Random Juggling Otters And Other Species That Have Oddly Human Hobbies (12 items)

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  (#1) Otter

  • Lutrinae

  Just when you thought otters couldn't get any cuter, it turns out that they can juggle. But instead of using rubber balls, otters prefer to juggle with small stones and pebbles. Why do otters do this? One theory suggests that, like humans, otters do it for entertainment purposes. However, the fact that otters almost exclusively use pebbles, and don't exhibit a lot of play activity otherwise, indicates that the juggling might actually be related to eating behavior. Otters use rocks as tools to smash open mollusks to get to the meat inside. Juggling does tend to decrease when otters are well-fed, but that doesn't mean the activity isn't play related - after all, humans aren't at their most active after a big meal, either.
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  (#5) Turkey

  • Meleagris

  While there has been no investigation as to why turkeys are such huge sports fans, it's safe to say that they love to play soccer. While their version of the game may not include things like uniforms, goals, or even specific rules, it includes what's most important: running, kicking, and teamwork. Considering the fact that turkeys are native to the Americas, maybe next they should try a sport that originated there, too, like baseball.
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  (#6) Bowerbird

  • Ptilonorhynchidae

  Bowerbirds, particularly male bowerbirds, are master collectors. These  will decorate their living space with piles of items grouped by color. The items can range from apricot fungus to blue plastic straws.

  Bowerbirds collect random items for much the same reason that humans collect works of classic literature that they will never read: to impress and seduce the opposite sex.
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  (#9) Asian Elephant

  • Elephas maximus

  If you go on YouTube, you can find all kinds of videos of animals that appear to be dancing. While many of these videos are adorable, most of them don't actually depict dancing by its strict definition: a spontaneous reaction to music that can't be taught or trained. In other words, if a zoo employee is standing by with treats and encouragement, it doesn't count.

  A study by psychology graduate student Adena Schachner revealed that out of 5,000 such videos, only 39 animals appeared to be moving to a beat. 29 of these animals were parrots. The rest, surprisingly, were Asian elephants. Some people claim that the "dancing" is actually stereotypical ehavior that results from boredom, so the jury is still out on that one.
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  (#12) Dog

  • Canis lupus familiaris

  When you think about playing catch, two images likely spring to mind: a parent and child tossing a ball around in the backyard, and a kid throwing a ball to their dog. Whether the participants are human or canine, playing catch is a great way to exercise and have fun.

  As to why dogs love chasing down thrown balls, it likely has to do with genetics. All dogs have instincts to run after moving objects and investigate them, but some have stronger urges to fetch than others. For some dogs, playing catch is simply away to blow off steam and feel good.
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  (#4) Japanese Macaque

  • Macaca fuscata

  A long soak in a hot spring, or onsen, is a popular activity for humans in Japan, especially during the winter. People aren't the only ones to appreciate this relaxing pastime, though - Japanese macaques, or snow monkeys, are huge fans, too. Jigokudani, also known as Hell's Valley, is home to approximately 250 macaques who get through the area's frigid winters by hanging out in local hot springs.

  Many of these hot springs are actually the sites of resorts, so the presence of the macaques can be troublesome for guests and employees. Macaques can be aggressive, and they aren't above using the hot springs as their personal toilets. That said, the bathing monkeys can also be a major draw for tourists; as many as 90,000 visitors show up every year just to see them.

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