Animal Doctors (2014)
Only twenty-five years ago, the first evidence of self-medicating behaviour among animals was reported among chimpanzees. On the basis of this pioneering research, led by the American Michael Huffman, a new science was founded: "zoopharmacognosy", or the study of animal pharmacopeia. Animals are apparently able to treat themselves actively, to detect natural substances that can provide a remedy for health problems, or to prevent them. The primatologist Michael Huffman explains how he discovered that chimpanzees can heal their diseases with medicinal plants from their environment. The scientist then comments on other very surprising examples: Birds that disinfect their nests by filling them with aromatic plants with repellent properties, a rodent that covers its coat with toxic sap as a poisonous defence against predators and elephants that place mud plasters on their injuries. Some therapeutic behaviours may even be transmitted socially among certain species.
Cast
- Phil Wharton - Narrator (voice)
Screenplay
Themes
Wetlands and Bird Sanctuary Peace, Botanical Wonders and the Plant World, On the Trail of Safari and Wildlife, Safari and Chasing Wildlife
Keywords
animals, nature
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Animal Doctors about?
- Only twenty-five years ago, the first evidence of self-medicating behaviour among animals was reported among chimpanzees. On the basis of this pioneering research, led by the American Michael Huffman, a new science was founded: "zoopharmacognosy", or the study of animal pharmacopeia. Animals are apparently able to treat themselves actively, to detect natural substances that can provide a remedy for health problems, or to prevent them. The primatologist Michael Huffman explains how he discovered that chimpanzees can heal their diseases with medicinal plants from their environment. The scientist then comments on other very surprising examples: Birds that disinfect their nests by filling them with aromatic plants with repellent properties, a rodent that covers its coat with toxic sap as a poisonous defence against predators and elephants that place mud plasters on their injuries. Some therapeutic behaviours may even be transmitted socially among certain species.
- Who directed Animal Doctors?
- Animal Doctors was directed by Jacques Mitsch.
- Who stars in Animal Doctors?
- Animal Doctors stars Phil Wharton.
- How long is Animal Doctors?
- Animal Doctors has a runtime of 55m (55 minutes).
- What genre is Animal Doctors?
- Animal Doctors is a Documentary film.
- Where was Animal Doctors produced?
- Animal Doctors was produced in France.
- What are the themes of Animal Doctors?
- The themes of Animal Doctors include: Wetlands and Bird Sanctuary Peace, Botanical Wonders and the Plant World, On the Trail of Safari and Wildlife, Safari and Chasing Wildlife.