0:00:02 > 0:00:06The world is full of amazing animal families.
0:00:06 > 0:00:09Tales of life and death happen every day.
0:00:09 > 0:00:13For the youngest members, growing up is tough, really tough.
0:00:13 > 0:00:18These stories recreate their roller coaster lives here on Wild Tales.
0:00:18 > 0:00:23We're following the stories of three fantastic animal characters.
0:00:27 > 0:00:31Gamba, Koko and Zina are finally starting to look like hunters,
0:00:31 > 0:00:34but time is running out.
0:00:36 > 0:00:40For Koda the wolf, life in the creche is all fun and games,
0:00:40 > 0:00:43but the pups are not alone.
0:00:43 > 0:00:45BEAR SNORTS
0:00:46 > 0:00:50And young Zeb is nearing the end of his migration,
0:00:50 > 0:00:53where he will face his toughest challenge yet.
0:00:53 > 0:00:59Follow their continued fight for survival in Wild Tales.
0:01:01 > 0:01:03So where shall we start?
0:01:03 > 0:01:06Let's catch up with our first family,
0:01:06 > 0:01:09right in the heart of Africa on the plains of Tanzania.
0:01:12 > 0:01:13Last time on Wild Tales,
0:01:13 > 0:01:18Zeb was struggling to keep up with the pace of the migration,
0:01:18 > 0:01:20and got lost at a waterhole.
0:01:20 > 0:01:25And then, worst of all, his band were attacked by lions.
0:01:29 > 0:01:31After surviving the lion attack,
0:01:31 > 0:01:36thankfully for now, Zeb seems to be OK.
0:01:36 > 0:01:40He's 6 months old now and the never-ending migration continues.
0:01:40 > 0:01:42Although the lions are never far away,
0:01:42 > 0:01:45they're leaving Zeb's band alone at the moment.
0:01:45 > 0:01:47They have to keep moving -
0:01:47 > 0:01:50the plains are drying out and the grass is dying.
0:02:10 > 0:02:12And it's no wonder.
0:02:12 > 0:02:15The temperature has topped 30 degrees Centigrade.
0:02:15 > 0:02:17It's like an oven!
0:02:22 > 0:02:26So the main threat to Zeb right now is this relentless heat.
0:02:35 > 0:02:39ZEBRAS CALL
0:02:50 > 0:02:54Zeb doesn't know it, but soon it will start raining further south.
0:02:54 > 0:02:58There will be lush green grass waiting when they arrive.
0:02:58 > 0:03:02But for now, all he can see ahead of him is one big dust bowl.
0:03:04 > 0:03:08But dust has its uses, as Zeb's mum well knows.
0:03:10 > 0:03:12It's time for your bath!
0:03:13 > 0:03:17But with no water, what's a young zebra supposed to do?
0:03:17 > 0:03:20Watch and learn Zeb, watch and learn.
0:03:24 > 0:03:29Dust bathing is surprisingly good for the skin.
0:03:29 > 0:03:31It's like mum's beauty treatment,
0:03:31 > 0:03:34and it basically gets rid of pesky parasites
0:03:34 > 0:03:37leaving mum's skin silky smooth.
0:03:37 > 0:03:40OK, well free of bugs and lice at least.
0:03:42 > 0:03:45And even dad's getting in on the action.
0:03:45 > 0:03:46Aah, that's better!
0:03:46 > 0:03:50But all this mention of baths is making poor Zeb thirsty again,
0:03:50 > 0:03:54and let's face it, you can't drink dust.
0:03:54 > 0:03:57Let's hope the band can find some water soon.
0:04:04 > 0:04:07Staying in Africa, we meet Zeb's neighbours,
0:04:07 > 0:04:09just across the border in Kenya.
0:04:09 > 0:04:12Last time on Wild Tales,
0:04:12 > 0:04:16our trio of cheetah cubs were not doing well at cheetah school.
