Grandma

Legendary English broadcaster David Attenborough narrates this documentary on the northern royal albatross colony at Taiaroa Head, near Dunedin. But the real star of the show is Grandma, a 60-year-old super breeder. In October Grandma arrives after a long spell at sea, where albatrosses spend most their lives. After reuniting with her partner, an egg is fertilised. The albatrosses are monitored by specialist wardens who support the birds' health and keep predators at bay. After 79 days Grandma's 51st descendant hatches, and another extraordinary life cycle begins. Stay on for the postscript after the closing credits.

While Grandma was being banded in 1937, Hitler was preparing to dominate Europe, and by 1940 Taiaroa Head was ready for the Second World War...

– Narrator David Attenborough puts Grandma's long life into context

Key Cast & Crew

Steve Robinson

Composer

Roger Everest

Cinematography

David Attenborough

Narrator

Martin Banks

Writer

Mark Robinson

Editor

Beverly Brown

Director, Writer, Producer