love with this place, the people and the forests
0:01:37 > 0:01:40and most of all, with a monkey -
0:01:40 > 0:01:42the crested black macaque,
0:01:42 > 0:01:48an absolutely great, unique little animal to this part of the world.
0:01:50 > 0:01:55They're easy to fall in love with - smart, clever little monkeys full of personality.
0:01:58 > 0:02:01I've come back because their numbers have dropped dramatically
0:02:01 > 0:02:02and they need help.
0:02:04 > 0:02:08So I hope to make a film that encourages people around the world
0:02:08 > 0:02:10to fall in love with them, too.
0:02:13 > 0:02:16The monkeys live on the slopes of an ancient volcano,
0:02:16 > 0:02:19in a tropical rainforest known as Tangkoko.
0:02:21 > 0:02:23ANIMALS AND BIRDS VOCALISING
0:02:23 > 0:02:26I'll be working closely with a fella called Ugi -
0:02:26 > 0:02:28the leader of a team of biologists
0:02:28 > 0:02:31who've been studying the monkeys for seven years.
0:02:34 > 0:02:39I love them because they are cool, they are so exotic -
0:02:39 > 0:02:41the black colour, the crest
0:02:41 > 0:02:44and, for me, they are quite different than other species of monkey.
0:02:46 > 0:02:48I can hear them.
0:02:48 > 0:02:51CHITTERING AND SQUEAKING
0:02:54 > 0:02:55(What a great sound!)
0:03:03 > 0:03:06(Look, there they are, there they are.)
0:03:10 > 0:03:12(Oh, wow!)
0:03:13 > 0:03:15So good to see them again.
0:03:17 > 0:03:18After such a long time.
0:03:22 > 0:03:24Such unique little animals.
0:03:24 > 0:03:27Unmistakable to any other monkey.
0:03:29 > 0:03:33Those wonderful little crests - little almost-punk hairstyles.
0:03:34 > 0:03:36And extraordinary eyes!
0:03:38 > 0:03:41When the light shines on them, they're just...beautiful.
0:03:46 > 0:03:50Ugi's given all 70 monkeys in this troop a name,
0:03:50 > 0:03:53and wastes no time in introducing me to some of the gang.
0:03:55 > 0:03:57There's one monkey clearly in charge.
0:03:58 > 0:04:02Ugi calls him Tarzan, and he's the alpha male.
0:04:05 > 0:04:07He's very popular with the ladies,
0:04:07 > 0:04:11and Ugi tells me he's fathered 14 infants.
0:04:11 > 0:04:15The other males are for ever jockeying for his job,
0:04:15 > 0:04:18so Tarzan's constantly looking over his shoulder.
0:04:20 > 0:04:22How long has he been the alpha?
0:04:22 > 0:04:24- He's been alpha male for a year. - A year?
0:04:25 > 0:04:29How long do they normally maintain that position?
0:04:29 > 0:04:31Depends how the other males support him.
0:04:33 > 0:04:36- And is there always competition? - Yeah, for sure.
0:04:38 > 0:04:40If Tarzan is King of the Monkeys,
0:04:40 > 0:04:42Uhura is the queen.
0:04:43 > 0:04:45She is macaque aristocracy,
0:04:45 > 0:04:48from a long line of ruling females.
0:04:49 > 0:04:51She's one tough old monkey,
0:04:51 > 0:04:55and dominates the other females by bullying their infants.
0:04:59 > 0:05:03Getting to recognise all 70 monkeys is going to be quite a challenge.
0:05:07 > 0:05:10It's going to take time, and so we follow them wherever they wander,
0:05:10 > 0:05:13through the forest and beyond.
0:05:24 > 0:05:28It's so unusual to have a troop of monkeys living on a beach.
0:05:28 > 0:05:32They just love coming out here, out of the forest and...
0:05:32 > 0:05:34looking like beach bums.
0:05:50 > 0:05:52These are very chilled-out monkeys.
0:05:54 > 0:05:55They spend a lot of time playing
0:05:55 > 0:05:58and don't seem to have a care in the world.
0:06:05 > 0:06:08LOUD CHITTERING
0:06:28 > 0:06:31Any time the troop settles down, they seem to
0:06:31 > 0:06:34get into these long grooming sessions.
0:06:38 > 0:06:40It's a lovely thing to watch.
0:06:40 > 0:06:42It's such a peaceful sort of occupation.
0:06:42 > 0:06:44And they seem to love it.
0:06:46 > 0:06:48Both the one who's giving and receiving.
0:06:52 > 0:06:55They're so intent when they do it.
0:06:55 > 0:06:57They take it so seriously.
0:07:07 > 0:07:11They spend so many hours grooming each other every day
0:07:11 > 0:07:13it just goes to show how important it is -
0:07:13 > 0:07:16not just for the practical job of removing
0:07:16 > 0:07:19all the little ticks and mites that live in their fur.
0:07:19 > 0:07:24An equally important role is just to sort of reaffirm family bonds and friendships.
0:07:31 > 0:07:34Now, some of the older monkeys are wary of me
0:07:34 > 0:07:35and are keeping their distance,
0:07:35 > 0:07:40but there's one young male who's bolder than all the rest.
0:07:41 > 0:07:44His name is Hero, and he's one of Ugi's favourites.
0:07:49 > 0:07:53Hero is a really smart monkey - you know, he's only six years old.
0:07:53 > 0:07:57He's just very, very confident, by far the most confident monkey here.
0:07:59 > 0:08:01Real smart guy.
0:08:01 > 0:08:02Hello! Hello, Hero.
0:08:04 > 0:08:06He's constantly exploring my gear,
0:08:06 > 0:08:10and it's as if he wants to know everything that's happening.
0:08:15 > 0:08:17I'm just doing a bit of filming, Hero.
0:08:17 > 0:08:19Just doing a bit of filming.
0:08:21 > 0:08:22He's always watching me,
0:08:22 > 0:08:25and every time I start to film,
0:08:25 > 0:08:27I've got to keep my eyes out behind me
0:08:27 > 0:08:29because he's ready to launch and grab something.
0:08:35 > 0:08:39But life for these monkeys isn't all fun and games.
0:08:39 > 0:08:44Some people are out to get them, and this little guy has paid the price.
0:08:44 > 0:08:46Ugi tells me his name is Peanut,
0:08:46 > 0:08:49and he was caught in a hunter's trap as a baby.
0:08:51 > 0:08:55He had to bite off his own hand to escape,
0:08:55 > 0:08:57and it's left him as an outsider.
0:09:03 > 0:09:05Hunting has hit these monkeys hard,
0:09:05 > 0:09:08and they're now critically endangered here on Sulawesi.
0:09:10 > 0:09:12My hope is that by telling their story,
0:09:12 > 0:09:15it just might help in some way to save this species.
0:09:19 > 0:09:24The only place the monkeys are truly safe is up in the tops of the tallest trees.
0:09:26 > 0:09:28But high-rise living is not without risk.
0:09:29 > 0:09:32You need to hold on...even when you're nodding off!
0:09:45 > 0:09:47We need to get some rest, too,
0:09:47 > 0:09:49so we head back to Ugi's research station.
0:09:51 > 0:09:54But it's wonderful to be back in the company of these precious monkeys
0:09:54 > 0:09:57in their enchanting forest home.
0:10:13 > 0:10:16To really tell the story of individuals
0:10:16 > 0:10:18and catch it on camera,
0:10:18 > 0:10:21we need to spend every daylight hour with the troop.
0:10:25 > 0:10:27And when did you first get here, Ugi?
0:10:27 > 0:10:30I came here in 2006.
0:10:30 > 0:10:32- And you come out with them every day?- Yeah.
0:10:33 > 0:10:36- They must know you pretty well. You're one of the gang.- Yeah.
0:10:42 > 0:10:46Our day always starts at the foot of their sleeping tree,
0:10:46 > 0:10:49and we need to be there before they head off for breakfast.
0:10:52 > 0:10:55The monkeys are really busy at this time in the morning.
0:10:55 > 0:10:57I guess they haven't eaten all night.
0:10:57 > 0:10:58As soon as they get out of bed
0:10:58 > 0:11:01they're really actively foraging for a little while,
0:11:01 > 0:11:04moving constantly all the time, going up and down the trees,
0:11:04 > 0:11:05grabbing what they can.
0:11:09 > 0:11:11Just like every family you know,
0:11:11 > 0:11:13there are some sleepy heads and some early risers.
0:11:19 > 0:11:23Ugi is studying the monkeys' relationship with the forest.
0:11:23 > 0:11:27In return for this bountiful harvest, the monkeys scatter seeds
0:11:27 > 0:11:32throughout their territory, helping the trees to regenerate.
0:11:32 > 0:11:36Both the macaques and the forest depend on each other for survival.
0:11:38 > 0:11:41I guess the forest and the monkeys have evolved together.
0:11:41 > 0:11:44They've spent thousands of years in each other's company.
0:11:44 > 0:11:48And so the monkeys know how to exploit every little nook and cranny.
0:12:01 > 0:12:05With only one hand, Peanut has to use one of his feet to feed.
0:12:06 > 0:12:11It's hard to believe he's six years old, he's so small -
0:12:11 > 0:12:14but competing with the others for food is tough
0:12:14 > 0:12:17and he'll always be at the bottom of the pecking order.
0:12:18 > 0:12:23The fact that he lost his hand and his lower arm all those years ago -
0:12:23 > 0:12:26that's dictated his entire life.
0:12:26 > 0:12:29He spends a lot of time on his own,
0:12:29 > 0:12:34and he will have no opportunity to move up through the hierarchy.
0:12:34 > 0:12:37He's sitting there now grooming all by himself.
0:12:37 > 0:12:40And with his little stump he's trying to groom himself
0:12:40 > 0:12:43and he really can't do it properly.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46I just wish someone would come along and groom him.
0:12:46 > 0:12:49He can't reach all the bits he needs to get to.
0:12:50 > 0:12:52You can't help but love him.
0:12:52 > 0:12:56He really is the most adorable little monkey.
0:13:16 > 0:13:18After a couple of weeks here,
0:13:18 > 0:13:21I'm getting to know the macaques and their daily routine.
0:13:28 > 0:13:30This is their favourite watering hole,
0:13:30 > 0:13:34and I'm now able to get much closer without disturbing them.
0:13:54 > 0:13:58Tarzan and his troop accepted Ugi a long time ago,
0:13:58 > 0:14:01and gradually they're warming to me.
0:14:05 > 0:14:08It seems like they're getting so relaxed around me these days.
0:14:10 > 0:14:13Sort of feel like you're part of the troop, part of the gang.
0:14:13 > 0:14:17They're not bothered by my presence in the slightest any more.
0:14:20 > 0:14:22It's a great feeling.
0:14:22 > 0:14:23Oh, hello.
0:14:24 > 0:14:26Come to see yourself?
0:14:27 > 0:14:30Hero is constantly hanging around,
0:14:30 > 0:14:33and is now starting to make my life difficult!
0:14:34 > 0:14:36Just a little tricky for me to film when you're doing that.
0:14:39 > 0:14:40Aren't you handsome?
0:14:42 > 0:14:44Oh, what a handsome fellow you are!
0:14:52 > 0:14:55Hero seems fascinated by his own image.
0:14:55 > 0:14:58And it's not just my camera that he likes exploring.
0:14:58 > 0:15:00Oh, he's at my bag now.
0:15:02 > 0:15:05He's insatiably curious, and my kit is irresistible.
0:15:11 > 0:15:14Hero's the ringleader of a whole bunch of cheeky youngsters,
0:15:14 > 0:15:16eagerly picking up his tricks.
0:15:55 > 0:15:57I need eyes in the back of my head
0:15:57 > 0:16:00and can't leave the camera alone for a minute.
0:16:07 > 0:16:08Oh, no!
0:16:11 > 0:16:12HE LAUGHS
0:16:15 > 0:16:18No damage done, you chancers!
0:16:30 > 0:16:31About a month into my stay,
0:16:31 > 0:16:35and just as I feel I'm getting to grips with group politics,
0:16:35 > 0:16:38Ugi thinks things might be about to change.
0:16:44 > 0:16:49There's been a lone male following this group for a few days now -
0:16:49 > 0:16:51what's he doing?
0:16:51 > 0:16:53He is monitoring the group
0:16:53 > 0:16:58because if he has the chance to go into the group,
0:16:58 > 0:17:01he will try to take over the alpha male position.
0:17:03 > 0:17:04Ugi knows him.
0:17:04 > 0:17:07He's called Samson and he's come from a neighbouring troop.
0:17:09 > 0:17:11Tarzan looks rattled.
0:17:12 > 0:17:15So what do you think he's going to do?
0:17:15 > 0:17:21I guess he will follow the group for a few days until he get the chance.
0:17:23 > 0:17:24And so is he learning about them?
0:17:24 > 0:17:27Is he sort of assessing the other males in the group?
0:17:27 > 0:17:30Exactly. How strong they are, and stuff.
0:17:36 > 0:17:37Every time I've seen him,
0:17:37 > 0:17:41he's either been watching from a distance or following.
0:17:41 > 0:17:44And he's a monkey on a mission - you know, there's purpose to this.
0:17:46 > 0:17:48And he's a strong-looking male.
0:17:48 > 0:17:51So it looks like he's left whatever troop he came from,
0:17:51 > 0:17:55and he might well be trying to sort of see whether or not
0:17:55 > 0:17:57he can get into our gang.
0:18:01 > 0:18:05Even I sense the tension as Tarzan heads towards the outsider.
0:18:09 > 0:18:12It's a confident move, ending in a very clear threat.
0:18:15 > 0:18:19But Samson, the lone male, is not so easily scared.
0:18:24 > 0:18:26Tarzan stands his ground...
0:18:27 > 0:18:29..and eventually Samson backs off.
0:18:34 > 0:18:36Tarzan may have held on to power
0:18:36 > 0:18:38but suddenly his position looks shaky.
0:18:46 > 0:18:49As calm settles over the troop again,
0:18:49 > 0:18:52another long bout of grooming gets under way.
0:18:57 > 0:18:59It's the hottest part of the day,
0:18:59 > 0:19:02and some of the older monkeys are taking a siesta.
0:19:04 > 0:19:06But while they sleep,
0:19:06 > 0:19:07the younger members of the troop
0:19:07 > 0:19:10have spotted an opportunity for some fun.
0:19:19 > 0:19:24Not surprisingly, it's Hero who's first into the driving seat.
0:19:26 > 0:19:32And it's not long before the rest of his gang come piling in.
0:19:42 > 0:19:44Peanut is normally on the edge of the action,
0:19:44 > 0:19:46but today he's in the thick of it.
0:19:48 > 0:19:50It's great to see him having some fun for a change.
0:19:53 > 0:19:55Making themselves at home.
0:19:55 > 0:19:57Yeah, second gear's a bit dodgy.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03Doing a little driving now?
0:20:03 > 0:20:06You'll find the key just down there to your right.
0:20:10 > 0:20:13Did you leave me a little present on the floor, did you?
0:20:16 > 0:20:18I think I'd better drive.
0:20:22 > 0:20:24HE STARTS ENGINE
0:20:27 > 0:20:29No damage done.
0:20:29 > 0:20:32HE DRIVES AWAY MACAQUE SNORTS
0:20:42 > 0:20:43THUNDERCLAPS
0:20:48 > 0:20:50The monsoon is upon us.
0:20:56 > 0:20:59The rain is a welcome relief from the humidity,
0:20:59 > 0:21:02but it's not much fun for us, or the monkeys.
0:21:18 > 0:21:21The poor monkeys, you know - they really hate this weather.
0:21:21 > 0:21:23They look absolutely miserable.
0:21:25 > 0:21:27All they can do is find shelter as best they can
0:21:27 > 0:21:32and just wait till the rain finishes.
0:21:37 > 0:21:41There's one of them on the ground over there just found a little leaf to hide under,
0:21:41 > 0:21:44like a little umbrella peeking out at the world hoping that this ends,
0:21:44 > 0:21:46a bit like myself, really.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51We're sort of all in the same boat.
0:21:51 > 0:21:52It's all a bit miserable.
0:22:24 > 0:22:28This is the most dangerous time of year for our troop.
0:22:30 > 0:22:32But not because of the weather -
0:22:32 > 0:22:34it's because of the rough seas.
0:22:37 > 0:22:41Some local fishermen who can't make a living in these conditions
0:22:41 > 0:22:43turn to the forest for an income.
0:22:45 > 0:22:46They hunt monkeys.
0:22:53 > 0:22:55Peanut was lucky.
0:22:57 > 0:23:00He escaped from a hunter's trap and survived,
0:23:00 > 0:23:04but countless others never make it.
0:23:22 > 0:23:25Ugi and I are heading to the nearby town of Tomahon,
0:23:25 > 0:23:27to visit the local market.
0:23:28 > 0:23:32He wants to show me first-hand why these unique animals are disappearing.
0:23:37 > 0:23:39This looks like any ordinary Indonesian market
0:23:39 > 0:23:41but it's far from it.
0:23:41 > 0:23:44In fact, I've been sort of mentally preparing to come to this place.
0:23:44 > 0:23:47I'm not sure if I am actually quite prepared for what I'm about to see.
0:23:59 > 0:24:03The people of north Sulawesi have a taste for wild meat.
0:24:04 > 0:24:08Hundreds of them come here every week to buy animals
0:24:08 > 0:24:09freshly hunted from the forest.
0:24:16 > 0:24:22There's an overwhelming smell of sort of raw meat and burning flesh.
0:24:22 > 0:24:26I've never been any place quite like it before
0:24:26 > 0:24:28and I mightn't come to such a place again, I have to say.
0:24:28 > 0:24:31It's sort of... It's hard to watch.
0:24:31 > 0:24:32But it's just a cultural thing.
0:24:32 > 0:24:35Here it's completely normal.
0:24:35 > 0:24:39Here, housewives are out buying squirrels and rats and snakes.
0:24:39 > 0:24:40It's just what they do here.
0:24:40 > 0:24:43You've got to be very careful, I guess, not to be judgmental,
0:24:43 > 0:24:45but it's very hard for me to watch.
0:24:53 > 0:24:55What seems to be happening is
0:24:55 > 0:24:57the customers are choosing the kind of meat they want
0:24:57 > 0:24:59then it's taken under the counter
0:24:59 > 0:25:02and it's already prepared to be brought home and consumed.
0:25:04 > 0:25:05Wild pigs, snakes...
0:25:07 > 0:25:09- Bats.- Bats?- Yeah. - Fruit bats.
0:25:09 > 0:25:12That is some amount of bats, when you think of it.
0:25:14 > 0:25:17If this amount are for sale every day, seven days a week,
0:25:17 > 0:25:20it just shows that the demand for bush meat is absolutely enormous.
0:25:23 > 0:25:26The most sought-after meat here is macaque.
0:25:26 > 0:25:28It's expensive because it's illegal.
0:25:31 > 0:25:35I know for a fact that monkey is being traded in this market,
0:25:35 > 0:25:38but because I'm a foreigner, it's disappearing
0:25:38 > 0:25:40under the counter before I can see it.
0:25:43 > 0:25:46Now, unlike me, Ugi can wander through the market
0:25:46 > 0:25:48without attracting any attention.
0:25:50 > 0:25:54We're using a secret camera to see if we can gather evidence
0:25:54 > 0:25:55that monkey meat is for sale.
0:25:57 > 0:26:00And it's not long before we capture undeniable proof -
0:26:00 > 0:26:05a macaque being illegally sold in broad daylight.
0:26:21 > 0:26:25I knew the monkeys were in trouble, but I had no idea it was this bad.
0:26:28 > 0:26:29It's little wonder for me now
0:26:29 > 0:26:32that the crested macaque is critically endangered.
0:26:32 > 0:26:35And it's endangered, on the verge of going extinct, because of this -
0:26:35 > 0:26:37because people like to eat them.
0:26:43 > 0:26:45Any day they could end up being snared in a trap
0:26:45 > 0:26:47and brought to this place,
0:26:47 > 0:26:50and I can't imagine anything worse for a wild monkey
0:26:50 > 0:26:54ending its life in this place, particularly one of my little mates.
0:26:54 > 0:26:59It's just... It's just hard to take.
0:26:59 > 0:27:01We've just got to do something about it.
0:27:08 > 0:27:10To supply this endless demand,
0:27:10 > 0:27:13the last wild population of monkeys
0:27:13 > 0:27:15is steadily vanishing from the forest.
0:27:19 > 0:27:22Since I was here 25 years ago,
0:27:22 > 0:27:26their numbers have dropped by almost 90%.
0:27:27 > 0:27:30These monkeys are being eaten to extinction.
0:27:33 > 0:27:36Once upon a time, there were maybe tens of thousands of them.
0:27:36 > 0:27:40You can understand when people were hunting and gathering
0:27:40 > 0:27:42and they were part of something that people ate,
0:27:42 > 0:27:49but now people are choosing to eat them just as a delicacy.
0:27:49 > 0:27:52The fact that a species can disappear in this day and age
0:27:52 > 0:27:54with all of our communications,
0:27:54 > 0:27:57purely because people like the taste of them...
