Lasha Talakhadze, the world-record-holding weightlifter from Georgia, can step aside. His 2021 record of lifting 584 pounds pales in comparison to what an ant can achieve. An ant can lift up to 60 times its body weight, meaning if it were human-sized, it could lift 19,800 pounds! Goodbye gold medal.
Like the ant, many animals and plants possess abilities far beyond human capabilities. To showcase these "Athletes of Nature," the National Museum of Natural History (MNHN) will release a series of short programs on YouTube and France Télévisions starting July 24, coinciding with the opening of the Olympic Games.
Celebrating Nature's Remarkable Feats
The series will highlight how various animals and plants perform extraordinary feats, akin to human athletes. For instance, dolphins swimming in groups resemble synchronized swimmers. Comparisons extend to European hares versus boxers and even mangroves versus gymnasts. Jean-Philippe Siblet, a naturalist at MNHN and a sports enthusiast, emphasizes these connections, explaining how a dandelion can be likened to a kite surfer.
The twenty episodes, each two minutes long, are not meant to belittle human athletes but rather to celebrate the "remarkable capabilities of nature." Siblet notes, "For humans who see themselves as the strongest species, this calls for modesty."
Leveraging the Olympic Audience
The Olympics provide a perfect platform to educate the public about biodiversity. Siblet explains that the games allow them to reach a broader audience than usual.
With extensive filming across fifteen locations and a dedicated production team, the MNHN aims to deliver a powerful message about biodiversity protection. A significant portion of the species featured in the series are endangered.
Instead of using a moralizing tone, the series aims to inspire awe. For example, seeing a jumping spider perform breakdance-like moves with its eight eyes can evoke admiration rather than fear. Siblet hopes this will encourage viewers to protect rather than harm these creatures.
