Roosters that deceive their hens? Mother deer that grieve? Up until just a few years ago, such ideas would have sounded absurd, mere wishful thinking on the part of animal lovers who wanted to feel closer to their charges. I’ve been around animals all my life and I was one of those dreamers. Now, more and more researchers are realising that humans and many animals have things in common. True love among ravens? No question. Squirrels who know the names of their close relatives? That’s been documented for a long time. Wherever you look, animals are out there, loving each other, feeling each other’s pain and enjoying each other’s company.
I’m a sexual predator
ALAMY
Desire
Sex is not an automatic process for animals, although you’d be forgiven if, after