1 00:00:02,042 --> 00:00:04,750 [Dan narating on screen text] 2 00:00:08,083 --> 00:00:12,417 [mysterious music] 3 00:00:14,000 --> 00:00:15,374 - What if I told you 4 00:00:15,375 --> 00:00:17,374 the fate of an entire World War I army battalion 5 00:00:17,375 --> 00:00:20,625 rested on the wings of an unexpected warrior? 6 00:00:22,375 --> 00:00:25,666 - They take this last carrier pigeon and send Cher Ami off. 7 00:00:25,667 --> 00:00:28,041 - The Germans immediately fire on this bird. 8 00:00:28,042 --> 00:00:29,041 [guns blasting] 9 00:00:29,042 --> 00:00:30,541 - He's bloody, he's battered, 10 00:00:30,542 --> 00:00:33,542 and its leg is now hanging on by a thread. 11 00:00:35,083 --> 00:00:37,874 - Or there once lived a pig with a heart of gold 12 00:00:37,875 --> 00:00:40,332 and a strange superpower. 13 00:00:40,333 --> 00:00:42,082 - Lulu waddles up to Jo Ann 14 00:00:42,083 --> 00:00:44,874 and realizes her human needs help. 15 00:00:44,875 --> 00:00:46,957 - So Lulu employs the one trick 16 00:00:46,958 --> 00:00:48,250 that she's got up her sleeve. 17 00:00:49,208 --> 00:00:53,166 - How about some very unconventional lifesavers? 18 00:00:53,167 --> 00:00:55,750 - They're locked out, and baby Dallas is inside. 19 00:00:55,875 --> 00:00:57,124 [baby crying] 20 00:00:57,125 --> 00:00:59,416 - The baby is crying harder and harder. 21 00:00:59,417 --> 00:01:00,667 [baby crying] 22 00:01:00,792 --> 00:01:02,166 - [J. Mack] Nearby, there are a bunch of convicts 23 00:01:02,167 --> 00:01:03,791 doing road work. 24 00:01:03,792 --> 00:01:05,250 - The parents were thinking it's going from bad to worse, 25 00:01:05,375 --> 00:01:07,999 'cause now, one of the prisoners 26 00:01:08,000 --> 00:01:10,292 starts moving quickly towards the car. 27 00:01:11,500 --> 00:01:14,916 - These are the stories of heroes so unlikely, 28 00:01:14,917 --> 00:01:16,874 they are truly unbelievable. 29 00:01:16,875 --> 00:01:20,292 [lively dramatic music] 30 00:01:29,625 --> 00:01:32,667 In the chaos of World War I, when all seems lost, 31 00:01:32,792 --> 00:01:36,082 one unlikely hero steps up, defying the odds 32 00:01:36,083 --> 00:01:38,291 and charging headfirst into danger 33 00:01:38,292 --> 00:01:40,249 to prove that even the smallest of creatures 34 00:01:40,250 --> 00:01:41,999 can carry the weight of a nation. 35 00:01:42,000 --> 00:01:44,542 [tense dramatic music] 36 00:01:44,667 --> 00:01:47,999 - It's late 1918 in the Argonne Forest. 37 00:01:48,000 --> 00:01:49,250 The United States military, 38 00:01:49,375 --> 00:01:51,375 with French allies and Siamese allies, 39 00:01:51,500 --> 00:01:54,707 have launched the Meuse-Argonne offensive, 40 00:01:54,708 --> 00:01:56,041 [gun blasts] 41 00:01:56,042 --> 00:01:58,374 the largest ground defensive operation 42 00:01:58,375 --> 00:02:00,957 in which the American military has ever participated. 43 00:02:00,958 --> 00:02:03,416 [heavy artillery booming] 44 00:02:03,417 --> 00:02:05,083 - At this point, the Allied soldiers, 45 00:02:05,208 --> 00:02:08,666 totaling 1.2 million troops, 46 00:02:08,667 --> 00:02:11,417 move in to try to push the Germans back. 47 00:02:12,667 --> 00:02:14,791 - The Germans have held this forest for four years, 48 00:02:14,792 --> 00:02:17,291 and the Allies know that they're not gonna get this back 49 00:02:17,292 --> 00:02:18,833 without a serious fight. 50 00:02:18,958 --> 00:02:20,874 [heavy artillery booming] 51 00:02:20,875 --> 00:02:23,708 - On October 2nd, thousands of troops are sent forward 52 00:02:23,833 --> 00:02:25,082 to attack the Germans. 53 00:02:25,083 --> 00:02:27,583 [explosion blasts] 54 00:02:27,708 --> 00:02:29,457 Among them are 554 men 55 00:02:29,458 --> 00:02:32,124 of the American 77th Infantry Division. 56 00:02:32,125 --> 00:02:35,207 Leading them is Major Charles Whittlesey. 57 00:02:35,208 --> 00:02:36,791 - As Whittlesey leads his troops forward 58 00:02:36,792 --> 00:02:38,167 through the dense forest, 59 00:02:38,292 --> 00:02:40,833 they suddenly get separated from other Allied forces. 60 00:02:42,542 --> 00:02:45,041 - And before long, they find themselves behind German lines 61 00:02:45,042 --> 00:02:46,624 and surrounded on all sides. 62 00:02:46,625 --> 00:02:48,124 [explosion blasts] 63 00:02:48,125 --> 00:02:50,000 - [Dan] Things quickly go from bad to worse 64 00:02:50,125 --> 00:02:51,750 when they're detected by the enemy. 65 00:02:52,875 --> 00:02:54,249 - So once they're spotted, 66 00:02:54,250 --> 00:02:56,582 the Germans start throwing grenades in at them 67 00:02:56,583 --> 00:02:58,332 and shooting flamethrowers at them. 68 00:02:58,333 --> 00:03:00,041 [rousing dramatic music] 69 00:03:00,042 --> 00:03:02,541 But then they also have friendly fire 70 00:03:02,542 --> 00:03:04,707 coming from other Allied forces 71 00:03:04,708 --> 00:03:07,041 that are trying to shoot those German soldiers. 72 00:03:07,042 --> 00:03:08,957 [cannon booms] 73 00:03:08,958 --> 00:03:12,041 - [Yohuru] Because radio is in its infancy and quite 74 00:03:12,042 --> 00:03:15,250 unreliable, there's no way for them to radio back to command 75 00:03:15,375 --> 00:03:17,292 to let them know their location. 76 00:03:19,125 --> 00:03:20,958 - [Dan] Out of options and under pressure, 77 00:03:21,083 --> 00:03:22,541 the military turns 78 00:03:22,542 --> 00:03:25,541 to a different kind of communication strategy. 79 00:03:25,542 --> 00:03:26,874 [birds flapping] 80 00:03:26,875 --> 00:03:28,833 - [Rutledge] So 600 carrier pigeons were drafted 81 00:03:29,000 --> 00:03:30,541 and trained in the US 82 00:03:30,542 --> 00:03:34,041 before they were sent over to be used in the war. 83 00:03:34,042 --> 00:03:36,124 The carrier pigeon's job is to aid 84 00:03:36,125 --> 00:03:38,542 in battlefield communications. 85 00:03:38,667 --> 00:03:41,166 - Pigeons are fairly low-maintenance. 86 00:03:41,167 --> 00:03:42,499 They don't need to be fed much. 87 00:03:42,500 --> 00:03:45,082 They're great at remembering physical landmarks 88 00:03:45,083 --> 00:03:47,457 and successful at delivering a message 89 00:03:47,458 --> 00:03:49,291 from point A to point B. 90 00:03:49,292 --> 00:03:50,791 - And because they're really fast flyers, 91 00:03:50,792 --> 00:03:52,624 they can deliver a message much faster 92 00:03:52,625 --> 00:03:55,707 than anybody on a motorbike or on a horse, or on foot. 93 00:03:55,708 --> 00:03:58,041 - [Dan] Luckily, on this particular mission, 94 00:03:58,042 --> 00:04:01,374 the Lost Battalion have with them eight carrier pigeons. 95 00:04:01,375 --> 00:04:03,541 [tense uneasy music] 96 00:04:03,542 --> 00:04:06,291 - [Edward] Whittlesey and his men scrawl short notes on paper 97 00:04:06,292 --> 00:04:07,832 and roll them up and put them in canisters, 98 00:04:07,833 --> 00:04:09,875 which they attach to the pigeons' ankles. 99 00:04:10,000 --> 00:04:12,749 - [Martin] The pigeons are then one after the other released, 100 00:04:12,750 --> 00:04:15,374 hoping that they will make it back to their roost 101 00:04:15,375 --> 00:04:16,833 and pass on the message 102 00:04:16,958 --> 00:04:19,041 about the location of the Lost Battalion. 103 00:04:19,042 --> 00:04:20,874 [birds flapping] 104 00:04:20,875 --> 00:04:24,124 - Unfortunately, the Germans know that the Allies 105 00:04:24,125 --> 00:04:27,666 are using carrier pigeons to communicate, 106 00:04:27,667 --> 00:04:30,707 and they've trained sharpshooters to take them down. 107 00:04:30,708 --> 00:04:34,542 - And so one after the other, they release seven pigeons 108 00:04:34,667 --> 00:04:36,250 that are brought down by German fire. 109 00:04:36,375 --> 00:04:37,708 [guns blasting] 110 00:04:37,917 --> 00:04:40,582 This is to the great frustration of Whittlesey and his men, 111 00:04:40,583 --> 00:04:42,874 who are isolated, surrounded, 112 00:04:42,875 --> 00:04:46,832 and under constant enemy and friendly artillery fire. 113 00:04:46,833 --> 00:04:49,249 - [Dan] Now all hope rests on the one carrier pigeon 114 00:04:49,250 --> 00:04:50,500 the Americans have left. 115 00:04:51,958 --> 00:04:55,291 His name is Cher Ami, which means "dear friend" in French. 