Intelligence

In episode one, we explore the incredible world of animal intelligence. Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall is in Florida to investigate a very unexpected relationship between a dangerous predator - the alligator - and a gentle giant - the manatee - which is changing our understanding of these creatures and has animal intelligence experts baffled.

Zoologist Lucy Cooke visits Canada and the Bahamas to find out how we may be making one smart city dweller - the raccoon - even smarter.

Biologist Patrick Aryee is in Cambodia to test the intelligence of one of the world's cleverest animals - the sun bear. He also investigates how a surprisingly smart animal - the rat - has become an unexpected hero and is helping to save lives as part of a unique mine-detection squad.

Conservationist Giles Clark is in Kenya to find out if elephants feel one of the most sophisticated forms of emotional intelligence - empathy. Can a herd of orphan elephants use it to help a very special baby?

We also find out how new research is leading us to question long-held beliefs about the intelligence of reptiles. Could these cold-blooded creatures be a lot cleverer than we think?