We humans tend to be a little full of ourselves. We think we are special and that we are separate from the many other types of animals with which we share the planet.
Sure, we can do things like build skyscrapers and send people to space. But when we consider the characteristics of animals compared to humans, we are not as different from other animals as we may think.
When we look at their behavior, we often see animals with human characteristics. In fact, the connection goes both ways: much of what we call “human nature” is actually just a collection of animal traits in human personalities that we’ve shared with the wild world all along.
Our similarities are just one of many reasons why it’s important to safeguard the existence of all creatures who share this world with us. Animals play an important role, giving us better insight into who we are and even what it means to be human.
Recognizing these similarities in animals and humans is also why we at Fahlo do the work that we do. Along with spreading hope, we’re committed to supporting and spreading awareness for the preservation of wildlife.
In this post, we are going to look at some animals with human characteristics that prove that our wild cousins are more like us than many of us know.
1. CHIMPANZEES
As our closest relatives, chimpanzees are the most well-known animals that look like humans. But the connection goes much deeper than looks. Researchers found that chimps share the same five main personality traits as humans: being organized, open to new things, friendly, outgoing, and even a bit moody. This means some chimps are more social while others are more reserved, showing how animals with human characteristics have their own unique identities.
Chimpanzees also use many hand movements and gestures to talk to each other, just like we do. They have even been seen copying human actions like waving, clapping, and kissing. This type of communication isn't just for chimps; other primates, like orangutans, also use their bodies to "talk" and share what they are thinking. These gestures help them show how they feel, making them great examples of animals acting like humans when they are with their friends.
2. GORILLAS
Gorillas are another large primate with many human-like traits. They are among the strongest animals on Earth, but they use that power to protect their families with amazing kindness. Like us, they use their faces and hands to talk and can feel joy, sadness, and even care for others.
Gorilla mothers are known for being tender caretakers of their children. They teach them how to find food and to use simple tools as they grow up, showing us that they really are animals with human characteristics.
You can get a gorilla tracking bracelet or plush to feel closer to these incredible animals. Their expressive faces and tight-knit families tell a story that feels very familiar, showing just how much these animals that look like humans share with us.
3. DOLPHINS
When talking about smart animals, the dolphin is always a top pick. These quirky sea animals show off their intelligence by using special "signature whistles" that work like names to call each other. This is one of many animals with human characteristics that show language isn't just for people.
Whether they’re leaping through the waves or hunting as a team, these social creatures show a level of teamwork that is truly impressive. It’s a great reminder that humans aren't the only ones who value friendship and cooperation to get things done. Seeing how they play and work together is a perfect example of animals acting like humans in the water.
You can celebrate these brainy ocean dwellers with a dolphin plush and keep the spirit of these magnificent creatures with you.
4. PENGUINS
Many people think penguins are interesting and unique because of how much they care for their partners. In the freezing cold, an Arctic penguin has to count on its mate to survive. Watching loving, protective fathers and mothers work together to keep their eggs warm reminds us of the best animal traits in human personalities — the instinct to protect and care for our families.
Even with feathers, the way they walk and stand makes them look a bit like animals with human features. For those who love these birds, a penguin tracking bracelet is a fun way to remember how tough and loyal they are.
5. CHEETAHS
Among the big cats, the cheetah is most famous for its speed, but it also has a very social side. A study has shown that, in captivity, these cats can tell human voices apart and know their caretakers from strangers. This emotional side is an example of animals with human characteristics showing up in the most unexpected places. Just like us, they need friends to be happy.
Also, the way they lock onto a goal with the same determined focus of a human athlete shows us that animals that look like humans can be found even in the high-speed world of the African savanna.
One of the most surprising cheetah facts is that they have fingerprints just like we do! These unique patterns on their paw pads help them grip the ground and catch prey more easily. They are one of the only animals outside of the monkey and ape family to have this feature. Just like yours, every single cheetah’s prints are one of a kind.
6. PIGEONS AND CROWS
It might be a surprise, but pigeons are actually very smart animals. They can be trained to recognize dozens of human words, which helps us understand more about how brains learn. This reveals how animal traits in human personalities, like curiosity and the drive to learn, are shared across species.
Crows are also experts. Like humans, they can use tools to get food and even seem to have "funerals" for their friends, making them standouts among animals with human characteristics.
7. DOGS
Friendly animals like dogs show us that you don’t need to walk on two legs to share our spirit. Because dogs have lived and evolved alongside us for thousands of years, they have developed a unique ability to understand our world, making them appear to have many human-like qualities.
Dogs are famous for their ability to read human emotions and offer comfort when we are feeling down. From their devotion, we see human traits in animal personalities, like empathy and loyalty, mirrored back at us.
When we see animals with human features, like the way a dog "smiles" or uses its eyebrows to talk to us, it is a beautiful reminder of the deep bond we share. Furthermore, anyone who’s known dogs knows that they have unique personalities, just like humans.
HOW ARE HUMANS AND ANIMALS SIMILAR?
It’s evident that the line between animal characteristics and human behaviors is thin. From body language, parenting, tool usage, emotional depth, and even some physical elements, the traits of animals echo deeply within us.
Animals and humans share more than just a planet; we share a complex way of experiencing life. This understanding underscores something profound that challenges our perceptions. It urges us to consider that animals with human characteristics could easily be true if thought of the other way around.
At Fahlo, we cherish these remarkable connections. Celebrating the profound animal characteristics in human personalities and vice versa drives our commitment to safeguard these incredible creatures.
Since 2018, we’ve donated millions to save wildlife around the world. We’ve done so by creating bracelets and plushes that come with real animals to track, helping to educate and excite people like you about wildlife conservation.
By celebrating the animals that look like humans in spirit and action, we hope to inspire a global community to protect these incredible creatures for generations to come.
Animals with Human Characteristics FAQs
What qualities do people and animals share?
Many animals feel big emotions like sadness and joy, use tools to solve problems, and live in groups with rules. We also share "personality" styles that change how we act with others.
How are animals and humans similar?
We are similar in how our bodies work, how we need our families to survive, and how we learn from each other. Both animals and humans use different ways to talk and pass on knowledge to their children.
What animal has the most human characteristics?
Chimpanzees and gorillas share almost all of our DNA, making them the most similar animals with human characteristics.
Which animal behaves like a human being?
Primates like gorillas and chimpanzees act most like us, but even birds like crows show human-like behaviors by planning for the future and using tools.
Which animal loves like a human being?
Dogs and penguins are famous for their deep bonds. Even crows will stay with a family member who has passed away, showing they may feel love and loss just like we do.
What animal has the closest intelligence to a human?
While chimpanzees are our closest relatives, dolphins and crows can demonstrate problem-solving skills that appear remarkably human-like.