BBC Two to film gorilla documentaries

The BBC Natural History Unit is to make a series of documentaries on the mountain gorilla for BBC Two.

Filmmakers have been given unprecedented access to one gorilla family and will follow the animals over three 60-minute programmes.

In addition to examining the daily events of their lives, the documentaries will delve into the history of the species and its possible future.

"We will have privileged access to one of the planet's most emotionally engaging animal characters," said executive producer Sara Ford.

"This will be the definitive series on the endangered mountain gorilla as well as an intimate family portrait set against a backdrop of human conflict and passionate endeavour."