Stream the series now with KPBS Passport on KPBS+ / Watch Sunday, June 7, 2026 from 8-10 p.m. on KPBS 2 + Encores Thursday, June 11 from 7-9 p.m. on KPBS 2
ANIMAL BABIES: FIRST YEAR ON EARTH, a three-part series, follows four wildlife cinematographers as they capture the first year of life for six animals across four continents, navigating the challenges they face and how they overcome them.
From the largest animal baby on land — the African elephant — to the smallest marine mammal — the southern sea otter — viewers will follow these creatures as they explore the complexities of their respective habitats. Cinematographers Sue Gibson, Vianet Djenguet, Colin Stafford-Johnson and Bob Poole cast a new light on these mammals and how human actions and interference impact how they survive.
In their first year, these infants experience the joys and hardships of life. They confront near daily adversities from rivals, the elements and predators, which makes their first year their most dangerous.
EPISODE GUIDE:
“First Steps” Sunday, June 7 at 8 p.m. on KPBS 2 + Thursday, June 11 at 7 p.m. on KPBS 2 - See how the babies learn to understanding their surroundings in environments ranging from Africa to Sri Lanka to Iceland. The most basic tools for survival must be learned in their first three months to thrive and ultimately survive.
Episode 2: “Testing Limits” Sunday, June 7 at 9 p.m. on KPBS 2 + Thursday, June 11 at 8 p.m. on KPBS 2 - Learn the new challenges baby animals face once they can get around on their own. Every day brings new trials and tribulations, like searching for food, surviving in harsh environments and bonding with family members.
Episode 3: “New Frontiers” Sunday, June 7 at 10 p.m. on KPBS 2 + Thursday, June 11 at 9 p.m. on KPBS 2 - Join the baby animals as they near the end of their first year of life. It’s time for these young ones to branch off from the comfort of their mothers and learn to explore the great unknown on their own.
Watch On Your Schedule: All 3 episodes are available to stream with KPBS Passport on KPBS+ is a new free streaming video app designed for ease and enjoyment everywhere you watch including Roku, smart TVs and mobile devices. It’s locally curated for San Diego by the KPBS programming team. With a clean and intuitive design, discovering and enjoying KPBS and PBS content on-demand has never been easier.
You can also tune in live to watch our four TV channels in real time: KPBS, KPBS 2, Create, KPBS Kids 24/7. We also added a new channel - FNX (First Nation Experience). Your KPBS Passport member benefit works on KPBS+ too! You’ll have access to even more great shows when you simply log in with your KPBS Passport account.
Credits: A BBC Studios production for PBS and BBC. Executive Producer: Jo Shinner, Producer: Dominic Weston
