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Chimpanzee

DynastiesSeries 1
Episode 1 of 5

Documentary following endangered species fighting for their survival. David, a chimpanzee in Senegal, tries to overcome threats to his leadership and ensure an heir.

In Senegal, west Africa, live a group of chimpanzees led by an alpha male named David. He has already been alpha for three years - a time when leaders here are usually overthrown. To make matters worse, David has no allies - no-one to help him defend his leadership. As the dry season sets in, the group are forced closer together to survive. But David is now surrounded by rivals who all want his crown and are prepared to kill him for it.

David faces brutal battles, has his world engulfed in flames and has to pull off an extraordinary act of deception. In a story of power and politics, can David overcome the threats to his leadership and hold on to the alpha position long enough to sire a possible future heir to his throne?

Available now

59 minutes

Last on

Mon 17 Feb 202515:15
BBC Two

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Clips

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Music Played

  • Cruz

    The Overture

  • Medina

    For Altid

  • Samuel Barber

    Adagio For Strings Op. 11

  • Jovanotti

    11 Piove

Credits

PresenterDavid Attenborough
Executive ProducerMichael Gunton
Series ProducerRupert Barrington
ProducerRosie Thomas
Production ManagerAlison Brown-Humes

Broadcasts

  • Sun 11 Nov 201820:30
    BBC One
  • Sun 18 Nov 201814:05
    BBC One Northern Ireland & Northern Ireland HD only
  • Sun 18 Nov 201815:05
    BBC One Scotland, Scotland HD, Wales & Wales HD only
  • Sun 18 Nov 201816:05
    BBC One except Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland HD, Scotland, Scotland HD, Wales & 1 more
  • Fri 7 Dec 201808:00
    BBC Two
  • Thu 27 Dec 201812:10
    BBC One
  • Mon 9 Mar 202020:00
    BBC Four
  • Sun 2 May 202114:05
    BBC One Scotland HD & Scotland only
  • Sun 2 May 202116:35
    BBC One except Scotland, Scotland HD, Wales & Wales HD
  • Wed 7 Feb 202419:00
    BBC Four
  • Thu 8 Feb 202400:40
    BBC Four
  • Thu 19 Sep 202419:00
    BBC Three
  • Mon 17 Feb 202515:15
    BBC Two except Scotland

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Chimp ID guide

Chimp ID guide

Find out how to identify the chimpanzees in Dynasties.