© Sandy Huffaker/The New York Times/HeadpressRaina the Rhodesian ridgeback and Ruuxa the cheetah at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in California, 2015.
In Cheshire, a fox is poised to pounce on its mate when a badger bursts from a bush. The badger starts chasing the fox, which keeps leaping away, finally distancing itself. Then the fox suddenly turns back, approaches cautiously, and jumps sideways, facing the badger head-on. Back arched, head low, it stops, remains still. After a pause, the badger swiftly resumes the chase, causing the fox to hop around before lunging at its companion and darting off together.
In Orlando, three dolphins are swimming in unison when one forms a perfect bubble ring. Another immediately approaches and blows another ring, which merges with the first to create a larger hoop. The third dolphin appears to attempt to pass through it, completing their improvised choreography.
Animals often engage in play, from the spectacular to the subtle. Hyenas stage mock brawls, cats spin in circles chasing their tails, octopuses play push-and-pull with bottles, dogs bury sticks only to dig them up moments later... Even polar bears have been spotted playing with dogs, grabbing them in what looks like a hug, rolling in the snow, and letting the dogs gently nibble their lips. Such scenes make us grin with delight. But is that all there is to it?
Comment: Though the author is clearly in the Darwinist camp, she raises some interesting questions about animal intelligence, and the need to widen limited lens with which we tend to view it.
Another famous example of animal play from 2015. There seems to be no motivation except enjoyment of the experience, The bird is even able to distinguish the best sliding spot:
Comment: Though the author is clearly in the Darwinist camp, she raises some interesting questions about animal intelligence, and the need to widen limited lens with which we tend to view it.
Another famous example of animal play from 2015. There seems to be no motivation except enjoyment of the experience, The bird is even able to distinguish the best sliding spot: