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0:00:03 > 0:00:07- I'm travelling across Russia - - the world's largest country.
0:00:08 > 0:00:10- It's an incredible country.
0:00:11 > 0:00:15- I've already visited - the Caucasus mountains and Siberia.
0:00:16 > 0:00:19- I've now reached - the Arctic area of Russia.
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0:00:36 > 0:00:40- The Arctic
0:00:42 > 0:00:46- The harsh endless winters - and snow storms...
0:00:46 > 0:00:50- ..force the arctic creatures - to live under extreme conditions.
0:00:54 > 0:00:56- The landscape is also harsh...
0:00:57 > 0:01:01- ..and even the largest animals - in this part of Russia...
0:01:02 > 0:01:04- ..battle to survive.
0:01:25 > 0:01:29- I've travelled up to the White Sea, - to the island of Solovetsky.
0:01:30 > 0:01:33- Solovetsky is a collection - of six large islands...
0:01:34 > 0:01:36- ..and numerous small islands.
0:01:36 > 0:01:40- It covers an area - totalling 300 square kilometres.
0:01:47 > 0:01:50- Today, it's a popular - tourist attraction...
0:01:51 > 0:01:54- ..because of its beautiful landscape - and rich history.
0:01:54 > 0:01:58- Before I visit the village - on the main island...
0:01:58 > 0:02:02- ..I'm going to sail across the White - Sea to learn more about the islands.
0:02:02 > 0:02:05- Sacha, a local fisherman, - has offered to take me out.
0:02:21 > 0:02:25- The locals rely on the White Sea.
0:02:27 > 0:02:30- As I watch the sun - shining on the open water...
0:02:30 > 0:02:34- ..I find it hard to believe - that I'm in the Arctic.
0:02:37 > 0:02:41- This is the scene people - normally associate with the Arctic.
0:02:41 > 0:02:45- Even in May, - 200 miles from the White Sea...
0:02:45 > 0:02:48- ..northern Yakutia - is covered in snow.
0:02:48 > 0:02:53- Here, the rarest birds in the world - choose to mate.
0:02:53 > 0:02:55- This is the Siberian white crane.
0:02:56 > 0:02:59- There remain only 3,000 - of these birds in the whole world.
0:03:05 > 0:03:07- They prefer quiet, wide-open spaces.
0:03:08 > 0:03:11- The Arctic tundra in Russia - is ideal for them.
0:03:11 > 0:03:13- They're very shy creatures.
0:03:14 > 0:03:17- Filming these birds - is a very special moment.
0:03:28 > 0:03:31- Wrangel Island - is 3,000 miles from the White Sea...
0:03:31 > 0:03:34- ..at the far end - of the Arctic in Russia.
0:03:34 > 0:03:36- It's a difficult place to reach.
0:03:36 > 0:03:40- The weather conditions are extreme - and no-one lives there...
0:03:40 > 0:03:43- ..but the wildlife is incredible.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47- Our wildlife camera crew - spent many months on the island.
0:03:53 > 0:03:59- In May, the snow geese - fly over from North America.
0:03:59 > 0:04:02- Over 100,000 birds - come here to mate.
0:04:12 > 0:04:16- Their visit is welcomed - by one particular island resident.
0:04:16 > 0:04:20- The Arctic fox is hungry but - the geese are remarkably strong...
0:04:20 > 0:04:23- ..and more than able - to defend themselves.
0:04:26 > 0:04:29- This fox will have to be - more cunning.
0:04:32 > 0:04:37- Even though the sun is strong, - the land is covered by snow.
0:04:37 > 0:04:40- This makes is difficult - for the geese to build nests.
0:04:41 > 0:04:43- They have to be patient.
0:04:50 > 0:04:52- More snow melts every day.
0:04:53 > 0:04:57- The birds need food to regain their - strength after their long journey.
0:05:13 > 0:05:16- In this part of Arctic Russia...
0:05:16 > 0:05:18- ..the weather is changeable.
0:05:18 > 0:05:21- Winter can return unexpectedly.
0:05:33 > 0:05:35- As the snow starts to fall...
0:05:35 > 0:05:39- ..the temperature drops - to minus 10 degrees Celsius.
0:05:41 > 0:05:46- The following morning, the land - has disappeared under the snow.
0:05:50 > 0:05:52- The Arctic fox's thick coat - keeps it warm.
0:05:53 > 0:05:55- The harsh conditions - offer a good opportunity...
