0:00:03 > 0:00:07The first months of any animal's life are the most crucial.
0:00:12 > 0:00:14Every day brings new challenges.
0:00:17 > 0:00:19And new drama.
0:00:19 > 0:00:23In this series, we will reveal how animal babies survive,
0:00:23 > 0:00:24and even thrive,
0:00:24 > 0:00:30in three of the most beautiful, yet demanding, landscapes on the planet.
0:00:31 > 0:00:33On the vast savannas of Africa...
0:00:35 > 0:00:38..youngsters face the world's top predators
0:00:38 > 0:00:40and intense competition.
0:00:41 > 0:00:45Water babies must deal with treacherous coasts
0:00:45 > 0:00:48and dangerous currents.
0:00:51 > 0:00:54And in the rocky world of the mountains,
0:00:54 > 0:00:58food is scarce and the weather extreme.
0:01:00 > 0:01:04These brave little animals do have some great tactics
0:01:04 > 0:01:09to overcome the odds, but they face a steep learning curve,
0:01:09 > 0:01:12in what can be a cruel world.
0:01:13 > 0:01:17If they pay attention to those around them
0:01:17 > 0:01:23and fight against adversity, they might just make it.
0:01:23 > 0:01:28This is the story of some amazing animal babies.
0:01:42 > 0:01:44Mountains cover almost a quarter
0:01:44 > 0:01:46of the earth's land surface.
0:01:48 > 0:01:50And they're some of the most
0:01:50 > 0:01:52challenging places on the planet to survive.
0:01:57 > 0:02:02It's hard enough living on sheer cliffs and rocky precipices,
0:02:02 > 0:02:04even if you are an experienced adult.
0:02:08 > 0:02:09But for a baby animal...
0:02:10 > 0:02:14..growing up here is incredibly difficult.
0:02:20 > 0:02:21Food is hard to come by.
0:02:28 > 0:02:30The weather is extreme...
0:02:31 > 0:02:33..and can change in an instant.
0:02:41 > 0:02:42Thick snow...
0:02:44 > 0:02:47..and ice can make the slopes truly treacherous.
0:02:53 > 0:02:56A daunting test for small legs.
0:03:00 > 0:03:03So, the first challenge mountain babies face...
0:03:05 > 0:03:08..is simply getting around this hazardous environment.
0:03:16 > 0:03:18A baby guanaco.
0:03:18 > 0:03:21Wild ancestor of the llama.
0:03:21 > 0:03:23Just minutes old.
0:03:25 > 0:03:29Yet, on the exposed slopes of Patagonia, there is no time to rest.
0:03:34 > 0:03:37Already, it faces a test...
0:03:40 > 0:03:42..getting to its feet.
0:03:52 > 0:03:54And with legs almost a metre long...
0:03:56 > 0:03:58..this is far from straightforward.
0:04:21 > 0:04:23There is a good reason to do this as quickly as possible.
0:04:29 > 0:04:32Up here, there are formidable predators.
0:04:39 > 0:04:41And there are few good places to be born.
0:04:45 > 0:04:48So, the mums congregate in the same areas
0:04:48 > 0:04:49during the short, warmer months.
0:04:53 > 0:04:55And the pumas know it.
0:05:04 > 0:05:06Only one in three guanacos
0:05:06 > 0:05:08make it to their first birthday.
0:05:12 > 0:05:15A calf's best chance of escape is to run with the herd.
0:05:18 > 0:05:20But if it can't keep up...
0:05:22 > 0:05:23..it won't survive long.
0:05:33 > 0:05:34It may seem a wobbly start...
0:05:36 > 0:05:38..but it's still a start.
0:05:43 > 0:05:47All around, the newborns are taking their first steps.
0:05:53 > 0:05:57In just a few days, they are making incredible progress.
0:06:11 > 0:06:14A game of chase helps develop coordination and speed.
0:06:18 > 0:06:21Already, these babies are learning how to tear about
0:06:21 > 0:06:23their mountainous environment.
0:06:25 > 0:06:27An amazing transformation.
0:06:30 > 0:06:34And a great start to life on these demanding mountainsides.
0:06:46 > 0:06:48In these hostile conditions...
0:06:50 > 0:06:54..it is vital mountain babies learn to master their environment quickly.
0:06:57 > 0:06:59Even when thrown in at the deep end.
0:07:06 > 0:07:10A wild mountain goat kid in the Rocky Mountains of North America.
0:07:18 > 0:07:21Reaching as high as 3,000 metres,
0:07:21 > 0:07:23with high winds and freezing temperatures,
0:07:23 > 0:07:25it is a tough place for a baby to be born.
0:07:29 > 0:07:31But it is safe here.
0:07:33 > 0:07:37Few predators will risk these formidable, precipitous rock faces.
0:07:46 > 0:07:48But they can't stay up here forever.
0:07:53 > 0:07:55After a winter with little food,
0:07:55 > 0:07:58the females are lacking in nutrients.
0:07:59 > 0:08:03They need mineral-laden rocks, to stock up on vital salts.
0:08:08 > 0:08:10The kids will have to follow their mums...
0:08:12 > 0:08:16..descending from their safe haven, on a gruelling trek.
0:08:22 > 0:08:25It's the first major challenge of their lives.
0:08:30 > 0:08:33The cliffs are terrifyingly steep.
0:08:34 > 0:08:36No-one wants to go first.
0:08:40 > 0:08:43One plucky young goat takes the plunge.
0:09:06 > 0:09:11With hooves divided in two and rough pads on the bottom, for grip,
0:09:11 > 0:09:13the kids scramble to safety.
0:09:21 > 0:09:24Their first test - successfully passed.
0:09:28 > 0:09:30Although it might be too early to celebrate.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35They are unaware of what's round the corner.
0:09:38 > 0:09:42Soon, they're going to have to jump across a freezing,
0:09:42 > 0:09:43fast-flowing river.
0:09:49 > 0:09:54As difficult as it seems, mountain goat kids are at least
0:09:54 > 0:09:56adapted for this mountainous terrain.
0:10:01 > 0:10:04But what if you need to scale the heights
0:10:04 > 0:10:07and you aren't capable of climbing on your own?
0:10:17 > 0:10:20In Brazil, a troop of tufted capuchins
0:10:20 > 0:10:23cling to rocky cliff faces.
0:10:40 > 0:10:44It's a big day in the life of one of their youngest members,
0:10:44 > 0:10:46although he doesn't know it yet.
0:10:52 > 0:10:56Up until now, the baby's barely had to lift a finger.
0:11:12 > 0:11:14And getting around hasn't been a problem...
0:11:17 > 0:11:20..because Mum carries him everywhere.
0:11:37 > 0:11:38But that's about to change...
0:11:47 > 0:11:50..with an unexpected lesson in independence.
0:12:03 > 0:12:06The troop has found a bees' nest, right at the top of the canyon.
0:12:15 > 0:12:19Honey is a sweet treat the capuchins can't resist.
0:12:20 > 0:12:23It's full of precious calories.
0:12:27 > 0:12:30It's impossible to get up there with a baby on board.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39And he still isn't old enough to be left on his own.
0:12:43 > 0:12:45There's only one thing for it.
0:12:47 > 0:12:48A baby-sitter.
0:12:51 > 0:12:53Mum's off after the honey.
0:12:58 > 0:13:02But the inexperienced baby-sitter also has a sweet tooth.
0:13:05 > 0:13:09She can't resist and sets off, with the little monkey
0:13:09 > 0:13:12precariously clinging to her back.
0:13:14 > 0:13:15He'd better hold on tight.
0:13:20 > 0:13:22Mum's made it.
0:13:25 > 0:13:28But the young capuchin is in real danger.
0:13:34 > 0:13:37The baby-sitter simply can't go any further...
0:13:39 > 0:13:42..and unceremoniously abandons him.
0:13:46 > 0:13:49Now he's stuck...and vulnerable.
0:13:50 > 0:13:54BUZZING
0:14:01 > 0:14:05But there's one thing all babies can do.
0:14:07 > 0:14:09He calls for Mum.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14WHISTLING
0:14:20 > 0:14:22HE WHISTLES
0:14:25 > 0:14:27WHISTLING
0:14:30 > 0:14:34She's heard him and she comes to the rescue.
0:14:34 > 0:14:36HE WHISTLES
0:14:39 > 0:14:41WHISTLING
0:14:45 > 0:14:48Reunited and out of danger.
0:14:52 > 0:14:56But soon, he will have to learn to become far more independent.
0:15:01 > 0:15:03His journey is just beginning.
0:15:11 > 0:15:15In the mountains, it's not just the terrain that can cause
0:15:15 > 0:15:17perilous problems for the babies.
0:15:22 > 0:15:24FOr every 200 metres an animal climbs...
0:15:26 > 0:15:29..the temperature drops by one degree Celsius.
0:15:32 > 0:15:37At these altitudes, the weather can change, out of nowhere,
0:15:37 > 0:15:43catching the inexperienced unawares and putting them in grave danger.
0:15:47 > 0:15:49In North America,
0:15:49 > 0:15:54Yellowstone National Park is nearly 2,500 metres above sea level.
0:15:54 > 0:15:59One minute, it's warm and sunny.
0:16:01 > 0:16:04THUNDER RUMBLES
0:16:04 > 0:16:09The next, it's snowing and everything becomes hidden
0:16:09 > 0:16:10in a hazardous white-out.
0:16:25 > 0:16:31For these two grizzly bear cubs, the sudden snowstorm spells trouble.
0:16:36 > 0:16:39With near zero visibility,
0:16:39 > 0:16:42it's easy to get separated from Mum.
0:16:49 > 0:16:51And that could be a big problem.
0:16:54 > 0:16:58Grizzly bear cubs depend on their mother for food and protection
0:16:58 > 0:17:02until they are three years old and almost fully grown.
0:17:06 > 0:17:10And other animals up here will certainly harm them.
0:17:16 > 0:17:18An enormous male grizzly.
0:17:22 > 0:17:27They will kill unrelated cubs, if they find them unprotected.
0:17:37 > 0:17:40Mum keeps look-out, whilst the cubs run for it.
0:17:51 > 0:17:53But they can't go far...
0:18:00 > 0:18:02..or they might get lost.
0:18:16 > 0:18:21Once the threat has passed, they settle down, to ride out the storm.
0:18:26 > 0:18:28It's a valuable early lesson
0:18:28 > 0:18:31in the dangers of these unpredictable mountains.
0:18:42 > 0:18:45For the mountain goat kids in the Rockies,
0:18:45 > 0:18:49the journey to the mineral and salt rocks is well underway.
0:18:53 > 0:18:55They've negotiated the slopes...
0:18:57 > 0:19:00..but now, a far greater trial lies ahead.
0:19:06 > 0:19:10All the major rivers of the world originate in the mountains.
0:19:13 > 0:19:18The streams here are fast, powerful and freezing cold.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27The crucial salts are on the far bank.
0:19:35 > 0:19:39It's a frightening prospect for a baby goat.
0:19:41 > 0:19:44Not an ideal place for a first swimming lesson.
0:19:59 > 0:20:03Mum's done this before, so she knows the best points to cross.
0:20:11 > 0:20:15The kid panics and picks a different route.
0:20:29 > 0:20:31KID BLEATS
0:20:31 > 0:20:35Those hooves, so good for climbing, aren't much use here.
0:20:35 > 0:20:38KID BLEATS
0:20:40 > 0:20:43Mum can only watch.
0:21:12 > 0:21:14Finally, the end of the road.
0:21:21 > 0:21:23They'll stay here for a few days
0:21:23 > 0:21:26whilst the mum licks the mineral rocks,
0:21:26 > 0:21:28stocking up on essential nutrients.
0:21:32 > 0:21:34It's been a tough test for the kids.
0:21:36 > 0:21:40Time to recover before heading back to the safety of the peaks.
0:21:45 > 0:21:49Whilst the mountain babies might have got over their first hurdles...
0:21:51 > 0:21:52..there are new challenges ahead.
0:21:56 > 0:21:59Although these peaks and sheer cliffs seem bleak and empty,
0:21:59 > 0:22:03there are predators all around.
0:22:07 > 0:22:09In a world where food is difficult to find...
0:22:12 > 0:22:14..the young are often targeted.
0:22:19 > 0:22:25So, mountain babies need to use all their skills and ingenuity
0:22:25 > 0:22:27if they are to avoid being eaten.
0:22:34 > 0:22:37WIND HOWLS LOUDLY
0:22:43 > 0:22:50In the high Arctic, musk ox roam the slopes in search of food.
0:22:57 > 0:23:01These calves have been on the move ever since they were born.
0:23:04 > 0:23:06But even with all that practise,
0:23:06 > 0:23:08it's not going to be enough for them now.
0:23:11 > 0:23:14The local wolves are on the prowl.
0:23:15 > 0:23:18Even an adult musk ox can't outrun them.
0:23:24 > 0:23:27Whilst the adults have size and impressive horns on their side..
0:23:31 > 0:23:33..this youngster is small...
0:23:35 > 0:23:37..and defenceless.
0:23:47 > 0:23:49In this barren landscape...
0:23:52 > 0:23:55..a young musk ox would make a decent meal.
0:24:05 > 0:24:08Wolves push the herd to move.
0:24:11 > 0:24:15On the run, they can pick out the old, the weak,
0:24:15 > 0:24:17and the young.
0:24:38 > 0:24:43Working together, they separate the small musk ox from the herd.
0:24:47 > 0:24:49But this one is a fighter.
0:24:53 > 0:24:55It stays on its feet...
0:24:57 > 0:24:58..buying enough time...
0:25:03 > 0:25:05..for the herd to come charging back.
0:25:25 > 0:25:28They might not be as fast as the wolves,
0:25:28 > 0:25:31but at around 300 kilos each,
0:25:31 > 0:25:34a herd of musk ox is not to be messed with.
0:25:42 > 0:25:46The plucky little calf knows where he's safest.
0:25:48 > 0:25:52The adults form an impenetrable wall of horn and muscle around it.
0:25:59 > 0:26:03Never giving up has certainly paid off for this young musk ox.
0:26:10 > 0:26:14In a place as tough as the mountains,
0:26:14 > 0:26:16youngsters need all the support they
0:26:16 > 0:26:19can get when it comes to facing their enemies.
0:26:22 > 0:26:25But even though they're young,
0:26:25 > 0:26:28they have an important role to play in their group.
0:26:31 > 0:26:35In Brazil, the little capuchin is becoming more independent.
0:26:37 > 0:26:40And now he's facing a major challenge.
0:26:56 > 0:27:01A stealthy snake has slithered into their territory.
0:27:10 > 0:27:15But the young monkey has spotted it and he knows just what to do.
0:27:15 > 0:27:19HE WHISTLES
0:27:19 > 0:27:21Call in the big boys.
0:27:32 > 0:27:35The troop makes as much noise as possible,
0:27:35 > 0:27:38banging whatever they can find.
0:27:40 > 0:27:42And he isn't one to be left out.
0:27:48 > 0:27:51It's a clever tactic
0:27:51 > 0:27:53and it shows just how important even
0:27:53 > 0:27:56the youngest member of the group can be.
0:28:05 > 0:28:08But when it comes to the planet's top predators,
0:28:08 > 0:28:12some mountain babies rely on more than simply safety in numbers.
0:28:15 > 0:28:18The Karakoram mountains of Pakistan.
0:28:19 > 0:28:24Here, there are more peaks over 8km than anywhere else on earth.
0:28:34 > 0:28:39A markhor, a rare type of wild goat kid, wanders the desolate slopes,
0:28:39 > 0:28:43searching for food for up to 14 hours a day.
0:28:50 > 0:28:53It's a particularly demanding place to grow up.
0:28:58 > 0:29:01The slopes are near vertical
0:29:01 > 0:29:04and even the adults can get into trouble.
0:29:09 > 0:29:13But danger comes from elsewhere too.
0:29:16 > 0:29:19Eagles and wolves hunt here.
0:29:23 > 0:29:25EAGLE SQUAWKS
0:29:25 > 0:29:27So, for protection, markhor live in herds.
0:29:34 > 0:29:39With extremely good eyesight and a strong sense of smell,
0:29:39 > 0:29:43it means there are more of them to spot any predators.
0:29:47 > 0:29:51Essential, especially when they're
0:29:51 > 0:29:54up against the most dangerous of them all.
0:29:56 > 0:29:58The ghost of the mountains.
0:29:59 > 0:30:01The elusive snow leopard.
0:30:05 > 0:30:10Brilliantly well camouflaged against the rocky outcrops,
0:30:10 > 0:30:13it's hard for the markhor to see.
0:30:17 > 0:30:22With huge, well padded feet, it's hard for them to hear, too.
0:30:25 > 0:30:28So, sometimes, even the alert,
0:30:28 > 0:30:32ever watchful markhor don't notice the threat.
0:30:35 > 0:30:39To survive, markhor kids have to be excellent mountaineers...
0:30:46 > 0:30:49..and rely on their instincts.
0:31:16 > 0:31:18BLEATING
0:31:22 > 0:31:24BLEATING
0:31:28 > 0:31:32Having a watery exit strategy undoubtedly played a part.
0:31:35 > 0:31:40But it's their skill in escaping on vertical rock faces that helps them
0:31:40 > 0:31:44stay alive in the most menacing of mountain ranges.
0:31:56 > 0:31:59It's crucial to master the mountainous environment early on.
0:32:03 > 0:32:05It means young animals have
0:32:05 > 0:32:09a fighting chance against stronger and more experienced opponents.
0:32:14 > 0:32:19But for some, far from being an obstacle to overcome,
0:32:19 > 0:32:23it's the mountains themselves that are the key to survival.
0:32:26 > 0:32:28CHATTERING
0:32:34 > 0:32:36In Ethiopia, a group of geladas
0:32:36 > 0:32:39graze on their favourite food -
0:32:39 > 0:32:40grass.
0:32:43 > 0:32:45The little ones have a long way to go...
0:32:48 > 0:32:50..before they look like the impressive adults.
0:32:55 > 0:32:58Whilst these meadows might seem like they're on the savanna...
0:33:03 > 0:33:05..looks can be deceiving.
0:33:11 > 0:33:14They're over two miles up...
0:33:15 > 0:33:19..and 2.5 times the height of Britain's tallest mountain.
0:33:27 > 0:33:32Whilst these monkeys spend most of their time on the plateau,
0:33:32 > 0:33:35it's the rock faces that can get them out of trouble.
0:33:37 > 0:33:40They aren't for the faint-hearted.
0:33:40 > 0:33:43But that doesn't stop these cheeky
0:33:43 > 0:33:47little geladas from using them as a playground.
0:33:49 > 0:33:51SQUEAKING
0:33:57 > 0:34:00SQUEALING
0:34:08 > 0:34:11It makes for some nail-biting moments,
0:34:11 > 0:34:15but there's good reason behind this daredevil behaviour.
0:34:23 > 0:34:26The more they play, the better they get
0:34:26 > 0:34:29at running and climbing on these cliffs.
0:34:39 > 0:34:42They never know when these skills will be put to the test.
0:34:45 > 0:34:48Geladas are hunted by several predators...
0:34:50 > 0:34:52..including leopards.
0:34:55 > 0:34:58An adult gelada seems to have spotted something.
0:35:04 > 0:35:07On the plateau, there's nowhere to hide.
0:35:17 > 0:35:19HOOTING AND SCREECHING
0:35:22 > 0:35:26To stay safe, there's only one place to go.
0:35:27 > 0:35:29ALARMED HOOTING
0:35:44 > 0:35:46All that perilous play has paid off.
0:35:49 > 0:35:51The youngsters keep up with the adults
0:35:51 > 0:35:53and make it to the safety of the cliffs.
0:35:56 > 0:36:00With the threat gone, it's back to business as usual.
0:36:09 > 0:36:12Hundreds of miles further south, across Africa...
0:36:15 > 0:36:18..another mountain baby is spending quality time with his family.
0:36:22 > 0:36:25This little one spends much of his day close to Mum...
0:36:28 > 0:36:29..watching his older siblings.
0:36:35 > 0:36:36He is a mountain gorilla...
0:36:37 > 0:36:41..one of only about 900 left in the world.
0:36:44 > 0:36:48His forest home is well over 1,000 metres up.
0:36:52 > 0:36:56Like many primates, it will be many years before he is an adult.
0:37:00 > 0:37:04So, his family are a key support during his long childhood.
0:37:10 > 0:37:12Gorillas are highly social animals.
0:37:17 > 0:37:21This group is led by his father, the dominant male silverback...
0:37:24 > 0:37:26..his own personal bodyguard.
0:37:32 > 0:37:33With such good protection,
0:37:33 > 0:37:35he doesn't need to worry about predators.
0:37:36 > 0:37:38Just stick close to Dad.
0:37:42 > 0:37:44Or at least, try to!
0:37:47 > 0:37:49But there's still a danger here.
0:37:55 > 0:37:58A threat that's very close to home.
0:38:02 > 0:38:05A rival silverback is threatening his family.
0:38:05 > 0:38:07GORILLA GROWLS
0:38:10 > 0:38:13HOOTING
0:38:13 > 0:38:16Silverbacks can try to take over entire groups.
0:38:19 > 0:38:24If successful, the baby's chances of surviving are pretty slim.
0:38:26 > 0:38:29New silverbacks will kill all infants,
0:38:29 > 0:38:32so they can mate with the mother and have young of their own.
0:38:34 > 0:38:37It's up to Dad to protect the family...
0:38:39 > 0:38:42..while this little one keeps out of harm's way.
0:39:02 > 0:39:03With the rival seen off...
0:39:08 > 0:39:11..the small mountain gorilla is safe.
0:39:18 > 0:39:22Being part of such a supportive family group is a huge advantage.
0:39:25 > 0:39:28It teaches him all the skills he needs to grasp...
0:39:30 > 0:39:34..so that one day he might follow in his dad's footsteps.
0:39:39 > 0:39:42But he has plenty more lessons to learn.
0:39:53 > 0:39:56Mountain babies can be ingenious when it comes to making their way
0:39:56 > 0:39:58in a challenging environment.
0:39:59 > 0:40:00And avoiding those...
0:40:01 > 0:40:03..who want to harm them.
0:40:06 > 0:40:10But there's still a long way to go to make it to adulthood.
0:40:10 > 0:40:12WOLF CUBS HOWL
0:40:12 > 0:40:15Mountains are difficult places to live
0:40:15 > 0:40:19and there are fundamental skills to master...
0:40:21 > 0:40:23..if they are to become independent.
0:40:35 > 0:40:38These grizzly bear cubs in British Columbia
0:40:38 > 0:40:42have travelled miles around the mountains in search of food.
0:40:48 > 0:40:51Mum has led them to a river where thousands of salmon are heading
0:40:51 > 0:40:53for their spawning ground.
0:40:58 > 0:41:03She hasn't eaten much for months, so all she can think about
0:41:03 > 0:41:04is catching fish.
0:41:09 > 0:41:12The cubs have had Mum's rich milk to drink
0:41:12 > 0:41:15and all they want to do is play.
0:41:28 > 0:41:31They will need her milk for two or three years.
0:41:33 > 0:41:36But catching fish is a real skill...
0:41:40 > 0:41:42..and it's never too early to start learning.
0:41:53 > 0:41:56They need to start paying a bit more attention.
0:42:02 > 0:42:04The adults show them how to do it.
0:42:10 > 0:42:13And our cubs decide to give it a go.
0:42:21 > 0:42:25How hard can it be? There's fish everywhere.
0:42:29 > 0:42:33But catching this slippery prey is harder than it seems.
0:42:40 > 0:42:42Not bad for a beginner.
0:42:48 > 0:42:50Maybe this isn't so difficult after all.
0:42:55 > 0:42:57And maybe it is.
0:43:07 > 0:43:12The cubs need to get a lot better at catching AND keeping their food.
0:43:19 > 0:43:23For now, they've still got Mum to help them out, but one day,
0:43:23 > 0:43:25they will have to do it without her.
0:43:32 > 0:43:36Being able to find food is a sure sign that independence
0:43:36 > 0:43:38isn't too far away.
0:43:41 > 0:43:43But it's rare that the mountains
0:43:43 > 0:43:47are quite so generous in offering things up to eat.
0:43:48 > 0:43:52So, the youngsters here have to be creative
0:43:52 > 0:43:54and resourceful.
0:44:07 > 0:44:10In Brazil, the little capuchin is growing up fast.
0:44:17 > 0:44:19He's finally given up his free ride...
0:44:20 > 0:44:24..and it's high time he stopped expecting free hand-outs as well.
0:44:33 > 0:44:37But on these cliffs, finding food is hard work.
0:44:42 > 0:44:45Every mouthful has to be earned.
0:44:51 > 0:44:57Fortunately, capuchins are some of the cleverest monkeys on the planet.
0:45:01 > 0:45:04The adults are foraging for palm nuts.
0:45:10 > 0:45:15They use a strong stone like a hammer to get to the food inside.
0:45:29 > 0:45:31But it's complicated stuff...
0:45:34 > 0:45:38..needing extraordinary coordination and intelligence.
0:45:39 > 0:45:41Not any old tool will do.
0:45:43 > 0:45:46It's got to be just the right type of stone...
0:45:50 > 0:45:55..so the youngest capuchins certainly have their work cut out.
0:46:04 > 0:46:07It will be a while before they can use rocks in this way.
0:46:11 > 0:46:14But sticks could be a little easier.
0:46:17 > 0:46:21Capuchins use them to dig out delicious delicacies from the trees.
0:46:23 > 0:46:27The little monkey is paying close attention.
0:46:31 > 0:46:33But it's a little confusing.
0:46:37 > 0:46:39What kind of stick to use?
0:46:51 > 0:46:54And remember to keep hold of the long bit.
0:47:02 > 0:47:05He is getting the hang of it and soon he will refine the technique.
0:47:12 > 0:47:16Once he can feed himself, he will be well on the way to independence.
0:47:27 > 0:47:31Making mistakes is all part of getting older.
0:47:32 > 0:47:35And for mountain babies, it can be a painful lesson.
0:47:39 > 0:47:43Even the simplest of tasks are tricky for a newbie.
0:47:43 > 0:47:46GORILLA RETCHES
0:47:46 > 0:47:49Growing up is a difficult business at the best of times.
0:47:52 > 0:47:55RETCHING CONTINUES
0:47:59 > 0:48:04And in the mountains, getting it wrong can have serious consequences.
0:48:10 > 0:48:11In Central Africa,
0:48:11 > 0:48:14this three-year-old mountain gorilla
0:48:14 > 0:48:18has still got a long way to go if she's to become a successful adult.
0:48:22 > 0:48:24At these altitudes,
0:48:24 > 0:48:27the temperature can fall below freezing at night-time.
0:48:28 > 0:48:31So, to keep safe and warm while they sleep...
0:48:32 > 0:48:36..mountain gorillas build nests in the trees above the cold ground.
0:48:43 > 0:48:46Most young mountain gorillas are taught this essential skill
0:48:46 > 0:48:47by their mums.
0:48:53 > 0:48:57But this one's mum left to join another group...
0:48:58 > 0:49:00..leaving Dad in charge.
0:49:04 > 0:49:07He simply can't help her with nest-building.
0:49:08 > 0:49:11He is too heavy to sleep in the trees
0:49:11 > 0:49:13and just beds down on the ground.
0:49:16 > 0:49:18Without Mum to show her the ropes,
0:49:18 > 0:49:21she's in serious danger as the night draws in.
0:49:28 > 0:49:31Whilst the other little ones snuggle up to their mums
0:49:31 > 0:49:33in cosy, warm beds...
0:49:36 > 0:49:39..she's struggling to make a nest on her own.
0:49:42 > 0:49:45It's going to be a long and very cold night.
0:49:47 > 0:49:51WIND HOWLS, THUNDER RUMBLES
0:50:04 > 0:50:07The next morning, all the other mums, with their babies,
0:50:07 > 0:50:08are waking up.
0:50:11 > 0:50:14But the three-year-old is nowhere to be seen.
0:50:19 > 0:50:20The silverback stirs.
0:50:28 > 0:50:32And snug, right next to him, is the little gorilla.
0:50:39 > 0:50:41She has made a good decision.
0:50:46 > 0:50:49With Dad to look after her, she is in safe hands...
0:50:53 > 0:50:54..and her path to independence...
0:50:56 > 0:50:57..is looking good.
0:51:02 > 0:51:06Learning to make your own bed without any help is a tough ask.
0:51:09 > 0:51:12But having to grasp vital skills by yourself
0:51:12 > 0:51:15is part and parcel of growing up in the mountains.
0:51:18 > 0:51:21And certain talents can't be taught.
0:51:23 > 0:51:27So, some youngsters have to take a leap of faith
0:51:27 > 0:51:29if they are going to reach adulthood.
0:51:35 > 0:51:37On a rocky ledge in the high Arctic...
0:51:39 > 0:51:42..three gyrfalcon chicks are safe in the nest.
0:51:46 > 0:51:49Gyrs are the largest falcons in the world...
0:51:51 > 0:51:56..so these young birds, a female and her two brothers,
0:51:56 > 0:51:57need a lot of food.
0:52:02 > 0:52:05So far, they have had it pretty easy.
0:52:06 > 0:52:09Covered in heavy down to protect against the cold...
0:52:10 > 0:52:14..they just wait in the nest for their hard-working parents
0:52:14 > 0:52:16to bring them nice things to eat.
0:52:20 > 0:52:23And Mum and Dad have done well.
0:52:23 > 0:52:26CHICKS SCREECH
0:52:34 > 0:52:40Just a few weeks later, all three are almost as big as the adults.
0:52:42 > 0:52:44Now they look like grown-ups,
0:52:44 > 0:52:47it's high time to start acting like them...
0:52:48 > 0:52:52..beginning with a crucial life skill - learning to fly.
0:52:59 > 0:53:00GYRFALCON SQUAWKS
0:53:00 > 0:53:05The female's the largest and the most adventurous.
0:53:08 > 0:53:11Flapping her wings to strengthen them,
0:53:11 > 0:53:12she approaches the edge.
0:53:17 > 0:53:19But even she is thinking twice.
0:53:28 > 0:53:31It's a steep drop to the ground below.
0:53:55 > 0:53:57A crash landing.
0:53:59 > 0:54:00THAT wasn't in the flight plan.
0:54:05 > 0:54:08She could have broken her wing or flight feathers.
0:54:10 > 0:54:12Not quite the encouragement
0:54:12 > 0:54:15her two less confident brothers were looking for.
0:54:18 > 0:54:20But she has more immediate concerns.
0:54:26 > 0:54:27Wolves are on the prowl.
0:54:39 > 0:54:41Lacking the strength to take off vertically...
0:54:44 > 0:54:47..she climbs back up the rocks to gain height for another attempt.
0:54:55 > 0:54:57And she's ready to try again.
0:55:12 > 0:55:13Success!
0:55:18 > 0:55:20Spurred on by their sister's achievement,
0:55:20 > 0:55:22the others seem a little braver.
0:55:50 > 0:55:52Now they have successfully fledged...
0:55:54 > 0:55:58..it won't be long until all three leave their parents for good.
0:56:02 > 0:56:05Fully grown adults in their own right.
0:56:14 > 0:56:18The mountain babies have overcome the many difficulties
0:56:18 > 0:56:20a life up high has thrown at them.
0:56:22 > 0:56:25After spending another winter in the Rockies,
0:56:25 > 0:56:29the mountain goat kids will head back down to the mineral rocks.
0:56:30 > 0:56:34Only this time, they will do it without Mum to show them the way.
0:56:38 > 0:56:43The grizzly bear cubs have another two years or so with Mum,
0:56:43 > 0:56:45and then they will head off on their own,
0:56:45 > 0:56:51strong, skilled and powerful enough to make it here alone.
0:56:55 > 0:57:00The little capuchin is finally beginning to look after himself.
0:57:02 > 0:57:04With new friends to play with...
0:57:06 > 0:57:08..he is finding his place in the pecking order.
0:57:10 > 0:57:12And he needs to.
0:57:13 > 0:57:14He is not the baby any more.
0:57:18 > 0:57:20These youngsters have made it through
0:57:20 > 0:57:22the toughest time of their lives...
0:57:24 > 0:57:29..and some day, they will have babies of their own
0:57:29 > 0:57:34who'll grow up in the challenging, yet magical world
0:57:34 > 0:57:35of the mountains.