0:00:02 > 0:00:04Meet Gremlin, a young toque macaque.
0:00:04 > 0:00:06She's just nine weeks old.
0:00:06 > 0:00:08She's tiny and very vulnerable,
0:00:08 > 0:00:12and for a little monkey, this is a dangerous world.
0:00:12 > 0:00:15There are lethal predators.
0:00:17 > 0:00:19Brutal competition within the troop.
0:00:24 > 0:00:27Deadly threats from a neighbouring tribe.
0:00:29 > 0:00:33One in three baby macaques die before their first birthday.
0:00:36 > 0:00:40Gremlin has a lot to learn, and fast.
0:00:41 > 0:00:44If she fails, she won't survive.
0:00:47 > 0:00:49This is her story.
0:01:23 > 0:01:26Gremlin belongs to a 70-strong troop of macaques
0:01:26 > 0:01:29living in the ruins of Polonnaruwa,
0:01:29 > 0:01:32an ancient city in northern Sri Lanka.
0:01:53 > 0:01:55She's a normal, healthy baby,
0:01:55 > 0:01:58totally dependent on the love and support of her mother.
0:02:00 > 0:02:03That doesn't mean her life is simple.
0:02:05 > 0:02:08Macaque society has a very strict pecking order.
0:02:09 > 0:02:13Alpha male Hector rules with a rod of iron.
0:02:14 > 0:02:17That's tough for Gremlin.
0:02:17 > 0:02:20Her mum is ranked near the bottom of the heap.
0:02:22 > 0:02:25Life is a struggle.
0:02:25 > 0:02:29They're first in line for bullying, and last in the queue for food.
0:02:33 > 0:02:38For Gremlin, success and survival depend on learning to fit in.
0:02:44 > 0:02:47It's a very steep learning curve.
0:02:47 > 0:02:50The everyday lessons she has to learn in her first year
0:02:50 > 0:02:51are crucial to her survival.
0:03:01 > 0:03:04Cameraman Gavin Thurston has filmed this troop before.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07Even so, it's a challenge filming them again.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10It's great to be back here in Sri Lanka
0:03:10 > 0:03:14and working with some of the same monkeys I worked with 15 years ago.
0:03:14 > 0:03:15There's 68 animals in the group.
0:03:15 > 0:03:18It's really difficult to work out who's who
0:03:18 > 0:03:20and who the main characters are.
0:03:30 > 0:03:32Luckily, Gremlin is distinctive.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35She has a white tip on her tail and stands out from the crowd.
0:03:46 > 0:03:49These ruins are perfect territory for the Temple Troop.
0:03:50 > 0:03:54There's 100 acres of prime forest and plenty of food.
0:03:56 > 0:04:00Life should be good for Gremlin.
0:04:02 > 0:04:03But there's a problem.
0:04:06 > 0:04:09A road borders the Temple Troop's territory.
0:04:09 > 0:04:13On the other side, a competing troop of macaques -
0:04:13 > 0:04:15the Slumdogs.
0:04:17 > 0:04:22Territorial disputes are frequent and sometimes vicious.
0:04:26 > 0:04:28With 5cm-long canine teeth,
0:04:28 > 0:04:31injuries are often life-threatening.
0:04:31 > 0:04:35A tiny youngster like Gremlin could easily be killed.
0:04:40 > 0:04:43It's always a very tense atmosphere in the borderlands
0:04:43 > 0:04:45between the two troops,
0:04:45 > 0:04:47and right now, the Temple Troop have something
0:04:47 > 0:04:49the Slumdogs desperately want -
0:04:49 > 0:04:51a fig tree.
0:04:52 > 0:04:55It's just inside the Temple Troop's territory.
0:04:57 > 0:04:59It's a prime resource.
0:04:59 > 0:05:01Figs are rich in vitamins.
0:05:01 > 0:05:06A favourite food, there'll be plenty for the whole troop to enjoy.
0:05:06 > 0:05:09The figs aren't ripe yet,
0:05:09 > 0:05:13but the Slumdogs have had their eyes on the tree all winter.
0:05:13 > 0:05:15Both troops want it for themselves.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22Well, it's pretty clear, this fig tree,
0:05:22 > 0:05:26which is right on the boundary of the two groups' territories,
0:05:26 > 0:05:28is quite a prize if you can win it.
0:05:28 > 0:05:30There's loads of fruit up here.
0:05:34 > 0:05:37To Gremlin, for now, it's just another tree.
0:05:39 > 0:05:43But both troops' leaders know it's a valuable prize,
0:05:43 > 0:05:45Hector for the Temple Troop
0:05:45 > 0:05:47and Bad-eye for the Slumdogs.
0:05:51 > 0:05:53They're long-standing enemies.
0:05:54 > 0:05:57Slumdog king Bad-eye got his injury in a previous fight.
