Raised Human

Raised Human is a documentary series that aired on Animal Planet in 2017, exploring the profound and unique relationships between humans and their exotic pets. While many people share their homes with cats and dogs, this series takes a deeper dive into the lives of individuals who have taken the more unusual route of raising wild animals as part of their families.

Throughout the show, viewers are introduced to several stories of human-animal bonds that transcend what is commonly understood as traditional pet ownership. The animals featured in Raised Human are not the ordinary household pets; they are creatures one would typically find in the wild or in zoos, including primates, big cats, bears, and other rare species.

Each episode of Raised Human tells the story of one or more of these unconventional animal-human families. Through candid interviews and observational footage, the series invites the audience to discover how and why these individuals have devoted their lives to caring for these wild animals. Viewers gain insight into the challenging circumstances under which these caregivers often come to meet their animal companions—rescuing them from dire situations, inheriting them from previous owners, or even receiving them as unusual gifts.

As the narratives unfold, Raised Human delves into the day-to-day realities of living with animals whose needs and behaviors are far removed from domesticated pets. The series does not shy away from the complexities and controversies surrounding the practice of raising exotic animals at home. The caregivers are often seen grappling with the practical, emotional, and ethical dimensions of their lifestyle choice. They tackle issues such as creating an appropriate living environment, ensuring the well-being and enrichment of the animals, and sometimes dealing with legal regulations aimed at protecting wildlife.

Raised Human also spends considerable time illustrating the profound emotional connections that form between the humans and their animal charges. The series reveals moments of tenderness, joy, and mutual understanding that challenge viewers’ preconceived notions of wild animals’ capacity for companionship and affection. These interspecies relationships are presented as deeply personal and transformative experiences that have shaped the lives of those involved and redefined their understanding of family and co-existence.

Throughout its episodes, the show educates audiences on the natural behaviors and instincts of the various species, emphasizing the importance of respecting and preserving the wild natures of these animals, even in captivity. There are lessons about conservation, the importance of wildlife habitats, and the perils facing these animals in the wild due to factors like habitat loss, hunting, and the illegal pet trade.

Raised Human also delves into the future implications of raising wild animals. It contemplates what happens as the animals mature and become more challenging to handle, exploring the heart-rending decisions caregivers must make about their ability to continue providing a safe and loving home for their non-human family members. These ethical dilemmas are at the core of the series, prompting viewers to consider the long-term responsibilities and potential consequences of forming such extraordinary relationships.

The series draws on the expertise of veterinarians, animal behaviorists, and conservationists, who weigh in on the cases presented, offering a perspective that is grounded in professional understanding of wildlife. Their commentary provides a broader context for the individual stories, highlighting the critical balance that must be maintained between human empathy and the inherent wildness of the animals.

Raised Human is a thought-provoking journey into a world where the lines between the wild and the domestic blur. The series does not simply romanticize the idea of raising wild animals but recognizes the profound dedication required to create a life shared between humans and their unconventional companions. By showing deep respect for the wild creatures at its center, Raised Human becomes an illuminating exploration of the beauty and challenges that come with living alongside nature’s most remarkable creatures.

While this series may not be as widely known as other Animal Planet offerings, it nonetheless invites a conversation about the responsibilities humans have toward animals and the natural world. It encourages viewers to marvel at the possibilities of human-animal relationships while asking them to consider the long-term implications and moral responsibilities inherent in such close interspecies associations.

In essence, Raised Human is a captivating portrayal of love, dedication, and the unique journey of those who have chosen to embrace the challenge of raising wild animals as family members. It is a testament to the human desire for connection, the complexity of the natural world, and the ongoing conversation about the place of wildlife in human society.