Main content

Chimpanzee

Dynasties Series 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?

4 months left to watch

59 minutes

Last on

Mon 9 Mar 2020 20:00
BBC Four

More episodes

Previous

You are at the first episode

Next

EmperorSeries 1

See all episodes from Dynasties

Clips

See all clips from Chimpanzee (6)

Music Played

Timings (where shown) are from the start of the programme in hours and minutes

  • 00:19

    Medina

    For Altid

  • 00:39

    Samuel Barber

    Adagio For Strings Op. 11

  • 00:41

    Jovanotti

    11 Piove

Credits

Presenter David Attenborough
Executive Producer Michael Gunton
Series Producer Rupert Barrington
Producer Rosie Thomas
Production Manager Alison Brown-Humes

Broadcasts

  • Sun 11 Nov 2018 20:30
    BBC One
  • Sun 18 Nov 2018 14:05
    BBC One Northern Ireland & Northern Ireland HD only
  • Sun 18 Nov 2018 15:05
    BBC One Scotland, Scotland HD, Wales & Wales HD only
  • Sun 18 Nov 2018 16:05
    BBC One except Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland HD, Scotland, Scotland HD, Wales & 1 more
  • Fri 7 Dec 2018 08:00
    BBC Two
  • Thu 27 Dec 2018 12:10
    BBC One
  • Mon 9 Mar 2020 20:00
    BBC Four

Featured in...

  • Wildlife

    Compelling wildlife documentaries, featuring amazing animals and stunning landscapes

  • Factual Box Sets

    Factual Box Sets

  • Family Favourites

    Charming, funny, cheeky and messy, curl up and enjoy these heartwarming stories.

  • Sir David Attenborough

    Celebrate Sir David Attenborough's amazing programmes from the 1950s to the present day.

Chimp ID guide

Chimp ID guide

Find out how to identify the chimpanzees in Dynasties.