0:00:03 > 0:00:06The first months of any animal's life
0:00:06 > 0:00:07are the most crucial.
0:00:11 > 0:00:14Every day brings new challenges...
0:00:16 > 0:00:18..and new dramas.
0:00:19 > 0:00:23In this series, we'll reveal how animal babies survive
0:00:23 > 0:00:25and even thrive
0:00:25 > 0:00:30in three of the most beautiful yet 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 > 0:00:48and dangerous currents...
0:00:51 > 0:00:54..and in the rocky world of the mountains,
0:00:54 > 0:00:56food is scarce
0:00:56 > 0:00:58and the weather extreme.
0:01:00 > 0:01:04These brave little animals do have some great tactics
0:01:04 > 0:01:06to overcome the odds
0:01:06 > 0:01:09but they face a steep learning curve
0:01:09 > 0:01:11in 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.
0:01:42 > 0:01:46From rivers to rocky shores,
0:01:46 > 0:01:49vast open oceans
0:01:49 > 0:01:51to pristine tropical reefs...
0:01:54 > 0:01:57..over 70% of our planet is covered in water.
0:02:01 > 0:02:02Although full of opportunity...
0:02:04 > 0:02:07..these places are immensely challenging.
0:02:09 > 0:02:11Especially for the inexperienced.
0:02:15 > 0:02:19Many animals that spend their lives living in and around water
0:02:19 > 0:02:21must come onto land to breed.
0:02:27 > 0:02:32Being born and raised this way means the babies face many hurdles.
0:02:35 > 0:02:37Sometimes, simply getting to water
0:02:37 > 0:02:40can be the biggest trial of their young lives.
0:02:41 > 0:02:44There are predators to evade
0:02:44 > 0:02:47and vital skills to master.
0:02:50 > 0:02:51It's often very early on
0:02:51 > 0:02:54that water babies face their greatest challenges.
0:02:54 > 0:02:56PUP SQUEALS
0:02:56 > 0:02:58Overcoming these first hurdles
0:02:58 > 0:03:01is the beginning of their road to adulthood.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10On a crowded beach in the South Atlantic...
0:03:17 > 0:03:21..an Antarctic fur seal takes its first-ever breath.
0:03:27 > 0:03:30Right now, it's just 60 centimetres long.
0:03:34 > 0:03:38The pup will spend the next four months on this beach.
0:03:38 > 0:03:40It needs to grow and build up strength,
0:03:40 > 0:03:42readying itself for life at sea.
0:03:48 > 0:03:52But this is a difficult place to be born,
0:03:52 > 0:03:54and it's easy to see why.
0:03:55 > 0:04:01Every year, 3 million fur seals come here to South Georgia to breed.
0:04:04 > 0:04:08In just a month, 500,000 pups are born.
0:04:10 > 0:04:14The pups rely on their mums for food and protection
0:04:14 > 0:04:16but, in this disorientating crowd,
0:04:16 > 0:04:19it's easy for some to get...
0:04:19 > 0:04:22well, get a little lost.
0:04:22 > 0:04:24SEALS WAIL
0:04:29 > 0:04:31And it appears they're not the only ones.
0:04:43 > 0:04:46The pups need to be careful.
0:04:46 > 0:04:50On these crowded beaches, there's a big danger.
0:04:53 > 0:04:57Only days after giving birth, the females are fertile again
0:04:57 > 0:05:01and courted by enormous, broody bulls.
0:05:13 > 0:05:16As males throw their weight around,
0:05:16 > 0:05:19the tiny pups are caught in the firing line.
0:05:26 > 0:05:28PUP SQUEALS
0:05:34 > 0:05:36PUP CRIES OUT
0:05:41 > 0:05:44PUP WHINES AND WHIMPERS
0:05:52 > 0:05:55It's battered and bruised,
0:05:55 > 0:05:57but it's survived.
0:06:03 > 0:06:06The pup needs to find its mum,
0:06:06 > 0:06:09and it has a clever trick to do so.
0:06:11 > 0:06:14Amazingly, in all this chaos,
0:06:14 > 0:06:18the pups can pick out the individual smell of their own mother.
0:06:18 > 0:06:21SEALS WAIL
0:06:23 > 0:06:25By following her scent...
0:06:27 > 0:06:30..and listening for her calls,
0:06:30 > 0:06:31they're reunited.
0:06:35 > 0:06:39The pups have faced up to their first real test,
0:06:39 > 0:06:42but this is just the beginning of their story.
