01x08 - Diceros bicornis

[bunniefuu]

"Diceros bicornis."

My turn.

I thought we were looking
for a black rhino.

This one looks mostly gray.

The black rhino is gray.
Actually, so are white rhinos.

That's not how colors work.

Someone needs to work
on their naming skills.

You can tell this
one's a black rhino

because of its long,
pointed lip and round ears.

"Round-eared rhino"
has a nice ring to it.

They are really good at hearing.

Or "super-hearing rhino."

Which means we have to be
extra quiet when we get closer.

Closer? Shouldn't we come
up with a plan first?

Where are you going? You
see its big horns, right?

Of course! That's how
I know it's a boy.

Boys have thicker horns and
are usually on their own.

Come on, David!

Jane, wait up!

Didn't you tell me
rhinos have bad tempers?

Yes, but it's not their fault.

There used to be hundreds
of thousands of rhinos,

but because of poaching,

there's less than 6,000
in the whole world now.

What's poaching?

ill*gal hunting. Rhinos are
poached for their horns.

Guess I wouldn't be very
friendly to strangers either.

But you see that little
bird on his back?

That's a red-billed oxpecker.

Because it has a red bill?
Now that's a good name.

For some reason, rhinos let
them sit on their backs all day.

And you think if we
can find out why,

it will help us figure
out how we can help them?

Exactly. Understanding rhinos is
the first step to helping them.

The oxpecker's pecking at
something. I think he's eating it.

- We need to get closer.
- We need to come up with a plan.

Getting closer is the plan.

How is that a plan?

What is it, Greybeard?

- Uh-oh!
- New plan, run!

Are you okay?

I'm fine. We have to
get back to the rhino.

That looks like it hurts.

It's just a scratch. We're
wasting time. Let's go.

- Maybe we should put a bandage on it.
- I'm fine.

Okay, but can we finally
come up with a plan?

A real one this time.

Not just "sneak up on giant-horned
rhino, try not to get stomped."

We had a plan.

And I was this close to seeing
what the oxpecker was doing,

- until you got super noisy.
- You're saying it's my fault?

The rhino didn't see us

before you started talking
loudly about a plan.

Well, if we had a plan,

we wouldn't have almost
gotten "rhin-overed."

David, "rhin-overed"
is not a word.

Yes, it is. When you almost
get run overed by a rhinoceros.

"Rhin-overed."

- What do you think, Greybeard?
- Yeah. Choose a side.

If you're going to
keep helping animals,

you need to stop being
scared all the time.

If you're going to get me
to help you help animals,

you need to stop telling
me what to do all the time.

If I didn't tell you what to
do, we wouldn't do anything!

Hi. You forgot your
little monkey friend.

He's a chimpanzee.

And thanks.

Is everything all right?

Everything's great, Mrs. J!

How are you?

Oh, well, I can't complain.

So, tell me, what sort of wild
creature are you chasing after today?

Diceros bicornis.

You're gonna have
to give me a hint.

Kind of looks like a
modern-day triceratops.

At least, that's
what David would say.

A modern-day triceratops.

A rhinoceros?

Correct. Diceros bicornis
is its scientific name.

We're trying to figure out why it lets
a tiny bird called a red-billed oxpecker

sit on its back all day.

- What an interesting question.
- Hi, Mrs. Joseph.

Hi!

- Little present for you.
- For me? Thank you.

Chocolate chip.

Alex, you've been
baking up a storm.

Yeah. Actually, next week
we're moving on to pies.

Pies? I can't wait.

- Thank you.
- Bye.

You know, I introduced him
to a wonderful neighbor

on the second floor
who loves to cook too.

Any idea why the rhino lets
that little bird stick around?

Not yet, but understanding why is
my first step to helping the rhino.

Maybe it'd be good to
have a second pair of eyes

on such an important mission.

Exactly, that's why
I have Greybeard.

Right.

