Monkey Planet

Watch Monkey Planet

  • TV-PG
  • 2014
  • 1 Season
  • 8.4  (113)

Monkey Planet is a fascinating and insightful documentary series aired on BBC One, hosted by the renowned zoologist and entomologist George McGavin. The show’s premise revolves around the incredible world of primates, exploring their behavior, social structures, and evolution.

The series takes its viewers on a thrilling journey through the most incredible jungles, mountains, and savannahs around the world, delving into the lives of these intelligent and complex animals. From the small and mischievous capuchin monkeys of South America to the majestic mountain gorillas of Rwanda and the cheeky macaques of Asia, Monkey Planet showcases an impressive variety of primates.

Throughout the series, George McGavin shares his extensive knowledge on primates, and his passion for these amazing creatures is evident in every episode. He leads us through a range of topics, from the evolution of primates, their communication methods, to their intelligence and unique problem-solving skills. The show highlights the fact that primates are much closer to us than we often appreciate, showing us how they react to their environments, deal with aggression, and even how they cope with grief.

Monkey Planet offers a unique insight into primate behavior from across the world. Each episode offers a different perspective, revealing the intricate social structures and cultural behaviors of monkeys and apes. For instance, in one episode, McGavin takes us to the forests of Madagascar, where lemurs display rituals in complex social hierarchies. In another episode, he explores the Japanese macaques and their fascinating use of hot springs for hygiene and body warmth.

The well-crafted cinematography of Monkey Planet is stunning, with sweeping aerial views of distant waterfalls, closeup shots of primates grooming each other, and fast-paced chases through the jungle. The visually stunning shots also help tell the story of primates and their habitats, highlighting the importance of conserving wildlife and preserving forests and other habitats threatened by human activity.

Monkey Planet also emphasizes the crucial role humans must play in protecting primates and their habitat. Throughout the series, the consequences of human activity on the primates’ lives are explored. For example, logging and mining destroying the habitats or poaching orangutans for their meat in Sumatra, leading to a conservation crisis. In response, McGavin takes us through the various efforts by human organizations to protect these animals and educate local communities.

In conclusion, Monkey Planet is an excellent documentary series that offers a unique insight into the world of primates, bringing to light their complex social structures, behaviors, and the challenges they face in their struggle for survival. George McGavin is an excellent host who brings his passionate and knowledgeable perspective to each episode, and the stunning cinematography makes it an absolute joy to watch. The powerful message of conservation highlights the importance of preserving our environment and ensuring the survival of these extraordinary creatures, reminding us that we are not the only sentient beings on the planet.

Monkey Planet
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Seasons
Master Minds
3. Master Minds
April 16, 2014
Our primate cousins are much smarter than you might imagine. Just like us they use tools, solve problems, and even have emotions. George witnesses the largest monkey party in the world, goes to orangutan school in Sumatra and meets a bonobo that can light a fire to toast its own marshmallows. In Thailand long-tailed macaques floss their teeth with human hair. Chimps pass on customs through generations and in India adrenaline fuelled monkeys take extreme sports to a surprisingly human level.
Family Matters
2. Family Matters
April 9, 2014
The key to primate success is that, like us, most species live in close-knit family groups. How do you choose your friends, learn from those around you and know who to trust? We explore the complex world of primate social lifestyles. In Peru, emperor tamarin males are conned into childcare, while vervet monkeys in South Africa have a sophisticated alarm system to warn for predators. Elsewhere, George has a very close encounter with some hunting chimpanzees. But living in families is not always easy; in Gibraltar, barbary macaques steal babies to impress their boss. Hamadryas baboon males in Ethiopia rule with an iron fist, and in matriarchal ring-tailed lemur societies the girls have to fight pitch battles with babies in tow.
Meet the Family
1. Meet the Family
April 2, 2014
Dr George McGavin gets up close and personal with Siswi, an orangutan who uses soap to improve her personal hygiene. He strips off to experience the mind-numbing cold of the Japanese Alps, and heads 100 metres underground to a secluded monkey dormitory. Then there are baboons with a thirst for flamingo flesh; macaques with criminal minds; fluorescent mandrills who wear war paint to do battle; and Ardry, a real-life gremlin who sees the unseeable with her extraterrestrial fingers.
Description
  • Premiere Date
    April 2, 2014
  • IMDB Rating
    8.4  (113)
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