Autumn

Polar landscapes in autumn are transformed as the big freeze returns. Most animals leave on epic journeys, some now battle to breed, and for the hardy few it's a time of opportunity. In the Arctic, polar bears gather in large numbers on the coast to wait for the return of the ice. Tempers soon fray and violent contests break out. Off the coast, 2,000 beluga whales head for a special estuary, a gigantic 'whale spa', whilst inland the tundra undergoes a dramatic transformation and musk ox males and young caribou engage in very different mating rituals. Down in Antarctica, Adelie penguin chicks huddle together in creches and two chicks take their first swim. It seems penguins are not born with a love of water though - and with good reason, as a leopard seal explodes from the sea in a hunting manoeuvre that has never before been captured on film. As winter approaches and the wildlife leaves, the giant emperor penguin arrives and makes an epic trek inland to breed. (R) (T) (Digital Dolby 5.1), Polar landscapes in autumn are transformed as the big freeze returns. Most animals leave on epic journeys, some now battle to breed, and for the hardy few it's a time of opportunity. In the Arctic, polar bears gather in large numbers on the coast to wait for the return of the ice. Tempers soon fray and violent contests break out. Off the coast, 2,000 beluga whales head for a special estuary, a gigantic 'whale spa', whilst inland the tundra undergoes a dramatic transformation and musk ox males and young caribou engage in very different mating rituals. Down in Antarctica, adelie penguin chicks huddle together in creches and two chicks take their first swim. It seems penguins are not born with a love of water though - and with good reason, as a leopard seal explodes from the sea in a hunting manoeuvre that has never before been captured on film. As winter approaches and the wildlife leaves, the giant emperor penguin arrives and makes an epic trek inland to breed. (HD), Autumn brings epic journeys for polar wildlife as most hurry to escape the refreeze.