There is a reason why we feel so nice watching videos of babies and the young ones of animals. We are hardwired to respond to little ones with love; that protective instinct comes to the fore naturally. That feeling we have of watching to just hug that cute little creature to death? That even has a name – cute aggression. So if you're having a bad day, the videos of a cute kitten or this little baby elephant will make you feel better --- they are meant to.
The little one is doing what all babies do – playing and prancing around without a care in the world, with all the adults around looking on indulgently.
The video is posted by the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust which rescues and rehabilitates elephants and other wildlife in Kenya. They help maintain wildlife populations rather than simply keeping animals in captivity to protect them.
On days when the world seems to be going to hell in a basket, videos such these simply make us feel better.
The bond between humans and animals and the joy that these creatures give us, itself proves that humans need animals. The fact is that conservation isn't some sort of favour, it is simple self-preservation.
All the creatures that we share the world with – they are all essential cogs in the wheel circle of life.
Fighting like cats and dogs goes the old idiom but it doesn’t apply here. That little cat is extremely comfortable curling up with that doggie – and the doggie doesn’t seem to mind one bit.
Lab puppies even more so! And in case one did not notice, there is a little cat in there somewhere... being licked to death!
A little sleepy kitten and a big, gentle protective dog – what could be cuter or more heartwarming!
This cat certainly is not afraid to do that – curling up with three very large dogs.
If animals can overcome their predatory instincts to become friends with an ‘enemy’ surely we humans can try to get along with others of our own species?
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