0:28:01 > 0:28:03That just makes no sense, that really doesn't.
0:28:19 > 0:28:21But the monkeys do have some people,
0:28:21 > 0:28:24some great people, looking out for them.
0:28:24 > 0:28:27Ugi and his team are trying to understand
0:28:27 > 0:28:30more about the crested black macaques and how to save them.
0:28:32 > 0:28:35Ugi's convinced that a film made in the local language
0:28:35 > 0:28:37could make a huge difference.
0:28:39 > 0:28:42With his knowledge, and my footage,
0:28:42 > 0:28:46maybe we can show people how special these monkeys really are,
0:28:46 > 0:28:50and then they just might think twice before eating them.
0:28:53 > 0:28:55NOISY CHITTERING
0:28:58 > 0:29:01We've caught up with the troop again this morning,
0:29:01 > 0:29:02but something's not right.
0:29:06 > 0:29:09They all seem on edge.
0:29:09 > 0:29:11CHITTERING
0:29:13 > 0:29:15Then we discover why -
0:29:15 > 0:29:17there's no sign of Tarzan,
0:29:17 > 0:29:19and there's a new male in his place.
0:29:21 > 0:29:24Samson, the one who's been tracking this group for some time,
0:29:24 > 0:29:27has taken over and established himself -
0:29:27 > 0:29:28possibly just in one fight.
0:29:30 > 0:29:33He's got a nasty looking cut on his lip.
0:29:33 > 0:29:35It really does look nasty.
0:29:35 > 0:29:37You can sort of see his teeth inside.
0:29:40 > 0:29:42But I guess this was a prize worth fighting for.
0:29:48 > 0:29:53The new regime change is an unsettling time for the troop.
0:29:53 > 0:29:55They're unsure about the new male
0:29:55 > 0:29:59and they look to Uhura, the alpha female, for a lead.
0:30:00 > 0:30:03It's her job to keep order in the group,
0:30:03 > 0:30:07and she has no choice but to accept Samson as her new male.
0:30:11 > 0:30:15And not too far away, the fallen king is all on his own,
0:30:15 > 0:30:17and not looking too good.
0:30:19 > 0:30:22I've just spotted Tarzan,
0:30:22 > 0:30:24and what a different monkey he looks now.
0:30:29 > 0:30:31He's got a bad-looking gash on his arm.
0:30:31 > 0:30:34It looks raw.
0:30:34 > 0:30:38He's sitting all on his own and he's literally licking his wounds.
0:30:40 > 0:30:42He's just trying to keep it clean, I guess.
0:30:44 > 0:30:46There are no other monkeys around here now,
0:30:46 > 0:30:49so for him this is a new chapter in his life.
0:30:49 > 0:30:51He's completely on his own.
0:30:51 > 0:30:54That's not a good thing to be if you're a monkey.
0:30:54 > 0:30:58It's hard to believe looking at him now - the state of him -
0:30:58 > 0:31:02that yesterday he was surrounded by females.
0:31:02 > 0:31:05How the mighty can fall in such a short space of time.
0:31:07 > 0:31:10So I really don't know what's going to happen to him.
0:31:14 > 0:31:17Tarzan's not the only monkey that's all on his own.
0:31:19 > 0:31:21Peanut is almost always alone,
0:31:21 > 0:31:23and with no monkey mates to play with,
0:31:23 > 0:31:26he's now started making friends with me.
0:31:28 > 0:31:31I have to be careful not to stare at him, because he doesn't like it.
0:31:35 > 0:31:37Hello.
0:31:42 > 0:31:45I think he's had a life of having to make friends with everyone he meets,
0:31:45 > 0:31:50because he's so small he can't be aggressive - there's no point.
0:31:50 > 0:31:52He seems to like coming on these little visits now,
0:31:52 > 0:31:55because there's some days when he gets very little company
0:31:55 > 0:31:58within the group.
0:31:58 > 0:32:00And I know I shouldn't really have a favourite,
0:32:00 > 0:32:04sort of like having a favourite amongst your children,
0:32:04 > 0:32:07but there's something a bit special about this little monkey.
0:32:12 > 0:32:17As the day heats up, Peanut tries not to get left behind,
0:32:17 > 0:32:22while Hero and his gang of teenagers head down to the river to cool off.
0:32:32 > 0:32:35As soon as the youngsters get sight of the water
0:32:35 > 0:32:39they just can't resist getting in and just having a mess around.
0:32:39 > 0:32:41Just to escape from the humidity of the forest
0:32:41 > 0:32:44and the constant heat it must be so nice.
0:32:44 > 0:32:47I wouldn't mind getting in there myself.
0:32:47 > 0:32:49You can't help but feel part of the fun.
0:33:19 > 0:33:23Little Peanut always tries his best to join in the fun.
0:33:24 > 0:33:26But there's an edge to this monkey play -
0:33:26 > 0:33:29it's a sort of rehearsal for the power games
0:33:29 > 0:33:33that Tarzan and Samson have just played out for real.
0:33:33 > 0:33:35Peanut will never be in their league,
0:33:35 > 0:33:38whereas Hero always seems to come out on top.
0:34:14 > 0:34:17BIRDS CHIRP LOUDLY
0:34:26 > 0:34:29It's time to move filming up a level.
0:34:31 > 0:34:35Nobody has ever observed the monkeys in their sleeping trees before.
0:34:35 > 0:34:37So I want to see for myself
0:34:37 > 0:34:40what it's like at the top of their favourite tree.
