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Today’s show is all about love. How do we, in our modern age, express love with one another? Are non-human animals capable of love? Are we the only species to have sex for pleasure? What can we learn from other animals about love?
Alissa and Jackie hit the streets earlier this week to interview the public about their opinions on animal love. The results are shared with you today.
Jonathan Balcombe: Love and Mating for animals.
Our feature interview is with Dr. Jonathan Balcombe, about love, mating rituals and sex for pleasure in non-human animals. Jonathan Balcombe has three biology degrees, including a PhD in ethology (the study of animal behavior). He has published over 45 scientific papers on animal behavior and animal protection. Jonathan has a special interest in animal emotions and pleasure, which are addressed in his four books: The Exultant Ark: A Pictorial Tour of Animal Pleasure, Second Nature: The Inner Lives of Animals, Pleasurable Kingdom: Animals and the Nature of Feeling Good, and The Use of Animals in Higher Education: Problems, Alternatives, and Recommendations.
Jonathan is a passionate animal advocate and uses the scientific study of their behaviour to help spread the knowledge about the inner emotional experiences of our fellow beings. A PhD scientist and vegan, Balcombe’s powerful message resonates with timely issues that affect everyone.
This video is a talk by Jonathan Balcombe about animal sentience and intelligence: