Animals at Play

Does the deadly Komodo dragon also have an appetite for fun? Will an industrial-sized game of cat and mouse turn young cheetahs into better hunters? Can playing with stones help a Japanese macaque stave off a cognitive dysfunction similar to dementia? Scientists around the world are coming to appreciate the true power of playtime and how it helps animals great and small develop the skills necessary to survive and thrive in their environments. Join in the fun and games as we travel the globe to witness these remarkable creatures at play!

Across the globe, animals play all sorts of group games, and scientists are just now discovering the benefits of these communal frolics. More than simply being fun downtime, these activities build the skills creatures need to establish trust, make friendships, and hunt in packs. Join us as we travel the world to watch dolphins play catch with seaweed, chimps wrestle their best friends, and hyenas engage in tug-of-war with their clan mates, and discover the rules these animals adhere to in order to get the most out of their playtime.