116 00:04:55,292 --> 00:04:56,916 [tense dramatic music] 117 00:04:56,917 --> 00:04:59,874 - [Rutledge] So they take this last carrier pigeon, Cher Ami, 118 00:04:59,875 --> 00:05:01,041 and they write a note. 119 00:05:01,042 --> 00:05:03,374 It's got their position, the Germans' position, 120 00:05:03,375 --> 00:05:06,207 and a note that says, "Please, for God's sake, 121 00:05:06,208 --> 00:05:09,082 stop firing on us." 122 00:05:09,083 --> 00:05:11,875 And then they send Cher Ami off. 123 00:05:12,000 --> 00:05:13,416 [bird flapping] 124 00:05:13,417 --> 00:05:17,500 - Almost as soon as he takes off, the Germans spot him, 125 00:05:17,625 --> 00:05:21,875 and they immediately fire on this bird, and they hit him. 126 00:05:23,375 --> 00:05:25,541 [gun blasting] 127 00:05:25,542 --> 00:05:28,917 - Cher Ami's been shot in the breast, lost his right eye, 128 00:05:29,042 --> 00:05:32,582 and his leg, where the message canister is being held, 129 00:05:32,583 --> 00:05:34,207 is almost completely severed 130 00:05:34,208 --> 00:05:36,417 and is now hanging on by a thread. 131 00:05:38,125 --> 00:05:42,416 - [Martin] Everyone's hopes are completely dashed by it 132 00:05:42,417 --> 00:05:44,707 because now they know, "We can't communicate. 133 00:05:44,708 --> 00:05:47,375 We're just gonna sit here until the enemy either overruns us 134 00:05:47,542 --> 00:05:50,249 or our own artillery kills us." 135 00:05:50,250 --> 00:05:52,957 - [Dan] The soldiers' future seems dim, 136 00:05:52,958 --> 00:05:56,416 but Cher Ami is one tough little pigeon. 137 00:05:56,417 --> 00:06:00,374 - Somehow, he musters the energy to fly again. 138 00:06:00,375 --> 00:06:01,666 - He's bloody, he's battered. 139 00:06:01,667 --> 00:06:03,707 His leg is hanging on by a thread, 140 00:06:03,708 --> 00:06:07,791 yet he still perseveres through 25 miles of enemy territory 141 00:06:07,792 --> 00:06:10,333 to successfully deliver the message. 142 00:06:11,500 --> 00:06:13,999 - Three days later, thanks to Cher Ami, 143 00:06:14,000 --> 00:06:17,541 200 men from the Lost Battalion are rescued. 144 00:06:17,542 --> 00:06:19,791 Now, Cher Ami was given a prosthetic leg 145 00:06:19,792 --> 00:06:21,249 and sent home to the States, 146 00:06:21,250 --> 00:06:23,957 where it was given a hero's welcome. 147 00:06:23,958 --> 00:06:26,749 - He's awarded the coveted oak leaf medal 148 00:06:26,750 --> 00:06:28,374 for having delivered the message 149 00:06:28,375 --> 00:06:29,999 that saved the Lost Battalion. 150 00:06:30,000 --> 00:06:32,082 And after his death, he was stuffed 151 00:06:32,083 --> 00:06:34,750 and maintained at the post library at Fort Monmouth. 152 00:06:35,958 --> 00:06:38,166 - [Dan] Cher Ami's bravery is a testament to the belief 153 00:06:38,167 --> 00:06:41,125 that there is no such thing as an impossible mission. 154 00:06:41,250 --> 00:06:44,499 But he's far from the first lifesaving little soldier. 155 00:06:44,500 --> 00:06:46,291 [dramatic orchestral music] [soldiers yelling] 156 00:06:46,292 --> 00:06:48,749 - [Mitch] It is May of 1861. 157 00:06:48,750 --> 00:06:52,916 Abe Lincoln calls for volunteers to fight 158 00:06:52,917 --> 00:06:56,041 in the War of the States against the Confederacy. 159 00:06:56,042 --> 00:06:59,416 - And men all over the North wanna be part of this effort, 160 00:06:59,417 --> 00:07:01,167 but there are also younger people 161 00:07:01,292 --> 00:07:05,041 that try to get involved in the war cause. 162 00:07:05,042 --> 00:07:09,041 - There are no age limits to join the Confederate Army, 163 00:07:09,042 --> 00:07:14,000 but the Union Army requires fighting men to be at least 18 164 00:07:15,542 --> 00:07:19,332 and musicians bearing fife and drum to be at least 16. 165 00:07:19,333 --> 00:07:20,833 [light thoughtful music] 166 00:07:20,958 --> 00:07:25,083 - [Holly] In Newark, Ohio, little Johnny Clem is nine years 167 00:07:25,208 --> 00:07:27,542 old, and he only stands about four feet tall, 168 00:07:27,667 --> 00:07:31,249 but he really, really wants to be part of the war effort. 169 00:07:31,250 --> 00:07:34,916 - What he lacks in size, Johnny makes up for in gumption. 170 00:07:34,917 --> 00:07:39,000 He walks right over to the 3rd Ohio Regiment, 171 00:07:39,125 --> 00:07:40,499 tries to enlist, 172 00:07:40,500 --> 00:07:45,542 and is told, "Son, we are not enlisting infants." 173 00:07:47,000 --> 00:07:49,667 - [Dan] But little Johnny Clem won't take no for an answer. 174 00:07:49,792 --> 00:07:51,667 - Next, Johnny tries to enlist 175 00:07:51,792 --> 00:07:54,207 with the 22nd Michigan Regiment, 176 00:07:54,208 --> 00:07:56,707 and they won't let him fight. 177 00:07:56,708 --> 00:07:59,582 But they do say that they can take him on, 178 00:07:59,583 --> 00:08:02,082 kind of unofficially, as their drummer boy. 179 00:08:02,083 --> 00:08:03,207 And he takes that deal. 180 00:08:03,208 --> 00:08:06,874 So he kind of becomes the regiment's mascot. 181 00:08:06,875 --> 00:08:08,333 [tense dramatic music] [soldiers yelling] 182 00:08:08,500 --> 00:08:11,791 - [Martin] But then in September of 1863, the regiment is sent 183 00:08:11,792 --> 00:08:14,917 to the border of the state of Tennessee and Georgia, 184 00:08:15,042 --> 00:08:17,916 where it will participate in the Battle of Chickamauga, 185 00:08:17,917 --> 00:08:20,083 one of the bloodiest engagements of the entire Civil War, 186 00:08:20,208 --> 00:08:23,541 second only to Gettysburg in terms of casualties. 187 00:08:23,542 --> 00:08:25,082 [dramatic orchestral music] [guns blasting] 188 00:08:25,083 --> 00:08:27,791 - The Confederacy breaks through the Union line, 189 00:08:27,792 --> 00:08:30,249 and there are so many losses 190 00:08:30,250 --> 00:08:32,708 that the 22nd is finally put in a position 191 00:08:32,833 --> 00:08:35,457 where they have no choice but to ask Johnny 192 00:08:35,458 --> 00:08:38,749 to actually step into the role of a grown man. 193 00:08:38,750 --> 00:08:40,666 - [Dan] Armed with only a musket 194 00:08:40,667 --> 00:08:43,124 sawed off so he can carry it, 195 00:08:43,125 --> 00:08:46,041 little Johnny Clem surges into battle. 196 00:08:46,042 --> 00:08:48,124 - He's continuing to fight for one of the infantry companies 197 00:08:48,125 --> 00:08:52,874 in the regiment, when he is left behind when they withdraw. 198 00:08:52,875 --> 00:08:54,791 Because of this, he comes face-to-face 199 00:08:54,792 --> 00:08:56,333 with a Confederate colonel. 200 00:08:56,458 --> 00:08:58,582 [tense mysterious music] 201 00:08:58,583 --> 00:09:00,082 - And the colonel looks at Johnny, 202 00:09:00,083 --> 00:09:02,416 little 12-year-old boy with a sawed-off musket, 203 00:09:02,417 --> 00:09:04,083 looked at him and starts laughing. 204 00:09:04,208 --> 00:09:07,416 And he tells him, "Aren't you a bit young? 205 00:09:07,417 --> 00:09:10,624 Why don't you put that down and just run along home?" 206 00:09:10,625 --> 00:09:13,874 - Rather than dropping the weapon, though, 207 00:09:13,875 --> 00:09:15,957 Johnny raises it, points it directly at the colonel, pulls 208 00:09:15,958 --> 00:09:18,291 the trigger, and hits him in the middle of the chest. 209 00:09:18,292 --> 00:09:19,667 After that, he drops it 210 00:09:19,792 --> 00:09:22,167 and runs back to return to the company. 211 00:09:24,625 --> 00:09:27,624 - And he makes it back to his unit unscathed. 212 00:09:27,625 --> 00:09:31,041 But a lot of men are not this lucky. 213 00:09:31,042 --> 00:09:35,041 Of the 455 men deployed with the 22nd Michigan, 214 00:09:35,042 --> 00:09:39,374 389 are captured, wounded, or killed in battle. 215 00:09:39,375 --> 00:09:42,874 - [Dan] Despite these heavy losses, Johnny presses on, 216 00:09:42,875 --> 00:09:45,750 proving he's not just lucky; he's relentless. 217 00:09:45,875 --> 00:09:47,250 [tense dramatic music] 218 00:09:47,375 --> 00:09:51,374 - Turns out little Johnny has got a flair for fighting. 219 00:09:51,375 --> 00:09:52,999 [gun blasts] 220 00:09:53,000 --> 00:09:55,583 The tween hero sees action in places like Perryville, 221 00:09:55,708 --> 00:09:57,750 Murfreesboro, Kennesaw, and Atlanta, 222 00:09:57,875 --> 00:10:00,041 where he's wounded twice. 223 00:10:00,042 --> 00:10:02,458 - He actually turns what people would think 224 00:10:02,583 --> 00:10:04,708 was a disadvantage into an advantage. 225 00:10:04,833 --> 00:10:06,916 He uses his short stature 226 00:10:06,917 --> 00:10:09,957 to basically sneak around in these engagements. 