Maya is a newborn elephant calf, just hours old; she is the newest arrival in Samburu National Reserve in Kenya. It is the rainy season, food is plentiful and there is something of an elephant baby boom! But Maya and her first-time mum Zadie face many challenges: Firstly, Zadie needs to reunite with her herd so she can learn how to look after her newborn baby; then they must avoid hungry lions and the guns of poachers. But probably the biggest danger they face is the flooded river that flows through the reserve; at some point Maya will have to cross it, and hungry crocodiles will be waiting. If she is to get through her first month, Maya will need the support of her whole extended family. Together, they must guide Maya, teach her how to be an elephant and, most importantly, keep her safe.

• Richard Hammond