初生之犊

Episode 1 - A Tale of Three BearsIn May we followed the lives of a special group of black bears in Minnesota. Three tiny, newborn cubs - Sam, Sophie and Sybil - emerge from their den with their mother Juliet and see their world for the first time. From here on two factors will rule their lives; protecting themselves from danger and the constant battle to find food. The woods are full challenges; predators, the elements, man. Sam, Sophie and Sybil must follow their mother's lead and learn fast if they are to survive in this tough and unforgiving wilderness and make it through this critical month.Episode 2 - A Lion’s TaleMay is the hardest time to be a lion in the Masai Mara. The wildebeest migration is hundreds of miles away and food is running out and fast. Moja, a five month-old lion cub is struggling to survive in this harsh and increasingly barren environment. His mother, Nyota, a single lioness, is tasked with providing for her young son. Living outside pride society means that Nyota and Moja tread a dangerous path. The neighbouring Acacia pride live in relative luxury; strength in numbers means these hungry lions can tackle huge prey, like buffalo - a meal for many famished felines. When the rains subside, movement on the horizon brings fresh hope to Nyota and Moja. The struggle for food is behind them for another year, things are looking good for this small, brave family.Episode 3 - A Monkey’s TaleAmong the temple ruins of Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka, live the Temple Troop of Toque macaque monkeys. Nine week-old Gremlin, a tiny monkey with a distinctive white tip to her tail, has been born into the bottom of the troops' strict hierarchy. She must learn to navigate her way through this dangerous family environment, while getting to grips with the pleasures and dangers of her jungle home. Now a new threat arises for Gremlin as the troop prepares to go to war with a neighboring group, the Slum Dogs. It's a very dangerous world for such a tiny monkey.Episode 4 - An Elephant’s TaleFilmed from her very first moments, newborn African elephant Maya has arrived in Samburu National Reserve right on time. It is the best time of year to be an elephant in Samburu. The rains mean there is enough food and water for all the elephants that call it home and this year there has been a baby boom. But Maya's herd has been hit hard by poaching and her young, inexperienced mother has no older relatives to guide her. Can she help Maya survive her first crucial days - protecting her from the elements, keeping her safe from predators and when the time comes helping her navigate across the mighty river that dissects the reserve?Episode 5 - A Meerkat’s TaleSwift's a five week old meerkat pup. She's been born in one of the harshest places on earth, the Kalahari Desert. A drought has hit the region, food is scarce and Swift's family are hungry. Their desperation will lead them into danger - across busy roads and into the hostile territories of rival meerkats. Worse still, they're not the only animals in the desert trying to find a meal - predators are on the hunt from above and below and meerkats are definitely on the menu! The dangers are very real - and in this harshest of years it's estimated only half of the meerkat pups will reach two months old. If Swift's to make it, she will need to show plenty of character and hope that fortune's on her side.