Going a little wild: when animals have fun
It's not just humans who play around or treat themselves to junkfood! Whether they live in the wild, in zoos, or as pets in our homes, animals also like to horse around or pig out every once in a while.
A natural play instinct
Even savage-looking crocodiles like to play. In 2015, a US researcher observed a crocodile that was playing with an inflatable ball and blowing bubbles in the water. Ravens slide down snow-covered slopes, and deer frolick in mud puddles. Researchers refer to "play" when animals engage in purposeless activities. So it's not just humans who get the urge to act silly every now and again.
Cheers to that!
Cats can now engage in another human activity: drinking. The first wine for them comes from - where else - Japan. "Nyan Nyan Nouveau" is made of catnip and cabernet grapes, but doesn't contain any alcohol. Nyan Nyan is the Japanese equivalent of "meow meow." Feline like a drink?
Go lions!
But the big cats in the South African sanctuary of "lion whisperer" Kevin Richardson don't drink - they're athletes. They could probably beat any of the teams currently competing in Euro 2016 - because Richardson plays soccer with them. Need proof? Check him out "playing football with wild lions" on Youtube.
A literal doggy paddle
It's pretty obvious that this dog is having fun in the pool. Owners who want get some special playtime in the water for their canines can take them to the central German town of Hanau, where Aquabello - an indoor swimming pool for man's best friend - is located. It boasts three pools so dogs of all sizes can swim around and play.
Cooling off
Zoo animals often suffer in the summer heat. To make their days more bearable, they can get frozen fruit or vegetables. This chimp is enjoying a popsicle at the zoo in Landau in western Germany. Looking at this ape, chilling with some ice cream in the shade, it's clear that our two species are related.
Animal enrichment
Playing can also be a way to keep animals busy and their minds active. So-called animal enrichment is frequently used in zoos, where boredom can be very harmful. These otters in the Stirlingshire zoo get to pull their food out of a watermelon instead of simply being tossed the fish. What kid doesn't dream of hearing "Please play with your food"?
Where the fun ends
Sea World has announced they'll stop working with orcas, and many German zoos are doing the same. By now it's common knowledge that though it might look like whales and dolphins in big, flashy shows are playing and having fun, they are not. Being kept in small pools is actually torture for these extremely smart - and naturally wild - animals.