Climbing

Preschool wildlife series. Andy Day looks at baby animals as they learn climbing skills. Bears make excellent climbers, but that does not mean the young don't have to practice this vital skill needed for food, safety and somewhere to rest, as well as learning which are the right trees to climb. Their first attempts are on trees that are too small or too slippery but the third tree they choose is just right. Giant otters must master the art of climbing up muddy river banks to mark their territory and maintain its boundaries, which is tougher than it first appears. They try to copy mum but can only get halfway. Ibex are mammals that rely on the safety afforded by cliff faces. The young are born at the top of a cliff, but there is no food up there. They must descend to the bottom where they can find water and plants to eat. Mum descends alone leaving her young to play, but once they start to descend they realise it's a skill they are born with.