Thursday, March 22, 2012

When Humans And Wild Animals Come Together


Barbara: I’ve always wondered why wild animals respond to human interaction—despite every indication they should fear and avoid us. Why will an eagle sit on a trainer’s arm and not only allow itself to be petted, but seem to kinda like it? What evolutionary reason could there possibly be for any wild, not traditionally domesticated animal to respond to human stroking, touching, hugging or heartfelt looks? Seriously, if anyone has an answer, I’d love to hear it.

These three sweet and hilarious videos reflect my question. I saw the seal video ages ago and didn’t post it here—even though it astounded me—because someone responded that seals should never be encouraged to approach humans for two very serious reasons: 1) they are unpredictable and could be extremely dangerous, and 2) if they believe that humans are harmless and loving, they risk putting themselves in harm’s way with the not-so-loving among us. But I decided that—as this brought up such a positive feeling in me of that inexorable communing between species—that I would give you the provisos (ie never hug a seal!) and still share with you the experience. The part that will absolutely floor you in the penguin video comes at 1:05—do not miss it!



33 comments:

  1. Well, I guess it's no surprise that I love this post. I think I should have worked in a Zoo. Why do wild animals respond to humans so well? I think it has something to do with what you've just been studying Barb. It all has to do with energy.....they read energy like we talk, and respond to it. Happy, loving, sad, angry.. I think they read it all and respond accordingly. It never ceases to amaze me though, and I loved watching all the videos. Thanks Barb

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree, Mary-Jo, this does feel an awful lot like this shared energy I am learning about, doesn't it? Thanks!

      Delete
  2. LOVED THEM..!!! OBVIOUSLY :P....teehee the bear was adorable !!! and is it me or the penguin's tail was the cutest thing ever ?....I am not really fond of seals.....so dont worry I wont hug one....I do love DOLPHINS..though!!I never thought wild animals are dangerous really....I LOVEEEE TIGERS !!! And I absolutely adore these amazing animal trainers who get to be around these wonderful creatures...Especially that guy Dave Salmoni....also because he is so HOT !!..Man I'd give anything to have a tiger cub...and a lion cub...maybe a few cute little leopards...OH AND A DOLPHIN....and pandas----YOU KNOW WHAT I WANNA ENTIRE ZOO !!!

    I remember LOVING these videos......check 'em out they are really great

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rynvewVe21Y
    I love it how the cat throws attitude first :D

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btuxO-C2IzE

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2SoFxYPY2U&feature=related
    The guy is REALLY HOT !...But seriously....I love this him....he is so awesome with animals...Did you see how content he was ?? And did you see that tiger....it was so freaking CUTE !!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I totally get it, Shalaka! Although I also love the reality of these animals getting to be free away from human interaction, only coming in for a visit when it's good for them. The video clips you sent are wonderful! I'd seen the cat and dolphins one before and just loved it. You introduced me to Christian, of course. And the last one with the cats is so very adorable!

      Delete
    2. I know...they just want their privacy !!! They only attack when we invade it !!.....

      Delete
  3. I've never seen the waving bear but have seen the others before. I'm a sucker for cute animals though so watched them again. I do enjoy seeing when wild animals interact with humans in a postive way though because I think it is a rather unique thing. Certainly if you meet a grizzly bear in the wild waving at it wouldn't be the most appropriate response. I've had one really close encounter with a wild animal and although it didn't turn out badly I wouldn't care to repeat it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, I've heard some terrible stories about not-so-loving encounters between animals and humans. Which makes it that much more heart-stopping for me when the encounter goes in these ways. It doesn't seem possible!!

      Delete
  4. As a zoo keeper, I feel like I should answer this question! Animals are so much more sensitive than us--they can see us for what we truly are, see through the masks we wear, and they naturally respond to that. I've seen wild animals respond in both ways, depending on the person, but normally it's a relationship based on respect and even affection. If we treat them right, then they will treat us right. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Roz you are a zookeeper ??? you are so LUCKY !!!! :)

      Delete
    2. I am! So is my husband, actually. :) Although we're mainly primate orientated now, we've worked with a wide variety of animals over the years. It's a very low paid job, and rather smelly, but we do it for love! :D

      Delete
    3. Awwwh...!!! have you ever touched a tiger...???? I am so so eager to ! I love those cats !!!
      PS is it your daughter in your picture...coz she is really cute ! and so are you :)

      Delete
    4. Roz, this is so wonderful!! I just checked out your blog and so should everyone. Roz is a zookeeper, you guys! Even though I don't know if I could do it (getting attached and losing them is what scares me) -- it is definitely a "dream" job for me.

      Delete
    5. Oh, and thanks for your insight re the way animals establish relationships.

      Delete
    6. They're gorgeous. There's a hand raised tiger at our zoo, who is the biggest softie ever. Always comes to say hello! Unfortunately keepers aren't allowed in with him anymore... health and safety. *eye roll*

      Still, I've been lucky enough to play with lion cubs, baby gorillas, and help hand raise baby monkeys at home. :)

      Haha, thanks! Yes, that's my youngest daughter.

