Ep 1. 1. Be the Creature: Chimps

In the premiere episode of National Geographic Channel's Wild season 1, we are introduced to the world of chimpanzees through the eyes of two wildlife biologists, Chris and Martin Kratt. The episode titled 1. Be the Creature: Chimps takes us on an adventure to the dense forests of Uganda where we get a glimpse of the lives of these fascinating primates.

Chris and Martin Kratt, who are also the hosts of the show, start by explaining why chimpanzees are so important to the ecosystem. Chimpanzees are the closest living relatives of humans and share about 98% of our DNA. They are intelligent, social animals that live in communities of up to 150 individuals. These communities are led by alpha males who are responsible for protecting their members and making important decisions.

The Kratt brothers then venture into the forest to observe and learn more about these primates. While chimpanzees are known for their intelligence and problem-solving abilities, the brothers discover that they are also quite playful. They observe some young chimps engaging in a game of tag, swinging from vines, and even wrestling.

As they continue to explore the forest, the Kratt brothers encounter other members of the chimpanzee community. They carefully monitor their behavior and try to decipher their intricate social structure. For instance, they notice that the females spend a lot of time grooming each other, which helps to build strong bonds within the group.

However, the Kratt brothers also learn that these primates face many threats in their natural habitat. One major threat is the loss of their habitat due to deforestation and human settlement. This has resulted in human-wildlife conflict, where chimpanzees raid crops and homes leading to conflicts with humans.

In addition to this, there is also the threat of hunting. Chimpanzees are hunted for their meat, which is considered a delicacy in some parts of Africa. This has resulted in the decline of their population, and they are now considered an endangered species.

The Kratt brothers also visit a chimpanzee sanctuary where they meet a group of chimpanzees who have been rescued from the illegal pet trade. They learn that raising a chimpanzee as a pet is not only illegal but also detrimental to the animal's well-being. Chimpanzees are social creatures that need to live in communities, and keeping them as pets often leads to various health, behavioral, and psychological issues.

Throughout the episode, the Kratt brothers highlight the importance of conservation efforts in protecting chimpanzees and their habitat. They show that educating people about the importance of these primates and their role in the ecosystem is a crucial step towards their conservation.

In conclusion, National Geographic Channel's Wild season 1 episode 1 titled 1. Be the Creature: Chimps is an informative and eye-opening episode that takes us into the world of chimpanzees. The Kratt brothers' enthusiasm and passion for wildlife are evident, and they take us on an incredible journey that highlights the importance of conservation efforts in protecting these fascinating primates.