New study shows tortoises experience feelings similar to our own
Animal behavior and cognition experts at the University of Lincoln, U.K., have made new discoveries about reptile sentience which could reshape how they are cared for in captivity.
New tortoise study
- Thread starter wellington
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RandyTortoise
Well-Known Member
I love this. Thank you for sharing! I will watch them more closely in the morning during feeding and soaking time!New study shows tortoises experience feelings similar to our own
Animal behavior and cognition experts at the University of Lincoln, U.K., have made new discoveries about reptile sentience which could reshape how they are cared for in captivity.phys.org
Anastasia 22
Well-Known Member
Tortoises have emotions! Tortoises are smart too.
I absolutely LOVE this, I don't feel so bad for using my human emotions to relate to these magnificent creatures.
Akdrillo86
Member
Just spending time with them and seeing the different personalities and reactions to stressors I feel for certain all torts experience some feelings. From my experience I’d say some species there is more there than others. Some watch you more closely and it almost seems like they are taking in what you are doing. Others watch you and are just making sure you aren’t making any fast movements or pulling out the food.
Also, new arrivals. Some arrive stressed and take more time watching and studying their enclosure and my habits. While others seem like they’re perfectly fine with the move as long as they have the essentials.
I’d be interested to hear what others with decades of experience have to say.
Also, new arrivals. Some arrive stressed and take more time watching and studying their enclosure and my habits. While others seem like they’re perfectly fine with the move as long as they have the essentials.
I’d be interested to hear what others with decades of experience have to say.
LoriP
New Member
This came across my google feed yesterday! Love it!New study shows tortoises experience feelings similar to our own
Animal behavior and cognition experts at the University of Lincoln, U.K., have made new discoveries about reptile sentience which could reshape how they are cared for in captivity.
LoriP
New Member
I totally agree with this article! And just like people and dogs, you do occasionally find a tortoise who is an exception to the norm, like my MJ. He stops whatever he is doing when he hears my voice and looks for me. He has been a Momma’s boy since the day he hatched 14 months ago. He has a super long neck and is quite good at righting himself when he flips over, but the other day I was watching him try to right himself and the moment he made eye contact with me he gave me a pitiful look and stopped struggling, just waiting patiently for me to flip him upright. He actually loves the attention he gets from my grandkids! He is such a good and polite boy…. Well we call him a boy for now based on his incubation temp.
That's where I seen it, on the day I posted it.
I just saw the same story today, posted in SciTechDaily:
Groundbreaking Study Reveals Tortoises Have Feelings, Similar to Ours
A groundbreaking study reveals that red-footed tortoises experience long-term mood states. Researchers specializing in animal behavior and cognition at the University of Lincoln have uncovered new evidence about reptile sentience that could lead to major changes in how these animals are managed in
scitechdaily.com
Steve was definitely stressed when he first moved in with me. I could tell he was afraid of what was happening and he hid a lot whilst getting used to his new home. I can understand why it was tough: it was November (cold), he took probably a half hour car trip (which he dislikes), moved from a house where he wasn't receiving much attention, to somewhere that looked and smelled completely different with different people, noises, etc. It's a lot for a little tort to cope with! After a while, I started to observe his personality changing, and years later, he has his own routine, recognizes my voice before seeing me, and is quite the active little dude. It's amazing how long we've all been waiting on here for the academic evidence to start catching up with our anecdotes.
The_Four_Toed_Edward
Well-Known Member
Here it is straight from the universitys website with a link to the article:
"The researchers found that tortoises housed in enriched environments were more likely to judge ambiguous situations optimistically, suggesting a positive mood."
I have always been suspicious of four walls are enough for a turtle, or being treated like pet rocks. Their ancestors survived mass extinction and are older than Homo Sapiens. There is no way they lack intelligence, emotions, or are bores. My little Sulcata clan has been an accidental case study from the get-go, living in an enriched environment, navigating group dynamics, showcasing an individual approach to problems and solutions, distinctive personalities, responding to correction and redirection, and most importantly, recognizing and forging emotional connections.
Trust is one of the hardest things to establish in any relationship, especially if someone has been abused before. Years in rescues and shelters have taught me that creating trust requires consistency, a safe space, and patience. On the other hand, to recognize all that requires intelligence and an open heart. And each one of the Sulcatas in my rehab has had a unique journey of coming out of their shell and accepting my friendship and guardianship. They show affection (no food involved), interest and discernment daily, and that requires emotional depth and trust. With that being said, turtles are unique pets and require a deeper understanding, proper comunication and observation on the human part to create a meaningful connection.
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