Growing Up...

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What’s the Story?

GROWING UP... is a series of hour-long documentary specials that tell the stories of orphaned animal babies (most from an endangered species) raised by professional conservationists in reserves around the world. In each episode, viewers get an inside look at a preservation organization that rescues abandoned animals -- from grizzly bears and timber wolves to elephants and tigers -- following the triumphs and tribulations they face. Difficult questions are raised, including some about the effectiveness of the programs, the cost of maintenance, and the reality of conservation efforts. Viewers will learn a lot about the future of endangered species, as well as insightful and surprising facts about conservation programs (for example, there are more Bengal tigers in captivity than there are in the wild). Viewers will also get to learn about the breeding DNA collection programs that help keep endangered animals alive.

Is It Any Good?

Growing Up... does a fantastic job of examining the extinction of many animal species across the world and the attempts that have been made to preserve their legacy. There's no shortage of animal programs on TV, but Growing Up... could easily become a family favorite. It's hard not to get emotionally involved as you listen to the animal orphans' stories, watch them grow from little balls of fur into large adults, and witness the heartbreaking goodbyes when they're transferred to larger facilities and their surrogate parents have to bid them farewell. It's engaging and eye-opening -- a powerful combination.