麻豆社

For centuries it was thought that animals did not share the same emotions as us but new science is starting to change that view. Liz Bonnin sets out to explore the complex and diverse relationships that animals have and asks whether animals love.

She starts by travelling to the Democratic Republic of the Congo to meet one of our closest animal relatives, bonobos, who seem to have found the secret of long-lasting successful relationships. From wild dogs in Africa to tamarins in the UK, Liz continues her journey to find out what it takes to have a successful relationship in the animal kingdom.

In Switzerland, Liz learns about Tariq, a goose who, when faced with a choice, stuck firmly to his mate. For some species, these relationships last a lifetime - and it is not always just about having young. Liz meets Franki and ET, two elephants with a remarkable story of a lifelong friendship and an extraordinary relationship with the man who saved them. Along the way she meets Dotty and Zee, a pair of penguins who defied expectation when after ten years together as a devoted couple, it was discovered that things were not quite as they seemed.

Finally, in search of an answer to her question, Liz also meets a Siamang gibbon called Sam and hears how he dealt with the death of his life partner.