Watch How Human Are You

In 2014, NAT GEO WILD premiered a unique show with a fascinating take on the animal kingdom. How Human Are You, hosted by science communicator Cara Santa Maria, along with animal behaviorist Allan Peck and anthropologist Jaida-Iman Benjamin, explored the similarities and differences between humans and animals.

The show featured a range of animal species, from primates and dolphins to squirrels and dogs, and presented a series of tests and experiments to see how similar we are to them. The tests ranged from investigating memory, problem-solving skills, and communication abilities to exploring emotions, social behavior, and even creativity.

With their scientific background, the hosts guided the viewers through the tests, highlighting the striking similarities and surprising differences between human and animal behaviors. The tests not only provided insights into the animals' abilities, but they also shed light on the different strategies that have evolved to tackle similar problems.

One of the most impressive experiments included testing the memory of different animal species. In this test, a photograph was shown to the animals for a few seconds, and then the photograph was removed, and the animals were given a choice between that photograph and a new one. The results of this test were particularly interesting, as some species showed remarkable abilities for memory, such as Chimpanzees and Elephants, while others, like dogs, displayed less impressive memory abilities.

How Human Are You also explored the social behaviors and emotional expressions of different animals. For instance, the show tested the empathy of dogs, and the results were amazing. They showed how dogs could sense when their owners were upset, and they would try to comfort them by providing physical touch, such as licking or nuzzling.

Additionally, the show featured tests that investigated the communication abilities of different animals. The communication tests revealed how much we could understand and communicate with them. For instance, the show tested the ability of African Grey Parrots to create new words and found that they could make up new words to describe objects they had not seen before.

The experiments did not only feature the animals as strictly animals. The hosts also incorporated humans into the show, including testing the creativity of different people compared to animals, which found that some animals, like rats, could display creative problem-solving skills that rivalled human creativity in some regards.

The production quality of the show was exceptional. Every experiment featured stunning visuals and cinematography. The editing was engaging, with quick cuts and plenty of humor, to keep viewers engaged and entertained.

How Human Are You was a refreshing and entertaining show that challenged our perceptions about animals and ourselves. It was a show that was designed to educate and inspire viewers, and it succeeded. The show sparkled by providing unique insights to the animal kingdom, which left viewers with an appreciation for the animals around us. Although How Human Are You only ran for a single season on NAT GEO WILD, it remains an insightful, engaging program that is well-worth checking out.

How Human Are You is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (3 episodes). The series first aired on March 14, 2014.