0:06:07 > 0:06:10He's always on the lookout for ways to settle the score.
0:06:16 > 0:06:19For Gremlin, that spells danger.
0:06:20 > 0:06:23If she strays too far from her mother,
0:06:23 > 0:06:26she could fall into the hands of the Slumdogs.
0:06:26 > 0:06:28They wouldn't hesitate to kill her.
0:06:39 > 0:06:41Suddenly, a warning call.
0:06:46 > 0:06:48Dogs.
0:06:55 > 0:06:57There are hundreds of feral dogs in this forest.
0:07:01 > 0:07:04A young monkey would make a fine meal.
0:07:10 > 0:07:13The best defence against them is to give them a wide berth.
0:07:14 > 0:07:17So Gremlin's mum quickly carries her to safety.
0:07:19 > 0:07:22Surviving here demands constant vigilance.
0:07:27 > 0:07:31Dogs are just one of the many predators in the forest.
0:07:41 > 0:07:43Living in a large troop means
0:07:43 > 0:07:45there's always a set of eyes on the lookout.
0:07:46 > 0:07:50And because macaques use different calls for different predators,
0:07:50 > 0:07:54the troop always know whether it's a snake, dog,
0:07:54 > 0:07:56or hawk that's threatening them.
0:08:02 > 0:08:04For Gremlin,
0:08:04 > 0:08:06it's one of the benefits of living in an extended family.
0:08:09 > 0:08:11Despite their rigid hierarchy,
0:08:11 > 0:08:14every individual monkey plays its part in the troop's safety.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20Gremlin must learn the full repertoire of macaque calls
0:08:20 > 0:08:21as quickly as she can.
0:08:31 > 0:08:36And by far the most important warning call to learn is this one.
0:08:36 > 0:08:38SQUEAKING
0:08:43 > 0:08:47One of the sentries has spotted a Slumdog near the border.
0:08:49 > 0:08:53The sentry's tail arches into a prominent curve over his back.
0:08:59 > 0:09:03That tail up there, that signifies to the females there's danger
0:09:03 > 0:09:05and they should be moving back.
0:09:08 > 0:09:10The whole troop knows the signal.
0:09:10 > 0:09:13Gremlin's mum quickly retreats to safety.
0:09:21 > 0:09:24Gremlin must learn to watch for danger signs
0:09:24 > 0:09:26or she'll be in trouble.
0:09:38 > 0:09:41The Slumdogs are testing boundaries.
0:09:41 > 0:09:43They've got the fig tree in their sights...
0:09:43 > 0:09:45and with reason.
0:09:49 > 0:09:53While Hector's Temple Troop live the good life in prime forest...
0:09:57 > 0:10:00..Bad-eye and his Slumdogs take risks just to eat.
0:10:02 > 0:10:06They steal scraps from the local market and rubbish bins.
0:10:12 > 0:10:14To the Slumdogs,
0:10:14 > 0:10:17that fig tree looks like paradise.
0:10:25 > 0:10:27Warriors from both sides square up to each other.
0:10:31 > 0:10:35Gremlin's troop prepare to defend their territory.
0:10:37 > 0:10:41Their success depends on Hector's skills as a leader.
0:10:45 > 0:10:48His border scouts give him early warnings on enemy movements.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58As the Slumdogs continue to advance,
0:10:58 > 0:11:02all the males go to battle-ready status.
0:11:02 > 0:11:05They stand on their hind legs to get a better look at the opposition,
0:11:05 > 0:11:07and to intimidate them.
0:11:09 > 0:11:14If the invaders don't retreat, battle-hardened veterans stand firm,
0:11:14 > 0:11:15ready to stop the advance.
0:11:26 > 0:11:31Life for male macaques can be violent and short.
0:11:31 > 0:11:34Hector and Bad-eye have seen many monkeys killed
0:11:34 > 0:11:35and injured in gang wars.
0:11:35 > 0:11:38It's an impasse.
0:11:39 > 0:11:42Neither side is prepared to fight.
0:11:45 > 0:11:48The figs aren't ripe yet.
0:11:48 > 0:11:51There are easier pickings for the Slumdogs in the market place.
0:11:52 > 0:11:53For now.
0:12:21 > 0:12:25Little Gremlin has no idea of the trouble brewing all around her.
0:12:25 > 0:12:29She takes a nap, safe and secure in her mother's arms.
0:12:31 > 0:12:35But if war breaks out, she will be in mortal danger.
0:13:09 > 0:13:11A new day dawns.
0:13:11 > 0:13:13After a good night's sleep,
0:13:13 > 0:13:16Gremlin wakes up with a troop of very relaxed monkeys.
0:13:28 > 0:13:31Macaques live in highly structured social groups.
0:13:31 > 0:13:33They have a rigid caste system.
