Jack Hanna's Wild Countdown Season 1 Episode 20 Animal Helpers

Jack Hanna's Wild Countdown season 1 episode 20 titled "Animal Helpers" showcases some of the most astonishing stories of animals helping humans in different ways. The episode explores the bond between humans and animals and how they have continually aided in making the world a better place. This episode features heartwarming stories that will make viewers appreciate the wondrous ways animals have assisted humans throughout history.

One of the standout stories in this episode is about a dog named Smudge, who saved his owner's life in a remarkable way. Smudge alerted his owner of an oncoming heart attack by repeatedly pawing at her chest, prompting her to seek medical attention immediately, which ultimately saved her life. The episode further showcases how dogs like Smudge are being trained to detect medical conditions such as seizures and diabetes in their owners and alert them before it's too late.

Another incredible story in this episode is about dolphins who are helping veterans with PTSD. The therapeutic value of dolphins has been known for a long time, but in this episode, viewers get to watch how these wonderful creatures are helping people overcome their emotional traumas. Veterans with PTSD from the military are taken to swim with the dolphins, and the interaction with these intelligent creatures, their sounds, and the unique environment, has proven to be an extremely effective form of therapy.

The episode also features a segment on bees, and how they have contributed significantly to the world's food system. Bees are fundamental to pollination, which makes it possible to grow fruits and vegetables. However, their existence is being threatened due to environmental changes, pesticides, and habitat loss. The segment highlights how people are taking steps to protect bees and also how beekeepers are working to improve the quality of honey using scientific methods.

The episode also features a story on how horses are being used to help people heal. Horses have an innate ability to read human emotions, and this has been exploited to offer therapeutic services to people with mental health disorders. Organizations are using horses to help people with disorders such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD, by offering them equine-assisted therapy. The therapy involves interactions with horses, and the animals' ability to read human emotions helps patients understand and manage their emotions better.

Another fascinating segment focuses on how dogs are being trained to assist in conservation efforts worldwide. Dogs have a remarkable sense of smell, and this has been harnessed to help locate and track endangered species. The dogs are trained and deployed in different parts of the world, and their skills have led to the discovery of species that were thought to be extinct. The dogs are also being used to prevent poaching, by detecting prohibited items such as ivory and rhino horns.

The episode also features a segment on how animals play a vital role in search and rescue missions during catastrophes. Dogs, in particular, have become instrumental in search and rescue operations worldwide. They are often used to locate missing individuals during natural disasters, and their ability to scent out survivors trapped in the rubble has saved countless human lives. The segment highlights how dogs are trained and the critical role they play in search and rescue, and the relationship they build with their handlers.

In conclusion, Jack Hanna's Wild Countdown season 1 episode 20 is an incredible and awe-inspiring showcase of the remarkable bonds humans share with animals. The episode highlights the diverse ways animals are helping humans, including improving people's mental and psychological well-being, helping people with health conditions, and the pivotal role they play in conservation and search and rescue missions. The episode further cements the belief that animals are not just our pets but are part of a larger cycle of life, and their importance to the world cannot be overstated.