When you look at caged animals in a zoo, you probably think that they, like people, can get bored, and they probably suffer from this “imprisonment”. Although we can't get into the heads of living creatures and find out what they are really thinking, scientists have tried for the first time to experimentally prove that animals experience boredom and melancholy.
In the study, scientists from the University of Guelph , Canada, examined the behavior of 29 captive minks. Some of the animals were placed in simple cages where they lived for seven months before the experiments began.
Another group of minks lived in exactly the same cages, but had access to a tunnel, which allowed them to move into a larger space. These animals also had the opportunity to climb shelves and ladders, play with rubber toys and other objects, walk along the bottom of a shallow pond, and immerse their heads in water. Each month, the animals received some new objects.
When it was finally time for the experiment, the scientists exposed the animals to new experiences, such as air puffs, scented candles, and electric toothbrushes. Regardless of whether the animals were rewarded with treats or how stressful or neutral the new items were, those who had previously lived in boring cages showed more interest in the new objects.
They also ate more food during the experiment, even if they were not hungry. They also lay awake longer than animals whose lives had been more eventful before. All these behavioral signs indicate that the animals were bored, the scientists concluded.
A happier life in captivity
Boredom is a difficult emotion to define. People who are bored can have reactions ranging from mild apathy to depression and complete withdrawal. Scientists believe their new study is important because it helps us understand that animals can get bored too and what we can do to entertain them and make their lives in captivity more fulfilling and happy.
“While we cannot say for sure that animals experience the same feelings as a person who claims to be bored, the behavior and reactions in this case are very similar,” the researchers said.