0:13:33 > 0:13:35You're born into your social ranking
0:13:35 > 0:13:40and the only way to change it is to leave the group.
0:13:54 > 0:13:56That's fine if you're high up the social ladder.
0:14:03 > 0:14:06Hector enjoys the very best food and drink
0:14:06 > 0:14:10and a plentiful supply of servants to groom him throughout the day.
0:14:29 > 0:14:32If you're at the bottom of the social ladder, like Gremlin,
0:14:32 > 0:14:34the future's not so rosy.
0:14:34 > 0:14:36So, what do you do then?
0:14:42 > 0:14:48Meet Poppin, the lowest-ranking adult in the troop,
0:14:48 > 0:14:50lower, even, than Gremlin's mum.
0:14:50 > 0:14:53She's totally subservient,
0:14:53 > 0:14:55grooming everyone above her.
0:15:01 > 0:15:05Sadly, her status is unlikely to ever change.
0:15:14 > 0:15:17Gavin first filmed her 15 years ago.
0:15:19 > 0:15:22She was in the same position then as now,
0:15:22 > 0:15:26absolutely bottom of the pile.
0:15:26 > 0:15:29She even had to give up food stored in her cheek pouches
0:15:29 > 0:15:31to a higher-ranking female.
0:15:48 > 0:15:51I first came here in 1998.
0:15:51 > 0:15:52She's 21 years old now,
0:15:52 > 0:15:55she must have been about 12 or 13 when I was here last time,
0:15:55 > 0:15:57but she's still in pretty good nick.
0:15:57 > 0:15:59I think she's wearing better than me, in some ways!
0:16:02 > 0:16:07Amazingly, Poppin is one of the most successful monkeys in the troop.
0:16:07 > 0:16:11She's lived longer than any of them, raised eight baby monkeys
0:16:11 > 0:16:13and she's got another on the way.
0:16:14 > 0:16:18Not bad for someone at the bottom of the social ladder.
0:16:27 > 0:16:29It's all about politics.
0:16:29 > 0:16:32Poppin has made alliances across the troop
0:16:32 > 0:16:34and consorts with all the right males.
0:16:36 > 0:16:40She's especially attentive to Hector.
0:16:40 > 0:16:45It's her way of ensuring he looks after both her and her offspring.
0:16:49 > 0:16:54For Gremlin, political grooming is an important skill to learn.
0:16:57 > 0:16:59But grooming's not just about politics.
0:16:59 > 0:17:03There's a more basic reason, too.
0:17:10 > 0:17:13The forest is full of insects.
0:17:13 > 0:17:17Grooming is a great way to keep bug free.
0:17:17 > 0:17:19And if there's no-one around to groom you,
0:17:19 > 0:17:22there's nothing better than a good old scratch.
0:18:10 > 0:18:15There are over 15 monkeys under the age of two in the Temple Troop.
0:18:15 > 0:18:18The adults allow the youngsters plenty of freedom
0:18:18 > 0:18:20to explore and play.
0:18:21 > 0:18:26But discipline and respect must be strictly maintained.
0:18:38 > 0:18:40Like all youngsters,
0:18:40 > 0:18:43Gremlin must learn to express respect for adults
0:18:43 > 0:18:46through a complex series of postures, facial expressions
0:18:46 > 0:18:48and calls.
0:18:48 > 0:18:52She'll have to learn them very quickly in order to survive.
0:18:54 > 0:18:55As such a low ranking monkey,
0:18:55 > 0:18:58Gremlin won't get anywhere without learning to say
0:18:58 > 0:19:02"sorry", "excuse me" and "thank you".
0:19:05 > 0:19:09Adults will not hesitate to remind her who's boss.
0:19:18 > 0:19:21These are painful lessons for a baby macaque,
0:19:21 > 0:19:24especially so when you have no idea what you've done wrong.
0:19:26 > 0:19:29The truth is, of course, she hasn't done anything wrong.
0:19:29 > 0:19:32She's simply the lowest of the low
0:19:32 > 0:19:35and is being told this in no uncertain terms.
0:19:35 > 0:19:39It's a good reminder of who she can approach safely
0:19:39 > 0:19:42and who's best left well alone!
0:20:04 > 0:20:06Macaque society is all about respect,
0:20:06 > 0:20:09and Hector is top of the heap.
0:20:09 > 0:20:12He won't tolerate signs of insubordination.
0:20:16 > 0:20:18If he looks you in the eye,
0:20:18 > 0:20:22you have to express submission or face a beating.
0:20:24 > 0:20:25As he surveys his subjects,
0:20:25 > 0:20:28they chatter their teeth in homage to their king.
0:20:43 > 0:20:44Right, that...
0:20:45 > 0:20:47..that is him showing he's boss.
