Nature: Animal Childhood

(Rochester, N.Y.) – In every animal’s life, there comes a time when it must stand on its own two feet, so to speak, and face the world alone. For a few, this happens just moments after birth, with no life lessons from parents to help them, no time to hone their survival skills. Others have the advantage of home schooling under the watchful eye of a mentor or family member. But growing up is never easy, and finding food, avoiding predators and making friends does not always come naturally. These are the trials and tribulations of young animals all over the world as they prepare to leave home. These animals' growing experiences can be observed on Nature: Animal Childhood on WXXI-TV on May 13, 2015 at 8 p.m.

African elephant (Loxodonta Africana) baby playing with its mother.
Courtesy of PBS PressRoom