Nature offers a wealth of wisdom. The animal kingdom, with its innate instincts and behaviours, provides countless life lessons that can be applied to our everyday lives. These lessons, grounded in the simplicity and intricacy of animal behaviour, invite us to reflect on our own values and actions. Here, we explore some of the most profound teachings from nature.
Cry of the Wild is a unique book on eight animals who have had to learn to adapt to the way humans build modern life. A fox (grown strong on pepperoni pizza from East End dustbins) dances along a railway track towards Essex. An orca (mourning the loss of her mother on the Isle of Sky) knows she must now lead the pod as matriarch. At moonrise in a West Country river, an otter floats slowly downstream. Also read of geese ‘flying in from the north with snow falling from their wings’ and life imagined through the eyes of a young rabbit and a white owl.
This book gives us the chance to inhabit the lives of a cast of wild creatures as they navigate a changed world. By turns tragic and joyful, every story yields fascinating insights into the way our fellow earthlings make their way through life:
- Fox
- Orca
- Human
- Mayfly
- Rabbit
- Gannet
- Otter
- Eel
Charles Foster is a Wainwright-shortlisted nature writer. He is a fellow of Exeter College and University of Oxford and has particular passions for Greece, waves, mountains and swifts.
Lessons in Teamwork from Wolves
Wolves are quintessential team players. Living in packs, they rely heavily on each member to ensure the group’s survival. Their approach to collaboration and communal living is a lesson in unity and strength.
The Importance of Roles in the Pack
In a wolf pack, each member has a specific role, be it the leader who guides the pack or the hunters who secure food. This structured approach ensures that each task is handled by those best equipped to manage it. In human teams, understanding roles and responsibilities is crucial for success. When everyone knows their place and duties, synergy can flourish, leading to greater achievements.
Communication and Trust
Wolves communicate through a sophisticated combination of vocalisations, body language, and even expressions. Trust is built and maintained through constant, clear communication and understanding. Imagine how effective our own teams could be if we embraced these practices. Building trust and staying in sync with one another often hinge on how we communicate.
Perseverance and Adaptability in Salmon
Salmon embark on an incredible journey, swimming upstream against daunting currents to spawn. Their unwavering determination offers a vivid lesson in perseverance.
Overcoming Obstacles
During their journey, salmon face numerous challenges—from predators and waterfalls to fast-flowing streams. Yet, they push forward, driven by an instinctive need to reach their destination. This mirrors our own life challenges. How often do we encounter setbacks, only to find success when we refuse to give up?
Embracing Change
Salmon are masters of adaptation, changing their behaviours and paths in response to shifting environmental conditions. They remind us that flexibility is key. Whether it’s an unexpected career shift or a new personal direction, sometimes thriving means embracing, rather than resisting, change.
Empathy and Altruism in Elephants
Elephants are renowned for their complex social structures and profound empathy. Living in herds, their lives revolve around communal support and care.
Caring for the Young and the Old
The way elephants nurture their young and look after their elderly is touching. Calves are cared for not just by their mothers but by the entire herd, while seniors are respected for their wisdom. From this, we learn the importance of community and caring for one another, regardless of age.
Understanding Grief and Loss
Elephants are also known for their deep expressions of grief. They mourn their dead and often revisit the resting places of deceased herd members. This tender display teaches us that it’s okay to grieve and be vulnerable, reminding us of the shared human experience of loss and healing.
Resilience and Resourcefulness in Crows
Crows are among the animal world’s smartest problem solvers. With their sharp minds and resourceful nature, they illustrate the power of innovation.
Innovative Problem Solving
Crows are adept at using tools and solving complex puzzles. They’ve been observed using sticks to reach food and even recognising human faces. From them, we learn to approach problems with creativity and persistence.
Surviving in Urban Environments
As cities expand, crows have adapted with striking ease. They find food, navigate traffic, and thrive amidst urban sprawl. Their ability to adjust to new environments encourages us to stay resilient and open to new ideas in our changing world.
The Endurance of the Arctic Tern
Consider the Arctic Tern, a small bird with a monumental journey. Travelling from the Arctic to the Antarctic and back each year, it covers roughly 70,000 kilometres. This epic migration is a testament to the power of perseverance. Can you imagine what it’s like to journey such a vast distance annually? The tern’s endurance reminds us that with determination, even the longest journeys can be completed.
The Tenacity of the Honey Badger
Known for its fearless nature, the honey badger tackles challenges head-on. Whether it’s facing snakes or breaking into beehives, this creature displays unmatched tenacity. The honey badger shows us that sometimes being bold and persistent is the best way to confront obstacles. We can learn to face our own challenges with the same fierce attitude.
Chameleons and Flexibility
Chameleons are masters of adaptation, changing their colours to blend into their surroundings. This ability is not just for camouflage but also for communication and temperature regulation. Their adaptability shows us the importance of being flexible and responsive to our environment. Can we learn to embrace change like the chameleon and adapt to life’s changing circumstances?
Conclusion
The animal kingdom is a profound source of inspiration. Wolves teach us the power of teamwork, salmon emphasise perseverance and adaptability, elephants highlight empathy and care, and crows showcase resilience and innovation. These lessons are reminders of our capacity to grow and adapt. By observing and learning from these creatures, we can enrich our lives and communities. Next time you’re faced with a challenge or change, ask yourself: What would nature do?
Books on What We Can Learn From Animals
Eavesdropping on Animals is a book by a Yellowstone wildlife guide, to show you how to learn to tap into animal sounds, and decode the secret conversations happening all around you.
Whereas humans once relied on the calls of wild animals to understand the natural world (and their place in it) now this remarkable guide reveals what our ancestors knew long ago: that turning into the owl in the tree or the deer in the gully can tell us important information, and help us feel connected to our wild community.
In this book, wildlife ecologist George Bumann shares fascinating stories and insights that he has gained from leading animal intelligence tours in a USA national park, plus gives advice for readers living in any urban, suburban or rural area.
You don’t need an exotic location for wildlife encounters: listen and observe creatures in your own backyard, on in local parks, fields and forests. This book can lead to extraordinary experiences and a profound sense of belonging. Are you read to listen to your wild neighbours? Are you ready to learn how to tell a warning call from a mating call, or a purr of satisfaction from idle chatter? Then this book is for you!
George Bumann is an animal language expert, artist and naturalist who lives at the entrance to Yellowstone National Park. His background in wildlife ecology and field experience of 40 years helps him explore the lives of his wild neighbours, many of which he has known for generations.
I’ve spent my entire life listening to the natural world. And after reading George’s book, I realise I wasn’t really listening at all. Jack Horner
Elephants are renowned for their strong social bonds. Living in close-knit herds, they support each other through thick and thin. When an elephant is in distress, the herd rallies around it, showing that community is a powerful force. How often do we reach out to support our own communities? The elephant teaches us that a united group can overcome adversity.
Ants might be tiny, but their teamwork is extraordinary. Together, they build intricate colonies, transport food, and defend their home. Each ant has a role, and their collective effort ensures the colony’s survival. By watching ants, we are reminded of the strength in numbers and the benefits of working towards a common goal.
Migration Patterns of Birds
Many birds embark on long migrations, guided by an innate sense of direction. They traverse thousands of miles, often facing harsh weather and predators. Their successful journeys remind us of the power of instinct in finding our way through life’s challenges. Can we learn to trust our own natural guidance system as these birds do?
Conclusion
The animal kingdom offers profound insights into living a fulfilling life. By observing creatures like the Arctic Tern, honey badger, elephants, ants, chameleons, and finches, we uncover lessons in resilience, community, adaptability, and instinct. Nature encourages us to pause, reflect, and incorporate these lessons into our daily lives. Next time you watch the world around you, take a moment to see what the animal kingdom might be teaching you.
