I still remember natural world disneynature growing up wild, heartfelt, raw, and unforgettable. Nature’s magic hit me differently.
That experience sparked a deeper curiosity in me. Why did growing up wild resonate so strongly? What was it about this blend of education and emotion that stuck with me long after the credits rolled? In this post, we’ll take a deep, detailed look at growing up wild, explore what makes it such a powerful piece of storytelling, and link it to the broader themes explored in Growing Up Wild: Lessons from Nature’s Wisdom, another thoughtful look at the natural world through the eyes of the young. It’s clear why the Natural World Disneynature Growing Up Wild continues to shine in showcasing the magic of the natural world.
What You'll Discover:
What Is “Growing Up Wild”?
Growing Up Wild is a 2016 documentary from Disneynature, a division of Disney that focuses on creating nature-based films that educate and inspire. The film explores the lives of five young animals growing up in some of the planet’s most extreme and beautiful environments. Narrated by Daveed Diggs (yes, the same energetic force from Hamilton), the documentary follows these baby animals as they navigate the challenges of growing up in the wild.
The Animals We Follow
The featured stars include:
- A lion cub in the African savanna
- A bear cub in Alaska
- A monkey in the jungles of Asia
- A cheetah cub learning to survive
- A baby chimpanzee developing social skills
Each story is distinct yet connected by a central theme: survival, growth, and the universal journey of becoming. As someone who’s often overwhelmed by the chaos of adult life, there was something profoundly grounding about watching these tiny beings take their first steps, make mistakes, and slowly learn the ropes of survival.
Why This Documentary Hits Different
So, what makes Growing Up Wild stand out from the countless other wildlife documentaries? Three big reasons:
1. It’s Relatable AF
Even though the film features wild animals, their experiences are deeply human. We’ve all been the newbie in a group, trying to figure out social cues like that baby chimpanzee fumbling through introductions. Who hasn’t stumbled and struggled like the lion cub chasing its first prey?
As a parent or older sibling, you might find yourself suddenly sympathizing with animal moms. The protective instincts, the constant teaching moments, the letting-go , it mirrors human parenting so closely, it’s almost uncanny Natural World Disneynature Growing Up Wild.
2. The Visuals Are Jaw-Dropping
Disneynature is known for its cinematography, and Growing Up Wild is no exception. You’re transported from icy terrains to lush jungles, feeling like you could reach out and touch the damp fur of a rain-soaked bear cub. The shots are intimate yet grand, managing to capture both the vulnerability of baby animals and the vastness of their world.
Honestly, it made me want to pack a bag and disappear into the wild for a few months (until I remembered I don’t like bugs and need Wi-Fi).
3. It Educates Without Preaching
Let’s be real: some educational content can feel like homework. Not this one. Growing Up Wild walks the fine line between entertaining and informative. You’re learning about ecosystems, animal behaviors, and environmental challenges without even realizing it.
It’s like sneaking vegetables into a smoothie. The good stuff is there , it’s just wrapped in charm, humor, and heart.
Behind the Magic: How Disneynature Pulls It Off
When I started looking into how Disneynature creates these films, I was blown away by the effort and patience involved. We’re talking thousands of hours in the field, waiting for just the right moment , the first steps, the first snowfall, the first big leap.
Each shot is carefully chosen, edited, and narrated to tell a cohesive story. And unlike staged productions, these moments are real. It’s nature unfolding in all its unpredictable glory.
Disneynature also partners with conservation organizations. With every film release, they contribute to global wildlife conservation efforts. Watching Growing Up Wild doesn’t just entertain , it supports real-world change. And that feels good.
Personal Take: How It Shifted My Perspective
I didn’t expect a nature documentary to shift how I see life. But Growing Up Wild did just that.
After watching, I found myself being more observant. I’d notice the birds nesting outside my window, or stop to appreciate a squirrel’s chaotic energy. I even took a spontaneous trip to a local wildlife reserve, something I’d never have done before. There’s a quiet magic in realizing that, despite all our differences, we’re all part of the same story , the story of growing, adapting, and surviving.
It also made me reflect on my own childhood. The awkward phases, the lessons learned through trial and error, the mentors who helped shape me. Watching those young animals struggle and triumph reminded me that growth is universal. And messy. And beautiful.
How to Watch “Growing Up Wild”
You can find Growing Up Wild on several streaming platforms. As of this writing:
- Disney+ (obviously)
- Amazon Prime Video
- Apple TV
- Google Play Movies
Whether you’re watching solo, with kids, or even in a classroom setting, it’s a film that appeals across age groups. It’s G-rated, only about an hour long, and packed with both heart and humor.
Pro Tip: Make it a movie night with themed snacks (animal crackers, anyone?) and maybe even some DIY nature crafts afterward if you have little ones.
Educational Value and Classroom Use
If you’re a teacher or homeschooling parent, Growing Up Wild is a gem. It fits beautifully into lessons about:
- Animal behavior
- Ecosystems and habitats
- Adaptation and survival
- Environmental stewardship
You can pair it with worksheets, journaling prompts, or creative writing assignments. For example:
“Imagine you are a lion cub taking your first steps. What does the world look like? How do you feel?”
Activities like these engage kids both emotionally and intellectually. And hey, learning that doesn’t feel like a chore? That’s a win in my book.
Similar Films to Check Out
Once you’ve watched Growing Up Wild, don’t stop there. Disneynature has a treasure trove of documentaries that are just as captivating:
- Born in China – Follows pandas, golden monkeys, and snow leopards
- Penguins – A hilarious and heartwarming look at an Adélie penguin named Steve
- Elephant – Narrated by Meghan Markle, focusing on an elephant family’s epic journey
- Monkey Kingdom – About a monkey named Maya and her social dynamics in the jungle
Each of these continues the tradition of blending entertainment with environmental education, all while telling deeply personal stories.
Key Takings
- In a world dominated by screens and stress, it’s easy to forget that we are part of something bigger.
- Growing Up Wild gently pulls us back into that awareness. It reminds us that nature isn’t just a backdrop , it’s a dynamic, living world filled with courage, connection, and countless stories waiting to be told.
- It made me want to be better. Not just more environmentally conscious, but more patient. More observant. More connected.
- So if you’re looking for something wholesome, beautiful, and surprisingly profound, watch Growing Up Wild. Let it pull you into the heart of the natural world Disneynature Growing Up Wild. And who knows?
- You might walk away with a fresh perspective , and a newfound respect for baby animals who, let’s be honest, are tougher than most of us.
Additional Resources
Growing Up Wild: Thrillist explains how Growing Up Wild cleverly repurposes footage from four Disneynature classics to deliver fresh, emotionally resonant stories of young animals navigating survival.
Disneynature’s Growing Up Wild: LaughingPlace highlights the film’s gentle tone, stunning visuals, and Daveed Diggs’ engaging narration, making it perfect for families and curious minds alike.