- Bye, Mrs. J.
- Bye.

It looks like rhinos
eat leafy greens,

woody twigs and "suckle-lents?"

Whatever those are.

Go tell Jane.

- No. I'm doing this by myself.
- Really?

Why? Are you two in a fight?

Yes. Kind of.

But who's going to save you
if you get into trouble?

- I don't need saving.
- You always need saving.

No, I don't.

Besides, I have a plan.

That's your plan?

No. This is how I'll
record my findings.

You should walkie Jane.

She's your best friend.

You're my best friend now.

My best friend is Kamaia.

You can be my
second-best friend.

Can't walkie Jane if I
don't have a walkie, can I?

See anything?

Maybe we should try
near the dumpsters?

Hide!

David, hi! Are you
looking for Jane?

No. Actually, I'm looking for a
rhino. Have you seen one around?

Not lately. I'll
keep an eye out.

Mrs. Joseph, do you know
what a "suckle-lent" is?

You mean a succulent?

Well, it's a plant.

Any kind of succulent in
particular you're looking for?

I'm not sure.

I was looking up what
black rhinos like to eat

and it said succulents
and leafy greens.

Well, if you check
by the garden shed,

I think there's some
leafy greens back there.

I'll go check right now.

- Thanks for the tip, Mrs. J!
- Sure.

I thought I saw rhino
tracks back there.

Behind the bush?

Yeah, but they
weren't. False alarm.

Maybe there's some
by the garden shed?

I'll check there later.

Okay.

Thanks, Mrs. J!

- Lauren, hi.
- Hi.

- I hear there are pies on deck next week.
- I'm taking orders.

Do you like sweet or savory?

- Surprise me!
- Okay.

But I do have a sweet tooth.

No wonder we couldn't
find him outside.

The lady in 201 is
not gonna like this.

Did you see that?

The oxpecker made a
sound when she saw us.

Was she warning the rhino?

Maybe it lets the oxpecker sit
there to be an alarm system.

And I see it's working.

Come on.

David's log. Almost lunchtime.

I've arrived at the garden shed.

Once I pick some
succulents or leafy greens,

I'll use them to
lure the rhino over,

so I can see what the
bird on his back does.

And find out before Jane.

Perfect.

Got it.

That was too close.

Where's David?

Probably staying super
safe in his room.

Okay. What happened?

I found the black rhino.

Or he's found me.

Looks like he's itchy? Why?

I have to get closer to him.

Time to set my food lure.

The oxpecker's not the
rhino's only company,

he's covered in bugs! And
they're making me itchy now.

Is that what the oxpecker
was eating before?

It ate a bug off
the rhino's back!

I wonder if she likes to sit there
because the bugs are easy snacks.

But that doesn't explain
why the rhino lets her stay.

Unless the bugs are
making him itchy!

He's on the move again.

I have to get some
more food for my lure.

I wish I had an oxpecker friend.

Or any friend.

So when the oxpecker went...
the rhino turned around.

I think she was warning him, kind
of like how Greybeard warns me!

Interesting. But I
asked you about David.

Come on. Spill it.

We got into a fight.

What did you do?

He said I always
tell him what to do.

What did you do?

I said he gets
scared all the time.

You said...

I said he gets
scared all the time.

I see. Well, it sounds like you
both said something you regret.

It doesn't matter
because I don't need him.

I found the rhino. I saw
the oxpecker warn him.

And I did it all by myself.

Minus almost getting flattened.

Nature can be dangerous. It's
part of what I like about it.

I've always known
you were brave.

Even as a little baby.

But are you brave enough
to admit when you're sorry?

Then I guess you don't want to see the
message David sent to your little...

BMS?

Balcony message system.

- I heard it go off earlier.
- You did?

David's walkie?

I guess he really doesn't
wanna be friends anymore.

Hey, where are you
going in such a hurry?

I'm gonna check the courtyard
for some rhino food.

