0:00:03 > 0:00:07The first months of any animal's life are the most crucial.
0:00:11 > 0:00:14Every day brings new challenges.
0:00:16 > 0:00:18And new dramas.
0:00:19 > 0:00:23In this series we'll reveal how animal babies survive,
0:00:23 > 0:00:27and even thrive, in three of the most beautiful,
0:00:27 > 0:00:29yet demanding landscapes on the planet.
0:00:31 > 0:00:34On the vast savannahs of Africa,
0:00:34 > 0:00:38youngsters face the world's top predators,
0:00:38 > 0:00:40and intense competition.
0:00:42 > 0:00:46Water babies must deal with treacherous coasts
0:00:46 > 0:00:47and dangerous currents.
0:00:51 > 0:00:56And in the rocky world of the mountains, food is scarce,
0:00:56 > 0:00:58and the weather extreme.
0:01:00 > 0:01:02These brave little animals
0:01:02 > 0:01:07do have some great tactics to overcome the odds,
0:01:07 > 0:01:11but they face a steep learning curve in what can be a cruel world.
0:01:13 > 0:01:17If they pay attention to those around them,
0:01:17 > 0:01:19and fight against adversity,
0:01:19 > 0:01:22they might just make it.
0:01:23 > 0:01:27This is the story of some amazing animal babies.
0:01:39 > 0:01:42The great savannahs of Africa
0:01:42 > 0:01:45are home to some of the most iconic animals on the planet.
0:01:58 > 0:02:03These grassy plains cover almost half the continent...
0:02:03 > 0:02:05THUNDER
0:02:05 > 0:02:08..and are constantly changing.
0:02:09 > 0:02:12Plagued by extreme weather
0:02:12 > 0:02:16and an environment that swings from feast to famine.
0:02:21 > 0:02:25But the unique challenge of growing up in this extraordinary place
0:02:25 > 0:02:27is the sheer number of animals.
0:02:30 > 0:02:33Herds of millions,
0:02:33 > 0:02:35all competing for the same food.
0:02:44 > 0:02:47And this draws in a huge number of hunters.
0:02:52 > 0:02:55More large predators stalk the plains of East Africa
0:02:55 > 0:02:58than anywhere else in the world.
0:03:04 > 0:03:06So the first hurdle for the safari babies
0:03:06 > 0:03:09is simply staying alive.
0:03:20 > 0:03:26This newborn wildebeest is trying to stand for the very first time.
0:03:47 > 0:03:51In just three wobbly minutes, it's up on its feet.
0:03:56 > 0:03:58For a while, at least.
0:04:00 > 0:04:01And it's not alone.
0:04:02 > 0:04:05Most of the calves arrive in the same few weeks,
0:04:05 > 0:04:08and everyone is having the same trouble.
0:04:17 > 0:04:20The calf is part of the largest herd on the planet.
0:04:23 > 0:04:27There are well over a million adults here,
0:04:27 > 0:04:30and around 12,000 calves are born every day.
0:04:34 > 0:04:37With so many vulnerable youngsters around,
0:04:37 > 0:04:41a calf has to be pretty unlucky to be the one targeted by a predator.
0:04:43 > 0:04:45But although the herd provides safety in numbers,
0:04:45 > 0:04:47it's constantly on the move.
0:04:54 > 0:04:57So, to keep safe, the little calf
0:04:57 > 0:05:00needs to steady his legs and get going.
0:05:10 > 0:05:14Within a day the transformation is miraculous.
0:05:14 > 0:05:17The calf is already one of the top ten fastest land animals
0:05:17 > 0:05:19on the planet...
0:05:21 > 0:05:23..capable of clocking 50 miles per hour...
0:05:25 > 0:05:28..which soon comes in handy.
0:06:03 > 0:06:07While the wildebeest can breathe a huge sigh of relief,
0:06:07 > 0:06:10there's a very good reason to feel sorry for the cheetah.
0:06:13 > 0:06:17In this case, six good reasons.
0:06:27 > 0:06:29Here on the Serengeti,
0:06:29 > 0:06:32just one in 20 cheetah cubs survive to adulthood.
0:06:48 > 0:06:51The odds may be even worse for these six cubs,
0:06:51 > 0:06:55because this is a particularly large litter -
0:06:55 > 0:06:56double the average -
0:06:56 > 0:06:59and so Mum needs to find a lot of food.
