Do animals make us happier?
Most of us would answer yes. After all, why else do we find ourselves drawn to internet cat videos or baby animal memes on social media?
Something about animals resonates deep within us, bringing a smile to our faces or easing our worries, even if it's just a picture of a furry or feathered animal peacefully asleep.
But the link between animals and human happiness is much deeper than that. Indeed, let's look at it from another angle: imagine a world without animals. Now, that is a shocking thought!
There would be no companion animals sharing our homes, no wild animals in our gardens, woodlands, or habitats, no fish in the rivers and lakes, no dolphins or whales in the oceans, no farm animals, and no pollinators. What a silent, baron place our world would be with just people.
Animals not only cause us to be happy, but they are also essential to our happiness because they are fundamental to our very existence.
Our animal friends bring great joy and comfort to our homes. Studies consistently show that people who live with companion animals have better mental and physical health outcomes than those who do not.
Anyone who has ever sunk onto the sofa after a tough day only to have a cat curl up purring on their lap, or a dog rest a loving head and paw across their knee can tell you that the stress of life begins to seem less intense in those moments.
Consider the role of native wildlife in our ecosystems. For those of us who love the outdoors, they're a source of wonder and joy.
But even for those who don't enjoy being out in nature, wildlife's importance is undeniable. Wildlife is a crucial component of the ecosystems that sustain us all. Each species, from the earthworm enriching the soil to the pollinators ensuring our food supply, plays a vital role in maintaining the delicate balance of nature.
Let's take a look at one example. The Grey Wolves in Yellowstone Park were close to being overhunted out of existence. Still, when the wolves were allowed to roam, something amazing happened to the ecosystem - all of the Deer and elk that had lazed by the river, overgrazing the area, began to move around to avoid predation. That allowed riparian trees like aspen to rebound, bringing songbirds back to nest as the new trees grew. The river banks regenerated with native grasses, allowing rivers to regain their native courses. Beavers returned to the park, and the natural balance and ecosystems were restored.
Human beings depend on balanced, healthy ecosystems. These ecosystems provide food, water, air, and Medicine. And, of course, they can also provide us with intangible benefits, such as a sense of wellbeing and inner peace.
Simply put, animals are an inextricable part of our world, which is why Humanimal Trust is working to deliver One Medicine, where all patients benefit from medical advances and where medical research helps those with naturally occurring diseases and not at the expense of an animal's life.