Trials of Life (1990)
S01E02 Growing Up
Episode Overview
This documentary explores the diverse parenting strategies across animal species. Attenborough identifies childhood as a phase defined by growth and survival. The elephant seal, for example, is left alone shortly after birth, forced to fend for itself for several weeks while it matures enough to swim. Terns thrive in large groups, using their numbers to fend off predators like gulls. In the Russian Arctic, snow geese exhibit remarkable commitment, guiding their goslings on a 50-kilometer trek to the coast. Scorpions transport their young on their backs, while shrews briefly leave theirs hidden under rocks to forage. Eider ducks and maras exemplify shared childcare, with eider females often caring for ducklings that aren't their own. Additionally, the Florida scrub jay has intricate family dynamics, employing cooperative parenting strategies. Elephants collectively nurture calves, while chimpanzees navigate a socially intricate upbringing, learning social cues and tool use. Albatross chicks
