DiscoverWhat The Duck?!Self-medicating species: Animals that say yes to drugs
Self-medicating species: Animals that say yes to drugs

Self-medicating species: Animals that say yes to drugs

Update: 2025-07-18
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Description

It turns out self-medicating and herbal remedies are not exclusive to humans.

From cats eating grass, to elephants making medicinal tea in their throat pouch — the animal world has its own prescriptions.

And naturally, there's plenty of digging through poo involved in this scientific research!

Featuring:

  • Dr Kevin Feeney, Central Washington University.
  • Professor Michael Huffman, University of Kyoto.
  • Dr Sophia Daoudi-Simison, Newcastle University UK.

Production:

  • Ann Jones, Presenter / Producer.
  • Nick Kilvert, Presenter/ Producer.
  • Petria Ladgrove, Producer.
  • Mastering: Angela Grant.

This episode of What the Duck?! was first broadcast in 2022 and was produced on the land of the Wadawarrung and the Kaurna people.

Stream the brand-new series Dr Ann's Secret Lives on ABC iview.

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Self-medicating species: Animals that say yes to drugs

Self-medicating species: Animals that say yes to drugs

Australian Broadcasting Corporation