Ep 1. Killers in Eden

Killers in Eden is the first episode of the 24th season of the popular nature documentary series, Nature. The episode explores the dark history of Twofold Bay, Australia, and the unique partnership that arose between whalers and killer whales in the past.

Twofold Bay was once a hub for the whaling industry in the 19th century. Whaling ships would venture into the bay to hunt for the massive and profitable creatures, and many whales met their fate in these waters. But alongside the whalers were a group of killer whales who seemed to have a strange relationship with their human counterparts.

The episode delves into the story of two specific killer whales, known as Old Tom and Hooky. These orcas would team up with whalers to help them catch their prey. The whalers would harpoon a whale and then attach it to their boats, waiting for it to tire before bringing it back to shore. During this time, the killer whales would use their intelligence and strength to help the whalers in their endeavor.

For instance, the killer whales would swim underneath the wounded whale and keep it afloat so that it wouldn't swim away or sink. They would also drag the boat and whale away from danger if there were any risks such as rocks or unstable water. Once the whale was close enough to shore, the killer whales would then signal the whalers, who could then finish the job. In return, the whalers would share parts of the whale meat with the killer whales, providing a mutually-beneficial relationship.

The episode also uncovers how a group of indigenous people, the Yuin, had a spiritual connection with these killer whales. They believed that the whales were sacred and had special powers. The Yuin would offer gifts and pay respects to the killer whales, believing that it helped them in their hunts and that their spirits would continue to protect the bay.

However, the relationship between the whalers and killer whales was not always a peaceful one. The killer whales would sometimes take over the roles of the whalers, and instead of helping, they would take the prey from the harpoon and kill the whale themselves. This behavior became known as “lone killing.” Eventually, the whalers became suspicious of the killer whales' intentions and decided to turn on them.

The episode showcases the horrific fact that some whalers would deliberately harm or kill the killer whales, destroying a culture and bond that had existed for decades. Old Tom, the most well-known of the killer whales, suffered a brutal death at the hands of the whalers. The episode also highlights how the Yuin's beliefs and traditions were impacted by the whaling industry and the loss of their sacred animals.

Overall, Killers in Eden is a fascinating and emotional exploration into the relationship between whalers and killer whales in Twofold Bay, Australia. The episode offers a deep insight into the complex bond that existed between the two species, and how this history has both positive and negative implications for their future. Throughout the episode, audiences are taken on a journey from the past to the present, offering a powerful message about respect and conservation for wildlife.