Skip to content
Author:

Life Story: Growing Up

Updated Sunday, 26th October 2014

On reaching adulthood animals strike out on their own to find their place in the world.

This page was published over five years ago. Please be aware that due to the passage of time, the information provided on this page may be out of date or otherwise inaccurate, and any views or opinions expressed may no longer be relevant. Some technical elements such as audio-visual and interactive media may no longer work. For more detail, see our Archive and Deletion Policy. 

Bengal tigers (Panthera tigris tigris) have few natural enemies, so cubs can spend their hours play-fighting while their mother is away. Location: India. Copyrighted image Icon Copyright: BBC/Tom Hugh-Jones Bengal tiger cubs spend time play-fighting

About the episode

On the journey towards adulthood, a moment comes for all animals when they must strike out on their own.

For an Arctic fox, the end of childhood is abrupt; his own mother chases him from the den and onto the Arctic ice. At this crucial stage in life every small success is a triumph.

In the high-octane world of a booted racket-tail hummingbird, even to survive the day 
is victory. For Bengal tigers growing independence brings with it extreme danger. They need the help of their parents to grow up in a very dangerous society.

Time is already running out for two hungry cheetah sisters, recently independent from their mother – scraps are not enough. This episode follows them as they embark on their first big game hunt.

This episode was first broadcast on Thursday 30th October 2014 on BBC One.

Your free Life Story poster

Inspired? Take a free course

  • Migration

    Migration

    Migration is a free course looking at the migrations of animals, with special reference to birds, and also introducing the themes of movement, selection and homeostasis.

    Learn moreMigration

    Free course

    8 hours

    Level: 2 Intermediate

See other episodes

About the series

  • Copyrighted image Icon Copyright: BBC/Anup Shah
    Life Story

    Life Story

    With Life Story, David Attenborough takes us on the greatest of all adventures – the journey through life. Find out more, and watch clips from the series.

    Learn moreLife Story

    TV Programme

    Level: 1 Introductory

 

Share

Related content (tags)

Copyright information

For further information, take a look at our frequently asked questions which may give you the support you need.

Have a question?

Related content

More like this