0:05:56 > 0:05:58- ..for the fox to find animals - that have died.
0:06:01 > 0:06:04- At the moment, - the snow geese are strong enough...
0:06:04 > 0:06:07- ..to survive for days without food.
0:06:07 > 0:06:11- But they, like the long-tailed skua, - remain still...
0:06:11 > 0:06:13- ..to conserve their energy.
0:06:15 > 0:06:20- For nine months of the year, the - Arctic is covered in ice and snow.
0:06:20 > 0:06:24- During this time, it's a very bare, - inhospitable place.
0:06:25 > 0:06:27- However, between June and August...
0:06:27 > 0:06:30- ..spring and summer arrive - at the same time.
0:06:30 > 0:06:33- This is when the wildlife show - really begins.
0:06:43 > 0:06:47- By August, - the thick layer of ice has melted.
0:06:47 > 0:06:51- The polar bear stays on the - floating ice near Wrangel Island.
0:06:57 > 0:07:00- The bear can sense - that the ice is fragile.
0:07:00 > 0:07:04- It heads for dry land - as quickly as it can.
0:07:17 > 0:07:19- As a result of global warming...
0:07:19 > 0:07:23- ..the ice which floats on the sea - melts quickly.
0:07:23 > 0:07:27- The bears' hunting season - is decreasing every year.
0:08:01 > 0:08:05- Up in the highlands, - the snow melts...
0:08:05 > 0:08:07- ..and creates little streams.
0:08:26 > 0:08:31- For a short period, - the taiga's rivers overflow.
0:08:44 > 0:08:48- As the ice melts, - vegetation appears.
0:08:48 > 0:08:51- It's an opportunity - for the snow geese to feed.
0:08:55 > 0:08:59- However, the geese have been - startled by an unwelcome visitor.
0:09:05 > 0:09:08- A wolf is prowling - through the valley...
0:09:08 > 0:09:11- ..but it has no interest - in the geese.
0:09:11 > 0:09:17- The geese make a huge show - of sending the wolf on its way.
0:09:23 > 0:09:26- In the end, the wolf flees.
0:09:30 > 0:09:36- The geese remain vigilant - Arctic - foxes steal eggs from their nests.
0:09:42 > 0:09:45- The geese are ready - to defend the nest.
0:09:45 > 0:09:49- The female goose hatches the eggs - with the male nearby.
0:09:55 > 0:09:58- The fox knows better - than to attack the male.
0:10:07 > 0:10:12- Because of the extreme cold, some - of the geese have left their nests.
0:10:12 > 0:10:15- The eggs are easy pickings - for the fox.
0:10:20 > 0:10:25- It has so much choice, - it starts feasting immediately...
0:10:25 > 0:10:28- ..and keeps the rest - for bleaker times.
0:10:35 > 0:10:37- It has many different hiding places.
0:10:38 > 0:10:41- The cold ground provides - natural refrigeration...
0:10:42 > 0:10:44- ..and the eggs stay fresh.
0:10:53 > 0:10:58- It appears that the fox has stolen - eggs from most of the nests already.
0:10:58 > 0:11:03- It will be difficult for it to - find more eggs in the near future.
0:11:03 > 0:11:05- As it approaches the male goose...
0:11:05 > 0:11:10- ..it assesses the goose's ability - to defend itself.
0:11:10 > 0:11:13- If it sees a weakness, - it moves closer.
0:11:17 > 0:11:20- If it succeeds, - it will steal one egg...
0:11:20 > 0:11:23- ..since it cannot carry any more.
0:11:23 > 0:11:27- It will remember this nest - as an easy place to find food.
0:11:32 > 0:11:34- This time, it pounces immediately.
0:11:37 > 0:11:42- The geese has no chance - and it loses another egg.
0:11:42 > 0:11:44- The fox leaves one behind.
0:12:10 > 0:12:14- The fox returns to steal - the final egg from the nest.
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0:12:39 > 0:12:43- In June, - the sun shines over the Arctic.
0:12:43 > 0:12:47- The tundra starts to reveal - its colourful secrets.
0:13:32 > 0:13:36- On Wrangel Island, - the mating season is in full flow.
0:13:36 > 0:13:38- The snow bunting...
0:13:39 > 0:13:41- ..grey plover...
0:13:41 > 0:13:44- ..and the eider - are basking in the sun's heat.
0:13:51 > 0:13:57- Even in the summer, the temperature - struggles to reach freezing.
