Animal Empires

Season 12016

Animals congregate in places where their basic needs can be met: havens from predators where competition for food is manageable and breeding opportunities are abundant. Journey to the habitats of these one-of-a-kind animals and learn their survival stories, from nesting fairy penguins, to migrating caribou.

Overview Episodes Download

6 Episodes

E01 Family

The macaques of Gibraltar are the only nonhuman wild primates in Europe, raising their young amid the hustle and bustle of the city. Half a world away in Bonaire, expectant flamingo parents spend six weeks building a nest in anticipation of their chicks. What binds these two species together, among others, is an instinctive recognition of the importance of family life, and the lengths they'll go to preserve and celebrate it.

October 13, 2016

E02 Rebuilding an Empire

Just off the mouth of the Mississippi, a rare breed of Chinese deer has found a new home--and new hope--for its embattled species. Further east, the gopher tortoise, one of nature's expert diggers, recovers from catastrophic population decline brought on by human encroachment and habitat loss. Track the exciting efforts to revive some of the lesser-known animal empires.

October 20, 2016

E03 Sanctuary

Off the southern coast of Australia, a group of western grey kangaroos enjoys life on the predator-free and aptly named Kangaroo Island. Further south lies Phillip Island, a refuge for the smallest species of penguin in the world. Journey to some of the animal world's more welcoming natural enclaves.

October 27, 2016

E04 Infestation

Sometimes, a species' survival hinges on inhabiting an area that isn't theirs. From the ubiquitous brown rat to the seals of Pier 39 in San Francisco and the flying foxes of South Eastern Australia, meet nature's unwelcome guests who've found a way to impose themselves onto new and unlikely environments.

November 3, 2016

E05 Migration

While seafaring elephant seals and tundra-traversing caribou are impressive travelers, monarch butterflies may be the most amazing migrators of all. Theirs is a cross-generational journey that involves laying their eggs en route, dying, and relying on offspring to finish the trip. Join us as we map their epic travels.

November 10, 2016

E06 Gone Wild

When domestic animals escape into the wild, some revert back to their origins and thrive. From wild donkeys in Bonaire to feral pigs in the Bahamas to the wild horses of Assateague, each has found success by reclaiming ancient codes of social living. But can their new environment sustain them forever?

November 17, 2016

Animal Empires

E01 Family

E02 Rebuilding an Empire

E03 Sanctuary

E04 Infestation

E05 Migration

E06 Gone Wild

Maxton Hall - The World Between Us

The Last Thing He Told Me

3 Body Problem

The Boys

Euphoria

Reacher

The Vampire Diaries

Moving

The Last Kingdom

The Law According to Lidia Poët

Billions

The Queen's Gambit

Breaking Bad

Fated to Love You

Fire Country

Criminal Minds

RIPLEY

Inside Job

Westworld

Grand Hotel

E01 Family

E02 Rebuilding an Empire

E03 Sanctuary

E04 Infestation

E05 Migration

E06 Gone Wild