The Lonely Otter

[ossian]

Apparently the Scottish Sea Life Sanctuary have one very lonely otter in their care. Lewis is mourning the death of his mate, Isla, since she was humanely dispatched recently after she developed numerous health problems. Otters don't normally mate for life, but apparently this pair have been inseparable since they were handed into the centre in 2008. They would groom each other and sleep together. Since Isla's death, Lewis has apparently being looking for her and still will not swim on her side of the pool.

Isn't that sad?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-37056536

 

[Bobw235]

Always sad when we lose our best friend/companion in life. Friends of ours just put down one of their dogs and they're very concerned about how their other dog will react since the two were best buddies. I think animals feel emotion much more than we would expect.

 

[Debby]

I think animals have the same emotions that we have, they just express them in ways that we don't necessarily understand. Loneliness, fear, depression, love......all the same.

 

[ossian]

I agree with both of you. I think that the simple fact that they spend so much time together will create a dependence and a bond. I know that they did not belive that young animals play. That their playing was a part of learning to hunt, survive, etc and nothing to do with pleasure. However, recent observations have suggested that this may not be right. So, maybe we don't know as much about animal behaviour as we think we do.

 

[fureverywhere]

I know for a fact that as much as Levon established the pecking order the other cats still sense the loss. Sophie went out a few days later and sniffed everywhere he had spent his last hours. They all know he's gone in their own ways.

 

[chic]

Aw. Animals DO have feelings despite what some may say. They get depressed just like we do and for the same reasons.

 

[fureverywhere]

Something interesting is that some species will accept a new partner or other companions readily while some will not. My daughter has a large cage of domesticated rats. There have been times when she only had two and one passed. Sometimes there were more than two and one would just pass of old age or something similar. But domestic rats will welcome new youngsters with open paws. We've put in toddler sized new additions and they become part of the pack quickly. So cute, a ritual is the bathing...every new rat gets washed head to tail by the others...