0:13:57 > 0:14:00- Sleet is common - in this part of the Arctic.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03- The wildlife is used to the weather.
0:14:06 > 0:14:09- Soon, - the sleet turns into heavy snow.
0:14:09 > 0:14:12- It covers the ground once more.
0:14:16 > 0:14:20- The beautiful landscape - disappears in a matter of hours.
0:14:44 > 0:14:49- Here, on Solovetsky, I've discovered - a colony of very familiar birds.
0:15:00 > 0:15:04- This is a very common bird - in the Arctic region.
0:15:04 > 0:15:08- The Arctic tern leaves this place - at the end of the summer...
0:15:08 > 0:15:12- ..and migrates all the way down - to the South Pole.
0:15:12 > 0:15:15- In early spring, - it heads north again.
0:15:16 > 0:15:19- It migrates further - than any other bird in the world.
0:15:20 > 0:15:24- The largest nesting place in Europe - is here on Solovetsky Island.
0:15:31 > 0:15:34- There are over 500,000 pairs - in Europe.
0:15:41 > 0:15:44- This bird's main source of food - is fish.
0:15:44 > 0:15:49- The male and female choose a nest - and defend it fiercely.
0:15:55 > 0:15:57- The female lays two eggs...
0:15:58 > 0:16:01- ..while the male searches for food.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05- The two usually stay together - forever.
0:16:09 > 0:16:14- After a short stop on land, Sacha - is eager to return to the water.
0:16:17 > 0:16:23- There are a lot of strange-looking - animals in this part of the Arctic.
0:16:23 > 0:16:27- One of them is the beluga - - a small white whale.
0:16:27 > 0:16:31- It swims into shallow water - to give birth to its young...
0:16:32 > 0:16:37- ..and to feast on the thousands of - fish and crabs that are found here.
0:16:43 > 0:16:46- During the summer, - they travel hundreds of miles...
0:16:46 > 0:16:49- ..to reach the Russian Arctic coast.
0:16:49 > 0:16:53- The beluga prefers - the shallow water of the Arctic...
0:16:53 > 0:16:55- ..because it is heated by the sun.
0:16:57 > 0:17:01- During this time, - the beluga gives birth to its young.
0:17:01 > 0:17:06- They have given birth here - for over 6,000 years.
0:17:10 > 0:17:15- I talk to Tatiana Fokina, - an expert on the whales.
0:17:16 > 0:17:21- She accompanies tourists on the - island as they look for the belugas.
0:17:22 > 0:17:27- The fact that tourist numbers - are on the increase...
0:17:27 > 0:17:31- ..has interfered with - the living patterns of the whales.
0:17:31 > 0:17:34- They now tend to stay away - from the island.
0:17:41 > 0:17:45- Despite this, this is an ideal place - for them to give birth.
0:17:45 > 0:17:48- The water is so clear - with very little seaweed.
0:18:12 > 0:18:17- Only when you leave the forest - and reach the real tundra...
0:18:17 > 0:18:20- ..do you realize - how short the vegetation is.
0:18:21 > 0:18:25- Under the ground, - there's only an inch of soil.
0:18:25 > 0:18:30- Under that soil, - there is a layer of permafrost.
0:18:30 > 0:18:35- One animal has adapted perfectly - to this habitat.
0:19:01 > 0:19:06- During the summer, the gigantic - muskoxen compete for a mate.
0:19:06 > 0:19:11- The bulls stay together - and battle ferociously for hours.
0:19:33 > 0:19:36- They weigh about 400kgs each...
0:19:36 > 0:19:40- ..and charge towards each other - at great speeds.
0:19:53 > 0:19:58- The impact of the horns can been - seen on muskoxen's forehead.
0:20:09 > 0:20:14- Despite the power of the clash, - serious injuries are rare.
0:20:31 > 0:20:34- The effort and the strain - tire the bulls.
0:20:34 > 0:20:39- Soon, one loses confidence - and turns its back on the battle.
0:20:51 > 0:20:55- It's hard to believe - that such a powerful creature...
0:20:55 > 0:20:58- ..can survive - on the tundra vegetation.
0:20:58 > 0:21:03- In the Arctic highlands, - a herd of animals graze the land...
0:21:03 > 0:21:05- ..to survive the harsh winters.
0:21:16 > 0:21:19- The Arctic provides a habitat...
0:21:19 > 0:21:22- ..for the world's - largest population of reindeer.
0:21:22 > 0:21:24- Thousands live here.
0:21:28 > 0:21:30- They are searching for food.
0:21:30 > 0:21:33- They travel through - the snow geese's habitat...
0:21:34 > 0:21:37- ..but they don't destroy - one single nest.
0:21:42 > 0:21:46- Despite this, - the geese remain vigilant.
0:21:48 > 0:21:52- The hatching season has begun and a - number of chicks have been hatched.
0:21:52 > 0:21:57- The chicks leave the nest with - their mother after a few hours...
0:21:57 > 0:22:00- ..but first, they have to wait - for all the eggs to hatch.
0:22:01 > 0:22:03- This can take at least a day.
0:22:06 > 0:22:08- It's a dangerous time - for the chicks.
0:22:09 > 0:22:11- The Arctic fox is still prowling.
0:22:14 > 0:22:18- The best place to hide - is under the mother's wings.
0:22:22 > 0:22:26- The fox has no interest - in the chicks at the moment.
0:22:26 > 0:22:29- Something else - has caught its attention.
0:22:38 > 0:22:42- Amidst the eared willow, - a more substantial meal awaits.
0:22:44 > 0:22:46- There, it catches a brown lemming.
0:22:46 > 0:22:50- It will satisfy its appetite - far more than a feeble chick.
0:22:53 > 0:22:56- When the fox has disappeared, - the chicks venture out again.
0:22:57 > 0:22:59- However, a wolverine appears nearby.
0:23:03 > 0:23:06- A member of the stoat family...
0:23:06 > 0:23:10- ..this fierce creature - is a greater threat to the goose.
0:23:10 > 0:23:13- Fortunately, - the wolverine only steals an egg.
0:23:18 > 0:23:22- This is the last opportunity - the chicks will have to rest.
0:23:22 > 0:23:25- Soon, the family will move - to the open tundra...
0:23:26 > 0:23:28- ..and the safety of a giant lake.
0:23:38 > 0:23:40- It's a long and dangerous journey.
0:23:41 > 0:23:45- Some families migrate over 40 miles - despite the harsh weather.
0:23:49 > 0:23:52- This is the best time of year - to travel in the Arctic.
0:23:53 > 0:23:58- In the warmer conditions, the tundra - provides food for turnstones...
0:24:01 > 0:24:03- ..Lapland buntings...
0:24:10 > 0:24:12- ..and grey plovers.
0:24:12 > 0:24:14- Plenty of food for everyone.
0:24:17 > 0:24:18- .
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0:24:39 > 0:24:43- In the tundra highlands, the Arctic - fox has given birth to some cubs.
0:24:44 > 0:24:47- Only two wait - for their mother's return.
0:24:47 > 0:24:50- The mother usually gives birth - to a dozen cubs.
0:24:51 > 0:24:55- Since there is a shortage of - lemmings in this area this year...
0:24:55 > 0:24:57- ..most of the cubs have died.
0:25:05 > 0:25:08- The mother - seldom returns to her young.
0:25:09 > 0:25:12- Even when she does, - she has little food for them.
0:25:12 > 0:25:17- Every now and then, the lemming - population decreases substantially.
0:25:17 > 0:25:20- Then, it increases - over a number of years.
0:25:20 > 0:25:22- This year, numbers are low.
0:25:28 > 0:25:31- The situation is better - on the lowlands.
0:25:31 > 0:25:35- These cubs have grown quickly - on a diet of goslings.
0:25:44 > 0:25:48- These three brothers and sisters - often fight over food.
0:25:48 > 0:25:50- They're unwilling to share.
0:25:51 > 0:25:54- While two fight, - the other steals the treasure.
0:26:10 > 0:26:13- Foxes which live on the tundra...
0:26:13 > 0:26:17- ..have a good chance - of rearing their young this year.
0:26:29 > 0:26:32- The snow owl - can't depend on geese to survive.
0:26:32 > 0:26:36- The lemming is its main prey.
0:26:38 > 0:26:42- The chicks are hungry - but the mother has nothing to offer.
0:26:42 > 0:26:45- With such a dearth of lemmings...
0:26:45 > 0:26:48- ..sometimes, - the owls choose not to mate.
0:26:48 > 0:26:51- This owl should have given birth - to ten chicks.
0:26:52 > 0:26:54- Only two are in the nest.
0:26:58 > 0:27:01- One is very weak - and fights to stay alive.
