Empathy isn’t exclusive to humans. Many animals exhibit behaviors that suggest they recognize and respond to the emotions of others. From primates to birds, these creatures display social awareness, compassion, and care—challenging our understanding of emotional intelligence in the animal kingdom.
This scientifically ranked list of 25 animals highlights the most empathetic species, each demonstrating unique ways they connect, comfort, and support those around them. Discover how these remarkable beings bridge the emotional gap between humans and the wild.
25. Fish (Cleaner Wrasse)
Despite its small size, this marine fish demonstrates a unique form of social intelligence by engaging in mutually beneficial interactions. It inspects other fish for parasites and dead skin, adjusting its behavior based on the needs and stress levels of its clients.
Studies suggest that these interactions involve trust and recognition, as the cleaner fish remembers past clients and modifies its service accordingly. While not empathy in the emotional sense seen in mammals, this behavior reflects a sophisticated understanding of social dynamics—an uncommon trait in aquatic life. In the ocean, cooperation and reciprocity form the foundation of complex social interactions.
24. Chickens
Often underestimated in their emotional range, these birds display notable social intelligence and maternal care. Hens, in particular, exhibit empathy by responding to the distress of their chicks, vocalizing and physically reacting when they perceive a threat. Research suggests they can recognize individual faces within their flock and form structured social hierarchies.
While many of their protective behaviors are instinct-driven, they reflect an awareness of others’ emotions and a sensitivity to their environment. Their ability to detect and respond to distress highlights how empathy can emerge in unexpected places.
23. Kangaroos
Known for their strong maternal bonds, these marsupials display behaviors that suggest social awareness and care. Mother kangaroos are highly attentive to their joeys, nurturing them in their pouches and responding to their distress.
While primarily focused on maternal care, kangaroo mobs exhibit coordination and social bonds, sometimes appearing to show concern for injured members. Though much of their behavior is driven by survival instincts, their ability to recognize and respond to social cues suggests a level of awareness that supports group cohesion.
22. Rabbits
Highly social animals, these small mammals rely on each other for companionship, grooming, and protection. Social grooming, a common behavior, not only strengthens bonds but also helps reduce stress within the group. They appear to recognize when a companion is distressed, often providing comfort through close contact and grooming.
This sensitivity to social cues suggests an awareness of others’ emotions, reinforcing group cohesion. While much of their behavior is instinct-driven, their ability to offer reassurance and form lasting social bonds reflects a form of empathy in small mammals.
21. Geese
Known for their strong social bonds, these migratory birds rely on cooperation for survival. Their signature V-formation reduces air resistance, with individuals taking turns leading to conserve energy for the group. While primarily a survival strategy, this cooperative behavior reflects a form of social awareness.
Additionally, geese display distress when a flock member is injured, with some staying behind to offer protection until the individual recovers or perishes. Their social structures emphasize teamwork and mutual aid, demonstrating that survival is not just individual but communal. These behaviors highlight a deep-seated sense of loyalty and care within their flocks.
20. Pigs
Recognized for their intelligence, these social animals form strong bonds and exhibit behaviors suggestive of empathy. They engage in play, cooperate within their groups, and show concern for distressed companions.
Studies have shown that when one piglet is in distress, others often respond by offering physical closeness or vocal reassurance, indicating an awareness of emotional states. Their advanced social intelligence enables them to recognize individual group members and recall past interactions.
These behaviors challenge traditional stereotypes, revealing a level of emotional depth often overlooked in livestock. Their interactions highlight the presence of empathy in domesticated animals.
19. Bats
Despite their nocturnal and elusive nature, these mammals display social behaviors that suggest empathy. Vampire bats, in particular, are known for regurgitating blood to feed roost-mates who have not fed, a behavior rooted in reciprocal altruism rather than pure emotional empathy.
They maintain complex social networks through vocal communication and mutual grooming, strengthening group bonds over time. This cooperative behavior, based on trust and long-term social ties, demonstrates a sophisticated level of social intelligence.
Their interactions highlight how survival in the wild is often dependent on mutual aid and cooperation, offering a compelling example of pro-social behavior in the animal kingdom.
18. Wolves
Renowned for their complex pack dynamics, these social predators rely on cooperation and strong bonds to thrive. They care for each other’s young, share responsibilities, and provide support to injured or sick members, demonstrating a form of social empathy.
Communication through vocalizations and body language reinforces these bonds, allowing them to express concern, coordinate hunts, and maintain harmony within the pack. Their structured hierarchy is built on trust and cooperation, ensuring the well-being of the group rather than just individual survival. These behaviors highlight an advanced understanding of social roles and mutual care, reflecting a deep-rooted sense of loyalty and connection within the pack.
