From mourning orcas to distressed elephants, biological anthropologist Barbara J. King has witnessed grief and love across the animal kingdom. In this eye-opening talk, she explains the evidence behind her belief that many animals experience complex emotions, and suggests ways all of us can treat them more ethically -- including every time we eat. "Animals don't grieve exactly like we do, but this doesn't mean that their grief isn't real," she says. "It is real, and it's searing, and we can see it if we choose."

Barbara J. King: Grief and love in the animal kingdom

Grief and love in the animal kingdom

Barbara J. King uses examples from elephants to ducks to argue for the reality of animal grief, urging ethical consideration for all beings.

Recognizing animal grief can inspire conservation and ethical practices, from saving orcas to choosing plant-based meals, King suggests.

Witnessing an orca's prolonged grief challenges our understanding of animal emotions, inspiring actions to aid their survival.

*How Animals Grieve*

"Animal grief shows we aren't meant to die alone"

"Why chickens are so much more than 'bird brains'"

science

animals

evolution

love

psychology

biology

biodiversity

mental health

empathy

emotions

TED Stage Talk