      Delete
    7. So what's easier to raise, Roz, baby tigers or baby-babies? ;)

      Delete
    8. AWWWWWWH....Roz can I come live with you ????
      And your daughter is precious.....!

      Delete
    9. Thanks, Barb! I haven't really updated my blog much, despite grand intentions. :P

      Haha, baby animals! Raising my two daughters is much harder, but both jobs are very rewarding. :)

      Thanks, Shalaka! She's our very own little monkey! We live across the pond in the UK, actually.

      Delete
  5. So cute to see. And I love that Roz is a zookeeper.

    ReplyDelete
  6. COOKIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    I love Cookie! :D So. Freaking. Cute! The waving bear, aahh!!!

    And I totally agree with Mary-Jo. :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Oh I love animals!!!!!!!!! We are close to ending up right back in that italics and exclamation point post again : )
    I even asked for a trip to the Zoo for my birthday the one year. It was most awesome!!!
    My mom gets on me sometimes because I tend to forget all I know and walk up to / try to pet / try to hold any animal I see. She gets worried when she finds me sitting in the yard holding a huge spider or honey bee or petting a stray cat or some other creature I found in the yard : )
    I love how animals trust us and these awesome videos prove it : )

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This is definitely an italics-CAPS !!!exclamation!!! worthy post! :)
      I love that you relate so comfortably and compassionately with all kinds of creatures.

      Delete
  8. Roz is now officially the coolest person in this thread. ;-) A zookeeper!!!!!!!!

    Laura in ATL

    ReplyDelete
  9. The automatic response is "HOW CUTE IS THAT????" Of course, it is, but these videos display so much about how closely animals and humans are related. It's thoughts like these that help reinforce my belief in evolution. Watching the penguin was like watching a child takes its first steps. He got his sea legs, as it were, got a decent idea of his surroundings, then headed off, knowing he could, and did, find safety in those around him. The penguin's innocence as a "child" is like our own, not knowing or caring who is keeping us safe, just trusting that we are, in fact, safe.

    There is also that sense of bonding, developed after a wary period of "Am I sure about this?" This was displayed beautifully with the seal and the woman. At first I saw the time on the video and thought, "Five minutes?? Of watching something waddle?" I quickly learned how much there was to learn from the entire encounter: that it ONLY took five minutes for the seal to develop trust, that the woman really knows her stuff, making no moves either toward or away from the seal. She kept neutral, and allowed what happened to happen in due time. And I learned that both have more patience than I do.

    The bear video was, I believe, just one hell of a coincidence, but it's still fun to watch! LOL

    Animals aren't given anywhere near the credit they deserve as intelligent, sentient beings. Though the number is starting to change, I think most humans only see animals as food, clothing, and/or shelter. They don't take the time to THINK about what else could be going on in an animal's brain. Animals see us as a threat to their habitat, their young, or their food. In addition to those, humans see animals as a threat to our "way of life," ie money, prosperity, and just more space, dammit. Our motivations aren't instinctual. That's how we've "evolved."

    Who poses the worse threat now? Who's smarter now?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There's more to this. I'm just pressed for time now. I may continue this in my own blog later. It's a subject about which I'm VERY passionate.

      Delete
    2. I look forward to whatever more you have to say on this subject, Dawn. So articulate and powerful. "Our motivations aren't instinctual": ain't that the truth?! Excellent thoughts/questions. Thank you xo

      Delete
  10. COOKIE!!!!!!! ^__^ I wubs Cookie!!!!!! Hadn't seen the seal video before; it is adorable as well. This is how I spend my free time (or again, my work time); watching adorable animal videos! Helps to de-stress after a CRAZY day!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I wonder if Heidi wishes she'd never hugged a Seal... ;)
    Oh, if that bear waved at ME the car seat would be more than damp, if ya know what I'm talkin about. EEEK.
    hugs,
    Karen

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hmmm. I know that my rabbits are interested in me and are curious, when I treat them as rabbits and let them be. They may not be tigers or bears, but they are wild, too.

    I love to sit down next to them or even lie down, and let them discover. They jump on my legs and back, lick me.

    They can make the first step, and learn that the don't have to be afraid. That they can do what they want, and I am pasive and don't do anything. Maybe it's some sort of trust and showing them my soul.

    I wouldn't do that when I see a really wild animal, but maybe it works likewise. Just be, and reveal everything.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Okay where can I get a baby penguin to add to my menagerie? Loved the videos of course reminded me of our trip to Sea World and my telling the kids I wished there was some way I could take one of the baby dolphins home with me!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Cute videos. I love the penguin. My dog was watching it with me and she kind of freaked when the penguin got loud. So cute!
    :) xo

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hello friends,

    Thanks for sharing this type of nice video about wild animals with us! It contains very informative matter. I would like to come here again. This type of posting should go on.

    ReplyDelete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.