0:04:16 > 0:04:21They kept chasing the wrong prey, and let the right prey escape,
0:04:21 > 0:04:24and they were having trouble with the neighbours.
0:04:26 > 0:04:27Now a year old,
0:04:27 > 0:04:31the cubs are starting to look more like mum every day.
0:04:33 > 0:04:37But our trio of cubs have struggled with cheetah school from day one.
0:04:39 > 0:04:43We've seen them too scared to face their prey,
0:04:43 > 0:04:47and as a rule they've been more interested in playing than learning.
0:04:47 > 0:04:50More often than not they've shown themselves to be
0:04:50 > 0:04:52a bit wet behind the ears.
0:04:55 > 0:04:58But Zina, Koko and Gamba are running out of time.
0:04:58 > 0:05:02Any day now, mum will leave and not come back.
0:05:02 > 0:05:06School will be over, and there will be no re-takes or second chances.
0:05:06 > 0:05:08They will have to be ready.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11So back to the lessons, and more hunting practice.
0:05:12 > 0:05:16Mum is trying to teach Gamba, Koko and Zina how to hunt
0:05:16 > 0:05:19with mixed success. Gamba can't be bothered.
0:05:22 > 0:05:27Now mum has spotted the perfect target for the youngsters.
0:05:30 > 0:05:36It's a small antelope, and it should be no problem at all for the cubs.
0:05:36 > 0:05:40Mum goes into stalking mode to show them how it's done.
0:05:43 > 0:05:46But the cubs are too busy playing,
0:05:46 > 0:05:49and the antelope see them coming a mile off.
0:05:49 > 0:05:52Mum is at a loss.
0:05:52 > 0:05:57How will her cubs ever make the grade?
0:05:57 > 0:06:01They can't fall behind now. She'll have to leave them soon.
0:06:01 > 0:06:04Every day is precious.
0:06:06 > 0:06:10A third of the way round the planet are our next family,
0:06:10 > 0:06:13living in the wilderness of Northern Canada.
0:06:14 > 0:06:20Last time on Wild Tales, Koda the wolf pup finally left the den.
0:06:20 > 0:06:23And while her pack struggled to find enough food,
0:06:23 > 0:06:27Koda was showing the other pups who was boss.
0:06:30 > 0:06:34Here in Canada, spring has well and truly sprung.
0:06:34 > 0:06:39The meadow is the perfect playground for Koda and the other pups.
0:06:40 > 0:06:43And just look at our pups now.
0:06:43 > 0:06:463 months old, and looking fit and healthy.
0:06:52 > 0:06:57Koda is now in a creche with some other pups nearly the same age,
0:06:57 > 0:07:00being looked after by their big sister.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05This meadow is the ideal place to keep an eye on the pups
0:07:05 > 0:07:07whilst the pack are away.
0:07:09 > 0:07:14But big sis has got her paws full with this unruly lot.
0:07:14 > 0:07:20Koda's always in the doghouse, getting up to all sorts of mischief.
0:07:21 > 0:07:25All these pups are gonna need a lot of food,
0:07:25 > 0:07:28so Koda's mum and dad have their work cut out,
0:07:28 > 0:07:31leading the pack on yet another hunt.
0:07:31 > 0:07:33BIRD CRIES
0:07:33 > 0:07:34WOLVES HOWL
0:07:34 > 0:07:38But they aren't the only pack in the area.
0:07:38 > 0:07:42A neighbouring pack are becoming a threat to the creche.
0:07:45 > 0:07:52The cubs are hearing their howls in the distance more and more often.
0:07:52 > 0:07:54If these intruders decide to move into the area
0:07:54 > 0:07:57while Koda's mum and dad are away,
0:07:57 > 0:07:59their big sis will not be able to protect them.
0:07:59 > 0:08:02The other pack would kill the pups
0:08:02 > 0:08:05in order to steal this prime territory.
0:08:05 > 0:08:09But there is more bad news for Koda and the other pups.
