Did you know that animals need playtime?
Ever seen wildlife happily bouncing around or big cats acting shocked when their cub tries to sneak up and pounce on them? This is not just done for no reason. Animals, much like the rest of us, benefit greatly from some relaxing and often bonding downtime.
Playtime in the wild is a lot about socializing. Most animals are actually quite social creatures and they not only enjoy each other’s company but they also learn necessary survival skills when they spend time being playful with each other as well as with their young.
For many years, wildlife behavioural experts have watched in wonder as wildlife of all kinds have displayed animated behaviour with one another that is not linked to their usual way of doing things. Now, after many years of research, these experts have come up with a couple of fascinating reasons why animals do this.
- They learn
For many animals there is some form of etiquette that is adhered to when it is playtime. In the cat family, the creatures usually bow as a form of invitation to play. This learning experience is something that can end up benefiting the animals later in life as it can teach them valuable survival skills.
- They gain social awareness
The wildlife experts who witnessed countless acts of animals playing observed that there are two types of playful behaviour. The two types of behaviour that is the most common is the social kind and the locomotive kind. With the first the animals will usually play fight to learn who they can trust and also to discover boundaries. The animals learn to identify body language and facial expressions. This helps them later on in life, when such social awareness can help them to stay alive.
- They learn how to hunt
With locomotive play, animals learn the all-important hunting skills, and those skills that will help the animal survive being hunted. Lion cubs, for instance, will play with insects, trapping them under paw and then letting them go only to trap them again. This skill will help them later on in life, when they need to take on bigger prey.
Impala lambs on the other hand, will chase each other around to strengthen their muscles so that they will be strong enough to escape from predators later on. Other antelope will learn how to jump and land in such a way that they will be able to hide and some learn how to hide away completely.
The next time you are going on a Kruger Park safari, be sure to keep a lookout for animals displaying playful behaviour and try to figure out what they are learning through their fun. Playful antics are usually better observe just after the birthing season, when the young animals are starting to prepare for their next phase of life.
For a once in a lifetime experience, be sure to book your Kruger Park safari today.
