Episode 3
First transmitted in 1961, David Attenborough looks at how the people of Madagascar worship their ancestors.
First transmitted in 1961, David Attenborough looks at how the people of Madagascar worship their ancestors.
Some open their tombs each year and entertain the dead with feasting and dancing; some worship on the shores of a sacred lake where they believe their forebears live on in the shape of crocodiles.
David also catches a boa constrictor and brings it back to London Zoo.
Last on
More episodes
Clips
![]()
Crocodile ancestors
Duration: 04:23
![]()
Net etiquette
Duration: 01:08
Sir David Attenborough - The Early Years

This programme is part of a BBC Four Collection showcasing the early work of Sir David Attenborough.
Watch Sir David Attenborough - The Early Years on BBC iPlayer
About BBC Four Collection programmes
Programmes are selected, in part, for their historical context and reflect the broadcast standards and attitudes of their time, which may not accord to some current BBC editorial guidelines. We aim to select programmes which can be shown in their entirety but in some cases edits are required.
Broadcasts
Fri 16 Jun 196120:25BBC Television Service
Wed 24 Jan 196217:25BBC Television Service
Featured in...
![]()
David Attenborough - The Early Years
A collection of programmes showcasing the early work of Sir David Attenborough.