0:20:47 > 0:20:50And Gremlin has to learn how to deal with that
0:20:50 > 0:20:51so she doesn't get beaten up.
0:20:51 > 0:20:55Not even her mum can save Gremlin from Hector.
0:20:55 > 0:20:59Gremlin's caught his eye.
0:21:01 > 0:21:04Hector expects all the youngsters
0:21:04 > 0:21:08to show him the proper respect, no matter how young they are.
0:21:10 > 0:21:13If Gremlin plays this right, she'll escape punishment.
0:21:15 > 0:21:21If she gets it wrong, Hector's punishment will be swift and hard.
0:21:35 > 0:21:38Bingo! She's nailed it.
0:21:41 > 0:21:45Wow! Well, that doesn't seem very significant in human terms,
0:21:45 > 0:21:48but that teeth chatter that Gremlin's doing there
0:21:48 > 0:21:50is effectively her first words.
0:21:50 > 0:21:52She's learnt to say, "Excuse me, don't hit me."
0:21:54 > 0:21:55Really sweet.
0:21:58 > 0:22:04This strictly enforced caste system is there for a very good reason.
0:22:05 > 0:22:08Without it, every time someone finds
0:22:08 > 0:22:11a food source, there'll be a feeding frenzy.
0:22:11 > 0:22:16Only the fittest, strongest males would get to eat.
0:22:16 > 0:22:19With a well-ordered feeding line, there's space and time
0:22:19 > 0:22:22for weaker females and offspring to get a feed too.
0:22:23 > 0:22:25Even if they're last in the queue.
0:22:28 > 0:22:30With the fig tree growing riper
0:22:30 > 0:22:34and competition growing with the Slumdogs,
0:22:34 > 0:22:38discipline in the ranks will be crucial in the coming weeks.
0:22:42 > 0:22:46For now, Gremlin's learnt a vital skill.
0:22:46 > 0:22:50She's said her first words, and saved herself from a beating.
0:23:17 > 0:23:20As May progresses, the temperature starts to rise.
0:23:30 > 0:23:33It's a good time for Gremlin to learn the best places
0:23:33 > 0:23:35to drink and cool off.
0:23:36 > 0:23:38There's plenty of water, at the moment,
0:23:38 > 0:23:41but a few months from now, in the dry season,
0:23:41 > 0:23:43knowing where to go will be vital.
0:23:47 > 0:23:48The Temple Troop are lucky.
0:23:48 > 0:23:52They have plenty of good water sources in their territory.
0:23:55 > 0:23:59The dry season lasts three months, with hardly a drop of rain.
0:23:59 > 0:24:00Like the fig tree,
0:24:00 > 0:24:05the troop will defend their water sources jealously.
0:24:09 > 0:24:14On the Slumdogs' side of the road, it's a different story.
0:24:14 > 0:24:18The Slumdogs don't have the luxury of a pool on their territory.
0:24:18 > 0:24:20They have to make do with any water they can find.
0:24:26 > 0:24:28It's another reason why Bad-eye
0:24:28 > 0:24:30is so envious of the Temple Troop's territory.
0:24:32 > 0:24:35The combination of water and a ripening fig tree
0:24:35 > 0:24:37is worth its weight in gold.
0:24:49 > 0:24:50The figs are not ripe yet,
0:24:50 > 0:24:53but the troop know it won't be long.
0:25:00 > 0:25:01The trouble is,
0:25:01 > 0:25:03the Slumdogs know that too.
0:25:05 > 0:25:10A scouting party crosses the road to test the Temple Troop.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16The Temple Troop react immediately.
0:25:16 > 0:25:20The two sides exchange facial threats and postures.
0:25:20 > 0:25:25Flashing their eyelids and raising their eyebrows at each other.
0:25:27 > 0:25:28This could kick off.
0:25:30 > 0:25:33Time for Gremlin to make a swift exit...
0:25:35 > 0:25:36..with a little help from mum.
0:25:44 > 0:25:47Gremlin's escape is just in time.
0:25:49 > 0:25:52Neither side has backed down.
0:25:53 > 0:25:55The conflict is escalating.
0:25:57 > 0:25:59A showdown looks inevitable,
0:25:59 > 0:26:02but why don't they attack immediately?
0:26:02 > 0:26:05These look like friendly exchanges.
0:26:05 > 0:26:07They're not.
0:26:07 > 0:26:10These opposing fighters are sizing each other up,
0:26:10 > 0:26:14searching for each other's weaknesses,
0:26:14 > 0:26:17checking status, and sniffing out fear.
0:26:17 > 0:26:19It's a test of who will crack first.
0:26:19 > 0:26:22They're daring each other to launch an attack.
0:26:24 > 0:26:27They're also getting reacquainted.
0:26:27 > 0:26:30It's likely that many of these monkeys grew up together.
0:26:30 > 0:26:33Young male macaques are evicted from their troop
0:26:33 > 0:26:35before they reach adulthood.
0:26:37 > 0:26:39This is partly to prevent in-breeding,
0:26:39 > 0:26:43and partly the alpha male trying to preserve his dominance.
0:26:48 > 0:26:51These strength tests happen because no-one wants to get hurt
0:26:51 > 0:26:54unless it's absolutely necessary.
0:26:54 > 0:26:58And no-one wants to hurt a relative or an old friend.
0:26:58 > 0:27:01So they check each other's IDs and strength,
0:27:01 > 0:27:04and hope for a last minute reprieve.
0:27:09 > 0:27:12For today, it's enough.
0:27:12 > 0:27:16Both sides retreat. Diplomacy wins the day.
0:27:17 > 0:27:21It's proof of just how complex these monkey's lives are.
0:27:21 > 0:27:25They'll risk their lives to defend their territory...
0:27:27 > 0:27:30..but they'll try every other avenue first.
0:27:31 > 0:27:33This time, it paid off...
0:27:33 > 0:27:38and the frontline troops grab some well-earned R and R.
0:28:20 > 0:28:22It's great fun for the big guys.
0:28:26 > 0:28:30If you're small, it's best to stay away.
0:28:31 > 0:28:35Besides, Gremlin still has important lessons to learn.
0:28:35 > 0:28:37She's not yet weaned.
0:28:37 > 0:28:39But soon she'll be foraging for herself.
0:28:39 > 0:28:42It's never too early to learn what's on the menu.
0:28:54 > 0:28:57Macaques will eat pretty much anything
0:28:57 > 0:28:59and there's plenty to choose from -
0:28:59 > 0:29:05termites, caterpillars, birds' eggs, flowers and seedpods.
0:29:22 > 0:29:23Just like hamsters,
0:29:23 > 0:29:26they can store food in specially adapted cheek pouches,
0:29:26 > 0:29:28so they can eat it in safety later.
0:29:31 > 0:29:36Gremlin has to find out for herself what the really tasty things are.
0:29:36 > 0:29:39The only way she can do that is to experiment.
0:29:55 > 0:29:58From time to time, predictably, that means trying something...
0:29:58 > 0:30:01and regretting it.
0:30:15 > 0:30:18One delicacy she hasn't tried yet is fig.
0:30:21 > 0:30:24It's still a little while before they'll be ripe.
0:30:29 > 0:30:31That's just as well,
0:30:31 > 0:30:36because to reach them, first she must learn to climb.
0:30:40 > 0:30:43It's a vital skill for every young macaque.
0:30:49 > 0:30:52Trees...
0:30:52 > 0:30:55and temple walls are where the action is.
0:31:03 > 0:31:07Toque macaques are one of the most agile monkeys in the world.
0:31:22 > 0:31:25Their hands and feet are incredibly dextrous.
0:31:33 > 0:31:36And their tails are a handy counter-balance
0:31:36 > 0:31:38during even the trickiest manoeuvres.
0:32:03 > 0:32:07Gremlin has all the tools she needs to be an expert climber.
0:32:14 > 0:32:16Learning to use them takes time.
0:32:21 > 0:32:23With the figs ripening,
0:32:23 > 0:32:26the Temple Troop has a problem on its hands.
0:32:34 > 0:32:36It's a large territory to guard.
0:32:37 > 0:32:39The best they can do
0:32:39 > 0:32:42is conduct regular combat patrols around the perimeter.
0:32:42 > 0:32:46Along the way, they can check on the ripeness of the figs,
0:32:46 > 0:32:48and on what the Slumdogs are up to.
0:32:49 > 0:32:53Diplomatic tensions between the troops are high.
0:32:55 > 0:32:58The Temple Troop must make sure the Slumdogs know they're there.
0:33:07 > 0:33:11Scouts maintain a constant watch against intruders.
0:33:13 > 0:33:17And when they spot one, they shake the branches in alarm.
0:33:21 > 0:33:23These males will climb up and find a dead branch,
0:33:23 > 0:33:25try to snap bits off, but really shake those braches,
0:33:25 > 0:33:28trying to intimidate their foe.
0:33:30 > 0:33:33The signal is new to Gremlin.
0:33:33 > 0:33:35She's eager to investigate,
0:33:35 > 0:33:38and gives her elder sister the slip.
0:34:00 > 0:34:02She has no idea the signal means
0:34:02 > 0:34:06the Slumdogs are probing the Temple Troop's defences.
0:34:07 > 0:34:11This is not the time for Gremlin to get curious.
0:34:36 > 0:34:39Bad-eye and Hector watch intently.
0:34:41 > 0:34:45Each weighing up the strengths and weaknesses of the enemy.
