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.

Grandma's fifty-first direct descendant is officially registered as R159. When he leaves the colony in a month's time he will stay at sea for three to five years.

– Narrator David Attenborough describes a momentous time in the life of a young albatross

Key Cast & Crew

David Attenborough

Narrator

Mark Robinson

Editor

Steve Robinson

Composer

Roger Everest

Cinematography

Martin Banks

Writer

Beverly Brown

Director, Writer, Producer