Humans have been around for centuries, but animals predate humans by millions of years. They’ve had similarly long evolutionary lines, and throughout human history, they have been the source of great fascination. Animals come in all shapes and sizes, and some are more friendly while others you need to observe from afar. However, the question still remains—why are humans so fascinated by animals?
The History of This Fascination
As far back as human records go, animals have continually shown up. However, humans and animals are incredibly different in today's age when compared to the past; we have advanced technology, politics, economics, space travel, and so much more. Animals, on the other hand, are smart and have their own social systems and share food, have mating rituals, and use tools—but the distance between them and humans is grand.
This distance was much smaller in the past, and animals and humans lived side by side. You can find cave paintings of animals that date back 34,000 years. During this period, there was still a distinction between more useful animals and ones to be respected and feared.
Many more pieces like this across the world reflect humanity's relationship with animals throughout the years. Cats and dogs were used in Ancient Egyptian art, and animals show up in ancient folklore, traditions, and mythology. Many animals appear in the Fables of Aesop, which are some of the first recorded stories passed down through time.
Animals Today
Though humans don't paint on cave walls like they once did, they still have many other traditions and ways to express themselves and show their admiration for animals. Massive industries have been created around animals, ranging from zoos and aquariums to animal sanctuaries. You can't even be on the internet for more than five minutes without coming across adorable animal videos. There are also plenty of films, shows, and books that center around animals and use these creatures as a vehicle for better understanding human needs.
People today derive a deep sense of joy and companionship from being around animals, and it's because animals aren't static creatures. They have their own characteristics, and people like connecting with animals and finding those shared characteristics. Animals are a reflection of people. Although it is a distorted reflection, people can still find various human traits signified through animals and their actions.
People are also animals, but their evolution through time has created a significant distance where animal nature is lost and replaced by present-day human nature. Maybe that is part of why humans reach out to animals. You can't communicate directly with them, but you can lose sight of everything complicated that comes with being human and instead engage with the natural world that these other creatures represent. This fascination with animals is timeless and universal, but the question of why is more profound than simply the fact that we can relate to them.
Is It Evolutionary?
Some like to point to evolution as the reason behind this fascination. Human civilization used to thrive right alongside animals. Because of this, many hypothesize our fascination with animals is due to evolution. This connection with animals is deeply ingrained and hardwired into the genetic makeup that makes people what they are. Since humans first existed, they have either lived alongside animals and depended upon them for food, companionship, shelter, and warmth or knew to avoid them.
Across the world, humans have an innate tendency to fear particular creatures while accepting others. For example, snakes and spiders have been dangerous throughout history, and consequently, humans have developed a fear and natural avoidance of them. At the same time, humans have developed an empathy for mammals and other furry animals. These animals have more similar characteristics to humans, such as larger eyes and recognizable faces.
This sort of evolutionary trend appears in the subject matter of media and merchandise. The prominent animals in children's stories, toys, clothing, and media are cuddly animals, while villainous and shady characters often come in the form of snakes and rats. Some forms of media subvert this trend, and the theme in these stories is that animals and people of all kinds can be friends, giving us another reason to be fascinated with animals.
Is It for Health Reasons?
Another perspective is that humans have been drawn to animals because cohabitation and coexistence are healthy. Animals and humans have been companions for a long time, and even animals that would not make for good companions still have a meaningful existence and identity alongside people. Humans and animals have lived and worked together for centuries. On top of the legitimate benefits they bring, like messenger pigeons or bomb detection dogs, they also provide other emotional benefits.
Different animal species share many traits with humans, and these shared experiences and expressions can trigger familiarity and connection. For example, many species, such as dogs and cats, show physical responses of fear, much like we do. Elephants will even grieve and mourn the dead. These practices may be few and far between in the animal kingdom. Still, it does reveal that animals are a lot like people, and nurturing that connection has many benefits.
Humans still possess a need to care for the well-being of animals, as they have cared for them for centuries and have similarly felt cared for. Humans have an intrinsic need for animals, and you can see this in the embrace of companionship animals. Animals can help manage loneliness and depression, and that help can come in many meaningful forms. A pet is excellent at relieving these feelings and providing opportunities for socialization and exercise, and even watching animal videos has health benefits, such as lowering stress and anxiety.
This was why humans are fascinated with animals, and even though there is no clear answer, hopefully this sheds light on the relationship between the two. People adore animals, and this adoration leads to them often being the subject matter of art. If you want an animal sculpture in your home, consider looking through my work here at Jesse Nusbaum Art. I have many hot cast bronze animals that are grand in scale and put their intricate details on full display.
