The Emotional Lives of Animals: Depression and Beyond

For a long time, it was believed that only humans experienced complex emotions like depression. However, scientific research and observations over the years have revealed that many animals also exhibit signs that resemble depression. This article explores the emotional lives of animals, focusing on the concept of depression in the animal kingdom, its triggers, and the forms it takes.

Emotional Traumas in the Animal World

Many different creatures, from homo sapiens to small modern dinosaurs like pigeons, can experience imbalances in hormones or neurotransmitters, leading to various mental health issues. Captivity and cruel treatment can also cause mental health problems in animals, similar to those experienced by humans.

Pigeons: Lovers in Mourning

Take, for example, my pigeons. Pigeons, which are small modern dinosaurs, mate for life. When one of them is killed by a predator, the surviving pigeon often enters a state of mourning. This behavior is strikingly similar to human grief. The mourning pigeon will fly around searching for its mate, eventually settling into the nesting box and making low, moaning sounds that are reminiscent of calls used to communicate with the deceased mate. They may also exhibit a loss of appetite and reduced activity levels, behaviors often associated with depression in humans. This misplaced behavior could be linked to a mental state reflecting deep sadness and loss.

Signs of Depression in Human-Like Mammals and Birds

Research has shown that many mammals and birds are capable of experiencing a range of emotions, including sadness and depression. For instance, there are records of monkeys showing signs of withdrawal when their mothers are taken away, a behavior reminiscent of human depression.

A notable study conducted by Abraham Maslow explored the emotional behavior of animals. Maslow documented instances where animals exhibited behaviors indicative of depression. In captivity, avian species like parrots can display extreme emotions. When a bird is abused or stressed, it may resort to self-mutilation, pulling out its own feathers as a coping mechanism. This behavior is not just a sign of distress but can be an outward manifestation of depression in a captive environment.

Elephants, Cats, and Whales: Grief and Loss

Wild and domestic animals experience grief and loss, much like their human counterparts. Consider the grief experienced by elephants, who are among the most empathetic creatures on the planet. When a mother elephant loses her calf, the emotional impact is profound. The elephant will often perform behaviors that suggest she is searching for and mourning her lost child. Similarly, a mother cat will deeply grieve the loss of her kitten, staying close to the spot where the kitten died and displaying signs of detachment and lethargy.

Beyond the animal kingdom, even in the highly regulated environment of military settings, the emotional impact of losing a handler is starkly clear. When a pet is left behind after their handler's death in battle, the pet may lie on top of the tomb, reflecting their deep and profound emotions.

Waves of Grief: The Story of Tahlequah

One of the most compelling examples of animal grief is the story of Tahlequah, an orca whale who lost her newborn calf. For weeks, she carried the lifeless body of her newborn alongside her, making cries of frustration and despair. Despite the difficulties of tracking her, scientists followed her for several weeks, documenting the emotional turmoil she was experiencing.

Tahlequah’s journey and eventual release of her newborn can be seen as a testament to the deep emotional bond between a mother and her child, and the profound grief that can follow loss.

These stories underscore the complex emotional lives of animals and challenge the notion that humans are the only species capable of experiencing depression and other complex emotions. As we continue to study the emotional behaviors of animals, we gain a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of life and the profound impact of loss and suffering on all beings.