227 00:10:09,958 --> 00:10:13,708 He is the equivalent of a ninja on these battlefields. 228 00:10:15,292 --> 00:10:17,874 - Johnny earns the nickname "Damn Little Yankee Devil" 229 00:10:17,875 --> 00:10:19,207 by the Confederates 230 00:10:19,208 --> 00:10:22,041 because he is a force to be reckoned with. 231 00:10:22,042 --> 00:10:23,666 Johnny does such a great job 232 00:10:23,667 --> 00:10:26,875 that he actually earns the rank of sergeant, 233 00:10:27,000 --> 00:10:29,499 which is not a bad rank to achieve 234 00:10:29,500 --> 00:10:30,916 all by the tender age of 13. 235 00:10:30,917 --> 00:10:32,541 [dramatic orchestral music] 236 00:10:32,542 --> 00:10:35,833 - [Dan] The young fighter commits his life to serving his 237 00:10:35,958 --> 00:10:38,207 country and changes his name to John Lincoln Clem 238 00:10:38,208 --> 00:10:40,666 in honor of the man who was president 239 00:10:40,667 --> 00:10:42,999 when he first answered the call. 240 00:10:43,000 --> 00:10:50,332 He retires in 1915 as a major general. 241 00:10:50,333 --> 00:10:51,667 - Most retirees spend their golden years golfing 242 00:10:51,792 --> 00:10:54,749 or binge-watching the latest crime dramas. 243 00:10:54,750 --> 00:10:58,582 But one man's peaceful life takes an unexpected turn 244 00:10:58,583 --> 00:11:00,207 when he finds himself face to face 245 00:11:00,208 --> 00:11:02,999 with a threat that's anything but ordinary. 246 00:11:03,000 --> 00:11:06,916 [tense uneasy music] [wind whistling] 247 00:11:06,917 --> 00:11:08,541 - It is 5:00 a.m., 248 00:11:08,542 --> 00:11:12,832 and 69-year-old William Ayotte is awakened from his slumber 249 00:11:12,833 --> 00:11:17,374 by some really weird sounds coming from outside. 250 00:11:17,375 --> 00:11:20,124 - As he peers through his curtains in the predawn light, 251 00:11:20,125 --> 00:11:23,000 he can actually make out a horrifying scene. 252 00:11:24,208 --> 00:11:27,041 - Just 40 feet away from his front steps, 253 00:11:27,042 --> 00:11:30,499 his neighbor, Erin, is being mauled by a bear. 254 00:11:30,500 --> 00:11:32,082 - [Dan] And not just any bear, 255 00:11:32,083 --> 00:11:34,832 a big, white, hungry polar bear. 256 00:11:34,833 --> 00:11:36,416 [bear growls] [tense dramatic music] 257 00:11:36,417 --> 00:11:38,707 - [Rutledge] Now, a polar bear might look cute in pictures, 258 00:11:38,708 --> 00:11:40,166 [bears growling] 259 00:11:40,167 --> 00:11:42,166 but in person, these things are eight feet tall, 260 00:11:42,167 --> 00:11:46,167 up to 800 pounds of apex predator 261 00:11:46,292 --> 00:11:49,207 with claws that would just shred right through you. 262 00:11:49,208 --> 00:11:50,667 [bear growling] 263 00:11:50,917 --> 00:11:54,499 - [Dr. Hakeem] The bear has Erin in its jaws by her head, 264 00:11:54,500 --> 00:11:58,041 and he's swinging her back and forth like a rag doll. 265 00:11:58,042 --> 00:12:01,749 William knows that she's not gonna last long like this. 266 00:12:01,750 --> 00:12:03,332 - But he's also kind of frozen 267 00:12:03,333 --> 00:12:07,207 because he isn't really prepared for an event like this. 268 00:12:07,208 --> 00:12:09,624 He doesn't have any ready weapons. 269 00:12:09,625 --> 00:12:12,374 - [Rutledge] Now, William knows this is a suicide mission, 270 00:12:12,375 --> 00:12:13,832 but he tells himself, 271 00:12:13,833 --> 00:12:16,083 "You're either gonna do something or you're not." 272 00:12:17,375 --> 00:12:21,666 - William grabs a snow shovel, charges outside, 273 00:12:21,667 --> 00:12:23,958 and stacks himself up against the bear. 274 00:12:25,042 --> 00:12:26,167 - He's kind of waiting for his moment 275 00:12:26,292 --> 00:12:28,707 'cause he knows the best place to hit this animal 276 00:12:28,708 --> 00:12:30,541 is in the eye. 277 00:12:30,542 --> 00:12:33,291 - [Dr. Hakeem] When the animal takes a look directly at him, 278 00:12:33,292 --> 00:12:36,707 he swings that snow shovel right into that bear's face. 279 00:12:36,708 --> 00:12:38,124 [shovel thuds] [bear growls] 280 00:12:38,125 --> 00:12:41,083 And it's a direct hit, right in the bear's eye. 281 00:12:42,000 --> 00:12:43,541 - [Holly] This stuns the bear. 282 00:12:43,542 --> 00:12:48,041 He actually drops Erin, who is able to scramble to safety. 283 00:12:48,042 --> 00:12:52,333 Now, William has become the target of this animal's ire. 284 00:12:52,458 --> 00:12:54,707 [bear growling] [dramatic orchestral music] 285 00:12:54,708 --> 00:12:57,832 - He starts mauling William with his claws. 286 00:12:57,833 --> 00:13:01,208 So William starts playing dead. 287 00:13:01,333 --> 00:13:05,250 - But the bear, he's intent on getting his lunch today, 288 00:13:05,375 --> 00:13:08,541 and so he starts gnawing on that man's ear, 289 00:13:08,542 --> 00:13:12,041 just like Mike Tyson bit Evander Holyfield's ear off. 290 00:13:12,042 --> 00:13:13,833 [bell dinging] [crowd cheering] 291 00:13:13,958 --> 00:13:16,707 - William can feel the hot breath 292 00:13:16,708 --> 00:13:19,166 and the tongue inside his ear. 293 00:13:19,167 --> 00:13:23,208 He can feel the polar bear ripping his ear off. 294 00:13:23,333 --> 00:13:24,457 [intense dramatic music] 295 00:13:24,458 --> 00:13:26,207 - [Dan] Just in the nick of time, 296 00:13:26,208 --> 00:13:28,499 one of William's neighbors rushes in 297 00:13:28,500 --> 00:13:30,875 and revs his car engine to scare the bear away. 298 00:13:32,500 --> 00:13:34,166 - When the neighbors get to him, 299 00:13:34,167 --> 00:13:37,250 he's pretty confident that he's going to die. 300 00:13:37,375 --> 00:13:39,957 - He asks his neighbors to prop him up 301 00:13:39,958 --> 00:13:42,541 so he can die with dignity like a man, 302 00:13:42,542 --> 00:13:45,707 rather than laying down on his face like an animal. 303 00:13:45,708 --> 00:13:47,374 - But that's not what they do. 304 00:13:47,375 --> 00:13:49,666 They pick William up, put him in the back of a pickup truck, 305 00:13:49,667 --> 00:13:52,875 and drive him to the emergency room of the nearest hospital. 306 00:13:54,583 --> 00:13:57,291 - It takes surgeons four hours 307 00:13:57,292 --> 00:14:00,083 to attach his ear and staple him back up. 308 00:14:01,375 --> 00:14:05,541 - In an interesting twist, when he is recuperating, 309 00:14:05,542 --> 00:14:08,582 William is actually put in the room next to Erin's 310 00:14:08,583 --> 00:14:10,374 while she is recuperating, 311 00:14:10,375 --> 00:14:12,707 but it appears that the two of them 312 00:14:12,708 --> 00:14:14,958 never really talk about the bear incident. 313 00:14:17,125 --> 00:14:18,207 - [Dan] For his selfless act, 314 00:14:18,208 --> 00:14:20,541 William earns the Star of Courage, 315 00:14:20,542 --> 00:14:22,958 one of the highest honors of bravery in Canada. 316 00:14:24,042 --> 00:14:27,207 The next tale: no medals, no press, 317 00:14:27,208 --> 00:14:29,957 just ghosts with impeccable timing. 318 00:14:29,958 --> 00:14:32,333 [tense mysterious music] 319 00:14:32,458 --> 00:14:36,624 - [Nick] Captain Bob Loft and flight engineer Don Repo 320 00:14:36,625 --> 00:14:41,457 are at the helm of Eastern Air Lines Flight 401 from 321 00:14:41,458 --> 00:14:45,208 JFK to sunny Miami, Florida. 322 00:14:46,250 --> 00:14:50,249 - [Mitch] They're transporting 163 passengers 323 00:14:50,250 --> 00:14:55,374 and 13 crew when a light goes off in the cockpit, 324 00:14:55,375 --> 00:14:58,541 telling them that something is gravely wrong. 325 00:14:58,542 --> 00:15:02,124 - [Nick] There's a malfunction somewhere in the landing gear. 326 00:15:02,125 --> 00:15:05,791 They don't panic; they just engage the autopilot 327 00:15:05,792 --> 00:15:07,541 while they try and fix the problem. 328 00:15:07,542 --> 00:15:09,041 [alarm beeping] [suspenseful dramatic music] 329 00:15:09,042 --> 00:15:12,541 - [Dr. Hakeem] Suddenly, the autopilot turns off 330 00:15:12,542 --> 00:15:15,416 and the plane starts to descend rapidly. 331 00:15:15,417 --> 00:15:18,791 And it's only after they hear the scream from the passengers 332 00:15:18,792 --> 00:15:21,208 do they rush back to the cockpit. 