Summer Reading: Animals Make Us Human

Animal advocate Temple Grandin empathizes with animals in a way no one else can, and often the resulting revelations are hard for animal lovers, zoos and even fast-food chains to hear.

While many animal researchers concentrate on pets, wildlife or zoo populations, Grandin’s expertise lies in improving the quality of life for the less glamorous livestock who comprise our food chain.

Her most recent book, Animals Make Us Human: Creating the Best Life for Animals, delves into the psyche of all animals and the elements that are essential to their emotional welfare.

Grandin’s doctorate in animal science, 40 years’ experience as a livestock facility designer and farm/slaughterhouse auditor for McDonald’s and other national chains, and even her autism give the Colorado State University professor a unique perspective. However, rather than relying on psychic powers or mind-melding ESP, Grandin’s plainly-written book is grounded in academic research conducted by a host of neuroscientists, animal researchers and behavior specialists. In fact, the 300-page work concludes with nearly 20 pages of citations.

As the author of several insightful books that have provided parents and educators with a window into the world of autistic children, Grandin also maintains that the hypersensitivity autistic individuals have to their environments is also characteristic in animals.

While the chapters are divided by animal (dogs, cats, wildlife, horses, etc.), the central theme remains: What does it take for an animal to have a good quality of life? And the answer doesn’t lie in the latest Juicy Couture doggie hoodie. Even beyond having good physical health and comfort, an animal’s welfare depends upon us understanding and meeting the unique emotional health needs of the species, and providing enrichment.

Drawing on the latest research and her own work, Grandin explains the core emotional needs of animals, which are not what most people would imagine. She then discusses how humans can interpret animals’ signals and fulfill those needs. Along the way, Grandin touches on everything from entertaining bored pigs and treat-training antelope for veterinary exams, to the recent increase in dog attacks, clicker-training cats, and whether lions and other pacing predators at zoo are miserable or just exercising.

Animals Make Us Human is a fascinating read, but it’s far from the last word in animal science. With more than eight books to her credit, Grandin will hopefully impart animal insight for years to come.

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