Animal Quote by Frans de Waal
“Most exotic animals are not particularly interested in people, which makes it hard to provoke them. Human-rearing gets them used to and sometimes imprinted on humans, which makes them potentially dangerous.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Are We Smart Enough to Know How Smart Animals Are?, 2016
Wild animals are indifferent to humans; captivity can create false bonds that may become risky.
In simple terms: Animals don’t care about people; captivity changes behavior.
Key Takeaway
Beware of assuming safety with habituated animals.
Themes
animal behavior
human-animal relations
ethics
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
ethical
educational
When to use this quote
- zoo management
- wildlife rescue
- pet ownership
Key Concepts
imprinting
habituation
danger perception
Questions to Reflect On
- How does imprinting affect animal safety?
- Can we ethically keep wild animals?
A Different Perspective
Captivity can mask natural instincts, leading to danger.
