First published 2009
Temple Grandin builds on her research in animal behavior to show how we can create better lives for the animals in our care. Drawing from nearly three decades of scientific work and her unique perspective as someone with autism, Grandin identifies the core emotional needs that drive animal behavior. She moves beyond the easier task of recognizing physical pain to tackle the harder question of emotional distress. The book covers practical applications for dogs and cats left alone during work days, methods to prevent boredom in pigs, and ways to distinguish between normal exercise and misery in zoo animals like pacing lions. Grandin challenges readers to set aside human assumptions about what makes animals content and instead focus on meeting their needs on their own terms. Her approach combines the latest scientific research with hands-on experience to offer concrete guidance for anyone responsible for animal welfare, from pet owners to zoo keepers to farmers.
Genres: science, animals, non-fiction, academic
Vibes: informative, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: expert-perspective, scientific-research
341 pages · Hardcover · Houghton Mifflin Harcourt