Animal Babies: First Year on Earth

Animal Babies: First Year on Earth is a spellbinding nature documentary series released in 2019 by BBC Two. Narrated by the soothing voice of Wunmi Mosaku, the six-part series offers viewers an intimate and intriguing look into the lives of baby animals during their first year on Earth. While this series is both visually stunning and engaging, it is also richly informative, making complex biological processes both accessible and entertaining.

The series introduces us to six adorable animal babies—two elephant calves, a baby mountain gorilla, a lamini (baby llama - alpaca hybrid), a sea otter pup, and a hyena cub. Each episode follows these young animals as they navigate their way through their initial twelve months of life. Viewers get to witness their crucial developmental milestones, starting from the immediate post-birth period right up through their intriguing journey on their first birthday.

Animal Babies: First Year on Earth is both heartwarming and educational, perfectly capturing the innocuous charm of these animal babies as they undertake their life’s journey. We watch as they learn to walk, forage for food, and interact with their environment, all under the watchful and caring eyes of their mothers and their extended family. This first year is portrayed as the most challenging with high stakes: survival, growth, and eventual independence.

One of the show's most powerful attributes is its commitment to representing a wide variety of habitats. It is filmed across diverse ecosystems, ranging from the Samburu National Reserve in Kenya to the frozen tundras of Iceland and the coastal waters of California. This geographic range provides a vivid demonstration of the adaptability of life on Earth and adds a dash of adventure and discovery to the show.

The camera work on the show is nothing short of exceptional. The crew managed to get up close and personal to capture the most intimate and precious moments in these animals’ lives, including the trials, tribulations, and triumphs. This, paired with the crisp quality and vibrant hues of the on-location filming, makes for a visually stunning viewing experience.

Resonating in the background is the ever-present reminder of the precarious nature of life in the wild. The series does not shy away from revealing the harsh realities of the natural world. Predators and environmental challenges are constant threats to the young ones. These elements are handled with finesse and maturity, capturing the harsh realities of the circle of life and survival.

Despite the dose of reality, the series never loses its warmth and joy, mostly due to the lovable personalities of the animal babies themselves. Their innocence and curiosity shine through, even in their most vulnerable moments, making the audience root for their success. From the tiny sea otter learning to use tools with his mother to the baby elephant learning how to use his trunk, there’s a touching human-like quality to these moments.

In addition to showcasing the lives of these animals through their first year on Earth, the documentary series brings crucial attention to the environmental threats they face – from predators to loss of habitat. This touch of environmental consciousness brilliantly imbued in the show perks up audience’s attention towards conservation and protection of these beautiful creatures and their habitats.

Every episode of Animal Babies: First Year on Earth does a top-notch job of storytelling, combining scientific explanations with dramatic, action-filled scenes. Its inclusion of relevant behavioral research and facts provides added depth, ensuring viewers leave each episode with newfound knowledge and appreciation about these creatures.

In conclusion, Animal Babies: First Year on Earth is a masterclass in wildlife documentary making by BBC Two, displaying a beautiful blend of insightful storytelling, spectacular cinematography, and scientific knowledge. It offers an absorbing, emotional, and educational journey that’s likely to pull on the heartstrings of animal lovers and push for environmental consciousness among viewers. Its intimate focus on six lovable characters and their first year life journey is a compelling watch for all ages.