If humans really were to step down, who should be given the job of running this place? We invited all creatures to put forward their case to be made Rulers of the Earth. Here are the five finalists (translated into Human English to make it easier for you to read).

Apes  

It’s been widely reported that humans evolved from us apes (which any self-respecting ape sees as an insult, by the way). Therefore, once humans have gone we should be left in charge. Having learned from their mistakes, by the time we’ve evolved into humans again we’ll be ideally prepared to make a much better job of it next time round.

Flies  

One look at the figures should tell you why flies should rule the world. There are billions and billions of us. If there was an election tomorrow we’d win it hands wings down. Additionally if anybody gets in our way we can easily spread some kind of horrid disease to kill them off.

Lions  

Excuse me, but which beast is referred to as ‘King of the Jungle’? There’s a reason for that, you know. It’s because we’re bigger, tougher and nastier than any other animal. Who’d dare take us on in a fight to be Number One? A fly? Don’t think so somehow, and an ape would just run away up a tree and make silly screeching noises. We’ll be the next rulers, make no mistake.

Peacocks

Hey, slow down a minute, cat. Why this obsession with power and fighting? As everybody knows, the most attractive feature of any creature is their appearance, and who is there to match us? We’d spread joy and happiness throughout the land. Vote Peacock for Peace, man!

Bees  

I think you’re missing a crucial point here guys. What do we all need to survive? Oxygen, right? And where does it come from? You got it: plants! And who pollinates those plants to make sure there’s enough of them to keep the oxygen supply going? Us bees, that’s who. Without us you’d be finished.

So there you have it. It's time to cast your vote. Pick up your phone ........

............. the lines are now open!