Yeah, you could check the courtyard,
but you know where else you could check?

Jane's apartment.

I saw her mom bringing home
succulents just the other day.

I bet you she'd let
you borrow them.

I'll find them somewhere else.

You know, it's okay to be mad
at someone and still miss them.

- It is?
- Sure. It happens all the time.

You know, with my
sister, my ex, my kids.

A lot of the time, the people
you care about the most

are the ones that can
make you the maddest.

I bet it's the same
for you and Jane.

Thanks. See ya later, Mrs. J.

You better.

Mrs. J!

You'll never believe how close I
came to being squished by a rhino.

How exciting.

Well, you know, I just saw David and
he didn't mention a thing about that.

That's because David and I don't
do missions together anymore.

Really? Why not?

We had a fight.

You know, it's okay
to be mad at...

I know. Especially if you use
your anger to do something good.

Like, I'm angry that rhinos are
being poached for their horns,

so I'm going to
try to save them.

Great!

Mrs. J, can you take David's walkie
and let me know if you see any rhinos?

"Each one of us must take
responsibility for our own lives

and above all show respect and
love for living things around us,

especially each other."

I made him that quote sticker.
It's from Jane Goodall.

She sounds like a
very smart lady.

Maybe you and David should both take
some responsibility for your fight?

I don't think he wants
to be friends anymore.

I doubt that.

Anyway, speaking of rhinos,

I heard some very loud rumblings
up in the third floor hallway.

I should go check that out.

Wait, Jane.

I have a feeling you
still might need this.

Well, hurry up, you don't
wanna let that rhino get away.

David?

Yes, Jane's mom?

Everything okay out there?

Yeah. Kinda.

Jane's not here.

That's okay. I was
actually looking for you.

Do you have any succulents
or leafy greens I can borrow?

And by borrow I mean keep.

You're not gonna want them back
when the rhino's done with them.

It came from around that corner.

If the oxpecker sees us and
squawks, we know we're right.

- David?
- Jane?

- I thought you were the rhino!
- I thought you were!

- You scared me.
- You didn't scare me.

We were testing to see if
the oxpecker would squawk

when we got close to the rhino.

That's what happened
before in the hallway.

So, the oxpecker's some sort
of warning bird for the rhino?

That's what Greybeard
and I are thinking.

I saw the rhino
scratching his whole head

and then I saw the oxpecker
eat bugs off of him.

Does the rhino let her sit
there to get rid of itchy bugs?

That's what I'm
going to find out.

Well, good luck.

- Yeah, same to you.
- Okay.

Bye.

Yeah.

Yes, goodbye.

- I don't think you're scared all the time.
- You don't?

We go on dangerous missions.

It's normal to be a bit scared.

Thinking about the scariest or
worst thing that could happen

probably helps you come
up with your great plans.

- So, I'm sorry.
- Thanks.

Isn't there something
you want to say to me?

What? You do tell me what to do.

But I get why.

You're the leader on
our important missions.

So, I am sorry.

Just not as sorry as you.

Okay, same amount of sorry.

As the leader, I accept that.

One more thing.

Here.

Thanks.

Wanna come up with a new plan
to test both of our ideas?

Only if we do it together.

David's log.

I tried some of the
rhino's food, not good.

I mean, I've got eyes on the rhino.
Ready to put our plan into action? Over.

I'm ready if you are.

Hey, oxpecker!

Over here!

You were right, the oxpecker warned
the rhino about me. Your turn!

I'm at the bench! Well,
I'm under the bench.

I'm not a succulent!

Come on, big guy. Who's hungry?

Hi.

David. Did you
make up with Jane?

We did. And we came up
with a plan together.

Isn't that wonderful.

You know what, I'm gonna get the two
of you a little celebration snack.

For this, I am willing
to share my baked goods.

Hurry! He's closing in!

That was awesome.

Look, the plan's working.

And we have a perfect view.