0:34:46 > 0:34:51Body for body, pound for pound, the two sides are equally matched.
0:34:54 > 0:34:56A last-minute warning
0:34:56 > 0:35:00prompts the youngsters and females to seek safety.
0:35:07 > 0:35:10Gremlin's mum finally manages to grab her
0:35:10 > 0:35:12and carry her back from the front line.
0:35:30 > 0:35:34As the Slumdogs advance, the lead Temple soldiers beat a retreat.
0:35:40 > 0:35:46Bad-eye pushes forward. He's gaining the advantage without a fight.
0:35:52 > 0:35:55Hector must make a decision.
0:35:55 > 0:35:57He's always prepared to fight.
0:35:57 > 0:36:00But the advantage has to outweigh the risk.
0:36:02 > 0:36:07Right now, the fig tree isn't worth it.
0:36:10 > 0:36:12Time for a tactical withdrawal.
0:36:19 > 0:36:20Hector's very wise.
0:36:20 > 0:36:22He knows this fruiting fig isn't ripe yet.
0:36:22 > 0:36:26It's not worth fighting, and possibly getting injured for, over that,
0:36:26 > 0:36:30but over the next few days when this tree comes into full fruit,
0:36:30 > 0:36:32I think this battle's really going to kick off.
0:36:38 > 0:36:41When the Slumdogs realise the figs aren't yet ripe,
0:36:41 > 0:36:44they drift back to their own territory.
0:36:52 > 0:36:54Hector's a canny leader.
0:36:54 > 0:36:56He'll fight tooth and nail when those figs are ripe,
0:36:56 > 0:36:58but not now.
0:37:00 > 0:37:04For the moment, life goes back to normal.
0:37:12 > 0:37:17The troop runs patrols, gathers food, or simply rests.
0:37:29 > 0:37:34And the youngsters do what youngsters everywhere do best -
0:37:34 > 0:37:35they play.
0:37:37 > 0:37:40This is an important part of Gremlin's development.
0:37:40 > 0:37:44It builds her dexterity, hones her communication skills,
0:37:44 > 0:37:46and reinforces social bonds.
0:37:59 > 0:38:03Even the older kids can't resist getting involved.
0:38:03 > 0:38:06Although Gremlin is getting very tricky to keep hold of.
0:38:28 > 0:38:31Even mum is beginning to feel the strain.
0:38:45 > 0:38:47Gremlin's learning fast,
0:38:47 > 0:38:50especially about the complexities of macaque communication.
0:38:50 > 0:38:53Every day brings new examples of how the troop maintains
0:38:53 > 0:38:56its social hierarchy,
0:38:56 > 0:38:58and just how important that is.
0:39:09 > 0:39:12It's easy to make mistakes.
0:39:12 > 0:39:16Showing respect and knowing how to apologise are vital life skills.
0:39:25 > 0:39:28It's the only way to avoid a beating
0:39:28 > 0:39:30from someone higher up the social scale.
0:39:47 > 0:39:51Sometimes, even teeth-chattering isn't enough.
0:40:02 > 0:40:06This is Kinda, the daughter of the troop's top female.
0:40:07 > 0:40:10In human terms, she's an out-and-out bully.
0:40:10 > 0:40:13She's used to getting her own way...
0:40:13 > 0:40:16and if she doesn't, she won't hesitate
0:40:16 > 0:40:18to inflict a nasty bite.
0:40:20 > 0:40:22She's decided that it's about time for Gremlin
0:40:22 > 0:40:24to start doing her bidding.
0:40:24 > 0:40:26She clearly wants Gremlin to come with her,
0:40:26 > 0:40:29perhaps to do some grooming.
0:40:29 > 0:40:33Gremlin's mum, sitting behind her, can't intervene.
0:40:35 > 0:40:38Kinda carries a lot of political clout in the troop,
0:40:38 > 0:40:42Gremlin must deal with this herself.
0:40:43 > 0:40:48Despite being mauled, Gremlin does her best to appear submissive.
0:40:48 > 0:40:53It's the only way to keep Kinda at bay.
0:41:02 > 0:41:05Eventually, the bully gets bored.
0:41:07 > 0:41:11Gremlin and her mum make a swift exit.
0:41:18 > 0:41:20Safe, at last.
0:42:25 > 0:42:29After a few days of intense sunshine there's great news for the troop.
0:42:30 > 0:42:33The figs are finally ripe.
0:42:53 > 0:42:57It's time for a juicy and nutritious feast.
0:43:14 > 0:43:17Gremlin's climbing practice finally pays off.
0:43:19 > 0:43:22She can climb high enough to enjoy the figs for herself.
0:43:34 > 0:43:38There's plenty of room for the whole troop to feed alongside each other -
0:43:38 > 0:43:41no need for fighting.
