Safety
During wildhood, humans and other animals are predator-naive. Their inexperience attracts attackers and exploiters who see them as easy prey. Predator training—learning to recognize and deter dangerous individuals—may save their lives and prepare them to be more confident adults.
Ursula, a king penguin on South Georgia Island, must learn to stay safe as she ventures into the ocean for the first time.
Status
During wildhood, humans and other animals must learn to navigate status hierarchies, which often favor privileged creatures. Learning the rules of groups will determine whether adolescents eat or go hungry, are safe or in danger, and are tolerated, shunned, isolated or accepted into groups.
Shrink, a male spotted hyena in Tanzania, must read social cues and find acceptance within his clan.
Sexuality
During wildhood, humans and other animals must learn to balance desire and inhibition by interpreting the language of courtship. Such signals form the basis of sexual consent and coercion.
Self-Reliance
Whether they leave the nest or stay in home territories, humans and other animals in wildhood take on new roles and responsibilities. As adolescents and young adults begin to provide for themselves, they develop the confidence that comes with self-reliance.
Slavc, a European wolf born in Italy before dispersing north through Slovenia, must become self-sufficient and create his own family.