In a new study, scientists are trying to understand whether these animals can recognize and convey human emotions.
Researchers already know that pets like cats, dogs, and horses can sense and respond to people’s emotions. But until now, scientists knew extremely little about whether animals kept in zoos could read people’s emotions and respond to them in any way, The Guardian writes.
Scientists decided to focus on examining this issue in a new study that will last three years. Researchers from Nottingham Trent University focused on studying meerkats in zoos. The choice fell on these animals, as they are very social and, as a rule, interact with zoo owners and visitors.
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The study was co-authored by Dr. According to Samantha Ward, the study will observe the meerkats at the zoo and also examine their interactions with the zoo’s keepers and visitors.
Researchers will focus on understanding whether meerkats can recognize human emotions such as:
- happiness;
- sadness;
- anger.
The study authors also want to investigate whether animals can adapt their behavior accordingly. The authors of the study say they are trying to better understand the potential impact humans have on animals in zoos. It is expected that the results obtained by scientists in the future will help improve the lives of wild animals in zoos.
Ward said he and his colleagues also wanted to know whether the frequency of human-animal interactions, such as with zookeepers and pets, affects the ability to detect and recognize emotions. Understanding this process is expected to help zoo staff make the lives of those in charge more calm and comfortable.
Another author of the study, Dr. According to Annika Paukner, meerkats are very attentive to their environment, including zoo visitors. They tend to interact with both strangers and acquaintances, making them an ideal species to focus on, according to scientists.
Previously Focus He wrote that meerkats recognize each other by their voices.
Source: Focus
Ashley Fitzgerald is an accomplished journalist in the field of technology. She currently works as a writer at 24 news breaker. With a deep understanding of the latest technology developments, Ashley’s writing provides readers with insightful analysis and unique perspectives on the industry.