333 00:15:21,333 --> 00:15:23,875 - [Mitch] The ground is fast approaching, 334 00:15:24,000 --> 00:15:25,916 and no matter what they do, 335 00:15:25,917 --> 00:15:28,166 the pilots cannot course-correct in time. 336 00:15:28,167 --> 00:15:29,707 [airplane engines roaring] 337 00:15:29,708 --> 00:15:32,166 - [Dan] Flight 401 crashes into the Florida Everglades, 338 00:15:32,167 --> 00:15:33,500 [explosion blasts] 339 00:15:33,625 --> 00:15:37,499 19 miles from Miami, going 227 miles an hour. 340 00:15:37,500 --> 00:15:40,583 [tense somber music] 341 00:15:40,708 --> 00:15:45,624 - [Nick] 101 of the 176 people on board are killed, 342 00:15:45,625 --> 00:15:50,082 including Captain Bob Loft and flight engineer Don Repo. 343 00:15:50,083 --> 00:15:53,375 At the time, Flight 401 344 00:15:53,500 --> 00:15:57,042 is the second-deadliest air crash in US history. 345 00:15:58,292 --> 00:16:00,916 - After investigations of the crash were complete, 346 00:16:00,917 --> 00:16:02,999 it was discovered that Captain Loft 347 00:16:03,000 --> 00:16:05,541 incidentally bumped into the yoke, 348 00:16:05,542 --> 00:16:08,042 which caused the autopilot to disengage. 349 00:16:09,250 --> 00:16:11,582 - [Dan] The crash was no longer a mystery, 350 00:16:11,583 --> 00:16:16,207 but what started happening on other flights sure was. 351 00:16:16,208 --> 00:16:19,707 - [Mitch] On subsequent Eastern Airlines flights, 352 00:16:19,708 --> 00:16:24,124 people report receiving visits from the deceased crew. 353 00:16:24,125 --> 00:16:27,124 These reports come from passengers 354 00:16:27,125 --> 00:16:29,832 and flight crew members alike. 355 00:16:29,833 --> 00:16:34,958 - The two ghosts reported most often, Bob Loft and Don Repo. 356 00:16:36,208 --> 00:16:38,124 - [Dan] Don't worry, they're not here to haunt. 357 00:16:38,125 --> 00:16:39,375 They're here to help. 358 00:16:40,500 --> 00:16:43,249 - [Nick] Prior to takeoff, one pilot reports 359 00:16:43,250 --> 00:16:47,499 the ghostly apparition of Don Repo in the cockpit, 360 00:16:47,500 --> 00:16:51,124 warning him of an impending mechanical failure 361 00:16:51,125 --> 00:16:53,541 relating to the autopilot. 362 00:16:53,542 --> 00:16:58,457 - [Mitch] The pilot checks, and they do in fact discover 363 00:16:58,458 --> 00:17:01,582 a problem with the autopilot function. 364 00:17:01,583 --> 00:17:04,207 They fix it, and the flight continues as planned. 365 00:17:04,208 --> 00:17:05,874 [tense mysterious music] 366 00:17:05,875 --> 00:17:08,541 - [Mitch] Another pilot reports that while going through 367 00:17:08,542 --> 00:17:10,082 incredible turbulence, 368 00:17:10,083 --> 00:17:12,666 when the plane is bucking like a bronco, 369 00:17:12,667 --> 00:17:15,500 he suddenly gets this very reassuring feeling. 370 00:17:16,792 --> 00:17:20,417 - [Nick] The pilot manages to land the aircraft safely, 371 00:17:21,708 --> 00:17:26,625 and he credits this calm feeling that descended over him 372 00:17:27,167 --> 00:17:29,166 just when it was needed most. 373 00:17:29,167 --> 00:17:31,957 And who does he give the credit to for that? 374 00:17:31,958 --> 00:17:33,125 Bob Loft. 375 00:17:34,042 --> 00:17:35,541 - One flight attendant reported 376 00:17:35,542 --> 00:17:38,416 having an extended conversation with Don Repo 377 00:17:38,417 --> 00:17:41,500 when he suddenly just vanished right before her eyes. 378 00:17:42,750 --> 00:17:45,792 - [Mitch] She is so unnerved that she quits the field, 379 00:17:46,917 --> 00:17:49,999 but later she is able to recognize 380 00:17:50,000 --> 00:17:52,667 Don Repo from a photograph. 381 00:17:54,083 --> 00:17:55,832 - [Dan] What may be more unbelievable 382 00:17:55,833 --> 00:17:59,249 is that all of these sightings have one thing in common. 383 00:17:59,250 --> 00:18:02,541 - The strange sightings only occur on aircraft 384 00:18:02,542 --> 00:18:05,917 that were using the salvaged parts from Flight 401. 385 00:18:06,042 --> 00:18:07,749 [tense mysterious music] 386 00:18:07,750 --> 00:18:10,291 - [Dr. Hakeem] Finally, Eastern Airlines removes all the parts 387 00:18:10,292 --> 00:18:13,457 from all the planes that 401 was incorporated in, 388 00:18:13,458 --> 00:18:15,833 and at that point, the sightings stop. 389 00:18:17,542 --> 00:18:21,207 - Eastern Airlines ceases operations in 1991. 390 00:18:21,208 --> 00:18:23,917 Yet stories of the heroic ghost pilots 391 00:18:24,042 --> 00:18:26,749 of Flight 401 live on. 392 00:18:26,750 --> 00:18:30,291 [dramatic orchestral music] 393 00:18:30,292 --> 00:18:31,874 - Traditionally, parents are meant to look after 394 00:18:31,875 --> 00:18:33,207 and protect their children, 395 00:18:33,208 --> 00:18:36,041 but when a tornado blows through an Oklahoma town, 396 00:18:36,042 --> 00:18:39,041 one heroic nine-year-old flips the script. 397 00:18:39,042 --> 00:18:41,042 [tense dramatic music] [siren blaring] 398 00:18:41,167 --> 00:18:43,416 - It's a Saturday in May 2024 399 00:18:43,417 --> 00:18:45,749 in the small town of Dixon, Oklahoma, 400 00:18:45,750 --> 00:18:48,874 right in the middle of what is known as Tornado Alley. 401 00:18:48,875 --> 00:18:50,333 [intense dramatic music] 402 00:18:50,458 --> 00:18:54,249 This particular day sees a outbreak of many tornadoes, 403 00:18:54,250 --> 00:18:56,916 and they're bad, some as bad as F4. 404 00:18:56,917 --> 00:18:58,708 [wind rumbling] 405 00:18:58,833 --> 00:19:03,707 - The winds in a single F4 tornado are catastrophic, 406 00:19:03,708 --> 00:19:08,332 strong enough to destroy major steel structures 407 00:19:08,333 --> 00:19:10,500 and uproot big trees. 408 00:19:11,833 --> 00:19:14,207 - [Dan] Local residents Linda and Wayne Baker 409 00:19:14,208 --> 00:19:15,832 know they cannot stay home, 410 00:19:15,833 --> 00:19:18,041 so they grab their nine-year-old son, Branson, 411 00:19:18,042 --> 00:19:18,957 and head for safety. 412 00:19:18,958 --> 00:19:21,082 [ominous dramatic music] 413 00:19:21,083 --> 00:19:24,832 - A family friend has a storm cellar in nearby Marietta, 414 00:19:24,833 --> 00:19:26,624 so that's where they're headed. 415 00:19:26,625 --> 00:19:29,458 Parents are in the front seat, and Branson is in the back. 416 00:19:30,792 --> 00:19:33,666 - Through the windshield, Wayne, Lindy, and Branson 417 00:19:33,667 --> 00:19:36,333 can see several tornadoes ahead of them. 418 00:19:37,583 --> 00:19:40,667 They turn, but the tornadoes turn with them, 419 00:19:42,208 --> 00:19:44,625 and now they're barreling right towards them. 420 00:19:46,167 --> 00:19:48,249 - They start to hear the truck 421 00:19:48,250 --> 00:19:49,916 actually be pelted with debris. 422 00:19:49,917 --> 00:19:52,750 It sounds like glass shards or pebbles are hitting them, 423 00:19:52,875 --> 00:19:54,583 and Wayne floors it. 424 00:19:54,708 --> 00:19:56,457 [car engine revving] 425 00:19:56,458 --> 00:20:00,167 But the bottom line is you cannot really outrun a tornado, 426 00:20:01,375 --> 00:20:04,541 and soon this vehicle is picked up like a toy. 427 00:20:04,542 --> 00:20:06,000 [wind whistling] [tense suspenseful music] 428 00:20:06,125 --> 00:20:07,916 - They hear a massive boom, 429 00:20:07,917 --> 00:20:09,457 [explosion booms] 430 00:20:09,458 --> 00:20:11,833 and then all falls silent. 431 00:20:12,000 --> 00:20:14,582 [sparse uneasy music] 432 00:20:14,583 --> 00:20:18,625 - Lindy and Wayne are trapped and badly hurt. 433 00:20:19,708 --> 00:20:21,916 Lindy, who's in the passenger seat, 434 00:20:21,917 --> 00:20:23,500 she's even got a punctured lung. 435 00:20:24,792 --> 00:20:27,750 Of course, they're still concerned about Branson, 436 00:20:27,875 --> 00:20:30,082 and they're calling out to him. 437 00:20:30,083 --> 00:20:31,833 - [Dan] Miraculously, Branson is okay. 438 00:20:33,250 --> 00:20:35,750 - He's able to crawl through the mangled truck 439 00:20:35,875 --> 00:20:39,124 to reach his parents, and he can see out the window 440 00:20:39,125 --> 00:20:40,333 the predicament they're in. 441 00:20:40,458 --> 00:20:42,207 [tense ominous music] 442 00:20:42,208 --> 00:20:45,791 - Branson says to his parents, "I'll be back. 443 00:20:45,792 --> 00:20:47,333 Please don't die." 444 00:20:48,583 --> 00:20:51,207 - [Dr. Hakeem] The kid is scared out of his mind, 445 00:20:51,208 --> 00:20:53,083 but somehow he musters up the courage, 446 00:20:53,208 --> 00:20:54,750 and he just takes off. 447 00:20:56,208 --> 00:20:57,707 - [Holly] Branson is running through 448 00:20:57,708 --> 00:21:00,083 essentially a natural disaster war zone. 449 00:21:00,208 --> 00:21:01,541 There are downed power lines. 