Plot Synopsis

ANIMAL BABIES: FIRST YEAR ON EARTH is a three-part documentary series that follows three wildlife camera operators -- Sue Gibson, Vianet Djenguet, Colin Stafford-Johnson and Bob Poole -- who document the planet's most iconic animals as they grow and develop, day by day. This is the story of what it takes for six baby animals to survive in the wild during their first year on earth. ANIMAL BABIES: FIRST YEAR ON EARTH had its U.S. premiere on Wednesday, August 28, 2019 at 8pm on PBS (check local listings), with one episode debuting on three consecutive Wednesdays:

"First Steps" (U.S. premiere on Wednesday, August 28, 2019 at 8pm): The first three critical months are when our animal babies have to rapidly get to grips with their new family and the challenges of environment that surrounds them. Newborn elephant Safina must keep a quick pace to keep up with her fast-moving herd in Kenya. Jazir, an infant toque macaque, learns tough love within the primate society as it intertwines with humankind in Sri Lanka. Limpet the southern sea otter encounters the difficulty of a deep dive. Fela the Arctic fox understands the true meaning of sibling rivalry when the large litter has limited food in Iceland. Bisque and Chowder, spotted hyena sisters, prove their worth in the clan in Kenya. Nyakabara the mountain gorilla must find her way through the ancient Ugandan forest. The most basic tools for survival must be learned in their first three months to thrive and ultimately survive.

"Testing Limits" (U.S. premiere on Wednesday, September 4, 2019 at 8pm): From around three months old, the animal babies can all get around on their own, but impact of their environment and the struggle to find food really begin to hit home. Searching for food becomes the main concern, and the impact of their environment begins to take its toll. In California, Limpet the sea otter learns what is safe to eat. In Sri Lanka, Jazir the macaque learns to toughen up when his mother stops coddling him. In Kenya, Safina the elephant tries to connect and bond with her new family members. These growing babies face trials and tribulations constantly, as they have new challenges to conquer each day.

"New Frontiers" (U.S. premiere on Wednesday, September 11, 2019 at 8pm): As six animal babies approach the end of their first year on Earth, they must take on the most complex challenges of their lives. In Uganda, Nyakabara the mountain gorilla roams freely in the forest and must navigate its complexities. In Iceland, Fela the Arctic fox faces rejection from his mother and becomes entirely independent in the search for food. Back in Kenya, spotted hyena twins Bisque and Chowder come to understand the danger of entering the lion's den. It's time for these young ones to branch off from the comfort of their mothers and learn to explore the great unknown on their own.