Why Dogs Smile and Chimpanzees Cry

One of the great tragedies of life on Earth is that we often get so caught up in day to day activities that we ignore the larger questions. Do rats laugh? Are meerkats loyal? Does a red blush mean an octopus is ticked off? Although man (and woman) has long recognized that animals carry the basic emotions--fear, aggression, the urge to rock 'n roll (i.e., procreate), which are all features of the "reptilian" brain (found not only inside gila monsters, but you and me as well)--scientists have balked at the notion that animals are capable of feeling the higher emotions, such as love, compassion, empathy, loyalty, or happiness. Most dog, cat or ferret owners, on the other hand, while not schooled in graduate level biology, know perfectly well that animals display all of these emotions, and that they're quite good at being vindictive, pouting, and telling bald-faced lies ("don't look at me; I didn't make that puddle"). Originally airing on the Discovery Channel, this heartwarming documentary, narrated by Sigourney Weaver, looks at contemporary strides in measuring emotional response in animals, drawing on commentary from scientists and wildlife filmmakers. In addition to talking with Roger Fouts and others about Washoe (the signing chimpanzee), the program includes fascinating examples of maternal love from a matriarchal elephant caring for her struggling calf (who could not fully stand for days), a weird experiment involving rats who like to be tickled, and the tale of a tyrant rhesus monkey (dubbed "Duce") who was rough with youngsters and felt the wrath of maternal outrage. Educational, entertaining, and inexpensive, this overview of animal emotion is highly recommended. Aud: J, H, C, P. (R. Pitman)