0:27:12 > 0:27:15- The weakness can be seen - in the chick's size.
0:27:15 > 0:27:18- It will only regain its strength - after feeding.
0:27:22 > 0:27:23- The mother is eager to hunt.
0:27:27 > 0:27:30- She's been eyeing - the nearby terrain for hours.
0:27:31 > 0:27:32- She's spotted a lemming.
0:27:33 > 0:27:37- She has to take a chance - if she wants to save her chicks.
0:27:44 > 0:27:47- The mother has caught the rodent.
0:27:47 > 0:27:50- The strongest chick - attacks the food first.
0:27:51 > 0:27:53- The youngest is too weak to move.
0:28:00 > 0:28:03- The mother tries to feed - the youngest chick...
0:28:04 > 0:28:07- ..but the stronger brother - is too quick for her.
0:28:24 > 0:28:28- It's too late - to save the smaller chick.
0:28:48 > 0:28:51- The stronger chick - is safe for now...
0:28:51 > 0:28:55- ..but the mother will struggle - to find enough food for him...
0:28:56 > 0:28:57- ..over the coming weeks.
0:29:09 > 0:29:14- In early spring, thick ice - covers this part of the sea.
0:29:15 > 0:29:19- Out there, - the polar bear hunts for seals.
0:29:19 > 0:29:21- By the summer, the ice has thawed...
0:29:22 > 0:29:25- ..and the polar bear - hunts mainly along the coast.
0:29:25 > 0:29:29- It will attack any creature, - whatever its size.
0:29:36 > 0:29:40- Polar bears keep a keen eye - on the land around them.
0:29:41 > 0:29:44- A young polar bear - has seen something moving...
0:29:44 > 0:29:47- ..in the shallow water.
0:30:08 > 0:30:11- The bear is trying to catch a fish - in the water.
0:30:13 > 0:30:16- This is unusual for a bear - more used to hunting seals.
0:30:24 > 0:30:28- This bear has clearly - not caught a fish before...
0:30:28 > 0:30:31- ..but if it likes - the taste of fish...
0:30:31 > 0:30:35- ..it will have to learn quickly - how to catch one.
0:30:56 > 0:31:00- Happy with its life, - the bear disappears into the sunset.
0:31:21 > 0:31:26- With autumn approaching, the snow - geese gather on Wrangel Island.
0:31:27 > 0:31:30- They will migrate to warmer climes - in time for winter.
0:31:31 > 0:31:34- Some will migrate - as far as California.
0:32:09 > 0:32:13- Soon, only the polar bears - will remain on the island.
0:32:21 > 0:32:26- These huge creatures are - the true masters of Wrangel Island.
0:32:30 > 0:32:32- The bears are hungry.
0:32:32 > 0:32:35- They're waiting for the sea - to freeze...
0:32:35 > 0:32:39- ..to allow them - to hunt for seals on the ice.
0:32:39 > 0:32:43- Like its mother, this cub roams - the coastline looking for food.
0:33:01 > 0:33:04- These bears - haven't eaten for six months.
0:33:04 > 0:33:06- Since they're all so hungry...
0:33:06 > 0:33:09- ..it's better for the cubs - to stay away from the older bears.
0:33:23 > 0:33:26- The mother has to be vigilant...
0:33:26 > 0:33:30- ..in case the cubs stray - too close to the adult bears.
0:33:35 > 0:33:38- Even innocent play-fighting - can be dangerous for the cubs.
0:33:43 > 0:33:47- An older bear can weigh 700kgs.
0:33:48 > 0:33:51- It's not a good idea - to play with him.
0:34:00 > 0:34:03- Sometimes, older bears - will kill younger bears...
0:34:04 > 0:34:08- ..but the mother makes sure - her cubs don't get too close.
0:34:12 > 0:34:16- Fortunately, this bear - has no interest in the cubs.
0:34:16 > 0:34:20- It's better not to venture - too close, just in case.
0:34:32 > 0:34:36- All these bears do in the autumn - is wait for the sea to freeze.
0:34:37 > 0:34:40- Then, the seals - will be within reach again.
0:34:42 > 0:34:46- One bear has found - an interesting toy in the water.
0:34:46 > 0:34:49- A walrus's skin - is relatively tasteless...
0:34:50 > 0:34:53- ..but it keeps this bear happy - for a while.
0:34:55 > 0:34:55- .
