All animals have the ability to connect with other animals on an emotional level. Perhaps the most evident emotional connection is the one between a mother and her young. Most of us know already that a mother is capable of sacrificing her own life to save her child.

But the variety of emotional connections that animals are capable of having is far and wide. All animals, and mostly the ones who would naturally live in a group of peers (which we may refer to as 'herds' 'flocks' or 'schools'), are social beings. This means they form friendships and maintain strong family bonds, even after reaching adulthood.

The fact that animals will sometimes risk their lives to try and save the lives of their loved ones should tell us all we need to know about the level of commitment and care they have for each other. It's never okay to use violence to break families and friends apart.