Forty researchers from around the world have recently signed the “New York Declaration on Animal Consciousness,” which basically says that animals might be way more conscious than we thought. We’re talking fish, reptiles, crustaceans and even insects!
For years, animal sentience has been in doubt, but the research that has come out in the last decade or so shows that more and more species are redefining what we humans define as sentience or consciousness.
For example, a 2022 study found that bumblebees have been observed rolling wooden balls around in a way that’s surprisingly similar to how humans play. According to the study, this behaviour doesn’t serve any apparent function, and they’re not rehearsing a skill they use for foraging or mating. Instead, bees roll the balls repeatedly, but not in the same way each time, showing a sense of creativity and experimentation. And the best part? They do it more often when feeling relaxed and happy, indicating that it’s a genuinely enjoyable experience for them.
Another creature that we’re starting to better understand is the octopus. A 2021 study has shown that octopuses avoid pain and value pain relief. Of course, we know octopuses are smart. We watched My Octopus Teacher during lockdown!
This declaration is a big deal. It could change the way we treat animals in all sorts of areas, from conservation to agriculture to our own backyards. So, next time you see a bee buzzing around or an octopus squirming in its tank, just remember—they might be more than just creatures—they might be conscious beings.