450 00:21:01,542 --> 00:21:03,707 There's debris everywhere, 451 00:21:03,708 --> 00:21:07,667 but he is absolutely focused on getting some help. 452 00:21:07,792 --> 00:21:09,541 [rousing dramatic music] 453 00:21:09,542 --> 00:21:12,041 - [Dan] Branson runs a mile in under 10 minutes, 454 00:21:12,042 --> 00:21:13,582 finds a nearby neighbor, 455 00:21:13,583 --> 00:21:16,707 and brings them back to the mangled truck on foot. 456 00:21:16,708 --> 00:21:18,624 - [Dr. Hakeem] When the rescue crews get there, 457 00:21:18,625 --> 00:21:21,874 thankfully, Lindy and Wayne are still alive, 458 00:21:21,875 --> 00:21:24,708 and they owe their survival to their son, Branson. 459 00:21:26,917 --> 00:21:30,374 - [Dan] But Branson's not done saving the day yet. 460 00:21:30,375 --> 00:21:33,666 Turns out he has one more rescue mission in him. 461 00:21:33,667 --> 00:21:35,624 - Wayne and Lindy are taken to the hospital 462 00:21:35,625 --> 00:21:38,875 and are given treatment, but they're both contractors, 463 00:21:39,000 --> 00:21:42,208 which means that they can't work to earn money 464 00:21:42,333 --> 00:21:45,124 while they're in the hospital recovering. 465 00:21:45,125 --> 00:21:48,624 - Branson persuades his baseball team to hold an event, 466 00:21:48,625 --> 00:21:53,207 and they raise over $10,000 to cover his parents' expenses 467 00:21:53,208 --> 00:21:54,916 while they recuperate. 468 00:21:54,917 --> 00:21:58,208 [bright thoughtful music] 469 00:21:58,375 --> 00:21:59,707 - [Dan] At the charity game, 470 00:21:59,708 --> 00:22:02,124 the small but mighty Branson hits a home run 471 00:22:02,125 --> 00:22:04,333 and dedicates it to his parents. 472 00:22:04,458 --> 00:22:06,666 It's that kind of undying devotion 473 00:22:06,667 --> 00:22:09,417 that drives our next improbable hero. 474 00:22:09,542 --> 00:22:11,541 [bright lively music] 475 00:22:11,542 --> 00:22:15,707 - For her 40th birthday, Jo Ann Altman gifts her daughter 476 00:22:15,708 --> 00:22:20,708 this adorable Vietnamese pot-bellied piglet 477 00:22:21,708 --> 00:22:23,416 named Lulu. 478 00:22:23,417 --> 00:22:25,416 The mom thinks this is gonna be a great gift, 479 00:22:25,417 --> 00:22:26,625 but the daughter, 480 00:22:27,833 --> 00:22:28,958 not so much. 481 00:22:30,500 --> 00:22:33,875 - One weekend, she asks her mom to babysit the pig 482 00:22:34,000 --> 00:22:35,624 while she goes out of town, 483 00:22:35,625 --> 00:22:39,166 and then she never comes back to claim the pig. [chuckles] 484 00:22:39,167 --> 00:22:40,667 [light thoughtful music] 485 00:22:40,792 --> 00:22:44,167 - So Jo Ann and her husband gladly take Lulu in 486 00:22:44,292 --> 00:22:46,417 because, I mean, she's family. 487 00:22:47,792 --> 00:22:50,457 - [Dan] Life with Lulu settles into a comfortable rhythm 488 00:22:50,458 --> 00:22:53,666 until a quiet getaway in August 1998 489 00:22:53,667 --> 00:22:56,166 takes an unexpected turn. 490 00:22:56,167 --> 00:22:59,083 - The family's on vacation at a lakefront trailer park. 491 00:22:59,208 --> 00:23:01,707 Jo Ann rises early to see her husband 492 00:23:01,708 --> 00:23:03,416 go off to go fishing for the day, 493 00:23:03,417 --> 00:23:05,499 so she starts making breakfast for herself 494 00:23:05,500 --> 00:23:08,625 when all of a sudden, she starts 495 00:23:09,375 --> 00:23:11,124 not feeling all that well. 496 00:23:11,125 --> 00:23:14,374 [tense uneasy music] 497 00:23:14,375 --> 00:23:15,667 - Jo Ann gets really dizzy 498 00:23:15,792 --> 00:23:17,708 and ends up collapsing to the floor. 499 00:23:17,833 --> 00:23:19,749 She has this terrible pain in her chest, 500 00:23:19,750 --> 00:23:21,875 and it's obvious she's having a heart attack. 501 00:23:23,458 --> 00:23:25,167 - She can't move, and the closest phone 502 00:23:25,333 --> 00:23:27,541 that she has available to her is in the trailer park office, 503 00:23:27,542 --> 00:23:29,041 which is a few hundred yards away. 504 00:23:29,042 --> 00:23:30,582 [tense dramatic music] 505 00:23:30,583 --> 00:23:33,249 - [Dan] As Jo Ann's thinking, "I'm gonna die alone," 506 00:23:33,250 --> 00:23:35,500 Lulu the pig springs into action. 507 00:23:36,583 --> 00:23:39,208 - Lulu waddles up to Jo Ann, sniffs her, 508 00:23:39,333 --> 00:23:41,166 and realizes something is wrong. 509 00:23:41,167 --> 00:23:43,250 Her human needs help. 510 00:23:43,375 --> 00:23:45,707 - She needs human help. 511 00:23:45,708 --> 00:23:48,416 So Lulu is trying to figure out, "Well, where can I go 512 00:23:48,417 --> 00:23:50,374 to find humans?" 513 00:23:50,375 --> 00:23:53,166 And she figures out, "I gotta get outside." 514 00:23:53,167 --> 00:23:57,458 So Lulu looks at the door and assesses the doggy door flap. 515 00:23:57,583 --> 00:23:59,499 - Knowing Jo Ann's life is at stake, 516 00:23:59,500 --> 00:24:02,583 Lulu squeezes herself through the doggy door, 517 00:24:02,708 --> 00:24:05,083 and even though it's tight, she struggles and gets out. 518 00:24:06,208 --> 00:24:07,500 Gathering her courage, 519 00:24:07,625 --> 00:24:09,957 she then walks out to the middle of the road. 520 00:24:09,958 --> 00:24:13,249 - And when she's out there, Lulu employs the one trick 521 00:24:13,250 --> 00:24:14,666 that she's got up her sleeve. 522 00:24:14,667 --> 00:24:18,542 Lulu lays down and plays dead. 523 00:24:20,792 --> 00:24:23,250 - [Dr. J Mack] Lulu's in this dead piggy position, 524 00:24:23,375 --> 00:24:24,791 but the cars, they don't stop. 525 00:24:24,792 --> 00:24:26,707 They just slow down a little bit, look at it, 526 00:24:26,708 --> 00:24:28,833 wonder what's going on, and keep going. 527 00:24:31,000 --> 00:24:32,374 After no one stops 528 00:24:32,375 --> 00:24:34,542 for what feels like forever in pig minutes, 529 00:24:34,667 --> 00:24:36,541 she ends up going back to Jo Ann 530 00:24:36,542 --> 00:24:38,707 to check on her in the trailer. 531 00:24:38,708 --> 00:24:40,541 - [Dan] For 45 minutes, 532 00:24:40,542 --> 00:24:43,207 Lulu pushes herself through the tiny dog door, 533 00:24:43,208 --> 00:24:45,749 back and forth from the trailer to the road, 534 00:24:45,750 --> 00:24:48,707 desperate to find someone who will stop and help. 535 00:24:48,708 --> 00:24:51,416 - Lulu is just frantic, doesn't know what to do. 536 00:24:51,417 --> 00:24:53,707 She knows that Jo Ann is getting worse, 537 00:24:53,708 --> 00:24:56,374 and she's like, "I gotta go out one last time 538 00:24:56,375 --> 00:24:57,749 and find somebody." 539 00:24:57,750 --> 00:25:01,291 - But this time, she scrapes her potbelly 540 00:25:01,292 --> 00:25:04,083 so bad on the doggy door that it opens a wound, 541 00:25:04,208 --> 00:25:05,957 and she starts to bleed. 542 00:25:05,958 --> 00:25:08,457 - When Lulu sees a pickup approaching, 543 00:25:08,458 --> 00:25:10,541 she lays on the ground and plays dead 544 00:25:10,542 --> 00:25:12,416 right in front of that moving vehicle. 545 00:25:12,417 --> 00:25:15,458 She's bleeding from her belly all over the asphalt. 546 00:25:17,750 --> 00:25:19,541 Amazingly, the bleeding is enough 547 00:25:19,542 --> 00:25:22,374 to finally get this driver to stop. 548 00:25:22,375 --> 00:25:23,750 - [Sami] She springs up, 549 00:25:23,875 --> 00:25:25,874 and she leads the guy over back to the trailer. 550 00:25:25,875 --> 00:25:27,916 All the while, the man is screaming, 551 00:25:27,917 --> 00:25:29,707 "I think there's something wrong with your pig! 552 00:25:29,708 --> 00:25:32,374 I think your pig is in distress!" 553 00:25:32,375 --> 00:25:34,416 - [Dr. J Mack] Still conscious, Jo Ann calls back 554 00:25:34,417 --> 00:25:35,874 that she's in huge trouble 555 00:25:35,875 --> 00:25:37,999 and they need to get to the trailer park phone 556 00:25:38,000 --> 00:25:38,666 and call for help. 557 00:25:38,667 --> 00:25:40,249 [siren wailing] 558 00:25:40,250 --> 00:25:41,832 - Paramedics are able to arrive 559 00:25:41,833 --> 00:25:44,791 and get Jo Ann to a nearby hospital. 560 00:25:44,792 --> 00:25:46,332 - Jo Ann has open-heart surgery, 561 00:25:46,333 --> 00:25:49,457 and thankfully, she pulls through with flying colors. 562 00:25:49,458 --> 00:25:52,207 - Lulu is awarded the Tiffany and Company Angel Medal 563 00:25:52,208 --> 00:25:55,749 by the ASPCA and gets awarded with all sorts of sweet treats 564 00:25:55,750 --> 00:25:57,207 and jelly donuts. 