Where to watch Animal Doctors (2014)

Story

This documentary explores how animals across species use their natural surroundings to treat illnesses and injuries. Researchers discovered that chimpanzees deliberately consume medicinal plants to manage health problems, leading to the development of zoopharmacognosy—the study of how creatures self-medicate. The film examines remarkable examples from the animal kingdom, including birds that use aromatic plants for protection, rodents that apply toxic substances for defence, and elephants that apply mud to wounds. Some animals even pass these healing practices to others in their groups.

Why watch

• Explores the emerging science of animal self-healing and medicinal plant use
• Features narration by Phil Wharton in a compact 55-minute format
• Directed by Jacques Mitsch with research-backed examples from nature

Good for: Viewers interested in animal behaviour and natural science will find this documentary engaging; check the platform for content suitability details.