0:34:45 > 0:34:48We're hoping to explore another big part of their world -
0:34:48 > 0:34:51the forest canopy.
0:34:51 > 0:34:53We've brought in a whole load of new equipment,
0:34:53 > 0:34:56and the monkeys can't wait to get their hands on it!
0:34:58 > 0:35:00They must be wondering what we're up to.
0:35:02 > 0:35:05I just hope Hero and his gang don't chew through our ropes.
0:35:11 > 0:35:15We've built a platform some 40 metres up in the monkeys' sleeping tree,
0:35:15 > 0:35:19and we're desperately hoping the new construction won't put them off.
0:35:29 > 0:35:32Now all we can do is wait for them to come to bed.
0:35:49 > 0:35:52There's a couple of hornbills, right over there.
0:35:53 > 0:35:55Such a special place though, isn't it?
0:36:01 > 0:36:02THEY WHISPER
0:36:07 > 0:36:09They certainly know that we're here,
0:36:09 > 0:36:11and I think they're a little surprised.
0:36:13 > 0:36:16They don't seem too put out, but they've spotted us.
0:36:31 > 0:36:36(Beside you...beside you.) Hello.
0:36:42 > 0:36:45They're starting to climb the trees all around us.
0:36:51 > 0:36:52(Hero, Hero, Hero...)
0:36:52 > 0:36:53Oh, here comes Hero.
0:36:56 > 0:36:58He's looking at me. Doesn't know what to think.
0:37:02 > 0:37:05So good to see them up in the canopy, it really is!
0:37:06 > 0:37:08To see what they experience.
0:37:14 > 0:37:16They make it look so easy.
0:37:17 > 0:37:20They're just so agile compared to us human beings,
0:37:20 > 0:37:23they just seem to ascend effortlessly -
0:37:23 > 0:37:26even the little youngsters.
0:37:31 > 0:37:33As darkness descends,
0:37:33 > 0:37:37we find ourselves in a crowded tree top dormitory.
0:37:44 > 0:37:46They're all settling down for the night.
0:37:48 > 0:37:51You can see the mothers are holding tightly onto the babies.
0:37:53 > 0:37:57Just the chattering quiet contact calls and the rustling of leaves.
0:38:10 > 0:38:12It's a perfect end to a day.
0:38:16 > 0:38:19The monkeys seem very relaxed... quiet.
0:38:19 > 0:38:21It's like the squabbles of the day are over.
0:38:30 > 0:38:31It's absolutely magical.
0:38:34 > 0:38:35Just magical.
0:38:45 > 0:38:49This forest and these monkeys, they're just so intertwined
0:38:49 > 0:38:53and I can't imagine sitting up in a canopy like this in 20 years' time
0:38:53 > 0:38:55and not hearing those calls.
0:38:56 > 0:38:57Having just an empty forest.
0:39:22 > 0:39:27BELL TOLLS CHORAL SINGING
0:39:34 > 0:39:35It's Easter Sunday.
0:39:37 > 0:39:43# Hallelujah, Hallelujah... #
0:39:44 > 0:39:47SINGING CONTINUES
0:39:49 > 0:39:52Easter's a great time of celebration in this part of the world,
0:39:52 > 0:39:54which is predominantly Christian.
0:39:54 > 0:39:59Everyone's out on the streets in their finery and having a good time.
0:39:59 > 0:40:03But it's a really dangerous time for our monkeys,
0:40:03 > 0:40:05because they are on the menu at this time of the year.
0:40:10 > 0:40:15I've just heard that yesterday four monkeys were found at Tomahon market
0:40:15 > 0:40:20and there are lots of other bush markets around this place, too,
0:40:20 > 0:40:25so I wonder how many people are celebrating Easter today
0:40:25 > 0:40:27by eating monkey.
0:40:33 > 0:40:36But the tide may just be starting to turn.
0:40:40 > 0:40:45The children of north Sulawesi are already starting to see things differently.
0:40:54 > 0:40:56PUPILS CHANT IN LOCAL DIALECT
0:41:03 > 0:41:07Ito and Elis work for an education charity in schools and villages
0:41:07 > 0:41:11across north Sulawesi, teaching the children about the value of monkeys.
0:41:14 > 0:41:17It's impressive work and I find it really moving to watch.
0:41:20 > 0:41:22These kids seem to have got the message,
0:41:22 > 0:41:26but Ugi and I want to help spread the word to the wider community.
0:41:32 > 0:41:35We've started editing our film and we plan to show it in the village
0:41:35 > 0:41:37before I leave in a few weeks' time.
0:41:39 > 0:41:41If people can see monkeys as individuals,
0:41:41 > 0:41:44and not just as meat, they may yet survive.
0:41:46 > 0:41:48Time is running out.
0:41:49 > 0:41:53There are just 2,000 monkeys left here in Tangkoko,
0:41:53 > 0:41:56and this is their last stronghold.
0:42:00 > 0:42:02When we meet up with them again,
0:42:02 > 0:42:05there's still tension at the top of the troop.
0:42:09 > 0:42:11Tarzan's nursing nasty injuries,
0:42:11 > 0:42:15but, incredibly, he's trying to work his way back into his old group.
0:42:17 > 0:42:22The new alpha, Samson, won't like this, especially when Tarzan
0:42:22 > 0:42:23starts cosying up with the females.
0:42:27 > 0:42:29It's great to see Tarzan back in the group.