The oxpecker's eating bugs, but
not just from the rhino's back.

Is she getting
them from his ears?

And his nose? Gross.

Maybe it should be called
the red-billed nose picker.

But the oxpecker isn't just
snacking on itchy pests,

she's helping keep
the rhino clean.

In the most disgusting
way possible.

And you were right about
her warning him too.

The oxpecker's like a second pair of eyes
to help keep the rhino safe from poachers.

They make a great team.

You're right,
Greybeard. We all do.

Hey, kids.

Hi, Mrs. J.

- Well, did you complete your mission?
- We did.

And now that we understand
rhinos, we can help them.

How?

Just like the oxpecker, we're
going to watch the rhino's back.

Well, isn't that what we all have
to do? Watch out for each other?

For each other and
for animals too.

Lemonade?

- Here you go.
- Thank you.

And who would love a
chocolate chip muffin?

Thank you.

What's that camera going to do?

It's going to keep an eye
on the rhino's territory

to make sure there aren't
any poachers around.

Good plan. Let's post
the camera feed online

so everyone can help look
out for the rhino with us.

Even better plan.

Seems like the rhino and
oxpecker are really good friends.

They're definitely
stronger together.

Right, Greybeard. Us too.

Help save the rhinos.

David, why's your video off?

Our call with Dr. Matthew Mutinda, the
rhino expert, is starting any second.

I'm here but Millie was playing
with my tablet and, well, look.

Maybe you should leave it on.

No way. I need to
get it off before...

he gets here.

Too late.

- Hi, Matthew!
- Hi, Jane.

Hi, unicorn?

That's David. He doesn't know
how to turn off the filter.

You can do it on
your video settings.

Thanks, that's way better.

It's been a rough day.

First we get chased by a black
rhino, then I became a unicorn.

You got chased by
a black rhinoceros?

We were trying to figure out why rhinos
let oxpeckers sit on their backs all day.

What did you discover?

That they're friends.

Well, not exactly.

The black rhinoceros and
the red-billed oxpeckers

have a symbiotic relationship.

What does symbiotic mean?

Here, let me show you.

A symbiotic relationship is when
two species benefit from each other.

The red-billed oxpecker benefits
from having food off a rhino's back,

and the rhino benefits by
the oxpecker cleaning it

and warning it when
there's danger around.

We saw that happen. How many black
rhinos have you taken care of?

Lots. I'll tell you
the story of Kitui,

a baby black rhino
that we rescued

at one week of age after
being abandoned by its mother.

As they grow, they become
healthier and stronger.

And at around four years of
age, you have to take him away

into a place where he
has less human contact,

where he can become a
real wild black rhino.

So how is Kitui now?

He has grown bigger and bigger.

We have moved him to
his own territory.

And there he can feed, grow, establish
his own family and probably his own kids.

What's hurting the black rhino?

There are three major
threats to black rhinos.

Poaching, where people
poach them for their horn.

Two is habitat loss, where
people are creating farms.

And lastly, climate change,

where less rainfall leads to
lack of food for the black rhino.

When did you know you
wanted to help animals?

From a young age. After
graduation from veterinary school,

I started to work here at
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy,

where different animals
live together in harmony.

- What can we do from here?
- You can join a conservation club,

or you can start
one in your school.

Creating awareness in
the global community

will safeguard future
generations of wildlife

so that they can enjoy what
we are so lucky to enjoy.

- Great ideas.
- We can get other kids to join.

Thank you, Matthew. I can't
wait till school tomorrow.

That's wonderful.

It's been a pleasure to share with
the future generation of conservators

who are going to save the world.

Bye, and thank you very
much for your time.

Bye, Matthew.

- So, what should we call our club?
- How about the Kitui Club?

Perfect. Jane, look
at this rhino filter.

- Nice, are there any oxpeckers?
- Let me check.

Hey, Jane. Check it out.

You found one!