Did you ever notice your dog gets depressed when you do? That your cat seems to make you feel more relaxed? Every wonder why? In this hour of To the Best of Our Knowledge, the connection between people and animals. Primatologist Frans de Waal says it may not be opera and abstract art, but animals have culture too. And we hear new stories and relive old tales with the son of the world's most famous veterinarian, James Herriot.

Frans de Waal's latest book is "The Ape and the Sushi Master: Cultural Reflections of a Primatologist." De Waal talks with Steve Paulson about the evidence demonstrating that animals have culture, from monkeys who wash their vegetables to mother whales who teach their youngsters how to beach themselves to catch sea lions. Also, neurologist Dave Soldier collaborated with scientist Richard Lair to teach elephants to play music. They've released the results of the Thai Elephant Orchestra on Mulatta Records. Soldier tells Anne Strainchamps about the instruments and the elephant musicians. Learn more about them at www.mulatta.org.

Veterinarian Allen Schoen is the author of "Kindred Spirits." He tells Jim Fleming about some of his experiences working with animals, including the amazing nursing abilities of his dog, Megan, and makes the case for animal consciousness.

Jim Fleming talks with Jim Wight, a vet himself, and the son of the man known to the world as James Herriot. Like his father, Jim Wight's turned to writing. His book is "The Real James Herriot: A Memoir of My Father." He says the characters in "All Creatures Great and Small" were all based on real people, but that way of life is gone forever. Also, A.L. Kennedy is the author of "On Bullfighting." She tells Steve Paulson what happens in the ring and tries to explain bullfighting's primal power and beauty.

Distribution dates:

• week of 03/25/2001 - hour 2