10 animals that seem to “kiss” like humans but each behaviour has a completely different meaning

These scenes are so familiar that they remind us of ourselves, almost like kissing. Yet, in the animal world, this behaviour does not usually have anything to do with love.

The kiss-like behaviour may just be a means of communicating, building a bond, or grooming. Kissing is strictly human; in the animal kingdom, such behaviours occur for totally different reasons.

Scientists argue that romantic kissing occurs only in humans and some other primates. The rest of the animal world speaks an entirely different language.

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Dolphins also engage in behaviour such as body rubbing, fin touching, and occasionally snout touching.

These behaviours aid in building relationships between members of pods and keep them socially connected.

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Occasionally, snails will come into contact with one another and kiss using their tentacles.

This is actually an act of reproduction, and some snails have been observed to use love darts while doing this.

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Dogs lick faces or put their noses up against a human or another dog. Although it feels like kissing, this act is based on instinct.

This act can be a show of love or a remnant of the puppy days when they licked their mother’s mouth to eat.

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Many types of birds, ranging from parrots and pigeons, engage in touching their beaks, making it appear as if they are kissing.

But usually, this behaviour occurs when birds eat together using their beaks to give food to their mates or offspring.

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Lemurs seem to be kissing, but in reality, they are grooming one another. This is done using their mouth and teeth to comb out parasites from each other's fur.

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Giraffes can be seen as tenderly pushing or embracing each other in such a way that seems gentle.

However, this particular act, called “necking,” actually serves to display their dominance.

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Elephants communicate with one another through their trunks, by touching, embracing, or caressing each other. Sometimes, it seems as if they are kissing.

These are acts of communication used to comfort, greet, and socialise with the other elephants in their herd.

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However, sometimes they lick each other’s mouths and nuzzle their heads together as if they were kissing each other.

This behaviour is a symbol of submission to the wolf that is of a higher rank than him.

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Kissing behaviour is also exhibited by chimpanzees. These creatures engage in mouth-to-mouth contact when they have just fought or during comforting moments.

Such behaviour serves as a mechanism to help them build trust.

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The bonobo is one of those few species that kiss almost as humans do. They frequently kiss each other through their mouths, more so after a confrontation.

However, this is not an expression of affection but rather social healing.

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