‘Nature’ highlights orphaned animal babies who get a second chance

Growing up in the wild is always rough – and young animals rely on their parents to protect and nurture them through the dangerous early phase of life. But how do young animals survive when they’ve lost their mothers?

This heartwarming and emotional tale airs Wednesday, Dec. 5 & 12, at 7 p.m. on Arizona PBS. It follows the work of animal rescue centers around the world and introduces the extraordinary people who have devoted their lives to helping all sorts of wild orphans get back on their feet.

It follows the different stages of caring for these little heroes, from rescuing and tending to young babies in the early stages of life, to teaching them how to look after themselves, and finally looking to the future when, hopefully, they will one day be released back into the wild.

WATCH: Nature’s Miracle Orphans, Part 1 | Nature’s Miracle Orphans, Part 2