The Dog And It's Wild Ancestors, Part 2 (79/268)

The Dog And It's Wild Ancestors, Part 2 (79/268)

Part 2: When we think of endangered animals such as tigers, lions or jaguars, we naturally would like everything to be done to save these species. In contrast wolves, wild dogs and jackals are not as lucky in terms of their popularity. The relationship between them and human beings has always been marked by mistrust and aversion. For hundreds of years these animal species have been hunted, persecuted and killed. In the meantime the "big bad wolf" has practically been exterminated in Central Europe, even though fear of it was actually completely unjustified. In Africa dog species which live in the wilds also have a hard time of it - especially wild dogs which have already been mercilessly exterminated in many regions. Also endangered: the "canis simensis", an Abyssinian wolf species, whose stock world-wide is now estimated to be less than 400 animals. How ever did human beings go to the dogs? When did the taming of their wild relatives, who are now threatened by extinction, take place? 15,000 years ago or already 100,000 perhaps? Whether in quiet and remote areas in Brazil, India, Australia or the Rocky Mountains, the film team tirelessly searches for the answers to the elementary questions: How much wildness is there in the domesticated dog and how much possible tameness in a wolf?

The following new episodes are available:

• Jaguar Safari
  

• The Guinea Pig and his Grumpy Neighbors
• Raccoon Party
• Tiger Country
• Portugal - The Return of the Wild Creatures