Tortoise Moods

Do reptiles have long-term moods? A research paper published this year would say yes! They found that tortoises who approached a bowl more quickly, hoping for a tasty treat, were also more comfortable in a novel environment. The researchers concluded that these tortoises were optimistic. 

A Red-Footed Tortoise, the same species used in the study.

Ethologist Karolina Westlund compares this type of animal to Gene Kelly when he sings: 

"I'm singing in the rain, just singing in the rain

What a glorious feeling, I'm happy again

I'm laughing at clouds..."*

When we're in a good mood, we can laugh at clouds! Westlund says we perceive potentially negative experiences as laughable, friendly, or safe. The optimistic tortoises didn't know if they would get a treat at the bowl or not, but they approached it quickly as if they thought there was a good chance of getting a reward. And they showed fewer stress behaviors in a new place, perhaps assuming that the new environment was safe. They see the world through rose-colored glasses.

Can you imagine how Gene Kelly's character would have felt in the rain if he hadn't gotten the girl? He might have been miserable, vigilant and scanning for danger, not tap dancing in the street. Similarly, the tortoises in the study that were slower to approach a bowl were also more nervous about being in an unknown environment. People or animals in a more negative mood state tend to see danger everywhere. They're pessimistic. 

While I already believed it, it was interesting to see evidence that reptiles can have different moods. It makes me wonder about our snakes at the Museum, Digger and Emory. Are they optimists or pessimists? 

*If you're not familiar with this song, or haven't heard it for a while, I highly recommend this 4-minute distraction! Singin' in the Rain clip