0:43:43 > 0:43:46There are enough figs left to last for days.
0:43:49 > 0:43:51It's just a peaceful family meal.
0:43:55 > 0:43:58Followed by a nice relaxing nap.
0:44:15 > 0:44:18There's trouble ahead, though.
0:44:18 > 0:44:21The Slumdogs have spotted the figs are ripe.
0:44:21 > 0:44:24They've seen an opportunity.
0:44:30 > 0:44:33The Temple Troop have dropped their guard.
0:44:47 > 0:44:49They make their move.
0:44:49 > 0:44:52They quickly cross no-man's-land.
0:45:01 > 0:45:05Dozing in the trees, the Temple Troop don't even notice.
0:45:07 > 0:45:11Up above, Gremlin is totally unaware of the danger.
0:45:11 > 0:45:15Like most youngsters, she never sleeps for long.
0:45:18 > 0:45:22With mum fast asleep she decides to explore on her own.
0:45:45 > 0:45:48Down below, the Slumdogs close in.
0:45:48 > 0:45:54Finally, a Temple Troop scout spots them and raises the alarm.
0:45:55 > 0:45:59Branches shake, tails go up, eyes flash.
0:45:59 > 0:46:01It's code red.
0:46:13 > 0:46:16Hector and Bad-eye weigh up their battle plans.
0:46:16 > 0:46:17Lives are at stake.
0:46:20 > 0:46:22Gremlin's out on her own.
0:46:22 > 0:46:25She must find her mum now and leave with the rest of the females.
0:46:25 > 0:46:29If the Slumdogs catch her alone, they'll show no mercy.
0:46:33 > 0:46:37Hector and his foot soldiers rush forward.
0:46:37 > 0:46:40They're hoping to hold off the Slumdogs at the road.
0:46:40 > 0:46:44If they cross it, they could easily lose the fig tree.
0:46:51 > 0:46:53Battle lines are drawn.
0:46:53 > 0:46:57The foot soldiers mock-charge each other,
0:46:57 > 0:46:59testing to see who will back down.
0:47:01 > 0:47:04No-one's going anywhere. There's too much at stake.
0:47:06 > 0:47:08It's too late for diplomacy now.
0:47:09 > 0:47:12There's only one way to end this...
0:47:18 > 0:47:19..war.
0:47:23 > 0:47:25SCREECHING
0:47:29 > 0:47:31CAR HORNS BLARE
0:48:03 > 0:48:07There's a mother! There's a mother with a baby, right in the middle.
0:48:12 > 0:48:15YELPING
0:48:45 > 0:48:48The battlefield lies empty.
0:48:50 > 0:48:53The Temple Troop have beaten off the Slumdogs.
0:48:57 > 0:49:00The fig tree is still theirs.
0:49:12 > 0:49:14But there are casualties.
0:49:17 > 0:49:19In the chaos of war,
0:49:19 > 0:49:23some mothers and their young were caught up in the fight.
0:49:23 > 0:49:26Some monkeys didn't make it.
0:49:29 > 0:49:32For Gavin, it's a shocking reminder
0:49:32 > 0:49:34of how brutal Gremlin's world can be.
0:49:39 > 0:49:43I had no idea that these animals would fight as seriously as that.
0:49:43 > 0:49:46This male here has been pretty seriously injured.
0:49:46 > 0:49:49At the moment, we don't know whether he's from Temple Troop
0:49:49 > 0:49:50or from the Slumdogs.
0:49:53 > 0:49:59Sadly, his wounds are too severe. He never rejoined his troop.
0:50:03 > 0:50:06Before the Temple Troop can regroup,
0:50:06 > 0:50:10a sudden storm tears through the forest.
0:50:10 > 0:50:12The Troop are already edgy.
0:50:13 > 0:50:17Now, they flee into the deep forest in complete disarray.
0:50:17 > 0:50:19Gremlin is nowhere to be seen.
0:50:23 > 0:50:26If she's lost, the noise of the storm
0:50:26 > 0:50:30will cover any contact calls to find her mother or the troop.
0:50:39 > 0:50:43As darkness falls, Gavin continues to search.
0:50:57 > 0:51:00It's just unfortunate the noise of that storm
0:51:00 > 0:51:02stopped them regrouping after the battle.
0:51:02 > 0:51:04I still haven't found Gremlin.
0:51:07 > 0:51:10I just hope she's OK in the morning.
0:51:27 > 0:51:31Next day, the Temple Troop has regrouped.
0:51:32 > 0:51:36It's an opportunity to relax, lick their wounds
0:51:36 > 0:51:38and re-establish social bonds.
0:51:46 > 0:51:49Hector is basking in the glory of his victory,
0:51:49 > 0:51:52the centre of his subjects' attention.
