How do we know what animals are really feeling?
By Emiliano Rodríguez Nuesch and María Morena Vicente
Empathy is a complex emotion that often comes with boundaries, particularly when extending it beyond human beings to include other species. Feelings are central to what we call the Arithmetic of Compassion. Someone suffering draws our attention and support but, why is it that we struggle to understand animals' feelings, despite our capacity for sensitivity?
One of the key barriers is anthropocentrism, the belief that humans are superior to all other species. This mindset, deeply rooted in history and reinforced through generations, leads to the devaluation of non-human lives. It manifests in various ways, from using animals for entertainment and experimentation to exploiting wildlife for commercial gain. This sense of superiority often blinds us to the suffering of other species and undermines our ability to empathize with their experiences.
Science indicates that animals can experience a wide range of emotions because their brains and nervous systems are remarkably similar to ours. Various experts have studied how animals express emotions such as joy, grief, anger, and empathy, revealing that these emotional experiences are not exclusive to humans but are shared across different species.
To explore various approaches in bridging this barrier and fostering an understanding of animals' emotional experiences, we have compiled a series of internet videos showcasing compelling examples.
Can a crow and a baby be friends and feel joy together? Meet Russel, the wild crow that greets his favorite kid daily and waits to play with him. When Russel first flew to this family’s house, no one thought he’d stay. But his bond with baby Otto changed everything.
Some videos show that dogs enjoy listening to music. Are they experiencing happiness and joy? Kara Baldus is a pianist and vocalist who has gone viral on the Internet for not only her expertise in covering popular songs on the piano, but also for her dog Bradford. In this video, she shows how her hairy best friend reacts and feels while she plays the piano.
Monkeys have interesting ways to show they are being surprised. Here’s how they react to magic.
We may also wonder what exactly do animals feel and express when they reunite with humans. This series of human and animals encounters may offer a clue.
Children often connect with animal feelings more readily than adults because they are less encumbered by societal barriers and biases. What can they teach us about empathy with animals? Check out this video from a curious Seagull Impersonation Championship.
Cooper Wallace, a nine-year-old also known as “Seagull boy,” triumphed in a gull impersonation competition with his screeching skills. When asked by the host if he can imitate other emotions, he enthusiastically confirms his ability to mimic a hungry seagull.
Can fiction help us appreciate how animals feel? The novel "Black Beauty" (1877) is a great pioneer example of how literature can give voice to animals, urging readers to empathize with animal’s experiences and confronting the impact that human actions have on them. It was very influential at the time and helped raise awareness about animal welfare.
Through her words, author Anna Sewell moved beyond anthropomorphism to understand animal’s genuine perceptions and emotions, highlighting our interconnectedness with the natural world and calling for greater compassion and responsibility towards all living beings.
“We call them dumb animals, and so they are, for they cannot tell us how they feel, but they do not suffer less because they have no words.”
― Anna Sewell, Black Beauty (1877)
This article explores how our treatment towards animals has -and hasn’t- changed over the years. If you want a deeper dive on this topic, you may also find this reading interesting.
Do you think these videos can trigger conversation and inspire greater awareness and compassion towards these animals as sentient beings? Share your thoughts on this topic in our X page.