Jay Griffiths

Pet-owners and animal-lovers instinctively know that animals heal. From a pot- bellied pig who saved her owner’s life, lions who guarded a girl from kidnappers, dolphins and whales rescuing people in danger, and dogs who can smell cancer and phone the Emergency Services. Animal sounds, from insects to birdsong and the purring of cats, are directly medicinal and their presence can heal the pain of loneliness. Animals, including donkeys, can be natural therapists for the hurt psyche, alleviating trauma, fear and depression. Jay argues that animals can have a role in every level of healing, from the individual to the collective, guiding us in how we might create societies that are healthier, fairer and kinder. Jay will be in conversation with naturalist and writer Mark Cocker.