Description

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A fascinating study of animal behavior that reveals them to be as sentient and self-aware as we humans are.

In What Do Animals Think and Feel? biologist Karsten Brensing has something astonishing to tell us about the animal kingdom: namely that animals, by any reasonable assessment, have developed the sophisticated systems of social organization and behaviour that human beings call "culture."

Dolphins call one another by name and orcas inhabit a culture that is over 700,000 years old. Chimpanzees wage strategic warfare, while bonobos delight in dirty talk. Ravens enjoy snowboarding on snow-covered roofs, and snails like to spin on hamster exercise wheels. Humpback whales follow the dictates of fashion and rats are dedicated party animals. Ants recognize themselves in mirrors and spruce themselves up before they return home. Ducklings can pass complicated tests in abstract thinking. Dogs punish disloyalty, though they are also capable of forgiveness if you apologize to them. 

Brensing draws on the latest scientific findings as well as his own experience working with animals, to reveal a world of behavioral and cognitive sophistication that is remarkable similar to our own.

About the Author

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Karsten Brensing is a biologist, behavioral scientist, and author of popular science books on the welfare of animals, especially dolphins. He lives in Germany.

Praise For…

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"A very exciting read.”
— General-Anzeiger (Switzerland)

“Karsten Brensing is an idealist, committed to the coexistence of humans and animals.”
— Mitteldeutsche Zeitung

"Brensing shows impressively that there is no reason to deny animals an inner life of pain, fear, grief and joy.”
— Märkische Allgemeine Zeitung

“Rewarding. Thoughtful and comprehensive, Brensing’s survey will leave readers well-informed about animal thought and behavior.”
— Publishers Weekly