0:06:47 > 0:06:49It will be months before the baby fur seals
0:06:49 > 0:06:53are ready to leave the beach and to take to the open ocean.
0:06:54 > 0:06:59But other water babies have to get from land to water
0:06:59 > 0:07:01as soon as they're born...
0:07:02 > 0:07:04..and this often turns out
0:07:04 > 0:07:07to be the greatest challenge of their lives.
0:07:09 > 0:07:13On the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef,
0:07:13 > 0:07:17Raine Island is the world's largest and most important nursery
0:07:17 > 0:07:20for a very special animal baby.
0:07:25 > 0:07:27Underground, something is stirring...
0:07:32 > 0:07:35..a green turtle hatchling, fresh from the egg.
0:07:38 > 0:07:40It has one thing on its mind,
0:07:40 > 0:07:43it must get to the safety of water,
0:07:43 > 0:07:45and fast.
0:07:48 > 0:07:53In the way lies 50 metres of perilous beach.
0:07:56 > 0:07:59Oh, well, no time like the present.
0:08:00 > 0:08:04But things haven't started well for the lone hatchling.
0:08:07 > 0:08:12Normally, sea turtles hatch in vast numbers to overwhelm predators.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20Alone, it's an easy target.
0:08:25 > 0:08:28Rufous night herons flock to the beach,
0:08:28 > 0:08:30looking to prey on turtles.
0:08:32 > 0:08:36Luckily, the eager hatchling isn't alone after all.
0:08:39 > 0:08:41It's anything but alone.
0:08:44 > 0:08:47Each tiny hatchling, just five centimetres long,
0:08:47 > 0:08:50makes the same death-defying dash.
0:08:59 > 0:09:03The next few minutes are the most dangerous in their entire lives.
0:09:05 > 0:09:08Wave after wave enter the fray.
0:09:28 > 0:09:31Many a good turtle is lost to the insatiable herons...
0:09:33 > 0:09:37..but the sheer numbers mean they could never take them all.
0:09:38 > 0:09:41With the herons distracted by the main group,
0:09:41 > 0:09:44one's getting closer to the shore,
0:09:44 > 0:09:47but it's not safe yet.
0:10:03 > 0:10:05Disaster,
0:10:05 > 0:10:08but fighting back makes the heron think twice.
0:10:13 > 0:10:17Hatchlings that take the most direct, quickest route to the ocean
0:10:17 > 0:10:19have the highest chance of survival.
0:10:34 > 0:10:36Made it!
0:10:41 > 0:10:44But the danger isn't over.
0:10:44 > 0:10:47The reef is just as hazardous as the beach.
0:10:48 > 0:10:51Only once they get to the open ocean
0:10:51 > 0:10:53will their chances of surviving increase.
0:10:54 > 0:10:56Their journey will continue.
0:10:59 > 0:11:01The hatchlings' mad dash for the ocean
0:11:01 > 0:11:04is an incredibly risky start to life.
0:11:06 > 0:11:09But for a different family of water babies,
0:11:09 > 0:11:14their first challenge is all about a remarkable leap of faith.
0:11:17 > 0:11:23A tree hole lined with fluffy down feathers.
0:11:33 > 0:11:35They're North American wood ducks.
0:11:38 > 0:11:40Despite being just hours old,
0:11:40 > 0:11:43they're about to have an amazing adventure.
0:11:48 > 0:11:51Although they don't seem particularly up for it.
0:11:59 > 0:12:00That's Mum, by the way.
0:12:02 > 0:12:05Their tree nest keeps them safe from predators,
0:12:05 > 0:12:07but there's a problem.
0:12:08 > 0:12:11There's nothing to eat in here.
0:12:11 > 0:12:15For their first feed, the ducklings need to get to water.
0:12:15 > 0:12:18But that is going to be far more dangerous
0:12:18 > 0:12:20than any of them could possibly imagine.
0:12:22 > 0:12:23Mum's off.
0:12:23 > 0:12:25Now, it's their turn.
0:12:28 > 0:12:30She calls, egging them on.
0:12:33 > 0:12:36But, in the nest, they've got a mountain to climb.
0:12:36 > 0:12:38Literally.
0:12:38 > 0:12:42Tiny claws grip the wood as they heave themselves up.
0:12:47 > 0:12:51A first-ever glimpse of the big, wide world,
0:12:51 > 0:12:54and it's in for a massive shock.
0:12:58 > 0:13:02The nest is 20 metres up a vast tree.
0:13:08 > 0:13:12It will be months before the duckling can fly.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15Right now, its wings are useless.
0:13:17 > 0:13:23Despite the danger, it knows what it must do -
0:13:23 > 0:13:25don't think twice, just jump.
0:13:41 > 0:13:44The fluffy ducklings stretch out to slow the descent...
0:13:47 > 0:13:49..but luck will play its part.
0:13:57 > 0:14:00Once one has made it, the others follow.
0:14:21 > 0:14:26These base jumping, daredevil ducks take it all in their stride.
0:14:37 > 0:14:39They've made it down in one piece...
0:14:41 > 0:14:44..but Mum carries on calling.
0:14:47 > 0:14:50They won't be safe until they reach the water...
0:14:51 > 0:14:54..and it's a long way on little legs.
0:15:01 > 0:15:03They've made it, like...
0:15:03 > 0:15:05well, like ducks to water.
0:15:07 > 0:15:09Now they can get their first meal.
0:15:12 > 0:15:14Just 24 hours old,
0:15:14 > 0:15:17and they've already survived the greatest trial of their life.
0:15:23 > 0:15:28Water habitats vary dramatically across the planet.
0:15:28 > 0:15:30Each environment presents unique challenges
0:15:30 > 0:15:32for the babies growing up there.
0:15:37 > 0:15:38Under certain conditions,
0:15:38 > 0:15:42the water itself can become extremely dangerous.
0:15:44 > 0:15:49In Africa, lesser flamingos nest on remote caustic soda lakes.
0:15:52 > 0:15:56Volcanic activity creates an alkaline concoction...
0:15:58 > 0:16:00..that could burn human skin.
0:16:06 > 0:16:09As evaporation dries the lake,
0:16:09 > 0:16:11it becomes a toxic quagmire.
0:16:14 > 0:16:17Long, scaly legs protect the adults,
0:16:17 > 0:16:22but the sticky sludge is a potential deathtrap for the youngsters.
0:16:27 > 0:16:32Tower nests built by the adults are the chicks' only safe havens...
0:16:34 > 0:16:36..keeping them out of harm's way.
0:16:51 > 0:16:54One chick has fallen from its nest.
0:16:57 > 0:17:01In grave danger, it must try and climb back to safety,
0:17:01 > 0:17:02and quickly.
0:17:13 > 0:17:16It's a monumental effort,
0:17:16 > 0:17:19like climbing a slippery mountain with no arms.
0:17:25 > 0:17:27The parent looks on helplessly.
0:17:27 > 0:17:30Its bill is too large and clumsy to help.
0:17:33 > 0:17:37The determined chick sums up the energy for one last attempt.
0:17:50 > 0:17:52Safe at last.
0:17:54 > 0:17:56It's learnt the hard way to stay put.
0:18:00 > 0:18:02When their legs have grown and hardened,
0:18:02 > 0:18:06the chicks will leave the nest, braving the burning mud.
0:18:17 > 0:18:19Having run the gauntlet of the beach,
0:18:19 > 0:18:22many of the green turtle hatchlings have made it to the shoreline.
0:18:25 > 0:18:26But they're not out of trouble yet.
0:18:36 > 0:18:38Still just minutes old,
0:18:38 > 0:18:40they now need to negotiate the dangers of the reef.
0:18:58 > 0:19:00Powerful waves crash all around.
0:19:05 > 0:19:09Tossed about, it fights to surface and catch a breath.
0:19:11 > 0:19:13Drowning is a genuine risk.
0:19:15 > 0:19:18The breakers force the hatchlings back towards the sheltered water
0:19:18 > 0:19:20of a rocky outcrop.
0:19:22 > 0:19:23A stroke of luck.
0:19:25 > 0:19:26Or maybe not.
0:19:29 > 0:19:31A new menace lurks here.
0:19:36 > 0:19:39The strong current makes it hard to escape...
0:19:41 > 0:19:44..so the crab can wait for dinner to come to it.
0:19:54 > 0:19:58The hapless turtle is thrown straight into the claws of the crab.
0:20:01 > 0:20:04A firm grip gives the crab the upper hand.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18But the tenacious turtle fights back,
0:20:18 > 0:20:19and wriggles free.
0:20:28 > 0:20:32Finally, its flippers can be used for what they were designed for...
0:20:35 > 0:20:39..as the heroic hatchling makes it to the safety of the open ocean.
0:20:44 > 0:20:47Only one in 1,000 hatchlings will make it to adulthood.
0:21:05 > 0:21:08Turtle hatchlings can swim instinctively
0:21:08 > 0:21:10from the moment they enter the water.
0:21:10 > 0:21:14But for some babies, this can be a huge challenge.
0:21:21 > 0:21:25Taking their first swim can be incredibly daunting.
0:21:37 > 0:21:43Tucked away in a secluded den, a giant otter pup.
0:21:48 > 0:21:52One of three siblings, they're all just days old.
0:21:53 > 0:21:58Soon, one pup will leave the den for its first-ever encounter with water.
0:22:00 > 0:22:03Although, it doesn't seem too keen.
0:22:06 > 0:22:10The rest of the family congregate outside,
0:22:10 > 0:22:11and it's a big family...
0:22:13 > 0:22:16..12 adults, way above the average.
0:22:20 > 0:22:25These really are giants, the biggest otters on the planet,
0:22:25 > 0:22:27reaching up to 2 metres long.
0:22:31 > 0:22:34Their home is South America's Pantanol...
0:22:36 > 0:22:38..the world's largest tropical wetland.
0:22:47 > 0:22:49As others check the coast is clear...
0:22:55 > 0:22:57..Mum brings out the pup.
0:22:59 > 0:23:01It's time for a swimming lesson.
0:23:02 > 0:23:04It sounds ridiculous,
0:23:04 > 0:23:08but newborn giant otter pops don't actually like the water,
0:23:08 > 0:23:11hence the lack of enthusiasm.
0:23:11 > 0:23:14This is something all pups must face.
0:23:16 > 0:23:19Being wary of this dangerous new experience
0:23:19 > 0:23:22is completely natural,
0:23:22 > 0:23:25but all pups must learn to become a strong swimmer
0:23:25 > 0:23:26if they're going to survive.
0:23:30 > 0:23:34Right now, it's just trying to keep its head above water.
0:23:40 > 0:23:43Although starting to get the hang of things,
0:23:43 > 0:23:44our pup is now exhausted.
0:23:47 > 0:23:51Mum calls a halt to the lesson and heads for the safety of home.
0:23:59 > 0:24:02An adult shrieks in alarm.
0:24:02 > 0:24:06It's a jaguar, right by the den.
0:24:11 > 0:24:13There are more jaguars along these rivers
0:24:13 > 0:24:15than anywhere else on Earth...
0:24:18 > 0:24:21..and they'll happily hunt otters.
0:24:24 > 0:24:27Mum rushes the pup back to the den,
0:24:27 > 0:24:30as the rest of the family confront the predator.
0:24:33 > 0:24:34As a stealth hunter,
0:24:34 > 0:24:38the otters know the jaguar will give up once its cover's blown.
0:24:46 > 0:24:49It's been an adventure-packed day for the pup,
0:24:49 > 0:24:52with an important life lesson under its belt.
0:25:01 > 0:25:03But the presence of the jaguar
0:25:03 > 0:25:06is a reminder of what challenges lie ahead.
0:25:11 > 0:25:13For any animal baby,
0:25:13 > 0:25:16overcoming life's first hurdles is a great achievement.
0:25:20 > 0:25:23But as they get older, they face new dangers.
0:25:31 > 0:25:35In any water environment, predators are a constant threat.
0:25:38 > 0:25:40Vulnerable and inexperienced,
0:25:40 > 0:25:42youngsters are an easy target...
0:25:47 > 0:25:50..but some water babies have ingenious ways
0:25:50 > 0:25:52to rise to the challenge.
0:26:00 > 0:26:03The High Arctic -
0:26:03 > 0:26:05a young family of snow geese.
0:26:15 > 0:26:17Just hatched, the chicks leave their nest
0:26:17 > 0:26:19to get to the nearby pools.
0:26:26 > 0:26:30But...they're being watched.
0:26:30 > 0:26:33WOLF HOWLS
0:26:35 > 0:26:40White wolves are on the prowl, looking for easy pickings.
0:26:43 > 0:26:47An eider duck family is also on the move.
0:26:57 > 0:27:00For these young families, water is a safe haven...
0:27:02 > 0:27:05..but the wolves have other ideas.
0:27:14 > 0:27:16They're not going to let a bit of water
0:27:16 > 0:27:20get between them and a meal.
0:27:20 > 0:27:22The adults can fly away...
0:27:25 > 0:27:28..but surely the youngsters are like sitting ducks.
0:27:30 > 0:27:34It dives seconds before the wolves close in.
0:27:44 > 0:27:47Success is all down to timing.
0:27:51 > 0:27:54Another wolf has spotted the young eiders...
0:27:58 > 0:28:00..and they've got a different strategy.
0:28:07 > 0:28:10Mum creates a diversion,
0:28:10 > 0:28:14pretending to have a broken wing to distract the wolf...
0:28:16 > 0:28:19..whilst her chicks hide in the shallows.
0:28:39 > 0:28:422-0 to the ducks,
0:28:42 > 0:28:44but the wolves have another shot at goal.
0:28:52 > 0:28:53A long-tailed duck.
0:28:53 > 0:28:58Its chicks are the smallest, but the wolves are still interested.
0:29:05 > 0:29:09These little ducklings have the best trick of all -
0:29:09 > 0:29:11they stay submerged.
0:29:11 > 0:29:13When the wolf's back is turned, they grab a breath.
0:29:18 > 0:29:21The perfect vanishing act.
0:29:44 > 0:29:48That's game, set and match to the ducklings.
0:29:50 > 0:29:52And a bunch of very frustrated wolves.
0:29:55 > 0:29:57INSECT BUZZES
0:30:06 > 0:30:07In the South Atlantic,
0:30:07 > 0:30:11the fur seal pups are growing up quickly...
0:30:15 > 0:30:17..feeding up on Mum's milk...
0:30:19 > 0:30:21..and passing the time.
0:30:26 > 0:30:30After a couple of weeks together, the females leave their pups,
0:30:30 > 0:30:33heading back to the sea on five-day-long fishing trips.
0:30:36 > 0:30:41Left to fend for themselves, the pups congregate in creches.
0:30:42 > 0:30:46PUPS CHITTER
0:30:46 > 0:30:49Here, they start to learn key skills.
0:30:54 > 0:30:59The young males even start imitating the big bulls,
0:30:59 > 0:31:01practising for later in life.
0:31:04 > 0:31:08Most importantly, the creches provide safety in numbers.
0:31:08 > 0:31:12The beach is a dangerous place for a lone pup.
0:31:15 > 0:31:19Despite this, an adventurous little one leaves the group
0:31:19 > 0:31:22and heads down towards the shore,
0:31:22 > 0:31:25but it's being watched.
0:31:30 > 0:31:34Giant petrels are like seagulls on steroids.
0:31:34 > 0:31:38They've evolved to be the vultures of the Antarctic.
0:31:38 > 0:31:41They prey on vulnerable pups.
0:31:42 > 0:31:46PUPS BARK
0:31:58 > 0:32:02Pecking at the pup, the petrel tests its strength.
0:32:04 > 0:32:07A squabble - a chance to get away.
0:32:16 > 0:32:18Only one thing will save it now.
0:32:20 > 0:32:23PUP BARKS
0:32:27 > 0:32:31Fighting back has made the petrel think twice.
0:32:33 > 0:32:37It's far better to be in the safety of the creche.
0:32:44 > 0:32:48Soon, all the pups will face their greatest challenge -
0:32:48 > 0:32:54swimming out into the cold, rough waters of the South Atlantic
0:32:54 > 0:32:57for the very first time.
0:32:57 > 0:32:58PUP BARKS
0:33:00 > 0:33:04Growing up on land can make water babies clumsy and awkward.
0:33:05 > 0:33:10This can mean they have to face up to some rather unusual predators.
0:33:14 > 0:33:191,000km off the coast of South America...
0:33:19 > 0:33:22and right on the equator,
0:33:22 > 0:33:27is a famous archipelago of volcanic islands.
0:33:29 > 0:33:31The Galapagos.
0:33:44 > 0:33:49These sun-baked tropical islands are probably the last place
0:33:49 > 0:33:51you'd ever expect to find
0:33:51 > 0:33:53a penguin.
0:33:56 > 0:33:59These are Galapagos penguins.
0:34:01 > 0:34:06And tucked away down an ancient lava tube are a pair of chicks.
0:34:06 > 0:34:12CHICKS SQUEAK
0:34:14 > 0:34:19The penguins nest in these natural caves for a very good reason.
0:34:21 > 0:34:26On the surface, temperatures soar to 30 degrees.
0:34:27 > 0:34:31PENGUINS SCREECH
0:34:33 > 0:34:38In this sweltering heat, the adults do have one way to cool off.
0:34:47 > 0:34:51Cold polar currents mean the sea temperature here
0:34:51 > 0:34:55is ten degrees lower than normal tropical seas,
0:34:55 > 0:34:59the main reason that penguins can survive here at all.
0:35:02 > 0:35:08The same currents bring nutrients and, in turn, vast shoals of fish.
0:35:18 > 0:35:21So the bountiful seas provide food...
0:35:21 > 0:35:24CHICKS SQUEAK
0:35:24 > 0:35:28..and their lava-tube homes shelter them from the worst of the heat.
0:35:30 > 0:35:35But growing up on the Galapagos does pose other problems.
0:35:39 > 0:35:42A Sally Lightfoot crab?
0:35:42 > 0:35:46Not a normal predator of penguins.
0:35:46 > 0:35:49But here on the Galapagos, things are different.
0:35:51 > 0:35:55With the parents out fishing, the chicks are home alone.
0:35:58 > 0:36:02In the darkness, the crabs can feel their surroundings
0:36:02 > 0:36:05with whisker-like spines on the tip of each leg.
0:36:12 > 0:36:15The chicks sense movement.
0:36:15 > 0:36:18They know they're not alone any more.
0:36:21 > 0:36:23The crab tests the chicks.
0:36:23 > 0:36:27It prefers to tackle smaller, weaker prey.
0:36:36 > 0:36:40A determined peck dissuades the crab.
0:36:46 > 0:36:50Maybe it'll find an easier target elsewhere.
0:36:58 > 0:37:02In a few weeks, the chicks will leave their lava-tube home
0:37:02 > 0:37:05and join the adults in the cool, refreshing water.
0:37:07 > 0:37:10The tropics are an unusual place to find a penguin,
0:37:10 > 0:37:14but it's obvious they're perfectly at home.
0:37:22 > 0:37:25Having avoided the dangers of predators,
0:37:25 > 0:37:29the babies must now take the next step on the road to adulthood.
0:37:33 > 0:37:35Growing up destined for a life in water
0:37:35 > 0:37:39means there are many vital skills to master.
0:37:46 > 0:37:50The water babies can only become truly independent
0:37:50 > 0:37:54if they can master all of these important adult skills.
0:38:05 > 0:38:07In the swamplands of Brazil...
0:38:11 > 0:38:15..the giant otter pups have really gained confidence.
0:38:23 > 0:38:27OTTER PUPS SQUEAL
0:38:27 > 0:38:29Now a couple of months old,
0:38:29 > 0:38:32all three are tentatively exploring beyond the den.
0:38:35 > 0:38:38But they've still got a lot to learn.
0:38:43 > 0:38:46Giant otters are highly social,
0:38:46 > 0:38:49spending their whole lives in a tight-knit family.
0:38:53 > 0:38:56They work together, protecting the territory,
0:38:56 > 0:38:59watching out for predators
0:38:59 > 0:39:02and helping out with the baby-sitting.
0:39:05 > 0:39:10SQUEALING
0:39:10 > 0:39:14The pups need to learn how to contribute to family life.
0:39:19 > 0:39:22Today's crucial lesson will be a big step
0:39:22 > 0:39:24on the road to adulthood -
0:39:24 > 0:39:27toilet training, otter style.
0:39:29 > 0:39:34An adult leads the way with the pups eagerly looking on.
0:39:36 > 0:39:39Giant otters use communal latrines,
0:39:39 > 0:39:43meaning the whole family do their business in the same spot.
0:39:45 > 0:39:47It's a vital way to mark their territory.
0:39:49 > 0:39:52And there's a crucial technique involved.
0:39:54 > 0:39:58Key to getting it right is all about rubbing the scent in.
0:40:01 > 0:40:05It creates an almighty stink that will see off any other otter family.
0:40:10 > 0:40:13Now, it's the three pups' turn.
0:40:16 > 0:40:19One plucks up the courage to give it a go.
0:40:20 > 0:40:25He thinks about going all the way to the top, but chickens out.
0:40:30 > 0:40:33Not exactly the right spot.
0:40:34 > 0:40:36PUP SQUEALS
0:40:39 > 0:40:42And no hint of rubbing...
0:40:42 > 0:40:45but it's a step in the right direction.
0:40:47 > 0:40:48An adult takes over.
0:40:49 > 0:40:54If you want a job done properly, do it yourself.
0:41:02 > 0:41:05The pups need to get the hang of the toilet etiquette
0:41:05 > 0:41:08if they're going to start contributing to family life.
0:41:12 > 0:41:14These three are learning fast,
0:41:14 > 0:41:19but they've still got their most important skill to master -
0:41:19 > 0:41:21hunting their own food.
0:41:23 > 0:41:25In these murky waters,
0:41:25 > 0:41:28getting the hang of fishing is far harder than it seems.
0:41:37 > 0:41:41The giant otter pups are swimming confidently in their home river,
0:41:41 > 0:41:44but for young animals growing up along rocky shores,
0:41:44 > 0:41:49taking to the water for the first time can be a daunting prospect.
0:41:50 > 0:41:53Ferocious storms and pounding waves
0:41:53 > 0:41:56mean this is a dangerous place for the inexperienced.
0:41:57 > 0:42:00Parents try to act as lifeguards,
0:42:00 > 0:42:04but a youngster washed out to sea is unlikely to return.
0:42:06 > 0:42:10So how can these babies get their first swimming lessons
0:42:10 > 0:42:12without it becoming their last?
0:42:15 > 0:42:18For all fur seal pups, taking to the open ocean
0:42:18 > 0:42:22is their biggest single step to becoming independent.
0:42:28 > 0:42:33Here in New Zealand, storms whip up the seas.
0:42:44 > 0:42:47It's easy to understand the pups' reluctance...
0:42:49 > 0:42:53..but luckily, the fur seals here have discovered
0:42:53 > 0:42:56a safe way to practise their swimming.
0:43:01 > 0:43:05It heads inland...
0:43:08 > 0:43:10..following a freshwater stream.
0:43:18 > 0:43:22It's a very peculiar thing for a young fur seal to do.
0:43:30 > 0:43:35And this is the only place on the planet where they do it.
0:43:40 > 0:43:43Now, which way was it?
0:44:06 > 0:44:10Finally, the pup arrives,
0:44:10 > 0:44:13and what a sight awaits him.
0:44:19 > 0:44:25A secluded waterfall and plunge pool are the perfect training ground.
0:44:36 > 0:44:39Here, they can learn key manoeuvres
0:44:39 > 0:44:41and build up their swimming strength.
0:44:57 > 0:45:01No-one knows how the first pups found this place,
0:45:01 > 0:45:05but each year, more and more make the journey.
0:45:07 > 0:45:11Being able to practise in this safe, carefree environment
0:45:11 > 0:45:13gives them a huge advantage.
0:45:21 > 0:45:25The only downside is there's nothing for them to eat,
0:45:25 > 0:45:29else they might be tempted to stay here forever.
0:45:29 > 0:45:32PUP BARKS
0:45:37 > 0:45:43After two days of intense training, playtime must come to an end.
0:45:53 > 0:45:55The pups head back to the beach...
0:46:01 > 0:46:06..to face their real test - the open ocean.
0:46:15 > 0:46:19It won't be long before they'll put their new skills to the test.
0:46:22 > 0:46:25For any baby adjusting to life in water,
0:46:25 > 0:46:28becoming a strong, confident swimmer
0:46:28 > 0:46:31is a major step on the road to becoming independent.
0:46:33 > 0:46:36But before they can truly go it alone,
0:46:36 > 0:46:39they need to be able to find their own food.
0:46:40 > 0:46:46Learning to hunt in water creates its own unique challenges.
0:46:52 > 0:46:55Up to now, the three giant otter pups
0:46:55 > 0:46:57haven't had to worry about food.
0:47:02 > 0:47:04Approaching four months old,
0:47:04 > 0:47:07they've always relied on Mum's milk...
0:47:12 > 0:47:15..but now, she's trying to wean them.
0:47:27 > 0:47:31The pups have started experimenting with solids.
0:47:37 > 0:47:39But it's fish they really want.
0:47:43 > 0:47:48There are over 200 species of fish in the Pantanal wetlands...
0:47:48 > 0:47:52and the giant otters are their top predator.
0:47:55 > 0:47:57Their super-sensitive whiskers
0:47:57 > 0:48:01detect changes in current and water pressure,
0:48:01 > 0:48:05meaning they can sense fish while they're still metres away.
0:48:07 > 0:48:13They're expert hunters, eating up to 4kg of fish a day,
0:48:13 > 0:48:16but not so good at sharing.
0:48:20 > 0:48:24At first, the pups try to scrounge a meal.
0:48:32 > 0:48:35But the adult is having none of it.
0:48:45 > 0:48:49Finally, persistence pays off,
0:48:49 > 0:48:53but this is a prize worth fighting for.
0:49:30 > 0:49:34Seems like both are growing up to be rather stubborn.
0:49:34 > 0:49:38Losing the tug-of-war means it's back to begging.
0:49:44 > 0:49:46As the weeks pass,
0:49:46 > 0:49:50the adults are more and more reluctant to give up their food.
0:49:55 > 0:49:58The days of free hand-outs are over.
0:50:07 > 0:50:12It's tough love, forcing them to hunt for themselves.
0:50:18 > 0:50:24They must master this if they're to survive as adults, but it's tricky.
0:50:26 > 0:50:27In the murky water,
0:50:27 > 0:50:31the pups learn to use their whiskers to detect the movement of fish.
0:50:34 > 0:50:38It usually takes weeks of practice before they finally succeed.
0:50:40 > 0:50:42PUP BARKS
0:50:50 > 0:50:52But not for this pup.
0:51:04 > 0:51:07It's a hugely important moment in its young life
0:51:07 > 0:51:10and a final step on its path to adulthood.
0:51:19 > 0:51:23Catching fish in murky water is hard enough.
0:51:26 > 0:51:31But what if you had to master a very tricky fishing technique
0:51:31 > 0:51:32while flying?
0:51:36 > 0:51:40African skimmers deploy a brilliant and unique strategy
0:51:40 > 0:51:42to catch their dinner.
0:51:46 > 0:51:49They fly low and steady across the water.
0:51:49 > 0:51:54Their longer, extended lower bill slices the surface.
0:52:01 > 0:52:04If they hit a fish, it snaps shut.
0:52:12 > 0:52:14Or in this case, a leaf.
0:52:15 > 0:52:20It goes to show it's a tricky technique, and for this baby,
0:52:20 > 0:52:23skimmer school starts right here.
0:52:30 > 0:52:33Mum's on hand for guidance,
0:52:33 > 0:52:39although that unusual bill doesn't make caring for the chick very easy.
0:52:47 > 0:52:50The chick's training ground is a remote sand bar
0:52:50 > 0:52:52on the Sanaga River in Cameroon.
0:52:56 > 0:52:58But term time is short.
0:52:58 > 0:53:00THUNDER RUMBLES
0:53:00 > 0:53:03The rains have begun and in just four weeks,
0:53:03 > 0:53:07this sand-bar nursery will be flooded by ten metres of water.
0:53:09 > 0:53:12It's vital they start their training now.
0:53:17 > 0:53:21They can't even fly yet, but that doesn't stop them.
0:53:27 > 0:53:31At this stage, anything is a legitimate target.
0:53:52 > 0:53:56Although some pupils are always a little over-ambitious.
0:54:01 > 0:54:04Perhaps studying the adults' technique will help.
0:54:21 > 0:54:22Or perhaps not.
0:54:24 > 0:54:27THUNDER RUMBLES
0:54:27 > 0:54:31With every storm, the water rises
0:54:31 > 0:54:35and their training ground shrinks.
0:54:42 > 0:54:46Over time, they improve, but they can only truly master the skills
0:54:46 > 0:54:49when they're strong enough to fly.
0:55:01 > 0:55:03And just in time.
0:55:03 > 0:55:08One more storm and the sand bar could have vanished altogether.
0:55:16 > 0:55:18The perfect technique.
0:55:18 > 0:55:21Graduation with flying colours.
0:55:23 > 0:55:29These apprentices have turned the corner from chick to adult.
0:55:37 > 0:55:41All the water babies have grown up so quickly.
0:55:43 > 0:55:48They've overcome many hurdles to prepare them for life in the water.
0:55:51 > 0:55:54The green turtles will spend the next 20 years
0:55:54 > 0:55:56exploring the vast oceans...
0:56:00 > 0:56:05..before returning to the exact same beach to lay their eggs,
0:56:05 > 0:56:09starting another mad dash for the ocean.
0:56:12 > 0:56:14Having left the beach behind them,
0:56:14 > 0:56:20the Antarctic fur seals will spend several years out to sea
0:56:20 > 0:56:24before they return to South Georgia to have their own babies.
0:56:28 > 0:56:32The three giant otter pups are getting bigger by the day.
0:56:34 > 0:56:38They've finally got the hang of using the family latrine...
0:56:44 > 0:56:50..although giant otters will always end up arguing over fish.
0:57:00 > 0:57:05Despite all the challenges of this hugely demanding environment...
0:57:07 > 0:57:09..our youngsters have made it past
0:57:09 > 0:57:11the most vulnerable stage of their lives.
0:57:13 > 0:57:15They're well on their way to adulthood
0:57:15 > 0:57:21and finding their place on our beautiful blue planet.