565 00:25:57,208 --> 00:25:59,291 [intense dramatic music] 566 00:25:59,292 --> 00:26:02,374 - From unwanted piggy to neighborhood hero, 567 00:26:02,375 --> 00:26:05,416 her name should be spoken along with all the greats: 568 00:26:05,417 --> 00:26:08,249 Babe, Wilbur, Miss Piggy, 569 00:26:08,250 --> 00:26:09,625 and Lulu. 570 00:26:13,458 --> 00:26:15,916 - We all have hidden talents, maybe a couple of magic tricks, 571 00:26:15,917 --> 00:26:17,957 shadow puppetry, even parkour. 572 00:26:17,958 --> 00:26:21,624 For one unlikely hero, his special skill 573 00:26:21,625 --> 00:26:23,874 is called on to save a life, 574 00:26:23,875 --> 00:26:26,207 even though it's technically a felony. 575 00:26:26,208 --> 00:26:27,874 [tense thoughtful music] 576 00:26:27,875 --> 00:26:31,832 - In 2019, a couple is driving through Florida 577 00:26:31,833 --> 00:26:34,374 with a crying baby in the back seat. 578 00:26:34,375 --> 00:26:37,082 The wife tells the husband to pull over so they can get out 579 00:26:37,083 --> 00:26:40,542 and attend to Baby Dallas, who's inconsolable. 580 00:26:42,042 --> 00:26:44,291 - [Dr. J Mack] The parents open up the front door, 581 00:26:44,292 --> 00:26:48,041 close the front door, and go to open up the back door, 582 00:26:48,042 --> 00:26:51,707 and realize that the keys are inside. 583 00:26:51,708 --> 00:26:54,333 They're locked out, and Baby Dallas is inside. 584 00:26:54,458 --> 00:26:56,832 [baby crying] [tense dramatic music] 585 00:26:56,833 --> 00:26:59,041 - It's getting hot in the car. 586 00:26:59,042 --> 00:27:01,957 The baby is crying harder and harder, 587 00:27:01,958 --> 00:27:04,125 and the parents really don't know what to do. 588 00:27:05,542 --> 00:27:08,541 - This is a bad situation for Baby Dallas. 589 00:27:08,542 --> 00:27:10,749 Temperatures being too high in the body 590 00:27:10,750 --> 00:27:13,416 can end up leading to some really serious outcomes, 591 00:27:13,417 --> 00:27:15,250 including heatstroke and death. 592 00:27:15,375 --> 00:27:16,667 [police radio chattering] 593 00:27:16,792 --> 00:27:17,916 - [Dan] When police arrive, 594 00:27:17,917 --> 00:27:20,207 they can't get the door open either. 595 00:27:20,208 --> 00:27:23,291 That's when help comes from the most unexpected place. 596 00:27:23,292 --> 00:27:24,750 [tense mysterious music] 597 00:27:24,875 --> 00:27:28,041 - Nearby, there are a number of workers in uniform, 598 00:27:28,042 --> 00:27:31,166 black and white striped uniforms, 599 00:27:31,167 --> 00:27:34,624 because they're actually convicts outside doing labor. 600 00:27:34,625 --> 00:27:35,916 - During the commotion, 601 00:27:35,917 --> 00:27:37,666 one of the inmates goes up to a nearby car 602 00:27:37,667 --> 00:27:39,124 and talks to the driver, 603 00:27:39,125 --> 00:27:41,833 and is given, of all things, a wire hanger. 604 00:27:43,208 --> 00:27:44,583 - I'm sure the parents were thinking 605 00:27:44,708 --> 00:27:46,874 it's going from bad to worse because now, 606 00:27:46,875 --> 00:27:49,167 these convicts are walking up to the car. 607 00:27:50,417 --> 00:27:52,374 But he shapes up the coat hanger, 608 00:27:52,375 --> 00:27:55,916 and he goes to work to try to break into the car. 609 00:27:55,917 --> 00:27:57,624 - Meanwhile, the other convicts 610 00:27:57,625 --> 00:28:00,666 are chiming in with their own advice. 611 00:28:00,667 --> 00:28:02,416 - [Dan] But he doesn't need their help 612 00:28:02,417 --> 00:28:06,249 because he has his own checkered past as a carjacker. 613 00:28:06,250 --> 00:28:08,167 [tense suspenseful music] 614 00:28:09,667 --> 00:28:11,624 - There, after about five minutes, 615 00:28:11,625 --> 00:28:14,582 that noise that everyone was waiting to hear, that click 616 00:28:14,583 --> 00:28:16,541 of the doors being unlocked, happens. 617 00:28:16,542 --> 00:28:17,749 - [Shadow] Oh, yes! 618 00:28:17,750 --> 00:28:19,082 Thank God! 619 00:28:19,083 --> 00:28:20,250 Whoo! 620 00:28:20,375 --> 00:28:21,499 Thank you so much. 621 00:28:21,500 --> 00:28:23,707 - Nice job, boys. - Appreciate it. 622 00:28:23,708 --> 00:28:26,375 - The carjacker has been able to utilize 623 00:28:26,500 --> 00:28:28,541 his illicit knowledge for good. 624 00:28:28,542 --> 00:28:29,582 - Unlock them damn doors. 625 00:28:29,583 --> 00:28:30,916 Don't ever lock them again. 626 00:28:30,917 --> 00:28:32,874 - The parents and baby are reunited, 627 00:28:32,875 --> 00:28:35,541 and they're back on the road in short order. 628 00:28:35,542 --> 00:28:37,207 - [Shadow] Honey, was that stressful? 629 00:28:37,208 --> 00:28:38,499 [baby crying] 630 00:28:38,500 --> 00:28:41,833 - Mom is so grateful that she ends up donating 631 00:28:41,958 --> 00:28:44,667 to the convicts' commissary funds. 632 00:28:44,792 --> 00:28:45,582 - [Shadow] Thank you. 633 00:28:45,583 --> 00:28:47,832 You guys have a great day. 634 00:28:47,833 --> 00:28:49,833 - Hey, it's not every day your baby gets rescued 635 00:28:49,958 --> 00:28:52,207 by the best car thieves in Florida. 636 00:28:52,208 --> 00:28:55,291 Here's another tale of being in the right place 637 00:28:55,292 --> 00:28:56,291 at the right time. 638 00:28:56,292 --> 00:28:57,667 [suspenseful electronic synth music] 639 00:28:57,792 --> 00:28:59,874 - [Kavitha] It's London, 1966. 640 00:28:59,875 --> 00:29:01,957 Just four months before the World Cup 641 00:29:01,958 --> 00:29:03,500 is set to be held in England. 642 00:29:03,625 --> 00:29:06,957 People are flocking to get a glimpse of the World Cup trophy 643 00:29:06,958 --> 00:29:10,083 that's on display at Westminster Exhibition Hall. 644 00:29:10,208 --> 00:29:13,666 - On March 20th, just the second day of the exhibition, 645 00:29:13,667 --> 00:29:15,791 the cup suddenly goes missing. 646 00:29:15,792 --> 00:29:17,917 - The cup was stolen from this case between 11:00 647 00:29:18,042 --> 00:29:19,374 and 12:00 o'clock this morning. 648 00:29:19,375 --> 00:29:22,082 The thieves broke in by forcing the padlock 649 00:29:22,083 --> 00:29:23,417 on the back of the building 650 00:29:23,542 --> 00:29:25,875 without attracting the attention of two security guards 651 00:29:26,000 --> 00:29:27,874 who were on duty in the building. 652 00:29:27,875 --> 00:29:31,291 - Naturally, the World Cup organization, a.k.a. FIFA, 653 00:29:31,292 --> 00:29:32,875 is livid. 654 00:29:33,000 --> 00:29:35,999 How are you gonna let the World Cup get stolen 655 00:29:36,000 --> 00:29:38,125 only two days after you put it on display? 656 00:29:39,667 --> 00:29:41,207 - [Dan] With no solid leads, 657 00:29:41,208 --> 00:29:43,291 police are running out of options 658 00:29:43,292 --> 00:29:46,417 until a break in the case comes from a surprising source. 659 00:29:48,000 --> 00:29:50,499 - Dave Corbett is about to take his dog out for a walk 660 00:29:50,500 --> 00:29:52,041 in South London. 661 00:29:52,042 --> 00:29:55,582 His dog is a very excited Border Collie named Pickles. 662 00:29:55,583 --> 00:29:57,249 [suspenseful orchestral music] 663 00:29:57,250 --> 00:30:00,249 - Dave opens the front door, and Pickles just takes off. 664 00:30:00,250 --> 00:30:02,666 So Dave's running after him with his leash, 665 00:30:02,667 --> 00:30:05,416 wondering where this dog is off to. 666 00:30:05,417 --> 00:30:06,957 - Pickles is going crazy. 667 00:30:06,958 --> 00:30:08,874 Something by his neighbor's car 668 00:30:08,875 --> 00:30:10,875 has really caught Pickles' attention. 669 00:30:12,292 --> 00:30:15,207 - Dave approaches the car to see what Pickles is on about, 670 00:30:15,208 --> 00:30:19,041 and he sees something rather peculiar. 671 00:30:19,042 --> 00:30:21,874 - Lying there, right next to his neighbor's tire, 672 00:30:21,875 --> 00:30:24,791 is a package that is tightly wrapped in newspaper 673 00:30:24,792 --> 00:30:26,292 with string around it. 674 00:30:27,542 --> 00:30:29,707 - Dave tears off a piece of the newspaper wrapping, 675 00:30:29,708 --> 00:30:34,374 and when he sees what's inside, he can't believe his eyes. 676 00:30:34,375 --> 00:30:37,458 - [Dan] It is the World Cup, found in the most unlikely way, 677 00:30:38,708 --> 00:30:40,792 courtesy of a determined Border Collie. 