0:08:09 > 0:08:12In the woods at the edge of the meadow,
0:08:12 > 0:08:15a bear is watching their every move.
0:08:36 > 0:08:40Back in Africa and Zeb is hot and tired.
0:08:40 > 0:08:43The band have already covered hundreds of miles,
0:08:43 > 0:08:47and he still has no idea where they're going.
0:08:52 > 0:08:57It's the hottest part of the day and time for a rest.
0:08:57 > 0:09:00Zeb is desperately thirsty now.
0:09:00 > 0:09:03It seems ages since he last had a drink.
0:09:03 > 0:09:08Zebras have a clever way of locking their feet
0:09:08 > 0:09:11so they can actually sleep while standing up.
0:09:11 > 0:09:15They can stay in this position for hours quite comfortably.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18Zeb is absolutely shattered
0:09:18 > 0:09:23and doesn't even have the energy to stand like the others.
0:09:23 > 0:09:27While Zeb and the rest of the band are resting, a sentry stands guard.
0:09:27 > 0:09:32He's making sure no lions creep up on the group while they sleep.
0:09:35 > 0:09:40Meanwhile, dad is having a good scratch up against a boulder.
0:09:40 > 0:09:41Feels good.
0:09:43 > 0:09:46Whilst Zeb and the others are resting,
0:09:46 > 0:09:48they are plagued by flies and other pests.
0:09:48 > 0:09:51It's enough to make a zebra jumping mad.
0:09:53 > 0:09:57Top and tailing with your neighbour keeps some of the flies away.
0:10:03 > 0:10:06But for the more persistent pests,
0:10:06 > 0:10:09oxpecker neighbours are more than happy to lend a beak
0:10:09 > 0:10:12and peck away the worst offenders.
0:10:12 > 0:10:16These birds don't just peck oxen, as Zeb's band know all to well.
0:10:16 > 0:10:19They're like living nit combs.
0:10:21 > 0:10:23With the whole group so tired and thirsty,
0:10:23 > 0:10:26they are at their most vulnerable.
0:10:26 > 0:10:30Poor young Zeb is feeling it more than most.
0:10:30 > 0:10:34Surely this trek has to end soon?
0:10:42 > 0:10:44Cheetah school continues
0:10:44 > 0:10:48and mum is persevering with the hunting lessons.
0:11:01 > 0:11:04Zina shows an interest, but then mum takes over.
0:11:19 > 0:11:24Once again, she's brought it back alive for the cubs to practice with.
0:11:24 > 0:11:25It looks cruel,
0:11:25 > 0:11:29but it is the only way the cubs can learn how to hunt properly.
0:11:29 > 0:11:33Soon enough, these cubs will have to bring down prey
0:11:33 > 0:11:34travelling at over 60mph.
0:11:34 > 0:11:39It's incredibly difficult, and takes a lot of practice to perfect.
0:11:39 > 0:11:44But the cubs are starting to speed up their chasing and tackling.
0:11:44 > 0:11:47And they're completely happy dealing with live prey.
0:11:47 > 0:11:50Mum is finally getting somewhere.
0:11:54 > 0:11:57But the next lesson is even harder.
0:11:57 > 0:12:00The cubs have to learn how to hunt by themselves.
0:12:02 > 0:12:04Of course there is that small problem
0:12:04 > 0:12:08of learning how to catch their own prey.
0:12:08 > 0:12:12Some tough tasks ahead which they're gonna have to tackle.
0:12:19 > 0:12:24Back in Canada and our wolf pups are safe with the babysitter.
0:12:24 > 0:12:27But for how long?
0:12:27 > 0:12:29The bear is still watching them,
0:12:29 > 0:12:33and bears are the wolf pups' worst nightmare.
0:12:33 > 0:12:36We already know that Koda's mum lost pups in the past
0:12:36 > 0:12:38when a bear raided her den,
0:12:38 > 0:12:42but for now this bear is just watching and waiting.