0:35:04 > 0:35:04- 888
0:35:04 > 0:35:06- 888- - 888
0:35:23 > 0:35:25- I'm visiting Solovetsky's - main island.
0:35:26 > 0:35:28- This island is truly unique.
0:35:29 > 0:35:33- Today, the locals consider - the island to be a symbol of Russia.
0:35:33 > 0:35:38- To them, it represents - beauty and inspiration.
0:35:38 > 0:35:41- It's also a place - which witnessed brutal cruelty...
0:35:41 > 0:35:45- ..at the prison, or Gulag, - at the far end of the island.
0:36:04 > 0:36:08- Today, the island is home - to the Solovetsky monastery...
0:36:08 > 0:36:11- ..Russia's most famous - and most influential.
0:36:19 > 0:36:24- At one time, there were thousands - of walruses on Solovetsky Island.
0:36:24 > 0:36:27- In the 18th century, - they disappeared...
0:36:27 > 0:36:32- ..after being hunted - by the monks from this monastery.
0:36:32 > 0:36:35- The best place to see - these animals in Russia now...
0:36:35 > 0:36:37- ..is Wrangel Island.
0:36:43 > 0:36:48- On Wrangel Island, walruses stay on - the beach for only a short period.
0:36:54 > 0:36:57- The polar bears - are glad to see them...
0:36:57 > 0:36:59- ..since they offer - the possibility of food.
0:37:14 > 0:37:18- In late September, - thousands of walruses...
0:37:18 > 0:37:23- ..leave the Arctic and swim for - miles to escape the snow and ice.
0:37:23 > 0:37:26- Sometimes, - they rest along the coast.
0:37:29 > 0:37:33- While the polar bears - roam the coastline...
0:37:33 > 0:37:36- ..the walruses - stay a safe distance away.
0:37:36 > 0:37:39- Even on dry land, it's not - an easy task to kill a walrus.
0:37:40 > 0:37:42- The walruses are very vigilant...
0:37:42 > 0:37:46- ..and, unfortunately - for the bears, stay away.
0:37:46 > 0:37:50- One walrus ventures on to - dry land. It's weak and needs rest.
0:37:51 > 0:37:53- It is not alone.
0:37:53 > 0:37:56- This polar bear - can smell fresh meat.
0:38:04 > 0:38:08- The following day, - the walrus's carcass suggests...
0:38:08 > 0:38:11- ..that the bear - has enjoyed a hearty feast.
0:38:13 > 0:38:16- A young bear has found the carcass.
0:38:16 > 0:38:21- It approaches slowly - in case other bears are nearby.
0:38:31 > 0:38:37- 200 metres away, the hunter has - feasted all night and needs a rest.
0:38:52 > 0:38:55- The young bear - grabs its chance to feed...
0:38:55 > 0:38:58- ..and uses its weight - to tenderize the meat.
0:39:00 > 0:39:03- Nearby, - the larger bear struggles to move.
0:39:03 > 0:39:05- It's eaten too much.
0:39:14 > 0:39:16- The young bear remains vigilant.
0:39:17 > 0:39:20- It must act quickly - before it is discovered.
0:39:38 > 0:39:40- The walruses stay in the water.
0:39:44 > 0:39:49- They are very social creatures - and prefer to stay in large groups.
0:40:01 > 0:40:06- Even when they have plenty of room, - they stay close to each other.
0:40:08 > 0:40:12- They're heavy animals, - weighing a ton and a half each.
0:40:12 > 0:40:16- Their tusks can grow to a length - of half a metre...
0:40:16 > 0:40:19- ..useful tools to use - against a polar bear.
0:40:38 > 0:40:41- Innocent play-fighting is common.
0:40:42 > 0:40:46- It's important that this young - walrus, with its small tusks...
0:40:46 > 0:40:49- ..makes sure it's not squeezed - by the larger walruses.
0:40:53 > 0:40:56- Even though they rest contentedly...
0:40:56 > 0:40:59- ..at least one walrus - will keep watch...
0:40:59 > 0:41:02- ..in case the polar bear returns.
0:41:23 > 0:41:27- While the walruses - rest on Wrangel Island...
0:41:28 > 0:41:32- ..back on Solovetsky I visit a place - where hundreds lost their lives.
0:41:41 > 0:41:45- For hundreds of years, - the monks controlled the prison...
0:41:45 > 0:41:49- ..where prisoners - were allowed to work on the land.
0:41:49 > 0:41:51- They weren't all criminals.
