Mama’s Last Hug: Animal Emotions and What They Tell Us about Ourselves

Frans de Waal

Mama's Last Hug is a unique exploration of animal emotions and what they can tell us about ourselves. Written by renowned primatologist Frans de Waal, the book focuses on a specific moment - when Mama, a chimpanzee, comforted a long-separated friend shortly before her death. From this poignant incident, de Waal presents a broader investigation into the capacity for empathy and emotion in other species, rooted in scientific research, personal tales, and time spent observing animal behavior in the wild.He argues that while humans have a particular skill for language, cognition, and tool-making, many emotions are shared across species - whether it be grief, joy, or curiosity. Detailing his experiences of chimpanzee funerals, roller-skating bonobos, and numerous other incidences, de Waal paints a picture of creatures with exceptional capacity for problem-solving, communication, and friendship.Weaving in philosophical perspectives such as Buddhist non-attachment and Darwinian evolution, the book ultimately asks us to re-consider our own relationship to other species and their behaviors. By recognizing the complexity behind animal feelings, de Waal argues, we can cultivate a deeper sense of compassion, understanding, and connection.