The concept of “pet” usually refers to domesticated animals living with humans for companionship. This leads to a question: do other animals form similar “pet-like” relationships with different species? While the human-pet bond is unique in its intentionality and domestication, interspecies relationships in the animal kingdom offer insights into what might constitute a “pet” from a non-human perspective.
What Constitutes a “Pet” in the Animal World?
Defining a “pet” in the animal world requires moving beyond human-centric ideas of ownership. It involves observing sustained, non-predatory interactions between different species that go beyond typical symbiotic relationships. These interactions can include apparent care, companionship, or the adoption of individuals from another species. Such behaviors suggest a bond formed for reasons other than immediate survival, focusing on social connection. A non-sexual bond between different species, often referred to as an interspecies friendship, is a key indicator, involving mutual trust and communication over time.
These relationships often demonstrate social bonding and mutual benefit, even if not driven by domestication. Animals engaging in these dynamics may exhibit behaviors like playful interactions, shared activities, or even protection of the other species. The presence of sustained, affiliative behaviors, where individuals seek proximity and engage in non-aggressive interactions, suggests a bond that resembles companionship.
Documented Cases of Interspecies Relationships
Numerous scientifically documented instances illustrate interspecies bonds resembling companionship. A lioness named Kamuniak in Kenya’s Samburu National Reserve adopted multiple oryx calves, protecting them from predators, a surprising behavior given lions typically prey on oryx. Another case involved a lioness at Gir National Park in India nurturing a leopard cub alongside her own offspring, unusual considering the competition between these species.
Interspecies adoption extends beyond large predators. A bottlenose dolphin in French Polynesia adopted an orphaned melon-headed whale calf, caring for it for at least three years and demonstrating a cross-species maternal bond. In the avian world, bald eagles have raised red-tailed hawk chicks alongside their own eaglets, feeding and protecting them despite being a different species. Wild capuchin monkeys have also adopted and integrated baby marmosets into their groups.
The Driving Forces Behind Animal Bonds
The motivations behind these interspecies bonds are complex and not always fully understood. One theory suggests “mistaken identity,” especially in adoption cases where a nurturing animal responds to a young, unrelated animal’s helplessness. Hormonal balances, particularly in lactating mothers, may also foster social inclusion of an “outsider.” Play behavior is another significant factor, as interspecific social play occurs between different species, helping animals learn social cues, communicate, and form bonds.
Mutualistic benefits can also drive these relationships, where both individuals gain something advantageous. This might include protection, companionship, or enhanced foraging opportunities. For example, a ram protected a blind cow, and a steer protected a blind mule, showcasing protective roles. Social bonding, driven by a desire for connection and stress reduction, is also a powerful motivator. The release of oxytocin, often called the “love hormone,” has been linked to bonding behaviors during positive social encounters, both within and between species.
Comparing Animal Bonds to Human Pet Ownership
While animals form fascinating interspecies bonds, these relationships differ from human pet ownership. Human pet ownership involves intentionality, domestication, and complex societal roles. Humans choose to keep animals for companionship, a concept not directly seen in animal-animal bonds. Domestication, influenced by human behavior over millennia, has shaped many species to coexist with humans, fostering unique human-animal friendships.
However, shared elements exist. Both human-pet relationships and animal interspecies bonds involve companionship and care. Animals, like humans, seek social connections to alleviate loneliness and stress. Strong bonds, even across species, provide benefits like reduced stress and improved well-being. These natural occurrences highlight a shared capacity for connection and mutual support that transcends species boundaries.