0:41:51 > 0:41:55- Some were very able-minded - - authors, scientists and poets...
0:41:55 > 0:41:59- ..people who had protested - against the Russian Government.
0:41:59 > 0:42:04- In 1937, Stalin turned the prison - into a Gulag...
0:42:04 > 0:42:08- ..a remote prison where - prisoners were brutally treated.
0:42:10 > 0:42:17- Once again, I'm astounded by - man's savagery and nature's beauty.
0:42:17 > 0:42:19- Wild animals kill...
0:42:19 > 0:42:25- ..but they do so as they search - for food or to defend themselves.
0:42:25 > 0:42:29- Here, people were killed needlessly.
0:42:29 > 0:42:32- Many suffered a painful end - to their life.
0:42:32 > 0:42:35- In 1939, the Gulag was closed down.
0:42:35 > 0:42:38- The suffering has left its mark - on Solovetsky.
0:43:09 > 0:43:12- When the White Sea - freezes in winter...
0:43:12 > 0:43:15- ..groups of harp seals gather - to give birth to their young.
0:43:16 > 0:43:20- The mother makes sure her pup - stays close to a hole in the ice.
0:43:20 > 0:43:23- The pup weighs 10kgs when it's born.
0:43:31 > 0:43:35- The only thing the pup has to do - is feed and grow.
0:43:35 > 0:43:40- The seals only rear their young - for the first 12 days.
0:43:40 > 0:43:45- After 12 days, the young pup - spends 10 days on the ice alone...
0:43:45 > 0:43:48- ..before diving into the sea.
0:43:54 > 0:43:58- Until then, - it waits patiently to be fed.
0:44:46 > 0:44:51- The pup relies on its mother's milk - for nourishment and fat.
0:44:51 > 0:44:58- As a result, the pup gains weight - quickly - two kilogrammes a day.
0:44:58 > 0:45:02- When the mother leaves the pup, - it can weigh up to 35kgs...
0:45:02 > 0:45:05- ..large enough - to survive on its own.
0:45:21 > 0:45:26- The mother stays close to the pup - even when it's underwater.
0:45:27 > 0:45:30- It will return to the pup - up to seven times a day.
0:45:30 > 0:45:35- The current can make it difficult - for the mother to find her way back.
0:45:50 > 0:45:53- A male seal approaches the mother.
0:45:54 > 0:45:58- When she leaves her pup, - the mating period will start again.
0:45:58 > 0:46:00- The mother isn't ready yet.
0:46:00 > 0:46:05- The male is determined - to try his luck, but he fails.
0:46:16 > 0:46:22- Some days later, the pup's calls - fail to attract its mother.
0:46:23 > 0:46:26- It will never see its mother again.
0:46:37 > 0:46:41- The ice and cold weather - are good news for the bears.
0:46:42 > 0:46:46- Soon, the harsh winter - will return to the Arctic.
0:46:46 > 0:46:51- The bears will head for their - frozen world on the water again.
0:47:07 > 0:47:09- The bears are in high spirits.
0:47:10 > 0:47:14- They're looking forward - to their favourite time of year...
0:47:14 > 0:47:17- ..and the prosperous times - that lie ahead.
0:47:28 > 0:47:30- Once again, here in the Arctic...
0:47:30 > 0:47:34- ..I've been reminded - about the vast size of Russia.
0:47:34 > 0:47:38- It's like ten different countries - thrown together.
0:47:38 > 0:47:42- The Russian part of the Arctic - is also vast.
0:47:42 > 0:47:46- It stretches from Scandinavia - all the way over to China.
0:47:47 > 0:47:50- The Arctic itself - is also a contradiction.
0:47:51 > 0:47:54- I arrived expecting to see - the land and the sea...
0:47:54 > 0:47:59- ..locked together by snow and ice - with the odd polar bear or two.
0:47:59 > 0:48:03- For three months every year, - the snow and ice melt away...
0:48:04 > 0:48:06- ..and the wildlife - explodes into life.
0:48:07 > 0:48:10- The landscape is covered - by flowers and insects.
0:48:10 > 0:48:13- Birds return and animals appear.
0:48:13 > 0:48:18- It's a complete contrast - to what I was expecting to see.
0:48:18 > 0:48:21- I've enjoyed every minute - of my time here.
0:49:08 > 0:49:10- S4C Subtitles by Simian 04 Cyf.
0:49:10 > 0:49:10- .