Sex in the Wild

Mating in the animal kingdom is driven by an intense biological instinct to ensure the survival of the species. Males charge ahead thanks to testosterone, while females seek the best genes for their offspring. This four-part PBS-aired documentary series features anatomist Joy Reidenberg and veterinarian Mark Evans, who here study the decidedly unromantic but necessary rituals of four distinctive mammals. Elephants are noted for having an extremely long gestation period (22 months)—one of the longest in the animal world—and females can remain fertile until 60 years of age. Males jostle for mating rights—a "pandemonium" pitting the would-be dominant male against rival bulls—and once selected, the lucky guy then faces an "obstacle course" in the actual physical act of mating. Once the calf is born, the young elephant matures quickly, but must stay near the mother to avoid predators (other females also join in protecting the infant). Compared to elephants, the orangutan's pregnancy is more like that of humans, with the notable exception that childbirth and infant rearing usually takes place high in treetop canopies, again to avoid predators. Dominant males morph into what is called here the "Incredible Hulk," marked by increased size and enlarged cheeks, a trait that is attractive to females. The alpha male emits a scent powerful enough to actually suppress the sexual maturity of rivals. Kangaroos, on the other hand, have an extremely short gestation period, protecting the young in a pouch, and later helping offspring adjust to the harsh, arid conditions in the Australian outback. Males sometimes engage in kickboxing matches with rivals, and will sometimes stage sneaky surprise attacks while males and females are copulating. Dolphins are renowned for their abundant sexual activity, with a female sampling several mates in quick succession, while whales are "sexual commuters," traveling thousands of miles between feeding and breeding grounds. Offering an unblinking, frank, and informative look at animal sexuality, this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (S. Rees)