You don’t have to own a pet to know that animals can be hilarious. If you’ve ever visited a zoo or observed your local squirrel population, you’ve probably giggled at what these little creatures can do. But have you ever thought about whether or not animals have a sense of humor of their own? According to a 2024 study, some just might.
After watching 75 hours of videos of great apes interacting with one another, researchers noticed that they were exhibiting teasing behaviors. The most popular examples of this were poking, hitting, hindering the movement of another ape, body slamming, and pulling on a body part. Some even waved objects in front of another ape’s face or pulled each other’s hair.
Apes aren’t the only animals that scientists believe have a sense of humor, though. The BBC explains that even Charles Darwin observed playful behavior in dogs.
In his book The Descent of Man, he wrote: "If a bit of stick or other such object be thrown to one, he will often carry it away for a short distance; and then squatting down with it on the ground close before him, will wait until his master comes quite close to take it away. The dog will then seize it and rush away in triumph, repeating the same maneuver, and evidently enjoying the practical joke."
It’s no secret that lots of people absolutely love their pets. If you have one, you probably can’t imagine your life without them. And vice versa. But if you’re wondering why these little creatures capture our hearts so easily, Daniel Mills, professor of Veterinary Behavioral Medicine at the University of Lincoln, might have some answers.
One reason Mills points out is the fact that humans are instinctively drawn to creatures with child-like characteristics. So when you see a dog with huge eyes or a kitten that appears to be behaving like a baby, you can’t stop your heart from melting.
Mills explains that we also tend to develop a strong attachment to anything or anyone that we have to take care of. If you have a pet, they’re dependent on you for food, water, medical care, and cuddles. Once you develop a bond by caring for them, you’ll likely form a strong emotional attachment as well. You help them out by making sure they’re happy and healthy, and they help you out by providing affection and companionship.
Jason N. Linder, PsyD, says that another reason why we love animals so much is that they’re pure. It can sometimes be difficult to decipher what a human’s intentions are, but animals wear their hearts on their sleeves (or their fur?). Your dog is not trying to manipulate you; it’s very clear what they want. And no matter how conniving your cat may seem, they aren’t going to stab you in the back. Relationships with animals can be simple and wholesome. You know you can trust them.
According to BetterHelp, highly sensitive people tend to attract animals more than others. These individuals are usually drawn to the natural world, and it can be easier for them to connect with animals who are also extremely sensitive to their surroundings. They don’t need words to communicate to an animal that they are a safe person to approach. Animals can sense that, and they may feel more at ease around people who match their energy.
