Watch Animals That Made History

Animals That Made History is a fascinating documentary series produced by FilmRise that explores the incredible role that various animals have played throughout history. From the brave military dogs of World War II to the loyal horses that transported Native Americans across the American West, Animals That Made History sheds new light on the crucial and often overlooked roles animals have played in human history.

The series consists of nine episodes, each one focusing on a different animal and its unique contribution to human society. The episodes are richly informative and beautifully filmed, combining interviews with experts, historical footage, and stunning wildlife cinematography to tell the stories of these remarkable creatures.

The first episode, "Horses That Built America," explores the integral role that horses played in the settlement of the American West. Long before the automobile, horses were the primary mode of transportation in the United States, and this episode tells the story of how they helped to build and expand America's frontiers.

"War Dogs" takes a closer look at the heroic dogs that served in the military during World War II. These dogs were trained to perform a variety of tasks, from sniffing out landmines to detecting enemy troops. The episode also explores the bond between these dogs and their human handlers, and the sacrifices they made in service to their country.

The third episode, "Dolphins That Saved Lives," tells the story of how dolphins have been used in search and rescue missions around the world. From locating lost swimmers to detecting underwater mines, these highly intelligent creatures have proven to be invaluable in a variety of emergency situations.

"Elephants That Went to War" takes viewers back in time to explore the use of elephants in battle throughout history. From ancient India to the Roman Empire, elephants were often used as living tanks, carrying soldiers into battle and trampling over enemy lines. The episode also looks at the role of elephants in modern warfare, particularly in Southeast Asia.

Next up is "Cats That Ruled the World," which takes a closer look at the fascinating history of domesticated cats. From ancient Egypt to modern-day social media influencers, cats have been beloved companions to humans for thousands of years. This episode explores the unique traits that make cats such popular pets, as well as their mysterious and sometimes unpredictable nature.

"Seals That Hunted for the CIA" explores the little-known world of military animal intelligence. During the Cold War, the CIA trained seals to covertly recover equipment from the ocean floor, a practice that continued into the 21st century. This episode delves into the fascinating and often murky world of government animal training.

The seventh episode, "Chimpanzees That Learned Sign Language," tells the story of Koko, the famous gorilla who was trained by a researcher to communicate using sign language. Koko's remarkable abilities and the deep bond she formed with her human trainers captured the world's attention, and this episode looks at the ongoing debate about the use of primates in scientific research.

"Birds That Hunted for Sport" takes a closer look at the ancient practice of falconry, in which birds of prey are used to hunt small game. From the Middle East to Europe, falconry has remained a popular pastime for centuries, and this episode explores the complex relationships between humans and their feathered hunting companions.

Finally, "Dogs That Changed the World" examines the crucial role that dogs have played in human history. From sled dogs in the Arctic to guide dogs for the blind, dogs have been trained to perform a wide variety of tasks that have helped to shape human society. This episode celebrates the incredible loyalty, intelligence, and versatility of man's best friend.

Overall, Animals That Made History is a captivating and informative documentary series that sheds new light on the important contributions that animals have made to human society throughout history. With its stunning cinematography, thought-provoking interviews, and fascinating stories, this series is a must-watch for anyone interested in animals, history, or both.

Animals That Made History is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (6 episodes). The series first aired on January 1, 2009.