Scientists observed 12 wolves’ behaviour for 254 hours over the course of five months. The research by the Tama Zoological Park in Tokyo, Japan, suggests that empathy among animals is a common trait.
Even though the study involved a small number of wolves, researchers said the findings offer initial evidence that contagious yawning is linked to wolves’ capacity for empathy.
Perhaps empathy is present in more species
than previously thought, said lead
author Teresa Romero, a researcher from
The University of Tokyo.
