Imagine, like Dr Doolittle, we could talk to the animals. We would no longer have to try and figure out what they were thinking or feeling; we’d be able to get the information first-hand. But then do animals really feel emotion, or is it pure anthropomorphism on our part – a wish to see human behavior and characteristics where they don’t necessarily exist?
Yet, when you see the helplessness in abused animals, the intense sadness of a mother gorilla that has recently lost her baby or the abandoned joy of a dog simply running after a stick – how can we say animals don’t feel? It would be arrogant to believe that humans are the only species capable of emotion. These images below show that we’re not so different really, them and us.
1. Love
Image: mozzerock
One of the strongest emotions, love can be seen expressed frequently throughout the animal kingdom. Swans usually mate for life, though if breeding is unsuccessful they sometimes separate. They’re often seen being affectionate in the wild.
2. Sadness
Image: Marilia Almeida
Beagles are especially good at looking sad. With their downward turned eyes and long floppy ears, it’s hard not to be won over by our furry little friends. Sadness is evident in many animals; you only have to walk through a zoo to see this first-hand.
3. Happiness
Image: Photos8.com
OK, so this cheeky pup may just be very photogenic, but with the downturned ears and tilt of the head, it seems quite happy to be posing for the camera. Happiness is one of the more apparent emotions seen in animals, whether they’re jumping, frolicking or playing.
4. Curiosity
Image: Farhad
All animals, like humans, are innately curious. This inquisitive behaviour, which entails exploring and investigating their surroundings, is part and parcel of all animal development.
5. Contentment
Image: Alex
Looking at this little curled up squirrel, there’s no doubt that it’s quite happy with the situation. Being content is probably one of the main emotions that people strive to attain, yet few truly achieve.
6. Fear
Image: Paolo Margari
Fear is something no mammal can escape. An inbuilt ‘fight or flight’ mechanism means that we’re all hard-wired to face our fears should we really need to, or choose to run the other way. This little kitten decided to wait till the danger passed. Good move!
7. Ashamed
Image: Photos8.com
The idea that animals feel shame is a hotly debated topic. It comes from having a strong sense of guilt, embarrassment or disgrace, which many would say is impossible for an animal to experience. However, when you see a dog with its tail between its legs after being told off, and looking terribly guilty, it’s hard to say they don’t feel shame.
8. Bored
Image: Photos8.com
A concrete zoo enclosure is so far removed from the chimpanzee’s natural habitat that no matter how many playthings and treats they’re given, it’s not enough, so boredom frequently sets in. Chewing on a sheaf of grass might make it a little easier to cope with, though.
9. Lust
Image: trespassers
Whether it is a matter of purely ensuring the continuation of the species, or a genuine affection, all animals feel lust at one stage or another. However, all animals are not necessarily into threesomes!
10. Playfulness
Image: abysim
Like so many other emotions, playfulness is connected to joy. It is an active representation of how an animal feels on the inside, and for many is part of their learning process, as well as hierarchical structures.
11. Expectant
Image: Photos8.com
There’s certainly something going on out of shot here as this ring-tailed lemur is undoubtedly waiting for something to happen… or is watching for a predator’s next move before taking cover.
12. Patience
Image: Photos8.com
Wolves are especially good at playing the waiting game. A wolf can sometimes track their prey for hours, and then wait on the sidelines until an opportune moment allows them to go in for the kill.
13. Affection
Image: Tambako the Jaguar
Taken in Hamburg Zoo, this photograph captures a great moment between a mother and her ten-month-old lion cub. Bonds of affection can be just as strong, if not stronger, in the animal world.
14. Anger
Image: Photos8.com
On the flipside of contentment and joy is anger. Whether it is from feelings of frustration, fear or competition, nearly all animals have the ability to get angry… some more than others, and especially if their territory is being breached. Beware of the tamarin monkey!
15. Disgust
Image: Photos8.com
Cats are top of the charts for being able to rely on their feelings of disgust and contempt. They have a knack for looking down their noses at people, and animals, which often makes for priceless photography.
This is TRUE & they are more intelligent than we give them credit. I LOVE allllll Animals.
lovely! made me smile! thanks for sharing
I have worked with animals all my life as a child saving terrified mice from cats or as an adult 11 years spent as a vet tech, doing volunteer rescue work & my own herd of hairy babies at home. I don’t think I have ever seen an animal in my life that did not have emotion in their eyes and they say the eyes are the window to the soul. Just looking into their eyes can make me laugh or cry. I could not imagine my life without the unconditional love and support of my hairy babies. The only thing that makes me feel horrible is that I see so many animals from domestic to wild that need help but I had to learn I can’t save them all from abuse or neglect all I can do is take care of mine at home and donate what little money or time I can to help! The world as a whole does not understand if we destroy all the animals and their environments we destroy ourselves but if we all care for the living creatures around us then we save ourselves! People can be molicious animals are instinctual there is nothing molicious about them they just try to survive!
great!!!!
I love the pictures!