0:51:52 > 0:51:56He's getting old and near the end of his reign, but he's fine for now.
0:52:02 > 0:52:04But what about Gremlin?
0:52:04 > 0:52:08I am concerned that I can't see Gremlin.
0:52:21 > 0:52:25There she is! Right on the edge of the group.
0:52:30 > 0:52:32Gremlin's had a lucky escape.
0:52:32 > 0:52:34Somehow she managed to find her mother
0:52:34 > 0:52:37and the troop during the night.
0:52:37 > 0:52:40She's had the fright of her life
0:52:40 > 0:52:43and perhaps learnt her most valuable lesson so far -
0:52:43 > 0:52:45always stay close to mum!
0:53:03 > 0:53:05And there's more good news -
0:53:05 > 0:53:08the troop is now one member stronger.
0:53:17 > 0:53:19Poppin has given birth to a healthy baby.
0:53:25 > 0:53:27Little Richard is just a few hours old.
0:53:31 > 0:53:34And he has so much to learn.
0:53:37 > 0:53:41Poppin's status in the troop is even lower than Gremlin's mum.
0:53:43 > 0:53:47So the new arrival automatically takes the bottom rung of the ladder.
0:53:50 > 0:53:54Gremlin's status has moved up a notch.
0:54:28 > 0:54:29Even after giving birth,
0:54:29 > 0:54:33Poppin, will still have to keep up her duties as a servant.
0:54:35 > 0:54:37But she's tired.
0:54:41 > 0:54:45At 23, she's coming to the end of her life.
0:54:54 > 0:54:57Hopefully, she can last the next few years
0:54:57 > 0:55:00and give her ninth baby a good start.
0:55:00 > 0:55:03He could have a great future,
0:55:03 > 0:55:06even though he's off to a wobbly beginning.
0:55:08 > 0:55:11Males get kicked out of the family when they mature.
0:55:11 > 0:55:16So, one day, this tiny monkey will be forced to join a new troop.
0:55:16 > 0:55:19He's bottom of the heap here, but in the future,
0:55:19 > 0:55:22if he proves himself, who knows?
0:55:25 > 0:55:27If he becomes an alpha male,
0:55:27 > 0:55:31then humble Poppin will have given birth to a king.
0:55:31 > 0:55:33An epic tale of rags to riches,
0:55:33 > 0:55:36all down to Poppin's political skills.
0:55:41 > 0:55:45Males change their fortunes by switching troops.
0:55:46 > 0:55:48Gremlin is stuck where she is.
0:55:48 > 0:55:51So, what does the future hold for her?
0:55:51 > 0:55:55It's been a critical few months and she's learnt a lot.
0:55:56 > 0:55:59Being born into a low-caste family
0:55:59 > 0:56:01is always going to cause problems for her.
0:56:01 > 0:56:05But Poppin is proof that you can be very successful in monkey society
0:56:05 > 0:56:09even when you're bottom of the heap, as long as you play your part
0:56:09 > 0:56:11in the dark games of monkey politics.
0:56:11 > 0:56:16Gremlin would do well to watch Poppin closely, and learn.
0:56:19 > 0:56:22Outside threats are harder to handle.
0:56:22 > 0:56:24The Slumdogs will always be there,
0:56:24 > 0:56:28and there will be more battles over that fig tree.
0:56:28 > 0:56:32But Gremlin's early brush with the enemy has taught her a lot.
0:56:37 > 0:56:39For Gavin, revisiting the Temple Troop
0:56:39 > 0:56:42has been a memorable experience.
0:56:42 > 0:56:44It's like visiting an old family,
0:56:44 > 0:56:48having spent so much time with them in the past.
0:56:48 > 0:56:50These five weeks have flown by
0:56:50 > 0:56:52and it's been great watching Gremlin grow up.
0:56:54 > 0:56:57It's amazing how much she's changed over the five weeks.
0:56:57 > 0:56:59She's much more confident now.
0:57:01 > 0:57:05The troop's home territory among these temple ruins
0:57:05 > 0:57:08echo a thousand years of Sri Lankan history.
0:57:08 > 0:57:12Generation after generation, the macaques that live here
0:57:12 > 0:57:14have played out a similar drama -
0:57:14 > 0:57:16the rise of empires,
0:57:16 > 0:57:18and the fall of kings.
0:57:29 > 0:57:34Four months later, Gremlin is still going strong.
0:57:34 > 0:57:38She's grown fast, and she's getting more confident.
0:57:38 > 0:57:41She's become a bit of an expert at avoiding the bullies in her troop
0:57:41 > 0:57:46and spends a lot of her time watching and learning from others.
0:57:47 > 0:57:52With luck, plucky little Gremlin will live 25 or even 30 years.
0:57:56 > 0:57:59What new dramas will her future bring?
0:58:11 > 0:58:14Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd