Humanimal: Incredible Ways Animals Are Just Like Us!

For a long time, humans considered themselves better than animals, an assumption based on a lack of research: when Jane Goodall proved that chimpanzees made and used tools, the “proof” that humans were superior in the natural order became a bit shaky.

In fact, for thousands of years, indigenous peoples had considered animals equal to or even superior to humans because they lived close to animals every day and observed them in great detail.

It turns out that, in fact, humans have far more in common with animals than you might expect. For instance, humans and animals live in communities, play for fun and work together to achieve common goals – bees, when moving to a new hive, vote on which new location to use by copying the movements of the winning bee. Ravens have been spotted rolling down snowy hills for fun, and termites live in vast insect cities featuring a variety of living and working areas. Orcas, elephants and baboons have also been observed to show grief.

These examples and many more give a fascinating insight to the similarities between species and promote sympathy with the animal world – which can only be a good thing for future generations.