Crocodile tears are they true or false?

“How cute is this kitten!” and “Oh my God, did you see the cuddly little puppy!” How often have we heard these and similar exclamations? These are the emotions triggered in many of us when we look at animals. Yet, we often do not consider that animals also have emotions. This may be a highly contested statement but recently a great deal of research has allowed scientists to prove that animals do think and feel.

They may not express such sentiments the same way as humans do. However, this does not and should not mean that they do not have them. An animal not only has feelings, but it expresses them and reacts to those of others. An animal can be happy, jealous, embarrassed, and more importantly, animals can even show empathy. This is true for any animal, lion, or a mouse. Some are just better at expressing and acting upon it. A prime example of an animal reacting to emotions is between loved pets. When a dog or a cat notices the sadness in its companion, it reacts and comforts them. Animals do not only have and express emotions, but they also understand those of humans. Many believe that it is only pets who have this trait. However, in 2017, August 14th Asian elephants were seen rescuing those trapped by dangerous floodwaters in Nepal and transported 11 miles to safety or in 2004, October 30th four swimmers were saved from a great white shark by a pod of altruistic dolphins, who swam in circles around them until the humans could escape.

Animals are so much more than just a pet that sits around in your living room or your couch! They support, they love, and they care. There are countless beautiful and valid stories of animals helping people overcome fears and disabilities or even giving them a purpose to live. One of my favourite examples is “A street cat named Bob”, a touching story of a cat named Bob who chose to save a man’s life by helping him get back on his feet and start fresh. Moreover, I have heard stories of horses helping humans with psychological problems. Peyo is a horse in France who visits hospitals and helps sick people get better. Horse therapy was mentioned as early as Hippocrates and regained popularity in the 1950s and 1960s when Danish Dressage Olympic Silver Medallist claimed that riding a horse helped him recover from polio. Many cancer patients have enjoyed the caring company of dolphins as they recovered after radiation therapy.

At the same time, such a show of empathy should not be taken for granted from animals. There is constant research about animal empathy. Unfortunately, this research still leaves many with questions that can’t be answered. This lack of knowledge is often what leads to misunderstandings about the complexity of animal awareness.

As Jane Goodall said: “Only if we understand, will we care. Only if we care, will we help. Only if we help shall all be saved”

We, as humans, should take time to rethink our appreciation for our relationships with animals. In Jane Goodall’s vein, let us understand them better, and it will make us care better for them. As we enjoy the magic of their empathy, we should remember that they enjoy it when we show ours to them, and we should do it a bit more conscientiously in the future.