The 5 Best Documentaries On Animals
The planet is so vast and rich in plant and animal species that new living things are still being discovered and studied. The best documentaries on animals demonstrate the consequences of some problems that affect the life and ecosystems of many animal species.
Climate change, poaching and man-made pollution are increasing the number of irretrievably lost species every day. For this reason, many activists and documentary makers have taken on the task of telling the reality of so many animals. So here are the 5 best documentaries on animals.
5 must-see animal documentaries
1. Cowspiracy – Kip Andersen and Keegan Kuhn (2014)
This documentary focuses on the journey of an ecologist in search of an answer to the problem of meat consumption and the effects the meat industry has on the planet. Without a doubt, the data presented here is impressive.
The documentary demonstrates the consequences of extensive livestock farming, with a focus on deforestation and pollution. It lasts 91 minutes and includes the opinion of various environmental organizations on many of the issues addressed.
2. Terra – Yann Arthus – Bertrand and Michael Pitiot (2016)
This is one of the best animal documentaries ever made, as it puts the relationship between nature and man in the foreground. Terra shows how some species – such as the elephant or the rhino – see their existence limited to protected reserves in order not to become extinct.
The documentary conveys the fundamental idea that the planet has limited resources. It was a well received by critics, as it leaves an open conclusion to the viewer.
3. Animal Documentaries: Colombia Wild Magic – Mike Slee (2015)
It is a documentary that, with many contrasts, shows the enormous environmental wealth that Colombia possesses, the second richest country in biodiversity in the world. For 90 minutes, spectators can appreciate the different climates and landscapes that the Andean country offers.
It focuses on raising awareness of the importance of water resources and a total of 38 species and 20 ecosystems were represented on the screen.
4. Blackfish – Gabriela Cowperthwaite (2013)
This film was also very well received by critics. It exposes the cruelty and deadly consequences of keeping killer whales in captivity, forcing them to perform tricks in exchange for food. The story tells the 3 accidents caused by Tilikum, an orca from the American SeaWorld marine park.
For 83 minutes it is demonstrated how Tilikum was forced to live with other species that did not belong to his family group and to spend more than 14 hours a day in small tanks without light. Some experts have claimed that these conditions spawned his psychotic behavior, which caused him to end the lives of 3 people in 20 years.
5. The Cove – Louie Psihoyos (2009)
It is a documentary that demonstrates the devastating consequences of the annual dolphin hunt in Taiji National Park in Japan. According to the viewpoint of opponents of this event, more than 23,000 dolphins are killed every year. Among the awards obtained, an Oscar 2010 stands out, in the category “Best Documentary”.
The story tells the perspective of Ric O’Barry, a former dolphin trainer who, together with an investigative team, filmed and opened the eyes of the world to this massacre , whose purpose is to capture some specimens and sell them to aquariums or, in the worst case, market their meat.
However, the film also tells how the Japanese are often unaware of this activity, as well as underlining the high levels of mercury contained in the meat of this cetacean. At the end of the film, the presumption is made that Japan has bought votes in the International Whaling Commission (IWC) to support the continuation of this activity.
As you can see, documentaries in most cases try to capture the reality that animals face in their struggle for survival in a world dominated by man. We invite you to draw your own conclusions and help with small acts to reduce problems such as pollution and climate change.
