Going Ape

Watch Going Ape

  • 2013
  • 2 Seasons
  • 7.9  (21)

Going Ape is an incredible adventure series that focuses on the lives and behaviors of primates. This National Geographic production takes scientists, veterinarians, and animal behaviorists into the wild to study and interact with some of the world's most fascinating primates. Through the perspective of the experts, the audience can discover the natural habits and social structures that define these incredible creatures. The show is presented by primatologist Jonathan Kang, who travels to remote and exotic locations around the world to study primates in their natural habitats. Kang is joined by a team of experts, including Sheri Speede - a veterinarian and founder of the Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest in Cle Elum, Washington, and Babila Tafon - a primatologist from Cameroon, Africa. Together, they embark on treacherous journeys through dense rainforests, over rugged mountain terrain, and across vast savannahs to reach their destinations. Each episode of Going Ape focuses on a different family of primates, and the team spends several days observing them closely. They follow them through their daily routines, playtime, challenges, and social interactions. Through these observations, they gain valuable insights into the lives of these primates, such as their leadership structures, communication methods, feeding habits, and interactions with other species. The team also confronts challenging ethical dilemmas on their journey. They often encounter primates that have suffered at the hands of humans, whether through poaching or having been kept as pets in captivity. The team faces difficult decisions about how best to care for these primates, whether to release them back into the wild, or to provide them with a life-long sanctuary. Going Ape is a fantastic show for anyone interested in animal behavior and conservation. It's awe-inspiring to see these intelligent creatures up close, in their natural environment, and more importantly, to witness the efforts being made to protect them. Viewers will be fascinated by the information presented and the insights that the series provides into the lives of these incredible primates. The series is visually stunning, with breathtaking cinematography and sounds beautifully mixed, making it a thoroughly enjoyable watch. Despite the show's heavy subject matter, it's also light-hearted and funny. The team has a great sense of humor and goes to great lengths to get the primates to interact with them, often resulting in hilarious moments. The camaraderie between Jonathan, Sheri, and Babila is also enjoyable to watch, as they embark on this incredible journey together. In summary, Going Ape is an adventurous, informative, and entertaining documentary series that sheds light on the lives of some of the world's most fascinating species. The team of experts presents the information in an accessible, insightful, and engaging manner that makes it a great watch for everyone. So, if you're interested in the wonders of nature and the animal kingdom, this is definitely a great show to watch.