678 00:30:42,292 --> 00:30:43,707 - [Sami] Dave grabs the statue, 679 00:30:43,708 --> 00:30:45,167 runs to the nearest police station, 680 00:30:45,292 --> 00:30:47,416 slams the World Cup trophy on the sergeant's desk, 681 00:30:47,417 --> 00:30:50,082 and goes, "I think I found the World Cup." 682 00:30:50,083 --> 00:30:52,583 [lively orchestral music] [camera shutter clicking] 683 00:30:52,708 --> 00:30:57,249 - Clearly, the police are very curious as to how he got it. 684 00:30:57,250 --> 00:30:58,957 They question him extensively 685 00:30:58,958 --> 00:31:01,791 and eventually rule him out as a suspect. 686 00:31:01,792 --> 00:31:03,624 - When Dave arrives back to his home, 687 00:31:03,625 --> 00:31:08,082 there is a massive media frenzy outside of his door. 688 00:31:08,083 --> 00:31:09,833 - [Dan] But the press is not there for Dave. 689 00:31:11,833 --> 00:31:13,250 - [Dan] They're interested in Pickles. 690 00:31:16,542 --> 00:31:19,124 - [Dan] Everyone wants a picture of the hero pooch 691 00:31:19,125 --> 00:31:20,999 who saved the day. 692 00:31:21,000 --> 00:31:23,208 [camera flash clicking] 693 00:31:23,333 --> 00:31:25,916 - Pickles turned out to be a source of good luck too, 694 00:31:25,917 --> 00:31:28,082 because somehow, England goes on 695 00:31:28,083 --> 00:31:30,749 to win the World Cup that year. 696 00:31:30,750 --> 00:31:34,166 - [Dan] As for the thief, that stayed a mystery for decades 697 00:31:34,167 --> 00:31:37,916 until a long-buried family secret comes to light. 698 00:31:37,917 --> 00:31:41,333 - Finally, in 2017, the nephew of a London gangster 699 00:31:41,458 --> 00:31:44,250 named Sidney Cugullere confirms to the newspapers 700 00:31:44,375 --> 00:31:46,875 his uncle took the World Cup on a lark. 701 00:31:48,042 --> 00:31:51,082 - [Dan] Dave may have claimed the $5,000 reward, 702 00:31:51,083 --> 00:31:53,667 but it's Pickles who steals the spotlight, 703 00:31:53,792 --> 00:31:56,291 earning a year's supply of dog food 704 00:31:56,292 --> 00:32:00,125 and a starring role in the film "Spy with a Cold Nose." 705 00:32:03,917 --> 00:32:05,583 - They came to see the animals of the zoo, 706 00:32:05,708 --> 00:32:08,832 but what this family witnessed was something wild all right, 707 00:32:08,833 --> 00:32:10,916 just not in the way they expected. 708 00:32:10,917 --> 00:32:14,374 [tense suspenseful music] 709 00:32:14,375 --> 00:32:17,541 - It's a sunny day in 1996 in Chicago. 710 00:32:17,542 --> 00:32:19,874 Families were out enjoying a lovely day 711 00:32:19,875 --> 00:32:21,832 at the Brookfield Zoo. 712 00:32:21,833 --> 00:32:25,041 [bear growls] [children screaming] 713 00:32:25,042 --> 00:32:28,082 - One mom in particular is hoping that the zoo 714 00:32:28,083 --> 00:32:31,207 will keep her own wild child entertained, 715 00:32:31,208 --> 00:32:33,082 and it seems to be doing the trick. 716 00:32:33,083 --> 00:32:34,707 [bystanders gasping] 717 00:32:34,708 --> 00:32:37,917 The pair wander to and from many different animal exhibits 718 00:32:38,042 --> 00:32:39,541 while the child points 719 00:32:39,542 --> 00:32:42,416 and talks excitedly about what he's seeing. 720 00:32:42,417 --> 00:32:44,041 [bird chittering] 721 00:32:44,042 --> 00:32:46,541 - This kid is getting as close to the animals 722 00:32:46,542 --> 00:32:49,374 as he possibly can, and the mom is thankful 723 00:32:49,375 --> 00:32:52,167 for the guardrails that are keeping him safe. 724 00:32:53,542 --> 00:32:55,707 - [Dan] As they approach a popular exhibit, 725 00:32:55,708 --> 00:32:57,250 the Western Lowland gorilla pit, 726 00:32:58,542 --> 00:33:00,874 one great ape in particular catches the boy's eye. 727 00:33:00,875 --> 00:33:02,541 [tense uneasy music] 728 00:33:02,542 --> 00:33:04,874 - [Dr. Thor] Her name is Binti Jua, 729 00:33:04,875 --> 00:33:08,374 and she is a full-grown eight-year-old female gorilla, 730 00:33:08,375 --> 00:33:13,374 very powerful and arguably the star of the exhibit. 731 00:33:13,375 --> 00:33:15,917 - [Rutledge] Lowland gorillas are known to be really strong. 732 00:33:16,042 --> 00:33:17,457 They're usually a couple hundred pounds 733 00:33:17,458 --> 00:33:20,916 and very protective of their surroundings. 734 00:33:20,917 --> 00:33:24,083 Now, this goes double for Binti because she just had a baby. 735 00:33:25,208 --> 00:33:27,374 - The boy is spellbound by Binti, 736 00:33:27,375 --> 00:33:29,707 so he leans over to get a closer look at her. 737 00:33:29,708 --> 00:33:31,499 [tense suspenseful music] 738 00:33:31,500 --> 00:33:33,957 - [Dan] In seconds, the boy goes from standing 739 00:33:33,958 --> 00:33:35,416 on the outside of the barrier 740 00:33:35,417 --> 00:33:38,541 to falling inside the 20-foot gorilla pit. 741 00:33:38,542 --> 00:33:43,750 [mom screaming] [gorilla yelling] 742 00:33:44,208 --> 00:33:45,625 - [Dr. J Mack] The mom goes into a panic. 743 00:33:46,833 --> 00:33:50,749 She's looking down, and her baby is unconscious 744 00:33:50,750 --> 00:33:52,249 in the bottom of a gorilla pit! 745 00:33:52,250 --> 00:33:53,874 [dramatic orchestral music] 746 00:33:53,875 --> 00:33:55,374 - [Dr. Thor] To make matters worse, 747 00:33:55,375 --> 00:33:56,957 there are seven massive primates 748 00:33:56,958 --> 00:34:01,582 in the pit with him, and they might not be very happy 749 00:34:01,583 --> 00:34:05,333 about this unexpected guest dropping in. 750 00:34:06,375 --> 00:34:07,749 - [Dr. J Mack] The mom is screaming, 751 00:34:07,750 --> 00:34:09,207 the crowd is screaming. 752 00:34:09,208 --> 00:34:11,207 Everybody's trying to get one of the zoo employees 753 00:34:11,208 --> 00:34:14,166 to do something to help. 754 00:34:14,167 --> 00:34:15,541 - [Cameraperson] Hey! Over here! 755 00:34:15,542 --> 00:34:17,374 [tense dramatic music] 756 00:34:17,375 --> 00:34:19,500 - [Dan] Just as the gorillas begin to process 757 00:34:19,625 --> 00:34:22,250 that a human child has entered their enclosure, 758 00:34:23,250 --> 00:34:25,125 Binti makes her way over to the boy 759 00:34:26,292 --> 00:34:28,041 and begins to shout loudly and aggressively. 760 00:34:28,042 --> 00:34:30,792 [gorilla yelling] 761 00:34:31,833 --> 00:34:33,249 [intense dramatic music] 762 00:34:33,250 --> 00:34:35,624 - The terrified mom and all the folks watching 763 00:34:35,625 --> 00:34:37,374 are bracing themselves 764 00:34:37,375 --> 00:34:40,708 as Binti edges closer and closer to the child. 765 00:34:42,292 --> 00:34:44,667 - And her mind is going to the worst possible scenario, 766 00:34:44,792 --> 00:34:49,082 where Binti rips her son to shreds before her eyes. 767 00:34:49,083 --> 00:34:52,041 [mom screaming] [gorilla yelling] 768 00:34:52,042 --> 00:34:53,582 - [Dan] But that isn't what happens. 769 00:34:53,583 --> 00:34:56,582 Binti appears to be yelling at the other gorillas 770 00:34:56,583 --> 00:34:57,333 to stay away. 771 00:34:58,875 --> 00:35:01,541 - Binti then takes the boy, who is still unconscious, 772 00:35:01,542 --> 00:35:04,374 and puts him under her shoulder like a ragdoll, 773 00:35:04,375 --> 00:35:06,957 and then runs toward the enclosure door 774 00:35:06,958 --> 00:35:08,749 and sets him down right next to it 775 00:35:08,750 --> 00:35:10,833 so the zookeepers can get him out of there. 776 00:35:12,625 --> 00:35:15,708 Amazingly, the boy not only survives, 777 00:35:15,833 --> 00:35:18,707 he comes through with only a couple of cuts to his face 778 00:35:18,708 --> 00:35:19,542 and a broken hand. 779 00:35:20,667 --> 00:35:22,999 - The zoo officials suggest that one of the reasons 780 00:35:23,000 --> 00:35:26,457 Binti might have been so gentle 781 00:35:26,458 --> 00:35:29,332 with the boy during this incident was the fact that Binti 782 00:35:29,333 --> 00:35:33,291 was actually hand-fed and raised by human zookeepers. 783 00:35:33,292 --> 00:35:35,957 So there is a possibility that there's a little soft spot 784 00:35:35,958 --> 00:35:37,374 in her heart for humans. 785 00:35:37,375 --> 00:35:40,416 [soft thoughtful music] 786 00:35:40,417 --> 00:35:46,207 - [Dan] Not the babysitter she expected, 787 00:35:46,208 --> 00:35:47,457 - Wanna talk about heroes? 