Success in the natural world is a gamble. Turtle hatchings 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.

For every baby animal, the first days, weeks and months are the most challenging. They face their steepest learning curve precisely when they're at their most vulnerable. But nature has come up with endless ingenious strategies to help these youngsters beat the odds and make it to adulthood alive. LIFE: FIRST STEPS follows biologist Patrick Aryee (Attenborough's Life Stories)and an adorable cast of characters as they face their ultimate test. From their first steps, our tiny heroes overcome each new challenge, exploring the survival strategies and the devotion of animal parents determined to help their young reach adulthood.