Going Ape
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Seasons
Battling the Odds
12. Battling the Odds
June 21, 2019
Rachel Hogan and her team fight for a gorilla's life after he contracts a deadly disease, and Dr. Sheri Speede investigates a tip that locals are illegally keeping a chimpanzee as a pet.
A Secret Rescue
11. A Secret Rescue
June 21, 2019
Dr. Sheri Speede and her team set out on a secret mission to rescue two chimps being kept as pets that are starving and living in terrible conditions. Then, a baboon suffers a serious injury during a violent leadership challenge.
Culture Shock
10. Culture Shock
June 21, 2019
A British orthopedic surgeon visits to repair a chimp's wrist and is shocked by his surroundings. Then, Dr. Felix Lankester seizes reptiles being trafficked for their meat.
Fighting to Save a Life
9. Fighting to Save a Life
June 21, 2019
Dr. Felix Lankester races to save a gorilla with chronic intestinal problems that have resulted in massive weight loss. Then, a chimp with a bent wrist must take a frightening journey into town for an X-ray.
Reversing the Damage
8. Reversing the Damage
June 21, 2019
Four gorillas continue their journey back to Cameroon from Malaysia and a small chimp is attacked by a rival male. Then, Dr. Sheri Speede works with a chimpanzee that suffers psychological damage from being raised as a pet.
The Four Return Home
7. The Four Return Home
June 21, 2019
Dr. Felix Lankester prepares for the arrival of gorillas that are returning to Cameroon after being taken illegally and placed in a Malaysian zoo. Then, Dr. Sheri Speede must operate on a chimp riddled with flesh-eating maggots.
A Mission to Stop Killings
6. A Mission to Stop Killings
June 21, 2019
A volunteer takes on the demanding job of being a surrogate mother to a baby gorilla that lost her entire family. Then, Paul Tendem works to change a community's outlook on bushmeat trade.
Crisis in the Treetops
5. Crisis in the Treetops
June 21, 2019
Rachel Hogan and her team race to rescue a chimpanzee that's been stuck in a tree for 24 hours without food or water. Then, Dr. Sheri Speede must operate on a chimp with a serious injury that could affect the rest of his life.
Chimps on the Run
4. Chimps on the Run
June 21, 2019
After two chimpanzees escape, a team of expert trackers must locate them before they hurt locals. Then, Dr. Felix Lankester investigates three cases of chimp attacks and an 8-month-old chimp must learn to trust a new volunteer.
A Life in Chains
3. A Life in Chains
June 21, 2019
Dr. Sheri Speede and her team rescue a chimp being kept as a pet in inhumane living conditions. Then, Dr. Felix Lankester takes in a cargo of parrots with a street value of over $1 million that were set to be illegally smuggled.
Dangerous Break Out
2. Dangerous Break Out
June 21, 2019
Dr. Felix Lankester and his team face disaster when two chimps escape, putting the public at risk of a dangerous rampage. Then, Rachel Hogan works with a traumatized infant gorilla to prepare her to interact with other infants.
Hanging in the Balance
1. Hanging in the Balance
September 6, 2009
Rachel Hogan works to rehab a baby gorilla riddled with bullet wounds, and Dr. Felix Lankester devises a plan to help a chimpanzee that was paralyzed from a fall. Then, a team rushes to save a chimp attacked by a rival male.
Description

Going Ape is an incredible adventure series that focuses on the lives and behaviors of primates. This National Geographic production takes scientists, veterinarians, and animal behaviorists into the wild to study and interact with some of the world's most fascinating primates. Through the perspective of the experts, the audience can discover the natural habits and social structures that define these incredible creatures.

The show is presented by primatologist Jonathan Kang, who travels to remote and exotic locations around the world to study primates in their natural habitats. Kang is joined by a team of experts, including Sheri Speede - a veterinarian and founder of the Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest in Cle Elum, Washington, and Babila Tafon - a primatologist from Cameroon, Africa. Together, they embark on treacherous journeys through dense rainforests, over rugged mountain terrain, and across vast savannahs to reach their destinations.

Each episode of Going Ape focuses on a different family of primates, and the team spends several days observing them closely. They follow them through their daily routines, playtime, challenges, and social interactions. Through these observations, they gain valuable insights into the lives of these primates, such as their leadership structures, communication methods, feeding habits, and interactions with other species.

The team also confronts challenging ethical dilemmas on their journey. They often encounter primates that have suffered at the hands of humans, whether through poaching or having been kept as pets in captivity. The team faces difficult decisions about how best to care for these primates, whether to release them back into the wild, or to provide them with a life-long sanctuary.

Going Ape is a fantastic show for anyone interested in animal behavior and conservation. It's awe-inspiring to see these intelligent creatures up close, in their natural environment, and more importantly, to witness the efforts being made to protect them. Viewers will be fascinated by the information presented and the insights that the series provides into the lives of these incredible primates. The series is visually stunning, with breathtaking cinematography and sounds beautifully mixed, making it a thoroughly enjoyable watch.

Despite the show's heavy subject matter, it's also light-hearted and funny. The team has a great sense of humor and goes to great lengths to get the primates to interact with them, often resulting in hilarious moments. The camaraderie between Jonathan, Sheri, and Babila is also enjoyable to watch, as they embark on this incredible journey together.

In summary, Going Ape is an adventurous, informative, and entertaining documentary series that sheds light on the lives of some of the world's most fascinating species. The team of experts presents the information in an accessible, insightful, and engaging manner that makes it a great watch for everyone. So, if you're interested in the wonders of nature and the animal kingdom, this is definitely a great show to watch.

  • Premiere Date
    May 13, 2013
  • IMDB Rating
    7.9  (21)