Join or Sign In
Sign in to customize your TV listings
By joining TV Guide, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy.
6 Episodes 1956 - 1956
Episode 1
First transmitted in 1956, this is first episode of a six-part series in which David Attenborough searches for the Komodo dragon. David Attenborough and cameraman Charles Lagus begin their quest in Borneo, the first in the chain of islands they must cross in order to reach Komodo. There they trek through jungle to a village belonging to the Dayak tribe, where they are given a warm welcome. The Zoo Quest team are hoping to find an orangutan and, with guidance from the Dayaks, they discover and film one in the wild. However, it is an orphaned orangutan held captive by a hunter that Attenborough falls for in the end.
Episode 2
First transmitted in 1956, David Attenborough and the Zoo Quest team ventured to the islands of South East Asia in search of the legendary Komodo dragon. In this stretch of the journey, Attenborough has a close encounter with a crocodile, spends time with Dayak villagers and makes the acquaintance of Benjamin, an abandoned baby bear.
Episode 3
First transmitted in 1956, David Attenborough and his cameraman Charles Lagus explore the island of Java in their quest for the largest lizard in the world. They see gibbons having a leisurely breakfast in the treetops, stop off at the 8th century Buddhist temple Borobudur and take a glimpse into Bromo, a sulphur-spewing volcano. Attenborough also captures a fully grown python to bring back to London Zoo. This creature later makes a wriggly appearance as a guest in the studio.
Episode 4
First transmitted in 1956, David Attenborough's search for the legendary Komodo dragon reaches Bali, where he witnesses a procession in honour of an 'invisible god' and explores a temple that provides shelter to a colony of bats believed by the locals to be sacred. Back in the studio, Attenborough meets a fruit bat that is a resident of London Zoo.
Episode 5
First transmitted in 1956, David Attenborough walks through avenues of palm trees and rice fields in order to reach a small Balinese village. Once there, he encounters curious villagers and remarkable creatures, including ants that demonstrate some ingenious behaviour. In addition to exploring less celebrated wildlife, this is also an opportunity to witness the unique Balinese culture with its hypnotic music and dance based on ancient Hindu legends.
Episode 6
First transmitted in 1956, the Zoo Quest team sails to Komodo island, the home of a giant lizard known as the Komodo dragon. The first and last known sighting of these animals by a European was in 1912. Once on shore, Attenborough soon comes face to face with the prehistoric-looking creatures. A villager had recently been killed by one, and it is plain to see why they are a danger to man. Attenborough also discovers that all is not safe on board the boat.