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S44E6: Grasslands | Parenthood | Clip

This Pregnant Monkey Is Not Ready (Yet)

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Even in the wild, no one is born knowing how to be a parent. This first-time langur mom has to learn and practice before her baby arrives.

TRANSCRIPT

This Hanuman Langur is pregnant for the first time.

It won't be long before she gives birth, but she's not ready yet.

Many parenting skills are not instinctive for langurs.

If this young female wants to give her newborn the best start in life, she must learn how to be a mother before she gives birth.

Fortunately, being part of a troop provides an opportunity for her to practice.

(langurs chattering) Time for some prenatal classes.

But parents are often choosy about who they allow to babysit.

The expectant mother has to persuade someone to give her a chance.

(langurs chattering) Baby snatching isn't the best start.

She must take a gentler approach.

(baby langur squealing) But babysitting is harder than it looks.

Mishandling a baby could be fatal for both the baby and her social standing.

(baby langur squeaking) That's better.

She's even learned when it is that an exhausted mother could use a helping hand.

(baby langur squealing) These newly acquired skills will prepare her for parenthood.