playful interactions between animals, typically young animals, that serves no apparent purpose in promoting survival. Generally includes aspects of courtship behavior, aggression, and predatory behavior, and promotes learning in a safe environment. Further, play may help develop future social relationships, social skills, and confidence in the animals.
ANIMAL PLAY: "Animal play comprises all aspects of non-survival related actions, particularly between two or more members of the same species. "
Cite this page: N., Pam M.S., "ANIMAL PLAY," in PsychologyDictionary.org, April 7, 2013, https://psychologydictionary.org/animal-play/ (accessed January 18, 2020).
