Race of Life 4K

This is the Race of Life.

It’s a battle for survival and the rush to stay one step ahead – a step that can be the difference between life and death. And as the sun rises, the race begins all over again – from the mightiest predators to the tiny creatures that teem underfoot. Each and every one of them has the instinct for survival. Every creature must run faster and stay ahead of the game. If not, the consequences can be fatal. After all, in the race of life, there are no prizes for coming second…

This is not just another wildlife documentary but something completely unique. Race of Life captures the mystery, adventure, and drama of life in the wild like no animal series before.

It’s a journey that will take us from the ocean depths to the skies above, the Amazonian rainforest to the African savannah. The largest and fiercest of predators, to the smallest and seemingly most insignificant of prey, all have their part to play in the drama that unfolds every minute of every day in the natural world.

Yes, we will follow some of the world's most iconic species, such as lions, elephants, and cheetah. But our trip around the world and back will also acquaint us with creatures as quirky and diverse as the ostrich, the platypus, the Gila monster, and the Tasmanian Devil.

The phrase ‘survival of the fittest’ is sometimes used to describe the sometimes cruel nature of the business world, but it pales in comparison to the true Darwinism of the animal kingdom. This very real principle affects animals their entire lives. In a split second, they could die all - because they were not the “fittest.” It is the species that are most adaptable to change which endure.

The truth is, the race of life is as much a battle as it is a test of speed and endurance. There is no lack of warriors among the ranks of wild animals. There is also no lack of purpose behind their aggressive natures, whether they’re on the offensive or the defensive. Prey becomes aggressive toward a predator, usually to preserve its life—like a woodchuck biting ferociously when cornered by a coyote. Males and females of most species will fight viciously in self-defense. But females can be even more aggressive than males when defending their young.

Some predators come equipped with powerful strides and ferocious fangs, some with an arsenal of poisons and trickery. But if it often seems that predators have the upper hand in the race of life, you may be surprised to find some of the weaponry deployed by their prey. If, for example, you thought the skunk was the only animal to spray toxic or foul-smelling liquids at creatures that invade its space, this series will make you think again.

The humble ant, for example, is vulnerable to many predators, so they have adapted several defense mechanisms and strategies to protect themselves against their enemies. Ants are equipped with a nasty sting/bite that secretes formic acid. They also use their powerful mandibles to throw small intruders out of the nest. So it doesn’t pay to underestimate the little guy.

Some animals only come out at night. How do bats find food in the dark? Spend the night on reconnaissance with possums, porcupines, raccoons, cats, and mice. Their day only begins while the rest of the world falls asleep.

All insects go through the Race of Life when they metamorphose, changing from one form into another. They burrow through the ground, hop and sing in the trees, and dart and dance in the air. But there are many reasons why insects are so successful at surviving. Their amazing ability to adapt to the Race of Life permits them to live in extreme ranges of temperatures and environments.

So we will examine closely the struggle going on underfoot – but what about underwater? Almost all animals living in the sea are predators - from small fish to great white sharks and starfish to giant squid. Their bodies have been designed and built to capture prey and avoid becoming prey themselves.

Anywhere and everywhere on this planet, this series will go wherever it takes to illustrate how the struggle for survival is almost a working definition of life itself. The Race of Life is eternal and never-ending. It’s a battle for survival and a rush to stay alive. In this series, we’ll see how day and night, the drama is played out and how the race is run. Creatures great and small have developed strength, intelligence, and a panoply of tricks to stay in the race. Some have natural weaponry to act as a defensive shield, others simply run the race faster than their competitors, and some are just better at blending in with their surroundings. Whatever it takes to stay ahead - in the Race of Life!