Animals also have personalities

There are more playful, extraverted and curious ones. Others are a little more manic, shy or stubborn. Be that as it may, animals also prove to have their own personality and those extraordinary nuances that make them unique in terms of character.

Animals also have personalities. This is something that anyone who has a pet, be it a dog, a cat, a rabbit or a parrot will never doubt in view of the character that all these wonderful life companions demonstrate. There are some who are more curious, more introverted, some manic and bad-tempered, and many of them are affable and close.

Now, the study of animal behavior and, more specifically, Analysis of the personality of non-human species is producing interesting information. In fact, it is important to highlight that this field has developed thanks to multiple organizations aimed at the preservation of species.

Thus, when an orangutan, a bear, a wolf or any other animal that has experienced some trauma or adverse situation is rescued, It is important to understand what psychological situation you are in and how your adaptation occurs when you are introduced to another environment for your recovery.. It is interesting to know how they deal with trauma, how they relate to their caregivers, and how they adapt to other members of their own or other species.

Thanks to these works, we know that animals not only have their own personality. They also experience depression and other psychological disorders. Likewise, something that many of those who dedicate their lives to rescuing animals, whether dogs, cats or wild creatures, such as bears, know is that few accumulate resentment for their experiences. They know how to forgive and end up being very receptive to displays of affection.

“The eyes of an animal have the power to speak a great language.”

-Martin Buber-

Animals also have personalities: what science says

Animals cannot perform any type of test or standardized test that allows us to assess their personality.. Even so, and despite the difficulties, from a scientific point of view it is proven that animals also have personality. Monkeys, birds, dogs, guinea pigs, even fish and hermit crabs have their own character.

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Studies such as the one carried out by Dr. Samuel D. Gosling, from the University of Virginia, for example, gave rise to a detailed work where he analyzed the behavior of 12 non-human species. The results of analysis and observation demonstrated that, in some way, Their personalities could be assessed based on the Big Five model.

That is, factors such as extroversion, emotional instability, openness or kindness can be seen in many species of animals. Although yes, traits like consciousness are only present in primates.

An animal’s personality is largely determined by its experience

We know that an animal can show extroverted, dynamic and open behavior and at a given moment, become more withdrawn and shy. Something like this frequently occurs in animals that have been through a circus or a zoo facility in poor conditions.

On the other hand, It will seem striking to know that this also happens in the cold world of fish. Thus, studies such as the one carried out by Dr. Ashley J. Frost, from the University of Liverpool, point out something interesting. Rainbow trout, for example, become more timid, slow in their movements and elusive after a fight with another highly aggressive and dominant conspecific.

All of this shows us not only that animals also have personalities. Besides, They, like human beings, go through traumatic experiences that completely change their character.

All animals know how to forgive

We often point out that animals have no malice and that most of them are noble by nature. Well, Alexander Weiss, one of the great experts in the behavior of non-human species, gives us something to reflect on. If we stopped to take into account that many animals have personalities, we would discover not only that we resemble them in many ways. Sometimes, Even we ourselves should learn from the animal kingdom.

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To understand it better we will tell a brief story. In China they have a well-known animal rescue center called Moon Bear. There they care for bears that have gone through horrible experiences. Most of them related to traditional Chinese medicine, which consists of extracting bile from bears to cure (supposedly) diseases.

Many of these animals are rescued in terrible conditions, with injuries that go beyond physical ones.. Thus, one of the best-known inhabitants of this center is Jasper, a bear who left behind an immense psychological trauma. The caretakers managed to gradually leave its past behind until it became what it is now, an affectionate animal that is no longer afraid of humans.

Jasper has given way to forgiveness, like many others. And this is not an isolated case, a large part of the animal species that have been rescued, within a few months show an affectionate, humble and close openness towards those who have helped them. They also understand resilience and are also exceptional masters in the crafts of forgiveness, generosity and hope..

Learning from them can undoubtedly be a privilege.