0:12:42 > 0:12:45At least the neighbouring pack have gone quiet.
0:12:48 > 0:12:51Mum and dad are still out hunting.
0:12:51 > 0:12:54The pups need a constant supply of food.
0:12:54 > 0:13:00They are quite a handful and Koda is one of the more boisterous pups.
0:13:00 > 0:13:03Big sis, the pup sitter, can't keep control of Koda
0:13:03 > 0:13:05and she's gone walk about.
0:13:05 > 0:13:11This time she's been distracted by a hawk. There's always something.
0:13:11 > 0:13:14She's wandered away from the creche.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17It's just what the bear has been waiting for.
0:13:21 > 0:13:25But the pup sitter has spotted the bear and calls to Koda.
0:13:33 > 0:13:36Bears mainly feed on nuts and berries,
0:13:36 > 0:13:39but sometimes they get a taste for meat.
0:13:39 > 0:13:42Now this one has sniffed out Koda and the other pups,
0:13:42 > 0:13:45he's not gonna want to leave.
0:13:45 > 0:13:50Luckily Koda has come back to the creche, much to big sis's relief.
0:13:50 > 0:13:53This cub sitting is a hard chore.
0:13:53 > 0:13:56The bear is still hanging around.
0:13:56 > 0:14:00He's getting hungry and he could easily grab a stray pup.
0:14:00 > 0:14:02Koda mustn't wander off again.
0:14:02 > 0:14:07The sitter won't be able to save her if the bear decides to attack.
0:14:14 > 0:14:17For Zeb and his family back in Africa,
0:14:17 > 0:14:21the heat has reached a peak and now the thunderclouds are building.
0:14:21 > 0:14:23THUNDER
0:14:23 > 0:14:26At last, the rains have arrived!
0:14:29 > 0:14:32And when it rains here, you know about it.
0:14:32 > 0:14:36This is what they have travelled hundreds of miles to find.
0:14:36 > 0:14:39Zeb is so relieved, no more dust baths!
0:14:40 > 0:14:44And other animals seem to be enjoying the rain too.
0:14:49 > 0:14:52The downpour is great to start with,
0:14:52 > 0:14:54but after a few hours of standing in it,
0:14:54 > 0:14:56the novelty soon wears off.
0:14:57 > 0:15:00OK, that's enough rain already!
0:15:04 > 0:15:07The rain means the grass will start to grow here,
0:15:07 > 0:15:10and Zeb and the band seem invigorated.
0:15:10 > 0:15:15But all this rain means something else for Zeb and his family.
0:15:16 > 0:15:21The last stage of their journey has become even more treacherous.
0:15:21 > 0:15:24Ahead of them lies a river they must cross
0:15:24 > 0:15:27in order to reach their grazing grounds.
0:15:27 > 0:15:31The torrential rain has transformed the river into a raging current.
0:15:31 > 0:15:34It's going to be a real challenge for Zeb,
0:15:34 > 0:15:37and that's just the half of it.
0:15:45 > 0:15:50Zina, Koko and Gamba are nearing the end of their schooling.
0:15:50 > 0:15:55Mum will leave them any day now. They have to be able to hunt alone.
0:15:59 > 0:16:04Zina has seen a topi with a calf and seems to be stalking it.
0:16:13 > 0:16:14And she's off!
0:16:18 > 0:16:22Zina doesn't yet have the speed or endurance of mum.
0:16:27 > 0:16:31She's getting closer, but she's run too soon.
0:16:35 > 0:16:37Zina has given up.
0:16:39 > 0:16:43But now Koko is coming in to take over the relay.
0:16:52 > 0:16:56Where's that lazy Gamba when you need him, girls?
0:16:57 > 0:17:01And now the topi's mum is closing in on the sisters.
0:17:01 > 0:17:04They must be regretting going after her calf.
0:17:06 > 0:17:10Surrounded and scared, the cubs are calling for mum.
0:17:19 > 0:17:22But Mum is just leaving them to it.
0:17:26 > 0:17:28They have to learn the hard way.
0:17:36 > 0:17:39The girls are back. Gamba seems pleased they're OK.
0:17:39 > 0:17:43That was their first attempt at hunting prey together
0:17:43 > 0:17:47and although they failed, they were so close.
0:17:47 > 0:17:50But does this mean the trio will be able to hunt together as a team,
0:17:50 > 0:17:55or will they forget everything they've learned at cheetah school?
0:18:02 > 0:18:06The pup sitter has been under real pressure
0:18:06 > 0:18:09with that grizzly bear hanging around,
0:18:09 > 0:18:13but thankfully buffalo have moved into the area.
0:18:13 > 0:18:16These giants are more than a match for the bear.
0:18:16 > 0:18:18He's off!
0:18:20 > 0:18:24- A huge relieve for big sis, Koda and the other pups.
0:18:25 > 0:18:28And now at last the pack have returned as well,
0:18:28 > 0:18:31providing even more protection.
0:18:31 > 0:18:34Koda is glad to have them back.
0:18:34 > 0:18:37As the pack return they are greeted by the hungry pups
0:18:37 > 0:18:40who pester them to regurgitate food.
0:18:40 > 0:18:44Wolves don't have shopping bags to bring home the groceries,
0:18:44 > 0:18:48so they store the food for the pups in their stomachs.
0:18:48 > 0:18:52Koda and the others pups beg to one pack member after another
0:18:52 > 0:18:56until they get some scraps. It may not sound that appetising,
0:18:56 > 0:19:00but it's the best way to make sure the pups get enough food.
0:19:00 > 0:19:04Soon the pups will be old enough to join in with the hunts,
0:19:04 > 0:19:08but for now they are too young and inexperienced.
0:19:08 > 0:19:10Make the most of being a pup, Koda.
0:19:10 > 0:19:13Once you join the pack, life will be tough.
0:19:20 > 0:19:24At last the herd reach the river, and as expected,
0:19:24 > 0:19:29all the rain has swollen the rapids into a dangerous torrent.
0:19:33 > 0:19:38The deadly currents could easily drag a youngster like Zeb under.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41But as if the risk of drowning isn't enough...
0:19:46 > 0:19:50Hungry crocs know this is where the migrating herds cross.
0:19:50 > 0:19:54They are waiting, ready to grab any stragglers as they cross.
0:20:00 > 0:20:02Zeb is a prime candidate.
0:20:02 > 0:20:05He's easier for the crocs to get hold of.
0:20:11 > 0:20:16Dad tries to find a safe spot to cross the river whilst Zeb looks on.
0:20:17 > 0:20:19It's time to go.
0:20:28 > 0:20:31Zeb's band start to cross the river.
0:20:31 > 0:20:33The crocs move in.
0:20:44 > 0:20:47Dad has made it across,
0:20:47 > 0:20:50but one of the other band members is in trouble.
0:20:56 > 0:20:58The crocs have got a zebra.
0:21:06 > 0:21:09It's terrifying for Zeb, but he hasn't got a choice,
0:21:09 > 0:21:12he has to follow the rest of his family.
0:21:12 > 0:21:16If he doesn't, he will starve to death.
0:21:27 > 0:21:29He has to go.
0:21:29 > 0:21:30It's time.
0:21:43 > 0:21:48As he swims across, the crocs close in.
0:21:50 > 0:21:53A croc goes for an adult,
0:21:53 > 0:21:54but misses.
0:21:54 > 0:21:57It then turns to try and grab Zeb.
0:22:01 > 0:22:04He escapes by the skin of his teeth.
0:22:14 > 0:22:19Safely on the other side, Zeb rejoins dad and the band.
0:22:19 > 0:22:21Not everyone has made it.
0:22:25 > 0:22:29But Zeb will have to get used to the horrors of the river crossing.
