Ep 3. Aye-Aye

In Last Chance to See season 1 episode 3 titled "Aye-Aye," the hosts Stephen Fry and Mark Carwardine travel to Madagascar in search of the elusive and endangered Aye-Aye lemur. The Aye-Aye is a nocturnal primate, known for its unique physical characteristics including long fingers and a protruding middle digit used to extract insects from trees.

The hosts begin their journey in the capital city, Antananarivo, where they meet with local conservationists and learn about the importance of preserving the island’s unique biodiversity. From there, they travel to a remote forest where they hope to catch a glimpse of the Aye-Aye.

Along the way, they encounter a variety of other animals and learn about their role in the ecosystem. They encounter the sifaka lemur, a vocal primate known for its impressive vertical leaps. They also come across the fossa, Madagascar’s top predator and a threat to the Aye-Aye population.

As they delve deeper into the forest, the hosts face a number of challenges in their search for the Aye-Aye. They must navigate rugged terrain and work with local guides to locate the lemurs. Even when they find them, the Aye-Aye is difficult to photograph due to their nocturnal habits.

The hosts also learn about the cultural significance of the Aye-Aye to Malagasy people. The animal is considered a bad omen by some, and locals often kill them on sight. However, efforts are underway to change this perception and promote conservation efforts to protect the species.

Throughout the episode, the hosts highlight the importance of preserving biodiversity and the need for sustainable conservation efforts. They also emphasize the role of local communities in protecting endangered species and the natural habitats they rely on.

The episode is filled with stunning footage of Madagascar’s unique wildlife and landscapes. The hosts’ enthusiasm for conservation is contagious, and viewers will come away with a newfound appreciation for the Aye-Aye and the need to protect it.

Overall, Last Chance to See season 1 episode 3 is an enlightening and entertaining exploration of one of the world’s most unique and endangered animals. Its message of conservation and preservation is timely and important, and viewers will be inspired to take action to protect our planet’s precious biodiversity.