0:07:05 > 0:07:09But the biggest threat is actually other predators.
0:07:12 > 0:07:14The sheer number of hunters here
0:07:14 > 0:07:17creates intense competition between them all.
0:07:21 > 0:07:26Lions and hyenas will kill these cubs, not just to eat them,
0:07:26 > 0:07:29but to eliminate a potential rival.
0:07:31 > 0:07:34Being solitary and built for speed not strength
0:07:34 > 0:07:36leaves the cheetahs vulnerable.
0:07:41 > 0:07:44As adults, they'll have their speed to get away,
0:07:44 > 0:07:48but at this age they rely on the fluffy grey fur on their backs
0:07:48 > 0:07:50to keep them camouflaged.
0:08:01 > 0:08:04This fluff will go over the coming weeks...
0:08:09 > 0:08:12so the cubs need learn the art of self defence,
0:08:12 > 0:08:15and start by play-fighting.
0:08:22 > 0:08:25At just 12 weeks old, their play is all rather gentle.
0:08:29 > 0:08:33And Mum is remarkably patient when she's trying to keep a look out.
0:08:37 > 0:08:41Soon they'll be expected to keep watch for themselves,
0:08:41 > 0:08:45and, as their story continues, they'll need to learn fast.
0:08:55 > 0:08:58With predators lurking around every corner,
0:08:58 > 0:09:02the safari babies use play to help them build strength,
0:09:02 > 0:09:05and develop the skills they'll need to stay safe.
0:09:10 > 0:09:12These serval kittens wrestle together...
0:09:15 > 0:09:16..stalk each other like prey...
0:09:20 > 0:09:22..and practice their sprint.
0:09:38 > 0:09:41But defending yourself is hard when you're only little.
0:09:43 > 0:09:47Even the baby that will grow to be the largest animal on the Savannah,
0:09:47 > 0:09:50starts out life small and defenceless.
0:09:53 > 0:09:58A precious new arrival, just hours old, is finding her feet.
0:10:07 > 0:10:11The rest of the herd moved on while she was being born,
0:10:11 > 0:10:15and her mum can't protect her from prowling lions on her own,
0:10:15 > 0:10:18so it's vital they find the safety of the herd.
0:10:23 > 0:10:26But in her haste to rejoin the group,
0:10:26 > 0:10:32this inexperienced first-time mother is making a critical mistake.
0:10:40 > 0:10:45She's not standing still long enough for her baby to suckle.
0:10:45 > 0:10:48The first feed is a lifeline of vital nutrients
0:10:48 > 0:10:52and much-needed fluids, but Mum marches on.
0:11:02 > 0:11:06A watering hole isn't what the infant needs right now,
0:11:06 > 0:11:10and exhaustion and hunger are taking over.
0:11:25 > 0:11:30But the little calf finds the strength to persist...
0:11:31 > 0:11:34..and with Mum finally standing still,
0:11:34 > 0:11:38this determined baby gets her first feed of life-saving milk.
0:11:50 > 0:11:55With new-found energy they continue searching for their herd,
0:11:55 > 0:11:58because the calf isn't out of danger yet.
0:12:03 > 0:12:06The family's protection is vital to many animal babies,
0:12:06 > 0:12:10no matter how large or small they are at birth.
0:12:15 > 0:12:18These tiny banded mongoose pups
0:12:18 > 0:12:21start life under ground, in the burrow.
0:12:21 > 0:12:24GENTLE SQUEAKING
0:12:28 > 0:12:33After a few weeks, the pups emerge into the adult world,
0:12:33 > 0:12:35which is all about family...
0:12:35 > 0:12:38THEY SQUEAK AND CHIRP
0:12:40 > 0:12:43..an extended family that works as a tight-knit unit.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48Every day this mob needs to defend their turf
0:12:48 > 0:12:52from aggressive neighbours, and the rules here dictate
0:12:52 > 0:12:55the youngsters must look after themselves pretty quick.
0:12:58 > 0:13:01The female pup is doing really well.
0:13:02 > 0:13:06Unfortunately, her brother is smaller and weaker.
0:13:06 > 0:13:09His eyes should be fully opened by now,
0:13:09 > 0:13:12but he seems way behind in his development.
