Doctors by Nature

This compelling exploration of animal self-medication reveals how creatures from chimpanzees to caterpillars actively treat their own illnesses using nature's pharmacy. When primatologist Michael Huffman observed a sick chimp seeking out specific medicinal plants, he opened a new frontier in understanding animal behavior and zoopharmacognosy. The book documents fascinating cases of wildlife using plants, fungi, and even insects to combat parasites, heal wounds, and treat digestive issues—demonstrating that animals aren't just passive victims of disease but active participants in their own healthcare.

What makes this work particularly engaging is how it bridges the gap between human traditional medicine and animal behavioral science, showing parallel healing strategies across species. Teen readers interested in biology, ecology, or veterinary science will find themselves reconsidering what it means to be "wild" when animals demonstrate such sophisticated medical knowledge. The accessible science writing makes complex concepts about animal intelligence and evolutionary medicine feel immediate and relevant, ultimately changing how we perceive the natural world's innate wisdom.