For every baby animal, the first days, weeks, and months are the most challenging. In the three-part series Life: First Steps, join biologist Patrick Aryee as he follows an adorable cast of characters into their adolescence and explores the survival strategies and challenges they must face.
Watch Life: First Steps Mondays at 10 p.m. starting May 1.
Episode 1: Single Kids – Monday, May 1 at 10 p.m.
Of all of nature’s babies, single kids have the most to learn — from playful young elephants who have the longest childhood in the animal kingdom, to wildebeest calves who must escape the savannah’s many predators. Biologist Patrick Aryee meets individual offspring and discovers the sacrifices their parents make to raise them.
Episode 2: Brothers and Sisters – Monday, May 8 at 10 p.m.
From meerkats in the Kalahari to brown bear cubs in the forests of Minnesota, biologist Patrick Aryee discovers why some of the most successful animals on Earth grow up with siblings. And why having more than one offspring is the perfect insurance policy for wild species.
Episode 3: Outnumbered – Monday, May 15 at 10 p.m.
Success in the natural world is a gamble. Turtle hatchlings making their epic dash to the sea, and newly-hatched praying mantises quickly protect themselves from not only predators, but also each other! Biologist Patrick Aryee discovers why producing as many offspring as possible is the only way to ensure at least some offspring will survive into adulthood.
WSBE Rhode Island PBS transmits high-definition (HD) programming over the air on digital 36.1; Cox 08 / 1008HD, Verizon FiOS 08 / 508HD, and Full Channel 08; Comcast 819HD and Verizon FiOS 18 / 518HD; DirecTV 36, Dish Network 36. Rhode Island PBS is now available to subscribers of YouTubeTV. The full schedule is available to live stream for free within the broadcast viewing area at watch.ripbs.org/livestream. An expansive catalog of PBS series, documentaries, and specials is available to Rhode Island PBS members through Rhode Island PBS Passport.