0:22:29 > 0:22:34It's the final stage of the great migration and is unavoidable.
0:22:40 > 0:22:44Zeb will have to make this crossing many times throughout his life,
0:22:44 > 0:22:49but this success means he stands a good chance of reaching adulthood.
0:23:03 > 0:23:07Mum is leaving the cubs to hunt on their own more and more.
0:23:07 > 0:23:10It's a sign that she will leave them for good soon.
0:23:10 > 0:23:13She has taught them everything she knows
0:23:13 > 0:23:15and their schooling is at an end.
0:23:15 > 0:23:19Now it's up to them to practise and practise
0:23:19 > 0:23:22until they become lean, mean hunting machines.
0:23:22 > 0:23:27Zina has found a target to practise on in the form of a bat-eared fox.
0:23:27 > 0:23:31She doesn't want to eat it, she just wants to hunt it.
0:23:43 > 0:23:45And Koko is getting in on the act.
0:23:52 > 0:23:55But the fox has had enough of this game.
0:24:02 > 0:24:06Meanwhile, their brother Gamba is also practising his hunting.
0:24:07 > 0:24:09He's found an Aardwolf.
0:24:11 > 0:24:14His hunting has really come along well.
0:24:14 > 0:24:17But this is one 'ard aardwolf.
0:24:27 > 0:24:31And now he's chasing Gamba! How embarrassing!
0:24:46 > 0:24:49So, it seems mum's lessons are finally over.
0:24:49 > 0:24:52Our trio are happy to continue practising
0:24:52 > 0:24:54and learning by themselves.
0:24:56 > 0:25:00And they can deal with prey once they've caught it.
0:25:00 > 0:25:02And they can hunt well together.
0:25:03 > 0:25:07Mum can't really do much more for them.
0:25:08 > 0:25:13One night very soon she will have to leave them.
0:25:13 > 0:25:17It's time for her to find a new mate and raise more cubs.
0:25:17 > 0:25:21If she goes, will Zina, Koko and Gamba be ready?
0:25:21 > 0:25:23How will they cope without their mum?
0:25:33 > 0:25:34HOWLING
0:25:34 > 0:25:36Over the past few weeks,
0:25:36 > 0:25:39the cubs have been aware of howls in the distance,
0:25:39 > 0:25:43but these howls have not been from their own pack.
0:25:43 > 0:25:46Mum and Dad know there are intruders nearby,
0:25:46 > 0:25:50but they have been staying out of their territory.
0:25:52 > 0:25:57The neighbouring pack have sent in a scout to check out Koda's pack.
0:25:57 > 0:26:00If he's anything to go by, there could be trouble.
0:26:19 > 0:26:23This is the worst possible news for Koda and the other pups.
0:26:23 > 0:26:27If the neighbouring pack attack and try to take their territory,
0:26:27 > 0:26:31the cubs will either be killed, or starve to death.
0:26:39 > 0:26:40There is a stand off.
0:26:46 > 0:26:50Koda's mum and dad will not give up easily.
0:26:55 > 0:26:58They have chased the intruder away,
0:26:58 > 0:27:01but he could be back with the rest of his pack.
0:27:02 > 0:27:06Will Koda's pack be able to hold onto their territory?
0:27:06 > 0:27:09It's not looking good for our wolf family.
0:27:11 > 0:27:13Next Time on Wild Tales -
0:27:15 > 0:27:16Will our cheetah cubs be able
0:27:16 > 0:27:20to put all the skills they have learnt together,
0:27:20 > 0:27:22and manage to hunt by themselves?
0:27:24 > 0:27:27As winter arrives, how will Koda cope,
0:27:27 > 0:27:31as her pack try to defend their territory?
0:27:31 > 0:27:37And is young Zeb ready to leave his family and face a tough new world?
0:27:39 > 0:27:42Find out next time on Wild Tales.
0:27:48 > 0:27:52Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:27:52 > 0:27:56E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk