Deadly Instincts

In the animal world, mating is serious business. Reproduction is key to passing on genes and keeping the species alive, so it's no surprise that some animals go to astonishing lengths to find, keep and defend their mates. And the drama is unlike anything you've seen before. From elephant seals that engage in bloody battles for the right to mate, to insects that risk being decapitated if they put a single foot wrong, to lions that risk their lives to defend their cubs, these are the stories of dedication, intimacy and betrayal that make up the game of love. The stakes are high, and winning is everything.

How do different animals go about the business of parenting? And what drives some species to stick around their offspring, while others walk away? It's all about genetic heritage. In this episode, we trace the tactics, trials and tribulations of a vast array of different species in their fight to further their bloodline. From the capybara mom who chooses to lose one baby to save seven, to the elephants standing vigil over an unknown calf, this is a journey into what really makes animal parents behave as they do.

In the animal kingdom, survival is a numbers game … and the odds are rarely in your favor if you're at the bottom of the food chain. In the game of fight or flight, the threats are real, and taking risks can mean the difference between life and death. Whether through courage, wisdom or strength, these survivors make it out alive against all odds.

In the natural world, power reigns supreme. Whether it's getting the most food, the best territory or the chance to mate, all animals compete against each other to survive. Witness some of the most intense power struggles in the animal kingdom. A group of bachelor gelada baboons conspire to overthrow an alpha male, but it doesn't quite go according to plan. An alpha female meerkat is given no choice but to oust her daughter from the clan when she discovers she's a threat, and worker bumblebees cause chaos when they attack their queen. The battle for dominance can be brutal, but power is the ultimate prize.