788 00:35:47,458 --> 00:35:50,166 Raising kids is not easy for a single mom, 789 00:35:50,167 --> 00:35:51,749 especially if you're raising children 790 00:35:51,750 --> 00:35:55,291 who may one day grow up and try to eat you. 791 00:35:55,292 --> 00:35:58,542 - It's August 2008, and rural Kansas might seem like 792 00:35:58,667 --> 00:36:00,541 a strange place for Bengal tigers, 793 00:36:00,542 --> 00:36:03,207 but at the Safari Zoological Park, 794 00:36:03,208 --> 00:36:06,541 three beautiful female tigers are born. 795 00:36:06,542 --> 00:36:11,083 Their names are Nasira, Anjika, and Sidani. 796 00:36:11,208 --> 00:36:13,207 - [Dr. Thor] Sadly, though, within 15 hours, 797 00:36:13,208 --> 00:36:14,375 [tiger cub screeches] 798 00:36:14,500 --> 00:36:17,374 the tiger mother abandons her triplets. 799 00:36:17,375 --> 00:36:21,082 She has the tiger equivalent of postpartum depression 800 00:36:21,083 --> 00:36:23,250 and can't be made to care. 801 00:36:24,875 --> 00:36:26,082 - The cubs need a mother, 802 00:36:26,083 --> 00:36:28,000 but unfortunately, the zoo is on 803 00:36:28,125 --> 00:36:30,207 the brink of financial collapse, 804 00:36:30,208 --> 00:36:31,917 and they can't afford to bring in 805 00:36:32,042 --> 00:36:34,292 another Bengal tiger to nurse them. 806 00:36:35,542 --> 00:36:37,541 - [Dan] Then, as all hope seems lost, 807 00:36:37,542 --> 00:36:41,582 a golden hero emerges to save the day, the cubs, 808 00:36:41,583 --> 00:36:42,750 and the park. 809 00:36:43,833 --> 00:36:46,292 - [Dr. Thor] Enter Isabella for the win. 810 00:36:47,708 --> 00:36:51,332 She is the zoo owner's one-year-old Golden Retriever, 811 00:36:51,333 --> 00:36:55,832 and she obviously doesn't care about the species divide. 812 00:36:55,833 --> 00:36:58,249 - [Kavitha] Isabella begins taking care of the tigers 813 00:36:58,250 --> 00:36:59,707 just like they're her own. 814 00:36:59,708 --> 00:37:03,124 She licks them and even nurses them with her own milk. 815 00:37:03,125 --> 00:37:05,207 They start out at about 11 pounds, 816 00:37:05,208 --> 00:37:07,541 but that won't last long. 817 00:37:07,542 --> 00:37:09,291 - Under the care of their adopted mom, 818 00:37:09,292 --> 00:37:12,542 they quickly become about 140 pounds apiece. 819 00:37:13,667 --> 00:37:16,207 - [Dan] As for the Safari Zoological Park, 820 00:37:16,208 --> 00:37:18,999 the unusual adoption is a major draw. 821 00:37:19,000 --> 00:37:22,500 Ticket sales skyrocket, bringing in much-needed cash, 822 00:37:22,625 --> 00:37:25,832 but as the tigers grow, so do some concerns. 823 00:37:25,833 --> 00:37:26,958 [light pensive music] 824 00:37:27,083 --> 00:37:29,999 - As the Bengal cubs' first birthday approaches, 825 00:37:30,000 --> 00:37:33,374 experts warn the zookeepers 826 00:37:33,375 --> 00:37:36,666 that the tigers still have predatory instincts, 827 00:37:36,667 --> 00:37:39,624 and the older and larger they get, 828 00:37:39,625 --> 00:37:42,583 the more dangerous things will become for Isabella. 829 00:37:43,958 --> 00:37:47,041 - Though the tigers never raise a paw to their adopted mom, 830 00:37:47,042 --> 00:37:49,750 the zoo feels it's better to be safe than sorry. 831 00:37:51,708 --> 00:37:55,707 On June 25th, 2009, the large, furry family 832 00:37:55,708 --> 00:37:57,791 celebrates one last day together 833 00:37:57,792 --> 00:38:01,374 as a huge crowd watches them romp and play, 834 00:38:01,375 --> 00:38:02,917 having one last hurrah. 835 00:38:04,708 --> 00:38:07,666 - [Dan] Isabella's maternal instinct single-handedly saves 836 00:38:07,667 --> 00:38:09,499 the zoo from financial ruin, 837 00:38:09,500 --> 00:38:11,582 along with the lives of 150 animals, 838 00:38:11,583 --> 00:38:14,374 who are able to thrive for years to come. 839 00:38:14,375 --> 00:38:16,874 Our final hero, also of the four-legged variety, 840 00:38:16,875 --> 00:38:21,166 faces a big disaster that will test its enormous heart. 841 00:38:21,167 --> 00:38:22,707 [light tense music] 842 00:38:22,708 --> 00:38:25,207 - It's 2004 in Phuket, Thailand, 843 00:38:25,208 --> 00:38:28,082 and a little girl named Amber Owen 844 00:38:28,083 --> 00:38:30,207 is there on holiday for Christmas 845 00:38:30,208 --> 00:38:32,082 from England with her family, 846 00:38:32,083 --> 00:38:36,417 and the resort they're in has a really cool extra attraction. 847 00:38:36,542 --> 00:38:37,957 - For the kids' amusement, 848 00:38:37,958 --> 00:38:40,332 there's a four-year-old elephant named Ning Nong, 849 00:38:40,333 --> 00:38:42,332 and her young handler allows folks 850 00:38:42,333 --> 00:38:44,332 to take pictures with Ning Nong. 851 00:38:44,333 --> 00:38:46,207 The kids can take rides on her back, 852 00:38:46,208 --> 00:38:48,541 and of course, everyone loves it. 853 00:38:48,542 --> 00:38:51,249 - Amber's never seen a real elephant in real life before, 854 00:38:51,250 --> 00:38:52,582 but when she sees Ning Nong, 855 00:38:52,583 --> 00:38:54,374 it's like they connect instantly. 856 00:38:54,375 --> 00:38:57,874 The two become inseparable, and Amber's thinking, 857 00:38:57,875 --> 00:39:01,707 "This is like the best Christmas ever." 858 00:39:01,708 --> 00:39:04,082 - [Dan] However, what begins as a dream vacation 859 00:39:04,083 --> 00:39:08,791 for Amber's family is about to spiral into a nightmare. 860 00:39:08,792 --> 00:39:13,833 - [Holly] At 7:58 a.m., 249 miles southwest of Phuket, 861 00:39:14,875 --> 00:39:18,791 an earthquake registering 9.1 on the Richter scale 862 00:39:18,792 --> 00:39:21,957 begins about 30,000 meters under the ocean. 863 00:39:21,958 --> 00:39:24,916 [earthquake rumbles] [tense dramatic music] 864 00:39:24,917 --> 00:39:28,457 - At 9:15 a.m., while Amber's sitting atop Ning Nong, 865 00:39:28,458 --> 00:39:30,749 she notices that the sea has pulled out 866 00:39:30,750 --> 00:39:33,167 really far back from the shore. 867 00:39:33,292 --> 00:39:34,874 - [Eyewitness 1] Oh, my God! Look at that! 868 00:39:34,875 --> 00:39:36,499 - [Eyewitness 2] I know. I can see it coming. 869 00:39:36,500 --> 00:39:39,332 - When water pulls back from the beach like that, 870 00:39:39,333 --> 00:39:41,624 that's a sign that a really bad tsunami 871 00:39:41,625 --> 00:39:43,332 is about to come your way. 872 00:39:43,333 --> 00:39:44,207 [ominous dramatic music] [waves crashing] 873 00:39:44,208 --> 00:39:45,707 - [Eyewitness 1] Tsunami! 874 00:39:45,708 --> 00:39:47,042 - [Eyewitness 2] Just look at that! 875 00:39:47,167 --> 00:39:49,207 - In just a matter of minutes, 876 00:39:49,208 --> 00:39:52,041 Phuket is completely engulfed in water. 877 00:39:52,042 --> 00:39:53,041 [waves crashing] 878 00:39:53,042 --> 00:39:54,500 - [Eyewitness] Get in, get in, get in! 879 00:39:57,417 --> 00:40:01,625 - They get hit with a 100-foot rolling wall of water 880 00:40:02,917 --> 00:40:06,667 that collapses buildings, destroys the city, 881 00:40:06,792 --> 00:40:10,167 and kills around 100,000 people instantly. 882 00:40:10,333 --> 00:40:12,457 [tense thoughtful music] 883 00:40:12,458 --> 00:40:14,166 - [Dan] As the water recedes, 884 00:40:14,167 --> 00:40:16,166 the destruction is catastrophic, 885 00:40:16,167 --> 00:40:18,832 and Amber's mom fears the worst. 886 00:40:18,833 --> 00:40:22,582 - She goes running through the hotel, screaming her name. 887 00:40:22,583 --> 00:40:25,207 - [Holly] As she is yelling, getting no answer, 888 00:40:25,208 --> 00:40:26,416 her fear heightens, 889 00:40:26,417 --> 00:40:28,541 but then suddenly she hears the sound 890 00:40:28,542 --> 00:40:31,666 any mother in that situation would yearn for: 891 00:40:31,667 --> 00:40:34,541 it's Amber, and she's okay. 892 00:40:34,542 --> 00:40:36,749 Amber tells her mom that as that water 893 00:40:36,750 --> 00:40:39,249 was being pulled out to sea, 894 00:40:39,250 --> 00:40:41,916 Ning Nong started acting really weird. 895 00:40:41,917 --> 00:40:45,666 She suddenly turned and ran with Amber on her back 896 00:40:45,667 --> 00:40:48,541 as far away from the beach as she possibly could. 897 00:40:48,542 --> 00:40:51,124 She got Amber to safety and saved her life. 898 00:40:51,125 --> 00:40:53,707 [tense electronic synth music] 899 00:40:53,708 --> 00:40:55,291 - Whether it's a bird with a mission, 900 00:40:55,292 --> 00:41:00,082 a convict with a cause, or a ghost with unfinished business, 901 00:41:00,083 --> 00:41:03,374 these are the stories of heroes so unlikely 902 00:41:03,375 --> 00:41:06,417 they can only be called unbelievable.