BBC/silverback FilmsNew BBC Series *Parenthood* Offers Intimate Look at Animal Families – A groundbreaking new documentary series, *Parenthood*, premiering August 3rd on BBC One and iPlayer, explores the diverse and often challenging world of animal parenting. the five-part series, narrated by Sir david Attenborough, showcases remarkable footage of species ranging from chimpanzees in Uganda’s Kibale National Park to emperor penguins in Antarctica.
Series producer Miles Wilson, a father himself, describes *Parenthood* as a “generational gift” – a programme that allows families to observe and learn from the parenting strategies of the animal kingdom. Wilson highlights the series’ ability to resonate wiht viewers on a personal level, acknowledging common parental struggles and offering a fresh perspective on global themes.
The series doesn’t shy away from examining contemporary parenting styles, subtly referencing concepts like “helicopter parenting” and “snowplow parenting.” However, its core focus lies in the delicate and often sensitive bond between parents and their offspring, a relationship Wilson identifies as “perhaps the most sensitive… in the natural world.”
Capturing this intimacy required remarkable fieldwork, emphasizing observational, non-invasive techniques.The production team,comprised of over 30 individuals including camera operators,sound recordists,and researchers,spent over 2,000 days filming across six continents. Wilson explains the unique challenges of filming parenting behaviors, noting that unlike documenting hunts, observing parental interactions demands a heightened level of sensitivity to avoid disrupting natural processes.
The series showcases examples such as chimpanzee mothers in Kibale National Park, Uganda, teaching their young to fish for termites using modified twigs, and the arduous journey of emperor penguin parents in Antarctica enduring harsh conditions to protect their single egg.The footage also includes rarely seen moments of orangutan mothers in Borneo teaching their offspring essential survival skills.
A particularly poignant moment in the series features sir David Attenborough stating, “Success for all parents has perhaps the greatest of consequences… It ensures the future of life on our planet.” This underscores the basic importance of successful reproduction and nurturing for the continuation of all species.
*Parenthood*, which consists of five episodes, begins at 19:20 BST on Sunday, August 3rd, on BBC One and iPlayer.
