Hierarchy of Needs

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I first heard of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs as a young naturalist learning to lead nature classes. The basic idea is that you need to address a person's needs at the bottom of the pyramid before the top tiers can be addressed. 

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, csaedu.com

If I'm out on a trail with a group of 5th graders, imagine that their physiological needs are not met (maybe they're thirsty or tired) or they feel unsafe (they might be in the woods for the first time in their life or are afraid of insects). No matter how good my lesson is, the kids would not be able to engage with my content because their basic needs are not met. That's why I seek out shade, provide bathroom breaks, and give reassuring explanations when I teach groups of students. 

I had never thought to apply this idea to animals. A bird training webinar this week featured a reimagined version of the hierarchy in the inspiring form of a tree.


The base of the tree is still rooted in the animal's physiological needs, health, and safety. These basic needs make up animal "care." Are they alive and healthy? They've been cared for. 

To venture into the world of proper animal welfare, the top tiers of the tree need to be addressed. Social species need appropriate outlets to interact with others. Their minds need to be engaged with mental stimulation. And they need as much choice as possible in their lives - the ability to choose what they do, where they spend their time, or who they interact with. The more these needs are addressed, the higher their well-being will be. They'll be happier and have a better quality of life.

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