DWA and BBC: Parenthood

We’re thrilled to be featured in the «Ocean» episode of the new BBC nature documentary series, «Parenthood»! The series provides an insightful exploration of how animal parents guide their offspring through the challenges of the natural world with skill, patience and remarkable adaptability.

The «Ocean» episode takes a fascinating look at the unique parenting strategies of marine animals and explores what it means to grow up in a dolphin's world.

A dolphin calf is born after around 12 months of pregnancy and remains close to its mother for three to five years. During this time, the calf is nursed, protected and taught everything it needs to know to survive. It learns how to care for its skin by rubbing against certain corals and sponges, how to play and avoid danger, and how to understand the complex social rules of dolphin life.

However, the mother is not alone; within the calf’s social group, other females — relatives or close companions — play important roles. They babysit, interact with the young and support their development.

One particularly heartwarming detail is that daughters often return to spend time with their mothers even after they have been weaned. These lasting bonds are a powerful example of social intelligence and long-term connection in the dolphin world.

In the episode featuring our work, the series offers rare insights into this matrilineal structure, where care, learning and social closeness are passed on across generations.

Parenthood Ocean is available to watch via the BBC iPlayer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002gt1t