Is the Joy of Sex Common Across Species? with Dr. Jonathan Balcombe
- Marika
- May 19
- 3 min read
In episode 121of "The Deal With Animals," I spoke with Dr. Jonathan Balcombe, a biologist and ethologist known for his work on animal consciousness and behavior. Our conversation focused on how animals experience emotions, particularly pleasure and pain, and what that means for our interactions with them.
Understanding Pleasure and Pain
Dr. Balcombe explains that pleasure and pain serve essential functions in nature. Pain teaches animals to avoid harmful activities, while pleasure encourages actions that support survival and reproduction. This concept isn't limited to humans; many animal species have similar experiences.
Sentience Across Species
Our discussion highlighted that sentience is not exclusive to mammals. Dr. Balcombe shared examples like fish communicating through electricity and the social structures within sheep, birds, and insects. These stories demonstrate a wide range of consciousness across species, urging us to reconsider our views on animal intelligence and behavior.
The Role of Play and Social Bonds
Play and social bonding are crucial for development and survival in animals. According to Dr. Balcombe, play helps young animals learn necessary skills. Social bonds, meanwhile, provide security and companionship, reinforcing their importance in animal welfare.
Ethics and Animal Welfare
One key theme from our conversation was the ethical responsibility humans have in ensuring animal welfare. Dr. Balcombe discussed the moral implications of depriving animals of pleasure or exposing them to pain, particularly in controlled environments like zoos or farms. He emphasized that animals need enriched environments and social interactions to lead satisfying lives.
Rethinking Personhood
Our conversation challenges the view of animals as beings driven solely by instinct. Recognizing the emotions and intelligence in species—from macaques showing empathy to Capuchins understanding fairness—prompts us to rethink the concept of personhood. These observations suggest animals possess qualities we consider in discussions about rights and responsibilities.
Moving Forward
Understanding animal emotions and consciousness invites us to reflect on how we interact with other species. Dr. Balcombe's insights encourage a more thoughtful approach to treating animals, acknowledging their rich emotional lives. As I reflect on our discussion, it's clear that our journey into understanding the animal kingdom continues, with much more to learn.
Join me next time as we continue to ask, "What's the deal with animals?" and explore stories and research that shape our understanding of animal welfare and ethics.
Show Notes
Episode 6 of the series: Sex and Animals Transcript
Dr. Jonathan Balcombe elaborates on the nuanced distinctions between consciousness and sentience, emphasizing that emotions and feelings play crucial roles in animals' daily lives, much like in humans.
Guest: Dr. Jonathan Balcombe is a biologist and ethologist whose work has reshaped how we think about animal consciousness and behavior. Born in England and raised in New Zealand and Canada, he spent decades in the U.S. before settling in southern Ontario, where he balances his scientific pursuits with a love for biking, baking, birding, and observing the ever-mysterious squirrels in his neighborhood.
Jonathan has authored five popular science books, including What a Fish Knows, Pleasurable Kingdom, and Super Fly, bringing compelling research on animal intelligence and emotion to a wide audience. His contributions extend beyond writing—he has published over 60 scientific papers, led academic departments, and worked as an editor, shaping conversations on animal sentience and protection. Jonathan works as an independent author, and performs editing services for aspiring and established authors. More...
Book Recommendation: Watership Down by Richard Adams
Related Episodes: 116. Creative Courtship: Lessons from Animal Others with Author, Dr. Carol Gigliotti (S13)
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