Watch Woman Raised by Monkeys

In 2014, Animal Planet brought viewers an incredible true story of survival and adaptation with their series, Woman Raised by Monkeys, starring Marina Chapman as herself. Over the course of two episodes, viewers were invited to dive into the unbelievable tale of a young girl who was kidnapped, abandoned, and ultimately raised by a troop of capuchin monkeys in the Colombian jungle.

The show begins with Marina recounting the earliest memories she has of her life: being taken from her home as a young child and left in the jungle to fend for herself. Without resources, survival seemed impossible. Yet, Marina's remarkable tale reveals that humans are capable of incredible adaptation, even in the most extreme of circumstances.

The series then takes us through a chronological retelling of Marina's life in the jungle, as she learned to communicate and interact with the monkeys in her new home. Chapman's story is both heart-wrenching and miraculous, as viewers watch her confront the most basic of human necessities without any of the aid or support that we often take for granted.

The narrative remains straightforward and grounded in realistic detail, as Marina recounts moments of joy and moments of terror, from confronting predators to forming bonds with the animals that raised her. Throughout, we see Marina's resilience and determination in the face of impossible challenges. Though she was forced to adapt to an entirely different existence than any other human, it's clear that this young girl was born with an inherent sense of perseverance and courage that helped keep her alive.

The documentary-style presentation elevates the story above mere theatrics, as we're given insight into the scientific implications of Marina's experience. Experts in human psychology share their insights on how Marina was able to develop language and social skills, and how her experience could help us better understand how human beings adapt to new environments.

Of course, the real star of the show is Marina herself. Now living in the UK with her family, her gentle demeanor and contagious smile serve as a reminder of the power of the human spirit to endure and thrive. It's not difficult to see how her experience informed her outlook on life and the importance of compassion and understanding.

Overall, Woman Raised by Monkeys offers a gripping, emotional, and educational window into the depths of the human experience. With beautiful cinematography and an understated yet powerful score, viewers are given a unique opportunity to consider the limitless potential of human adaptation in the face of adversity. Chapman's incredible journey reminds us that, beneath the surface, our capacity for strength and resilience is nothing short of awe-inspiring.