17. Horses
Highly social animals, these herd-dwelling mammals form strong bonds and exhibit behaviors indicative of empathy. They respond to the emotions of their companions, often standing vigil over sick or injured herd members to provide protection and reassurance. Mutual grooming strengthens relationships, serving both a practical and social function by reducing stress and reinforcing trust.
Studies suggest they can recognize human emotions as well, adjusting their behavior in response to distress. Their ability to communicate, provide comfort, and maintain strong social connections highlights a level of emotional awareness that fosters group cohesion and mutual care.
16. Cats
Both wild and domestic, these felines exhibit behaviors suggestive of empathy, particularly toward familiar individuals. They often respond to human emotions, offering companionship and physical closeness during distress.
Studies suggest they can recognize subtle emotional cues and adjust their behavior accordingly. Beyond human interactions, they form bonds with other animals, sharing warmth and engaging in mutual grooming.
Their purring, commonly associated with comfort, has been shown to soothe both humans and fellow cats. While their independent nature is well known, their ability to sense and respond to emotions reflects a complex emotional landscape, blending autonomy with empathetic engagement.
15. Parrots
Renowned for their intelligence and vocal abilities, these highly social birds exhibit empathy through complex interactions and strong emotional bonds. They form deep attachments to humans and other animals, often sensing emotions and responding with comforting behaviors. Vocal mimicry serves as more than imitation—it functions as a social tool, strengthening connections and facilitating communication.
Studies suggest they can recognize mood changes in their owners, offering companionship and even adjusting their behavior accordingly. Their playful nature, problem-solving skills, and emotional awareness highlight a deep social intelligence that bridges the gap between instinct and emotion.
14. Meerkats
Highly social and cooperative, these small mammals thrive in close-knit groups where teamwork is essential for survival. They take turns standing guard, watching for predators while others forage—a behavior that demonstrates collective responsibility and self-sacrifice for the group’s well-being.
Additionally, they engage in communal caregiving, with multiple members helping to raise and protect the young. Their cooperative nature is rooted in mutual aid and vigilance, reinforcing strong social bonds. These behaviors highlight how working together enhances survival, exemplifying the role of empathy and teamwork in the wild.
13. Magpies
Often recognized for their intelligence and curiosity, these birds exhibit empathy through social interactions and protective behaviors. They are known to gather around deceased companions in what appears to be a mourning ritual—an uncommon behavior in birds. Studies suggest they can recognize individual faces, both human and avian, remembering past interactions and responding accordingly.
This advanced social intelligence enables them to form strong bonds and display cooperative behaviors. Their ability to acknowledge loss and maintain relationships challenges traditional views on avian emotions, revealing a rich emotional life that includes recognition, understanding, and care.
12. Rats
These highly social rodents exhibit empathy through cooperative behaviors and strong social bonds. Studies have shown that they will actively free trapped companions, even when food is available as an alternative reward—demonstrating a clear willingness to help others in distress. They form close-knit relationships, communicating through ultrasonic vocalizations that reinforce social connections.
Their ability to recognize and respond to the emotions of others challenges common misconceptions about their intelligence and emotional depth. These behaviors provide insight into the complexity of empathy in small mammals, proving that compassion is not exclusive to humans.
11. Capuchin Monkeys
Recognized for their intelligence and resourcefulness, these primates exhibit empathy through social grooming, cooperation, and emotional responsiveness. They form intricate social networks, working together to find food and protect one another from threats.
Studies have shown that they react with distress when a group member is harmed, often responding with comforting behaviors. Their strong social bonds and ability to recognize emotional states suggest an advanced understanding of group dynamics.
These interactions highlight a rich emotional landscape where empathy and cooperation play a crucial role, demonstrating how intelligence and emotional depth are deeply intertwined.
10. Prairie Voles
Known for their monogamous pair bonding, these small mammals display empathy through nurturing behaviors and emotional support. They form lifelong bonds, sharing parenting duties and providing comfort to their partners. Studies have shown that when one vole is stressed, its mate responds with grooming and physical closeness—clear indicators of emotional sensitivity.
Their ability to form such strong attachments reflects advanced social intelligence and a deep capacity for empathy. These behaviors challenge the notion that empathy is exclusive to humans, demonstrating how love, support, and social bonding play a vital role in their interactions.
9. Orcas (Killer Whales)
Highly social and intelligent, these apex marine predators exhibit empathy through strong family bonds and cooperative behaviors. They live in pods where relationships often last a lifetime, providing support in hunting, caregiving, and protection.
Communication plays a vital role in their social structure, with unique vocalizations used to coordinate activities and express concern for distressed or injured pod members. Their cooperative hunting techniques and intricate social interactions reflect a deep understanding of group dynamics.