0:42:31 > 0:42:32The females seem to like him.
0:42:36 > 0:42:37But Samson's...
0:42:38 > 0:42:41Samson's having a good look at what's going on.
0:42:46 > 0:42:50OK, that was Samson...showing the females and Tarzan -
0:42:50 > 0:42:52"Don't get too comfortable with this situation,
0:42:52 > 0:42:55"I'm not having any of that, thank you very much."
0:42:57 > 0:42:59Tarzan's been the alpha here for quite a while
0:42:59 > 0:43:02so he's got quite strong relationships
0:43:02 > 0:43:08and he's got to rekindle those without upsetting the new man in charge.
0:43:08 > 0:43:12If he crosses that line, this new male could teach him another lesson,
0:43:12 > 0:43:14and he doesn't want that.
0:43:17 > 0:43:19But Tarzan's being a very clever politician -
0:43:19 > 0:43:22by lip-smacking he's showing Samson respect.
0:43:28 > 0:43:31It's the two big males getting close together.
0:43:34 > 0:43:37It's like Tarzan is trying to find his way in the troop again.
0:43:43 > 0:43:46But it's moments like this, anything could happen.
0:43:53 > 0:43:54Oh, look.
0:43:55 > 0:43:59Right now, Tarzan is being submissive to the new male.
0:43:59 > 0:44:01He's, like, trying to probably bond with him,
0:44:01 > 0:44:04to maybe become the next-in-line, to be his subordinate -
0:44:04 > 0:44:08something I never could have imagined happening just a week ago.
0:44:11 > 0:44:15What a smart diplomat Tarzan's proved himself to be,
0:44:15 > 0:44:17negotiating his way out of trouble,
0:44:17 > 0:44:21and back into the troop as Samson's second-in-command.
0:44:23 > 0:44:24The more I get to know these guys,
0:44:24 > 0:44:27the more complex this society becomes.
0:44:29 > 0:44:32This is what Ugi and I want people to understand -
0:44:32 > 0:44:36that these monkeys are clever, sensitive creatures, just like us.
0:44:41 > 0:44:42And in my final week here,
0:44:42 > 0:44:45there's some really good news for the group...
0:44:46 > 0:44:51..there's a brand-new infant, and Ugi has christened him Colin, after me.
0:44:56 > 0:44:58- This baby's only a day or two old? - Yeah.
0:44:59 > 0:45:02And what happens in the troop when there's a new baby?
0:45:02 > 0:45:09Normally, if we have a new baby born, a lot of females get excited,
0:45:09 > 0:45:11and they would like to play with the small baby,
0:45:11 > 0:45:14and some female pretend to groom the mother,
0:45:14 > 0:45:17but actually she would like to play with the baby.
0:45:37 > 0:45:39Even when the babies are just a few days old
0:45:39 > 0:45:43it's as if they can't wait to get their little bit of independence.
0:45:43 > 0:45:44As soon as Mum's back is turned,
0:45:44 > 0:45:47they're sort of getting into mischief.
0:45:48 > 0:45:53It's as if they can't wait to get out and explore the world for themselves.
0:45:53 > 0:45:56And sometimes, when Mum is grooming they start wandering away
0:45:56 > 0:46:00and exploring the vegetation and testing their strength.
0:46:04 > 0:46:08It's going to be a jungle playground for them for the next while.
0:46:12 > 0:46:15Baby Colin has wandered too far from his mother.
0:46:16 > 0:46:19He's stumbled into the path of Uhura.
0:46:23 > 0:46:28It's an early lesson to keep a wary eye out for the alpha female.
0:46:31 > 0:46:33Once she's shown her dominance,
0:46:33 > 0:46:36Colin is allowed to return to his mother,
0:46:36 > 0:46:38shaken but not harmed.
0:46:39 > 0:46:41But then Mum sees what's going on
0:46:41 > 0:46:44and sort of gathers him back into the fold.
0:46:46 > 0:46:50"You shouldn't be doing that yet, you're too young to wander off on your own."
0:46:50 > 0:46:52You know when a species is in this much trouble,
0:46:52 > 0:46:55every birth has got to be celebrated.
0:46:57 > 0:47:01That's what we need - lots more births, lots more monkeys.
0:47:01 > 0:47:04We need this population to stop declining, and soon,
0:47:04 > 0:47:06and start building again.
0:47:24 > 0:47:25SPEAKS LOCAL DIALECT
0:47:25 > 0:47:27It's monkey movie night in the village.
0:47:31 > 0:47:33Tonight we're planning to show our film
0:47:33 > 0:47:36but first we need to get the word out on the streets.
0:47:40 > 0:47:43We're just trying to drum up a bit of support for our film tonight.
0:47:43 > 0:47:44It's a lot of fun.
0:47:44 > 0:47:47Looks like lots of people are going to come.
0:47:47 > 0:47:49If they all turn up, we're going to be in trouble.
0:47:49 > 0:47:52Shall we stop here and hand some out?
0:47:54 > 0:47:56SPEAKS LOCAL DIALECT
0:48:33 > 0:48:36Ugi and his megaphone have worked wonders.
0:48:36 > 0:48:39A crowd of about 500 have turned up for our screening.
0:48:43 > 0:48:45FEMALE VOICEOVER IN LOCAL DIALECT
0:48:48 > 0:48:51Despite the fact they're almost neighbours,
0:48:51 > 0:48:54most people here have never seen the monkeys behaving naturally,
0:48:54 > 0:48:58and they seem to find them fascinating.
