Der Kongo

1. River of extremes The river that swallows all rivers - this is what the natives call it. In reality, the Congo, when considering its water masses, is the second largest and the deepest river in the world. At its source in the north of Zambia, it starts out as a mere trickle, but on its journey westwards it grows and grows, becoming ever mightier and with it, the animals too: the shoebill stork hides in the dense papyrus. Metre-long pythons hunt for their prey in trees and huge hippos fight for power and respect in the water. To survive in the Congo, animals have to adapt to extreme conditions. Here, evolution has spawned unique creatures: fish with lungs, wings and those that go hunting on land. The Congo River feeds the second largest rainforest on earth. Here is the home of the forest elephant. Time and again, they are summoned to this one, magic place: the Dzanga Bay. Countless other forest dwellers join them. What makes this place so special? Another secret of the Congo River.

2. In the realm of the great apes The Congo, mighty and deep like no other river - yet still a retreat and a habitat for several of our world's strangest animals. Our closest relatives live deep inside the dense jungles: three of the four giant ape species have made the Congo basin their home. Rich in extraordinary footage, the second episode of "Myths of the Congo" also presents exciting insights into one of the most mysterious and dangerous regions on earth. (Verleiher-Text)