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Animals actually feel more than we ever realized, and we are not talking about just dogs and cats. Here are 12 facts about animals that will either shock you, or make you feel like it is obvious because you have pets who experienced it.
1. The Dog That Slept Beside His Owner’s Grave for 6 Years
In Argentina, there was a German Shepherd named Capitan that ran away from his home after his owner died. Later on, he was found staying at the man’s grave, and he never left it.
For over six years, he just slept and ate there. During the day, he might go around the cemetery looking for food, but every single night, he would lie beside the grave of his owner. The family members tried to get him back, too; however, he just always returned to this spot until he passed away.
Source: PolitiFact
2. Elephants Who Reunited After 20 Years—and Couldn’t Let Go
Shirley and Jenny were both circus elephants when they were younger, but they were separated. After more than 20 years apart, they were reunited in a sanctuary.
People observed that they hugged with their trunks and have never left each other’s side after reuniting. When one of the elephants passed away, the other just stood they by her grave, touching the ground with her trunk and even refusing to leave.
Source: The Dodo
3. Rats Can Laugh—and Crave Human Affection
Rats can actually laugh when they are tickled and can enjoy bonding, even with humans. However, the laughs they release are high-frequency giggles that are beyond the range of what humans can hear.
This play and bonding with humans or other animals have been observed to have a positive impact on the rats’ overall well-being. Just like how humans need social connections and joyful experiences.
Source: NPR
4. Octopuses Get Depressed When They’re Lonely
Octopuses are known for being intelligent, so it is just right to theorize that they can also feel emotions just like other intelligent beings. It has actually been studied that when you put an octopus into captivity without anything to do in that space, they will feel bored and depressed.
They exhibit expressions that can be attributed to stress, such as writhing of their 8 arms, and making their skin or coloration darker. Studies also show that they can feel other emotions, such as joy and pain.
Source: DW
5. Chimpanzees Sit in Silence When a Loved One Dies
Chimpanzees grieve deeply when a member of their group dies; after all, they are one of the closest animals to humans, genetically. Just like us, they may want to stay with the body and refuse to leave it for several days, and often stay quiet and low-spirited.
Source: Evolution News
6. Cats Can Mourn Just Like We Do
Cats also grieve when they lose their owner or companion. They do this by trying to search for them as much as they can. If they lived in a house, they might walk in every corner, meow differently, and sleep longer.
In terms of vocalization, it varies per individual. There are other cats that will meow and cry excessively, and there are some that will become less vocal. But there is no denying that they grieve their loss just like humans do.
Source: VCA Animal Hospitals
7. Parrots Can Develop Anxiety When Left Alone Too Long
Parrots can feel loneliness and emotional neglect if they are left alone for far too long. Without any mental stimulation and affection from their owners or companions, they will exhibit various anxiety-related behaviors.
This is because parrots are highly intelligent and social beings. That is why, similar to humans, they can feel negative emotions and overall impact on their health when exposed to prolonged isolation.
Source: PetMD
8. Magpies Hold Funerals for Their Dead
Did you know that humans are not the only animals that hold funerals for their loved ones? Magpies do this too, and they even have some traditions, such as laying grass or pecking at the corpse during the funeral.
They usually start with the gatherings of the whole social group, and it has been observed that up to 40 magpies could gather, or even more, depending on how big their social group is. Then their tradition or ritual will come up next.
Source: Daily Mail
9. Dolphins Mourn Just Like Humans
Just like whales, dolphins can mourn the loss of their loved ones, especially their offspring. They have been seen carrying their calves for days and refused to let them go.
Dolphins also form close relationships and groups, and when one of them passes away, they may grieve by forming a circle around the body and making sad vocalizations.
Source: Science.com
10. Cows Cry and Show Anxiety When Separated
Cows may form deep friendships and are close to their herd or groups, so when they are separated from them, some have been seen to cry. They also show signs of having anxiety and vocalize more when this happens.
Other than that, they may also get stressed, have a higher heart rate, and their muscles and body could tense up. All of those signs tell us just how much those connections mean to them.
Source: Animal Behavior and Cognition
11. Cockatoos Can Get Heartbroken After Loss
Another animal that can express grief and be heartbroken when their owner or human dies or leaves them is the cockatoos. This is because they can form deep connections with their human and other companions, and are highly intelligent.
Some signs that they are grieving are excessive vocalizing or the complete stop of it, they may pluck out their feathers, and sit quietly for hours, not eating, and are in visible distress.
Source: Works for Birds
12. Gorillas Show Grief by Holding the Dead
Gorillas mourn not only for their fellow gorillas but also for humans. For example, one gorilla named Koko, who is very smart and can use sign language, experienced signs of grief after knowing about the death of her friend.
Other signs that gorillas are mourning are that they will usually sit in silence and will not have any appetite to eat. If it is their loved ones and gorillas in the social group, they may also gently touch and hold them.
Source: Smithsonian Magazine
Author's Final Thoughts
The next time someone tells you that animals do not have the same feelings that we do, you can show them these 12 facts and stories. Have you ever observed any of these with your pets? Let us know below!
Related: 4 Heartbreaking History Facts They Didn’t Teach You in School
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