0:49:10 > 0:49:13LAUGHING AND CHATTERING
0:49:19 > 0:49:23The whole idea of the film is to make people think,
0:49:23 > 0:49:26and understand how precious these monkeys are.
0:49:28 > 0:49:30And it looks as though it's working.
0:49:33 > 0:49:38For the first time, people are learning that the monkeys live in family groups,
0:49:38 > 0:49:41and take care of their young just like we do.
0:49:50 > 0:49:54When the film reveals how rare and endangered the monkeys are,
0:49:54 > 0:49:58the atmosphere changes and the crowd falls silent.
0:50:17 > 0:50:19Now I know the monkeys won't be saved overnight
0:50:19 > 0:50:21by people watching a film.
0:50:21 > 0:50:25But just to get the local community learning about monkeys
0:50:25 > 0:50:27and showing an interest is progress of a kind.
0:50:31 > 0:50:35If they can take home the idea that the macaques are about to disappear for ever
0:50:35 > 0:50:39then the growing movement to save them could gain momentum
0:50:39 > 0:50:42and the monkeys could still have a future.
0:50:55 > 0:50:59APPLAUSE
0:51:23 > 0:51:27Ugi and I are bringing the children we met at school into the forest
0:51:27 > 0:51:28to meet the monkeys.
0:51:30 > 0:51:34It's the first time many of the kids have actually been in the rainforest
0:51:34 > 0:51:36and they're very excited about seeing the macaques.
0:52:45 > 0:52:48As the next generation learn to value the monkeys,
0:52:48 > 0:52:50I hope they might not want to eat them,
0:52:50 > 0:52:52and the hunting should eventually stop.
0:53:35 > 0:53:38My time with the troop is coming to an end.
0:53:39 > 0:53:43I've come to say goodbye, especially to my little favourite, Peanut.
0:53:44 > 0:53:46I'm delighted to see that for once
0:53:46 > 0:53:49he's looking rather pleased with himself.
0:53:53 > 0:53:54This is a really lovely moment.
0:53:56 > 0:53:59He spends so much time on his own and he rarely gets groomed,
0:53:59 > 0:54:02and here he's getting a really good once over.
0:54:03 > 0:54:05It's just lovely to see.
0:54:13 > 0:54:15Peanut has made friends with a young female
0:54:15 > 0:54:17who's taken quite a shine to him.
0:54:22 > 0:54:25He's clearly responding well to the attention.
0:54:29 > 0:54:31I've never seen him so happy.
0:54:37 > 0:54:41When I catch up with Hero for the last time, he's found a new toy.
0:54:42 > 0:54:47Someone has left a motorbike parked in the forest -
0:54:47 > 0:54:51never a good idea - and Hero has claimed it as his own.
0:54:53 > 0:54:57The other youngsters are content to watch the young master at work.
0:55:03 > 0:55:05Today he's king of the road,
0:55:05 > 0:55:08but I've a feeling it won't be long
0:55:08 > 0:55:10before he becomes king of the monkeys.
0:55:18 > 0:55:22Now that Samson and Tarzan have worked out the new pecking order,
0:55:22 > 0:55:24peace reigns over the troop.
0:55:27 > 0:55:31Some of the youngsters have become incredibly friendly
0:55:31 > 0:55:34and it feels like I'm now part of the gang.
0:55:40 > 0:55:43Now I'd normally try and keep my distance,
0:55:43 > 0:55:45but there's nothing I can do about this.
0:55:51 > 0:55:53Might as well just try and enjoy it.
0:56:00 > 0:56:02And then a second pair of hands starts grooming me, too.
0:56:05 > 0:56:09All my hours of filming are rewarded in one single moment.
0:56:12 > 0:56:15Just amazing.
0:56:32 > 0:56:36I can't quite believe that that just happened on my last day in the forest.
0:56:38 > 0:56:41Such an amazing feeling.
0:56:43 > 0:56:47Just saw them coming closer and closer until they filled my lens.
0:56:48 > 0:56:50Then I just felt that...
0:56:51 > 0:56:53..the first touch.
0:56:53 > 0:56:58And it wasn't just a casual tap on the head.
0:56:58 > 0:57:02It wasn't just that sort of contact, it was a full-on groom.
0:57:04 > 0:57:06I wonder what they think of me.
0:57:09 > 0:57:10I know what I think of them.
0:57:13 > 0:57:15Wonderful, wonderful creatures.
0:57:19 > 0:57:24It's like a... Like a little parting gift, I guess.
0:57:27 > 0:57:30It's going to be really tough leaving them behind.
0:57:32 > 0:57:37But I'm leaving this place with a real sense of hope,
0:57:37 > 0:57:38a sense that all is not lost,
0:57:38 > 0:57:42and that's because the people who are working to save them
0:57:42 > 0:57:44are working really hard.
0:57:49 > 0:57:53It's just been such a privilege, not just to work with these monkeys,
0:57:53 > 0:57:55but to work with the people trying to save them.
0:58:03 > 0:58:09I'm sad to go, but I leave knowing that over the coming months
0:58:09 > 0:58:12the film that Ugi and I made will eventually be shown
0:58:12 > 0:58:14right across northern Sulawesi.
0:58:19 > 0:58:21I hope that as I depart, these wonderful monkeys
0:58:21 > 0:58:24will find many, many more friends.
0:58:31 > 0:58:34Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd