Watch Animal Babies: First Year on Earth

Animal Babies: First Year on Earth is a heart-warming nature documentary series that takes viewers on an intimate journey through the first year of life of some of the most adorable and fascinating animal babies on Earth. Produced by the BBC, the show is narrated by wildlife enthusiast and TV presenter, Robert Poole, who guides the viewers through the incredible challenges and triumphs faced by these newborns, in their first year of life on this planet.

The show is shot in stunning high definition and features the lives of six different animal babies living in diverse habitats around the world. From the arctic tundra to the African savannah, these little ones are shown exploring and discovering their surroundings as they encounter a range of obstacles and dangers. Robert Poole observes each of the young creatures as they take their first steps, learn to hunt, and navigate complex social environments.

The diverse cast of animal protagonists includes a baby elephant called Jomo who lives with his mother in Kenya's Samburu National Reserve. One moment Jomo is enduring his first steps on wobbly legs while the next he is fending off curious hyenas. Then there is Solo the Bear, a new mother who must raise and protect her young cub, and who faces the challenge of finding enough food to prepare herself and her cub for the approaching winter. Meanwhile, up in the snowy mountains of Montana, a rare grey wolf pup named Kahlua is born into a pack of predators, and tries to establish herself as a top ranking member of the family. The show captures every moment of her daring adventures and perilous escapades as she grows up.

In another segment of the show, we are introduced to an adorable ring-tailed lemur baby named Anjolina, who was born in a troop of lemurs in Madagascar. The camera follows Anjolina as she learns the ins and outs of social life with her fellow lemurs and encounters the many challenges of living in the wild. Then we meet a baby arctic fox named Darby, who is born in the middle of the frozen tundra of Canada, and must learn to hunt and survive in a harsh environment where there is little to eat and constantly changing weather conditions.

As the documentary progresses, we see the narration become more reflective as the animals grow in their confidence and accomplishments. Arina Ii, a graduate of the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, joins as the narrator for the second half of the series, replacing Robert Poole. She brings a youthful enthusiasm to the show and continues to explore the ups and downs of the young animals' lives. We see how each of the animal babies evolves as the months go by; from timid to ferocious, from vulnerable to fearless. Their lives, their struggles, and their daily routines are captured in fascinating detail, and the show brings to life the little-known and seldom-seen world of the animal kingdom.

Overall, Animal Babies: First Year on Earth is a stunning and immersive nature documentary that is suitable for the whole family. It is a joyful celebration of the incredible resilience and adaptability found in the animal kingdom. The show is as informative as it is entertaining and will leave viewers with a newfound appreciation for the miracles of life on Earth. Wunmi Mosaku, the BAFTA-winning actress, concludes the final episode of the series with a sense of gratitude, reminding us of how interconnected we all are with the natural world and the importance of preserving it.

Animal Babies: First Year on Earth is a series that ran for 1 seasons (3 episodes) between July 24, 2019 and on BBC Two