Animal Odd Couples
Wednesday, 4th December 2013
House pets and animals in the wild may not be biologically made for
each other but videos and documentaries have shown that over time
destiny has brought together a numerous amount of odd pairs with some of
the most unbreakable bonds.
Earlier this year the BBC and Wildlife biologist Liz Bonnin discovered strange animal relationships across the world, attempting to understand why friendship, affection and even love can be seen between them. The findings were then broadcasted last month on BBC One through a series of two episodes.
Whilst a group of huskies can be seen playing with a pack of wild polar bears, one of the most dangerous predators in the world, animal behaviour expert Dr Linda Sharp touches on why play is so important to these odd couples. "The unusual thing about play is that the behaviours that are incorporated into play are all flight and fight behaviours."
Linda explains the theory of thrill; the fusion of excitement and stress. The animals are taking part in an exciting activity which can be slightly dangerous. They may be pretending there's a predator after them or they're getting overcome by this other animal that may be bigger or even smaller than themselves.
"Playing with different species adds to the thrill of the unknown."
Linda believes it's these little peaks of mild stress in safe circumstances that help prepare an animal for the challenges of life.
Here you will see an orangutan keeping and feeding a dog as a pet, a cat adopting a group of new born ducklings and two animals of different species falling in love.
Can science explain why these unusual partnerships take place? You will have to watch and find out...Earlier this year the BBC and Wildlife biologist Liz Bonnin discovered strange animal relationships across the world, attempting to understand why friendship, affection and even love can be seen between them. The findings were then broadcasted last month on BBC One through a series of two episodes.
Whilst a group of huskies can be seen playing with a pack of wild polar bears, one of the most dangerous predators in the world, animal behaviour expert Dr Linda Sharp touches on why play is so important to these odd couples. "The unusual thing about play is that the behaviours that are incorporated into play are all flight and fight behaviours."
Linda explains the theory of thrill; the fusion of excitement and stress. The animals are taking part in an exciting activity which can be slightly dangerous. They may be pretending there's a predator after them or they're getting overcome by this other animal that may be bigger or even smaller than themselves.
"Playing with different species adds to the thrill of the unknown."
Linda believes it's these little peaks of mild stress in safe circumstances that help prepare an animal for the challenges of life.
Here you will see an orangutan keeping and feeding a dog as a pet, a cat adopting a group of new born ducklings and two animals of different species falling in love.
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