Following his expedition to Indonesia, as told in Zoo Quest For A Dragon, David Attenborough’s next animal collecting and filming trip was to New Guinea, home of the exotic Birds of Paradise.

The quest demanded hazardous treks across treachorous terrain in the Jimi Valley and on the edges of uncharted territory but the arduous adventures were finally rewarded when, as the camera turned, a Count Raggi’s Bird of Paradise enthralled him with its frenzied dance.

In this audio release, David tells of his adventures during the trip: being an onlooker at a formal lovemaking ceremony, seeing the skills of ritual axe making, trying to master pidgin English and witnessing a sing sing at which hundreds of tribesmen came together from all parts of the country. The magical voice of the master broadcaster entertains and educates in this fascinating account of life in the world.