Sun Bear (2) vs. Gelada (8)

Geladas are grass-eating primates with a powerful gut microbiome that helps them digest tough plants. Sun bears are strong climbers with big paws and long claws, built for life in warm forests.

Tonight’s habitat is the geothermal wetlands of Yellowstone National Park, full of steaming hot springs and thin mineral crusts covering boiling water below.

The gelada and sun bear spot each other through the steam. It’s chilly, but the gelada’s thick fur keeps him warm. The sun bear, built for tropical heat, starts to feel the cold. Unsure of each other, they slowly move apart.

The sun bear wanders toward warmer ground, stepping carefully across the mineral crust. Suddenly—crack! One paw breaks through into hot water below. He pulls it out quickly and limps away.

Heading into a nearby gully, the bear doesn’t realize that heavy gases from the geothermal area have collected there. The air is unsafe to breathe. Overcome by the fumes, the sun bear collapses.

High on a safe rocky cliff, the gelada settles in for the night.

Gelada outlasts sun bear!