0:13:19 > 0:13:22The sister feeds and builds up her strength.
0:13:30 > 0:13:34But her smaller brother is doing the complete opposite
0:13:34 > 0:13:35of what he should be doing.
0:13:38 > 0:13:43Wandering off from the rest of the mob isn't a good idea.
0:13:43 > 0:13:45Hungry leopards...
0:13:46 > 0:13:48..marabou storks...
0:13:49 > 0:13:52..and monitor lizards are all around.
0:13:54 > 0:13:59Calling loudly for help could attract the wrong kind of attention.
0:13:59 > 0:14:02MONGOOSE PUP SQUEAKS
0:14:12 > 0:14:14He's got lucky this time,
0:14:14 > 0:14:17one of the mob hears his cries and retrieves him...
0:14:19 > 0:14:22..but his story will only continue
0:14:22 > 0:14:24if he can copy his sister
0:14:24 > 0:14:27and stick with the protection of the family.
0:14:40 > 0:14:43The elephant calf and her mother are still trying to get back
0:14:43 > 0:14:45to the safety of their family.
0:14:47 > 0:14:49And now she's feeding regularly,
0:14:49 > 0:14:52the infant has the energy to keep up with Mum, as she searches for them.
0:14:58 > 0:15:02But within their vast home range of hundreds of miles,
0:15:02 > 0:15:04the rest of the herd could be anywhere.
0:15:08 > 0:15:11MOTHER ELEPHANT RUMBLES
0:15:11 > 0:15:14Her mother calls using low-frequency rumbles...
0:15:16 > 0:15:19..a unique language the baby is yet to learn.
0:15:23 > 0:15:27The sounds carry for up to six miles,
0:15:27 > 0:15:29as Mum communicates with the herd.
0:15:40 > 0:15:44After several hours,
0:15:44 > 0:15:46they finally track down the rest of the group.
0:15:56 > 0:16:01At last, the baby meets her extended family for the very first time.
0:16:09 > 0:16:12The herd have been waiting for the calf to arrive
0:16:12 > 0:16:16after a two-year pregnancy, so they make a real fuss of her.
0:16:22 > 0:16:26The tender intertwining of trunks is like a hug or a handshake,
0:16:26 > 0:16:29as they smell and touch the new arrival.
0:16:38 > 0:16:40ADULT ELEPHANT TRUMPETS
0:16:40 > 0:16:43The bigger elephants are boisterous in their excitement,
0:16:43 > 0:16:46so the little one hides behind her mother's legs.
0:16:52 > 0:16:56The matriarch arrives to take control. SHE TRUMPETS
0:16:58 > 0:17:01Our little baby will depend on her guidance,
0:17:01 > 0:17:03so it's vital the two of them bond.
0:17:09 > 0:17:12The extended family leaves them in peace.
0:17:18 > 0:17:21It's a more gentle introduction, and rather than hiding,
0:17:21 > 0:17:24the calf comes out to meet her.
0:17:36 > 0:17:39The baby seems quite smitten with her new friend,
0:17:39 > 0:17:41and even starts following her.
0:17:56 > 0:18:00The matriarch has to give her a gentle nudge back towards Mum.
0:18:07 > 0:18:09Finding her family and meeting the matriarch
0:18:09 > 0:18:12means our little calf is now protected
0:18:12 > 0:18:14by their numbers and sheer size.
0:18:18 > 0:18:22And she's going to need all of their help as her learning continues.
0:18:33 > 0:18:37So far these animal babies have done well,
0:18:37 > 0:18:39and kept themselves out of harm's way.
0:18:41 > 0:18:45Feeding themselves will be their next main challenge.
0:18:49 > 0:18:51But it doesn't always come naturally.
0:18:55 > 0:18:58They'll have to compete with many hungry mouths,
0:18:58 > 0:19:02and survive periods of extreme drought,
0:19:02 > 0:19:05so the babies here have to be very resourceful
0:19:05 > 0:19:07in their search for food and water.
0:19:15 > 0:19:18These fluff balls are baby ostriches.
0:19:20 > 0:19:22Just a few days old.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24THEY CHIRP
0:19:28 > 0:19:30When they're fully grown they'll get most of the water they need from
0:19:30 > 0:19:34their food, but as newborns, their bodies aren't as good
0:19:34 > 0:19:37at keeping cool, so they need to drink.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42They won't last much more than another day without water.
0:19:47 > 0:19:49But here in the Kalahari,
0:19:49 > 0:19:52there's not so much as a damp patch in sight.
0:20:02 > 0:20:07Following their parents out across this wasteland seems like suicide.
0:20:12 > 0:20:17Especially when the temperature tips over 40 degrees Celsius.
0:20:21 > 0:20:24Yet, in the middle of the desolation
0:20:24 > 0:20:26is an astonishing number of animals...
0:20:34 > 0:20:38..all attracted to a spring of life-giving freshwater.
0:20:48 > 0:20:51The chicks can see just what they need,
0:20:51 > 0:20:53but being hoof-height
0:20:53 > 0:20:56makes negotiating this forest of legs seem impossible.
0:20:59 > 0:21:04They are agonisingly close but can't risk being trampled.
0:21:08 > 0:21:12Their salvation has come in a surprising form.
0:21:21 > 0:21:25ANIMALS EMIT VARIOUS DISTRESS CALLS
0:21:31 > 0:21:34It's a stroke of luck for the chicks and a safe path is clear.
0:21:41 > 0:21:44Their first ever drink of water.
0:21:55 > 0:21:57Some babies have it a bit easier.
0:22:01 > 0:22:05Mammals get their food and water from Mum's milk in their early days.
0:22:11 > 0:22:15The elephant calf will suckle for at least three years,
0:22:15 > 0:22:18drinking over 11 litres a day as a newborn.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24Spotted hyena pups get especially rich milk.
0:22:26 > 0:22:31It's so high in protein and fat that Mum can leave them on their own for
0:22:31 > 0:22:32up to four days.
0:22:35 > 0:22:39The mongoose siblings will suckle from any female with milk.
0:22:39 > 0:22:42It's one of the many ways the whole family helps with the little ones.
0:22:51 > 0:22:54But even the mammals can't rely on Mum forever.
0:22:54 > 0:22:57Eventually, they need to learn to feed themselves.
0:23:04 > 0:23:08This zebra foal started eating grass at just a week old.
0:23:11 > 0:23:13Grass may seem plentiful...
0:23:16 > 0:23:19..but the number of other animals around
0:23:19 > 0:23:21means finding enough of it can still be a challenge.
0:23:24 > 0:23:27The entire mega herd has the same diet.
0:23:28 > 0:23:32Hundreds of thousands of mouths competing for the same grass.
0:23:37 > 0:23:40The good pasture is quickly exhausted,
0:23:40 > 0:23:43so the foal and its herd must move on to reach fresh forage.
0:23:49 > 0:23:52But an obstacle stands in their way.
0:23:59 > 0:24:02The crocodile-infested waters of the Mara River.
0:24:12 > 0:24:16With just seven crossing points on this river, these crocodiles,
0:24:16 > 0:24:19which are some of the largest in all of Africa,
0:24:19 > 0:24:21know exactly where to wait.
0:24:24 > 0:24:28But driven on by hunger, the herd must cross.
0:24:51 > 0:24:55Second thoughts are understandable, but now the crossing has started
0:24:55 > 0:24:57this youngster has no choice.
0:25:07 > 0:25:09A foal's small size means that when it slips,
0:25:09 > 0:25:13it's quickly washed downstream by the barrage of water
0:25:13 > 0:25:15towards a new danger.
0:25:21 > 0:25:24One of the most aggressive animals on the planet,
0:25:24 > 0:25:27hippos will readily kill to defend their patch of river.
0:25:39 > 0:25:41But more dangerous still,
0:25:41 > 0:25:45we now know hippos will also eat meat
0:25:45 > 0:25:48and would relish the meal of a young zebra.
0:25:57 > 0:25:58Out of control,
0:25:58 > 0:26:01the foal is forced right towards the hippo's jaws.
0:26:22 > 0:26:23It's a lucky escape.
0:26:32 > 0:26:34And after one last struggle...
0:26:36 > 0:26:39..the prize of fresh grass awaits.
0:26:55 > 0:26:59But understandably, a little nap comes first.
0:27:06 > 0:27:09As a grazer, finding a constant supply of succulent grass
0:27:09 > 0:27:12is harder work than it may first seem.
0:27:15 > 0:27:20But for the carnivores, finding food is even more of a challenge.
0:27:25 > 0:27:28The family of six cheetah cubs
0:27:28 > 0:27:31have managed to stay safe from other predators...
0:27:33 > 0:27:37..and now the cubs must learn how to be predators themselves.
0:27:40 > 0:27:42It'll take months to learn to hunt.
0:27:44 > 0:27:48And step one is simply starting to eat meat.
0:27:56 > 0:27:58They wait while Mum brings back the dinner.
0:28:24 > 0:28:28When it arrives, the cubs just look scared.
0:28:28 > 0:28:30THEY HISS
0:28:33 > 0:28:36Not quite the response you'd expect
0:28:36 > 0:28:38from the world's fastest land predator.
0:28:47 > 0:28:49The cubs don't realise their time is short.
0:28:50 > 0:28:52They'll soon have company.
0:29:00 > 0:29:04VULTURES SQUAWK
0:29:11 > 0:29:13Eventually, they get the idea.
0:29:17 > 0:29:19But their milk teeth make chewing hard work.
0:29:23 > 0:29:26They need to eat fast because, with more vultures arriving,
0:29:26 > 0:29:29they won't keep this meal to themselves for long.
0:29:36 > 0:29:39Word's got around about a free lunch.
0:29:43 > 0:29:46And this little one seems totally distracted
0:29:46 > 0:29:48by the number of onlookers.
0:29:54 > 0:29:59As more birds arrive, Mum tries her best to keep them at bay.
0:30:10 > 0:30:13The cubs need to step up and help defend their dinner,
0:30:13 > 0:30:16but instead, they slope off.
0:30:20 > 0:30:22Mum's frustration is clear,
0:30:22 > 0:30:24but there's nothing more she can do...
0:30:30 > 0:30:32..and the family abandon the kill.
0:30:38 > 0:30:42The six cubs are no closer to being able to feed themselves
0:30:42 > 0:30:46and Mum will have to find all of them more food again soon.
0:30:54 > 0:30:58The banded mongoose family are also out hunting
0:30:58 > 0:31:01and in their case, it's insects they're after.
0:31:11 > 0:31:15Of the two little pups, the brother has been struggling,
0:31:15 > 0:31:19whereas the sister is up for an adventure and is exploring.
0:31:25 > 0:31:29Beetles are a dietary staple for these mongooses.
0:31:29 > 0:31:32But they have to find them and dig them out first.
0:31:37 > 0:31:40The female pup watches...
0:31:43 > 0:31:46..and copies the digging technique.
0:31:54 > 0:31:56Her brother, on the other hand,
0:31:56 > 0:31:58doesn't seem to be getting it.
0:31:59 > 0:32:03He begs scraps from other family members,
0:32:03 > 0:32:06but they can't afford to support a scrounger...
0:32:07 > 0:32:10..and are losing patience with him.
0:32:10 > 0:32:12HE SQUEAKS REPEATEDLY
0:32:30 > 0:32:34While all he can do is watch the others feast,
0:32:34 > 0:32:40his sister is finding plenty of tasty morsels for herself.
0:32:44 > 0:32:48But the brother's ineptitude is getting noticed
0:32:48 > 0:32:51and he's roughed up by his own family.
0:33:04 > 0:33:06When the mob moves on again,
0:33:06 > 0:33:09the sister has plenty of energy from all the food she's found
0:33:09 > 0:33:11and has no problems keeping up.
0:33:13 > 0:33:16But her brother is in a bad way.
0:33:24 > 0:33:28The family can't jeopardise the whole group for a weak member
0:33:28 > 0:33:34and it becomes clear that this little one has been left behind.
0:33:38 > 0:33:42HE SQUEAKS REPEATEDLY
0:33:49 > 0:33:51From now on, the mongoose family
0:33:51 > 0:33:54will only have to look after the stronger female pup.
0:34:02 > 0:34:05Of course, having no siblings
0:34:05 > 0:34:08means a youngster doesn't have to share its food at all,
0:34:08 > 0:34:12and one baby animal has a rather extreme strategy
0:34:12 > 0:34:17to see off its rivals and make sure it stays well fed.
0:34:22 > 0:34:27The first chick in a drongo's nest has just hatched.
0:34:31 > 0:34:35CHICK CHIRPS AND CROAKS
0:34:37 > 0:34:40The chick begs to be fed.
0:34:40 > 0:34:43and while Mum is away collecting food,
0:34:43 > 0:34:46it begins its devious plan.
0:35:25 > 0:35:29Mum returns and doesn't seem to notice what's happened.
0:35:36 > 0:35:40For her, it's business as usual.
0:35:53 > 0:35:56Mission accomplished.
0:35:56 > 0:36:01And now the murderous chick is a selfish only child.
0:36:15 > 0:36:18With Mum's devotion all to itself,
0:36:18 > 0:36:21it grows rapidly and so does its food.
0:36:36 > 0:36:39A neighbouring nest contains drongo youngsters
0:36:39 > 0:36:42that look completely different.
0:36:47 > 0:36:51That's because this chick is a cuckoo.
0:36:54 > 0:36:58It was laid in this nest to deceive the drongo mother
0:36:58 > 0:37:00into adopting and caring for it.
0:37:00 > 0:37:03Her love is blind.
0:37:07 > 0:37:10Even with the competition of the other chicks out of the way,
0:37:10 > 0:37:14there's barely space for Mum any more...
0:37:17 > 0:37:22..and the cuckoo chick has secured enough food to survive.
0:37:34 > 0:37:36The family of six cheetah cubs
0:37:36 > 0:37:39have to share their meals between them all.
0:37:43 > 0:37:46They failed to guard their dinner from vultures,
0:37:46 > 0:37:50so the cubs will go hungry until Mum can hunt again.
0:37:50 > 0:37:52THUNDER
0:37:56 > 0:38:01Now four months old, they will have competition for every meal -
0:38:01 > 0:38:06from other predators, scavengers like vultures, and each other.
0:38:06 > 0:38:09PURRING
0:38:09 > 0:38:11The harsh reality is
0:38:11 > 0:38:15that this number of siblings are unlikely to all make it.
0:38:16 > 0:38:19THUNDER
0:38:35 > 0:38:40Nearby, another family of cheetah has just three cubs.
0:38:40 > 0:38:44They're older, so they're further on with their education.
0:38:45 > 0:38:50And today, Mum is teaching them an important lesson.
0:39:13 > 0:39:16Perfectly camouflaged in the background,
0:39:16 > 0:39:19the cubs watch Mum stalk a steenbok.
0:39:30 > 0:39:33The cubs must stay absolutely still
0:39:33 > 0:39:35not to give away their mother while
0:39:35 > 0:39:38watching her masterclass in hunting.
0:40:10 > 0:40:13Mum brings the antelope down
0:40:13 > 0:40:16but she hasn't killed it.
0:40:16 > 0:40:20This is today's school practical for our trainee predators.
0:40:23 > 0:40:26Cheetahs suffocate their prey by biting their throat.
0:40:28 > 0:40:31It's a vital skill to learn.
0:40:32 > 0:40:35But they haven't got the hang of it yet.
0:40:49 > 0:40:54It could be months before the cubs master this technique.
0:40:54 > 0:41:00Mum may even leave them on their own before they've got the hang of it.
0:41:00 > 0:41:04They must learn this soon if any of the three are going to make it.
0:41:11 > 0:41:13As time passes on the African plains,
0:41:13 > 0:41:17all the safari babies are growing up.
0:41:20 > 0:41:23They've managed to stay safe
0:41:23 > 0:41:26and most are finding their own food.
0:41:26 > 0:41:30But there are other skills to master before they graduate to adulthood.
0:41:33 > 0:41:36From how to establish your place in the pecking order...
0:41:39 > 0:41:41..to knowing who to give a wide berth.
0:41:43 > 0:41:45ELEPHANT TRUMPETS
0:41:50 > 0:41:53And discovering the best ways to cool down.
0:42:14 > 0:42:18This leopard cub may look like an adult
0:42:18 > 0:42:21but it's still a juvenile
0:42:21 > 0:42:24with plenty to learn.
0:42:26 > 0:42:30Today, he's putting an essential leopard skill to the test.
0:42:34 > 0:42:36Tree climbing.
0:42:37 > 0:42:40In the open environment of the savannah,
0:42:40 > 0:42:44a tree is the only place to stash a kill without it being stolen.
0:42:46 > 0:42:49Except, he's the thief.
0:42:49 > 0:42:51This is his mother's dinner
0:42:51 > 0:42:54and he's pinching it.
0:42:56 > 0:42:58Or trying to.
0:43:17 > 0:43:21His tree climbing skills clearly need some work.
0:43:39 > 0:43:44He's forced to abandon the robbery and try earning his own dinner.
0:43:46 > 0:43:51Sometimes, there's no substitute for time and practice.
0:43:59 > 0:44:04The little female pup is a star pupil in the banded mongoose family.
0:44:06 > 0:44:10She's making giant leaps towards independence,
0:44:10 > 0:44:14but her home life is about to be turned upside down.
0:44:19 > 0:44:22The family are moving den.
0:44:22 > 0:44:25It keeps them one step ahead of the predators
0:44:25 > 0:44:29and stops parasites and pests from building up.
0:44:34 > 0:44:37Moving home can be traumatic for any little one,
0:44:37 > 0:44:41but this is a treacherous journey
0:44:41 > 0:44:44and the family quickly come across a problem.
0:44:51 > 0:44:57As they pass a human settlement, they encounter an unusual obstacle.
0:45:09 > 0:45:13Our brave little pup tries her best
0:45:13 > 0:45:15but isn't quite strong enough yet.
0:45:15 > 0:45:19SHE SQUEAKS
0:45:19 > 0:45:22She's fearful of being left behind like her brother,
0:45:22 > 0:45:24so she calls loudly.
0:45:35 > 0:45:38But the downside to being a bit bigger
0:45:38 > 0:45:40is that now she's harder to carry.
0:46:05 > 0:46:07It's a heroic effort
0:46:07 > 0:46:10and now the family can continue on their way.
0:46:14 > 0:46:18To our growing pup, it was a big hurdle to overcome
0:46:18 > 0:46:23but her journey into the scary adult world has only just begun.
0:46:32 > 0:46:35There are so many skills to learn while growing up,
0:46:35 > 0:46:39and who better to learn from than your elders?
0:46:52 > 0:46:55The elephant calf was separated from her herd
0:46:55 > 0:46:58but now she's back with the group.
0:46:58 > 0:47:01It's a good job because she is going to need the experienced matriarch
0:47:01 > 0:47:03to teach her the way round.
0:47:09 > 0:47:13African elephants have to find 140 kilos of food
0:47:13 > 0:47:17and 200 litres of water every day.
0:47:19 > 0:47:23To get all they need, the herd covers hundreds of miles.
0:47:24 > 0:47:27So the little one has a lot to take in.
0:47:33 > 0:47:36The matriarch knows exactly where to lead the family to drink.
0:47:44 > 0:47:49A trip to the beach is an exciting time for all elephant calves
0:47:49 > 0:47:52and is full of new experiences.
0:47:57 > 0:48:01THEY TRUMPET
0:48:18 > 0:48:21The river offers the drinking water they need
0:48:21 > 0:48:25but it's also a barrier to the rest of their home range.
0:48:26 > 0:48:31Crossing such a torrent poses a huge threat to a little one.
0:48:36 > 0:48:38On the same river, further downstream,
0:48:38 > 0:48:42three other babies need to cross.
0:48:46 > 0:48:49There's fresh forage on the other side
0:48:49 > 0:48:51but poachers have killed their matriarch.
0:48:53 > 0:48:55Without her experience,
0:48:55 > 0:48:58they've chosen a crossing point where the river is deep
0:48:58 > 0:49:00and the flow is rapid.
0:49:09 > 0:49:12TRUMPETING
0:49:17 > 0:49:20The babies are quickly in trouble.
0:49:22 > 0:49:25Just as they rescue one calf,
0:49:25 > 0:49:28another is washed away.
0:49:30 > 0:49:33PANICKED TRUMPETING
0:49:39 > 0:49:43These are the screams of desperate elephants.
0:49:51 > 0:49:52As the mums panic,
0:49:52 > 0:49:56they are forced to abandon their calves and swim for safety.
0:50:06 > 0:50:07One baby reaches the bank...
0:50:09 > 0:50:12..but the others are swept on.
0:50:19 > 0:50:21Somehow, they make it to the side.
0:50:22 > 0:50:24But they still can't climb up.
0:50:28 > 0:50:31Their mothers rush in but can do nothing but watch.
0:50:48 > 0:50:50It's a narrow escape
0:50:50 > 0:50:54and an important lesson in the dangers of the river.
0:50:59 > 0:51:04Back with our calf, it's time for her to make her own crossing.
0:51:11 > 0:51:13The experienced matriarch leads her to cross
0:51:13 > 0:51:16where the flow is more manageable.
0:51:16 > 0:51:19All the baby needs to do is stay close.
0:51:27 > 0:51:30Mum knows to head slightly upstream into the current...
0:51:32 > 0:51:36..and use her body to break the flow, protecting her calf.
0:51:52 > 0:51:55This is a textbook crossing.
0:52:00 > 0:52:02Like so many animals on the savannah,
0:52:02 > 0:52:05elephants travel vast distances,
0:52:05 > 0:52:09so learning the lay of the land is vital.
0:52:11 > 0:52:13This is a crossing point
0:52:13 > 0:52:16for the little calf to remember for the future.
0:52:26 > 0:52:30The strong little mongoose pup is still on the move, too...
0:52:32 > 0:52:35..travelling to a new den.
0:52:38 > 0:52:41Having negotiated a stone wall,
0:52:41 > 0:52:45the final stretch should be plain sailing.
0:52:51 > 0:52:53No such luck.
0:52:55 > 0:52:57There's danger ahead...
0:52:59 > 0:53:02..and the lookout sounds the alarm.
0:53:05 > 0:53:09Another clan of mongooses lie hidden in the long grass.
0:53:22 > 0:53:24If the two families spot each other,
0:53:24 > 0:53:27there will almost inevitably be a fight.
0:53:34 > 0:53:38Banded mongooses regularly fight to the death over territory.
0:53:40 > 0:53:44Any pups would not just be killed, but also eaten.
0:53:57 > 0:54:00The youngsters are whisked off to the safety of the bushes...
0:54:01 > 0:54:03..just in time.
0:54:12 > 0:54:16THEY CHIRP AND CHATTER IN A FRENZY
0:54:16 > 0:54:20OPERATIC MUSIC PLAYS
0:54:36 > 0:54:40In feuds like this, the largest clan will win.
0:54:40 > 0:54:43There's strength in numbers.
0:55:03 > 0:55:05It's a victory for our family.
0:55:08 > 0:55:11Luckily the injuries are relatively light
0:55:11 > 0:55:13and they can carry on safely to their new den.
0:55:19 > 0:55:21It won't be her last clan war,
0:55:21 > 0:55:24so this is valuable experience for our pup.
0:55:33 > 0:55:36The safari babies have grown up fast...
0:55:38 > 0:55:42..and started to master the demands of life on the savannah.
0:55:44 > 0:55:47By the time the wildebeest and zebra herds have made the full circuit of
0:55:47 > 0:55:51the migration, the youngsters are nearly independent.
0:55:53 > 0:55:59And their hooves have already clocked around 1,000 miles.
0:56:05 > 0:56:09The cheetah cubs get another go at making a kill
0:56:09 > 0:56:15and their success means they've finally become little predators.
0:56:15 > 0:56:18They have just a few more months to practice with Mum
0:56:18 > 0:56:21and then they'll be on their own.
0:56:21 > 0:56:23With this skill under their belts,
0:56:23 > 0:56:27their chance of survival has just gone up.
0:56:32 > 0:56:36The female banded mongoose pup is now a capable hunter.
0:56:38 > 0:56:42She is becoming more independent every day.
0:56:47 > 0:56:51The elephant baby still has a lot of growing up to do and won't be
0:56:51 > 0:56:55considered an adult until she's about 15,
0:56:55 > 0:56:59so, for now, her job is to play and learn.
0:57:01 > 0:57:05She will stay with the herd for life and, one day,
0:57:05 > 0:57:09it may even be her leading the family across the savannah.
0:57:13 > 0:57:17Despite all the challenges of this competitive place,
0:57:17 > 0:57:19these safari babies have made it past
0:57:19 > 0:57:22the most vulnerable stage of their lives.
0:57:23 > 0:57:26They're well on their way to adulthood
0:57:26 > 0:57:29and finding their place on the plains of Africa.