These behaviors reveal a rich emotional life that includes empathy and collaboration, making them one of the most socially intelligent species in the ocean.
8. Dolphins
Renowned for their intelligence and social nature, these marine mammals exhibit empathy through cooperative behaviors and strong social bonds. They assist injured or sick pod members by keeping them afloat, a behavior observed across multiple dolphin species. Social play and teamwork in hunting further reinforce their group cohesion.
Communication is key to their interactions, with complex systems of clicks and whistles used to convey emotions and intentions. Their ability to recognize distress and respond with care highlights a profound emotional awareness. These behaviors demonstrate a sophisticated social intelligence that includes empathy, making them one of the most emotionally complex creatures in the ocean.
7. Whales (Humpback, Sperm, Gray)
These majestic marine mammals exhibit empathy through complex social structures and cooperative behaviors. They are known to assist injured individuals, protect vulnerable calves, and engage in synchronized group activities that reinforce social bonds.
Some species, like humpback whales, have even been observed intervening to protect other animals, including seals, from predators. Communication plays a crucial role in their interactions, with deep, resonant calls maintaining connections over vast distances.
Their ability to recognize and respond to the needs of others highlights emotional depth and social intelligence. These behaviors offer compelling evidence of empathy in the ocean, revealing a compassionate side of marine life that continues to fascinate scientists and observers alike.
6. Dogs
Loyal and deeply attuned to human emotions, these domesticated companions exhibit empathy toward both people and other animals. They respond to human distress by offering comfort through physical closeness, affectionate gestures, or playful behavior to lift spirits.
Studies have shown that they can read emotional cues, adjusting their responses based on their owner’s mood. Their ability to sense sadness and provide reassurance highlights an innate emotional intelligence. This unique blend of instinct and empathy strengthens the deep bond they share with humans, making them one of the most emotionally responsive animals in the world.
5. Elephants
Celebrated for their intelligence and deep social bonds, these majestic mammals exhibit empathy through care, cooperation, and emotional expression. They mourn their dead, displaying signs of grief and remembrance by touching and revisiting remains. They also assist injured or weak herd members, ensuring their protection and well-being.
These behaviors reflect a profound emotional awareness and a capacity for compassion. Their ability to express empathy strengthens herd cohesion, reinforcing social ties that last a lifetime. Their interactions provide remarkable insight into the emotional depth of non-human animals, challenging our perceptions of animal emotions and highlighting the complexity of their social dynamics.
4. Bonobos
Closely related to humans, these highly social primates exhibit empathy through strong social bonds and cooperative behaviors.
They resolve conflicts through grooming, play, and affectionate gestures, maintaining harmony within their groups. Bonobos show clear concern for others, often comforting distressed individuals with touch, embraces, and vocal reassurance. Their social interactions reflect a deep understanding of emotional states and needs, demonstrating an advanced level of social intelligence intertwined with empathy.
These behaviors provide a fascinating glimpse into the emotional complexities shared with our closest relatives, emphasizing peace, cooperation, and compassion as core aspects of their society.
3. Chimpanzees
As our closest genetic relatives, these highly intelligent primates exhibit empathy through complex social structures and cooperative behaviors. They engage in grooming, food sharing, and comforting distressed group members, demonstrating strong social bonds.
Studies suggest they possess a sense of fairness and can recognize and respond to the suffering of others. Their ability to communicate emotions through gestures, facial expressions, and vocalizations highlights their emotional depth.
These intricate social dynamics provide insight into the nature of empathy in primates, showcasing intelligence, compassion, and care. Their behaviors challenge the traditional divide between human and animal emotional experiences, revealing deep-rooted connections between species.
2. Crows
Highly intelligent and socially complex, these remarkable birds exhibit empathy through strong bonds and advanced cognitive abilities. They recognize individuals, both avian and human, and form lasting social connections. Observations suggest they mourn their dead, gathering around fallen companions and vocalizing in what appears to be an emotional response to loss.
Their ability to use tools, solve problems, and communicate intricate messages highlights their advanced intelligence. These behaviors challenge traditional perceptions of avian cognition and emotional depth, offering compelling insights into the social and empathetic lives of birds.
1. Gorillas
With their gentle yet powerful presence, these great apes exhibit empathy through strong family bonds and social care. They nurture their young with attentiveness, displaying concern for their well-being and protection.
Communication plays a key role in their interactions, as they use gestures, facial expressions, and vocalizations to convey emotions and intentions. Their structured social groups rely on cooperation and mutual support, reinforcing group cohesion and survival.
These behaviors highlight a deep capacity for empathy and emotional intelligence, revealing a complex social system built on care and collaboration. Their interactions offer a profound glimpse into the emotional lives of primates, further bridging the connection between humans and the animal world.