15 Facts about Animals That Will Make You Smile
The animal kingdom offers a whole host of wonders, ranging from the mighty elephant to the tiny shrew. However, there are some endearing things you may not know about many of these creatures. Here are 15 cute facts about animals that will definitely make you smile!
Sea otters hold hands while sleeping
One of the cutest things in the animal kingdom has to be the fact that sea otters hold hands while they sleep. They form groups called ‘rafts’ and this is to stop them from drifting apart. This behavior is one of the most adorable behaviors you’ll witness in animals!
Cows have best friends
Although not commonly known, research shows that cows have complex emotional intelligence. Something even more special is that they actually form incredible relationships with other members of the herd, even having ‘best friends’. When they are separated from these friends, they become stressed.
Quokkas always look like they’re smiling
If you’ve ever seen a Quokka, you’ll notice their facial expression straight away. These small animals are dubbed the ‘happiest animals on Earth’ as they always seem to be smiling. This facial expression is due to the Quokka’s facial muscles and protruding front teeth, and is extremely cute.
Penguins use a pebble to propose
Some penguin species, such as the Macaroni and Magellanic species usually mate for life. What’s even more endearing, is that penguins actually ‘propose’ with a pebble. They use a good pebble that they think their partner will like, and it’s seen as a gift to acknowledge the relationship between them.
Male puppies will often let female puppies win during play-fights
Another endearing fact in the animal kingdom is that male puppies will often let female puppies win during play-fights, even though the males have a physical advantage. This is to encourage female puppies to play with them more, and researchers believe this early behavior serves them well in later life.
Adult squirrels will adopt orphaned or abandoned squirrels
Unlike other species, squirrels will actually adopt orphaned or abandoned kits (baby squirrels). In most cases, the young are somehow closely related to the adult squirrel, but it’s still incredibly cute. It gives the little ones a fighting chance, as they would undoubtedly die on their own.
Dolphins have names for each other
Dolphins are considered to be one of the most intelligent species on the planet. So much so, that they have names for each other. Research has found that bottlenose dolphins ‘call out’ specific names of their loved ones when they become separated. This is done by using unique whistles.
Elephants ‘suck’ their trunks
Just as children suck their thumbs, baby elephants ‘suck’ their trunks for comfort. This is common in the early stages of life, but even older elephants (including bulls) have been known to do it. It’s believed to provide comfort when elephants are feeling unsure or nervous.
Rats and mice laugh when they’re tickled
Rats and mice may not be the most loved of wildlife species, but they do have a unique charm. Both animals are thought to be fun-loving and it’s believed they like to be tickled. Similar to humans, mice and rats let out a type of ‘squeal’ when being tickled which is high-pitched.
Prairie dogs ‘kiss’ to identify each other
Prairie dogs live in incredibly tight-knit groups, made up of at least several members (although some species live in colonies of hundreds). These creatures are highly social and actually ‘kiss’ to greet and identify each other. It’s an incredibly endearing behavior.
Dolphins have been known to rescue swimmers
There have been reports of dolphins saving humans for thousands of years, and it’s still happening today. Several instances have been recorded of dolphins coming to the aid of humans who are drowning. These highly intelligent creatures have also been known to protect people from sharks.
Swans swim beak-to-beak
Swans are the definition of true love in the animal kingdom as they mate for life. Couples can be seen regularly swimming together, sometimes beak-to-beak which creates a beautiful heart shape. Like with humans, swans will grieve if they lose their partner.
Honeybees communicate by dancing
Honey bees are known to communicate with each other by dancing. When they’ve discovered a lucrative pollen area nearby, they perform a ’round dance’ to other bees. This is then followed by the ‘waggle dance’ which shows other individuals where the pollen is, in what direction, and how far away it is.
Japanese macaques make snowballs for fun
Japanese Macaques display various unique behaviors, such as relaxing in local hot springs to keep warm. They have also been seen playing with snowballs, which is now believed to be just for fun! Entire troops are often seen engaging in this activity, making it an incredibly charming sight.
Alligators give manatees the ‘right of way’
Manatees are famous for being gentle creatures and have no natural predators. Even alligators are known to give manatees the ‘right of way’ while swimming. This behavior is more commonly seen during the manatee’s migration season as they seek out warmer waters.
Emese Maczko is a travel blogger behind Eco Lodges Anywhere. Having explored several destinations around Europe, the US, Indonesia, and Australia, and resided in Germany, the United Kingdom, and Luxembourg, Emese possesses a keen understanding of diverse cultures and an appreciation for the beauty of each destination she visits. She advocates for sustainable travel and ecotourism.