Episode 1
First transmitted in 1961, David Attenborough searches for the strange creatures that inhabit Madagascar. Is the gigantic bird, the rukh or roc, a creature of myth?
First transmitted in 1961, this series captures the four months David Attenborough, cameraman Geoffrey Mulligan and Malagasy ornithologist Georges Randrianasolo spent travelling several thousand miles throughout the island of Madagascar.
They set out to meet the people of Madagascar and study their local customs as well as film some of the remarkable animals which occur nowhere else in the world.
Starting in the south of Madagascar, David Attenborough hopes to find an Aepyornis egg. The Aepyornis, or elephant bird, may have given rise to the legend of the gigantic bird known as the rukh or roc. Attenborough reconstructs an Aepyornis egg from fragments, and also sees tortoises and sifakas.
Last on
More episodes
Previous
You are at the first episode
Clips
-
Marvellous Madagascar
Duration: 01:36
-
Jigsaw puzzle
Duration: 05:00
-
Leaping lemurs
Duration: 04:51
Sir David Attenborough - The Early Years
This programme is part of a 成人论坛 Four Collection showcasing the early work of Sir David Attenborough.
More about this programme
The Aepyornis egg that Sir David Attenborough pieced together over 50 years ago is still one of his most treasured possessions. In 2011, Attenborough returned to the island of Madagascar on a very personal quest; to find out more about this amazing creature and to see how the island has changed. Could the elephant bird's fate provide lessons that may help protect Madagascar's remaining wildlife?
About 成人论坛 Four Collection programmes
Broadcasts
- Fri 2 Jun 1961 20:25成人论坛 Television Service
- Sun 2 Oct 1966 14:50
Featured in...
Wildlife
Compelling wildlife documentaries, featuring amazing animals and stunning landscapes
Explore the world with David Attenborough
Explore the world with Sir David Attenborough
Sir David Attenborough
Sir David Attenborough's amazing programmes from the 1950s to the present day.
David Attenborough - The Early Years
A collection of programmes showcasing the early work of Sir David Attenborough.
Something in the post from Sir David: 'Never before has the delivery of a letter caused such a stir'
Working with the legendary broadcaster on our 成人论坛 Four archive collection.