Covid 19, one of the worst pandemics has made people stay away from each other. But the most emotional thing ‘a a hug’ has been stolen away from us. This has taught us the importance of a hug which enhances the sense of love, reassurance, and calm.
We have always limited our thoughts to humans. We know that humans hug each other to express their feelings. But what about the Animal Kingdom. Do they also hug each other to express themselves?
Let’s understand this by first understanding what a hug means. It is the act done by two humans wrapping arms around each other and exchanging emotions. Yes, this act is possible in animals as well except for some primates. Animals have their unique way of hugging each other.
Demonstration of Comfort and Care
A small study was done on Bonobos, which we’re living in a sanctuary of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The scientist said that hugging was commonly seen in the bonobos living in the sanctuary than those who live in wild. They adapt the practices of their caregivers.
The orphaned bonobos required lots of love and reassurance and hence they hang out with each other even while walking.
Generally, the young bonobos look forward to hugs after they had any fight or stress.
Farsighted peace
The scientists said that animal hugs resonate with human hugs. Animals also hug for love, affection, and reassurance.
But other studies suggest that they not only hug after a fight or stress but might also hug to avoid any conflicts between them.
It was seen by an ethologist in Spider Monkeys. Research done in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula revealed that these spider monkeys approach each other to prevent any type of conflicts when they meet another group of monkeys.
So they embrace the situation by hugging each other to avoid any type of fight.
So, every animal has their unique reasons for hugging each other. They also have emotions and feelings. The word Hug is now for everyone may it be humans or animals.
