We’ve all developed our imagination by reading the fairy tales of our childhood, which have shaped humans’ fears and beliefs for centuries. Through the ages we have been frightened by the screech of the owl and scared of the evil powers of toads and witches. Animals become the victims of our fears. Why not challenge those beliefs? Mixing animation (drawings by John Howe, Artistic Director of The Lord of the Rings) and wildlife images, this series will give these badmouthed species a new image, leaving legend to discover their part in nature and to be seduced by their extraordinary beauty.

The Rhône – one of the longest and most significant rivers in Europe. Originating in the Swiss Alps and winding its way through Switzerland and France, its waters flow past historic landmarks, high-tech industrial areas and an extraordinary variety of landscapes. When it finally runs into the Mediterranean Sea, it has become witness to the multi-faceted fates of all kinds of people living along and with the river: fishermen, biologists, farmers, historians, engineers, bargemen… This intriguing documentary tells their stories while raising the question of how to overcome the contradiction between constant progress and renaturation.

Does the history of early human evolution have to be rewritten? For decades, most experts have been convinced that Africa is the cradle of mankind. Many fossil finds from Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, South Africa and Chad seemed to prove this beyond doubt. But in recent years, researchers have come across more and more finds that cast doubt on this well-established theory.

PROMOTION: Within the last years the world witnessed a rare success story of wildlife conservation: The number of the highly endangered mountain gorillas has risen to more than 1.000 animals. But this success is bringing about new challenges. What happens if the number of mountain gorillas grows but their habitat does not due to human encroachment and changing climate conditions? Scientific research shows much more interaction between gorilla groups than before. Some of them end in conflict and deadly fighting. How strongly should scientists intervene, if at all? Which new strategies for wildlife conservation could secure the survival of this species?

Summer – classic time for travel and exploring unknown destinations. On their quest for new horizons, more and more tourists set sails on a cruise ship to the Baltic Sea to follow the path of ancient Vikings or Hanseatic sailors. In this five-part series we join them on their journey from picturesque Swedish village over Finland’s bustling capital of Helsinki to historically rich St. Petersburg and the outstanding natural beauty of the Baltic states.