Humans know the surprising prick of a needle, the searing pain of a stubbed toe, and the throbbing of a toothache. We can identify many types of pain and have multiple ways of treating it — but what about other species? How do the animals all around us experience pain? Robyn J. Crook examines pain in both vertebrate and invertebrate animals. [Directed by Anton Bogaty, narrated by Julianna Zarzycki]. 

Robyn J. Crook: How do animals experience pain?

How do animals experience pain?

Understanding animal pain is crucial as we share the planet; it guides ethical treatment in pets, farming, and research.

Observations suggest even invertebrates like crabs and octopi make value judgments on pain, hinting at a complex experience.

Animals may not verbalize pain, yet behaviors like self-medicating and avoiding harm reveal a complex experience of suffering.