Dr. Marc Bekoff Unveils New Book "Love in Their Hearts," Advocates for Compassionate Action and Youth Engagement in Animal Ethology

BOULDER, CO – Dr. Marc Bekoff, a distinguished professor emeritus of ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of Colorado, Boulder, recently discussed his latest book, Love in Their Hearts: A Celebration of Animal Emotions and A Guide to Compassionate Action, during an insightful interview on The Pawsitive Post in Conversation podcast. Joined by hosts Zazie Todd and Kristi Benson, Dr. Bekoff elaborated on the book’s genesis, its mission to inspire young readers, his extensive work with iconic primatologist Dr. Jane Goodall, and decades of groundbreaking research on canids, including dogs, wolves, and coyotes. The conversation highlighted Bekoff’s enduring commitment to animal welfare and the scientific understanding of animal emotions.

A New Lens on Animal Sentience: Love in Their Hearts

Co-authored with Jeff Campbell, Love in Their Hearts is positioned as a powerful new resource for teenagers, though Dr. Bekoff noted its broad appeal to adults, parents, and educators alike. The book is not merely a simplified version of his earlier seminal work, The Emotional Lives of Animals, but rather a distinct offering featuring a wealth of new stories, engaging activities, and a deeper exploration of Dr. Bekoff’s own unconventional journey into animal behavior research. Campbell, known for his work with Lonely Planet and as Bekoff’s long-time copy editor, brought a crucial perspective for the young adult audience, ensuring the scientific rigor remained accessible and compelling.

The book is structured to blend vivid narratives with scientific insights, a hallmark of Dr. Bekoff’s communication style. It delves into complex concepts such as ethology (the scientific study of animal behavior), anthropomorphism (attributing human characteristics to animals), and anthropocentrism (viewing the world in terms of human values and experience) through clear explanations and relatable examples. Love in Their Hearts also features side essays from individuals whose early encounters with animals shaped their careers in animal behavior and conservation, further reinforcing its inspirational message.

To maximize its educational impact, an accompanying Educator’s Kit has been developed and made available online. This comprehensive resource, which includes pertinent readings and practical activities, is designed to guide readers, particularly young people, in undertaking their own citizen science projects. Inspired by Dr. Jane Goodall’s globally renowned Roots & Shoots program, the kit emphasizes "compassionate action" and empowers youth to become active advocates for animals and their environments. Bekoff stressed the critical message that "everyone can make a difference," regardless of age, in addressing the pressing needs of both human and non-human residents of the planet.

The Narrative Power of Animal Stories

Central to Love in Their Hearts are compelling real-life stories that illustrate animal emotions and cross-species empathy. One such narrative recounts the remarkable bond between Dr. Bekoff’s 90-pound Doberman-shepherd-hound hybrid, Jethro, and a baby bunny. Jethro, a rescued dog known for his gentle nature, found and brought a baby bunny into the house, subsequently guarding it meticulously, refusing to leave its side for weeks until it could be safely released. This incident, later mirrored with a baby bird, served as a profound example of innate paternal care and compassion, challenging conventional notions of predator-prey dynamics and highlighting the complex emotional lives of animals.

Another poignant story featured in the book, enriched by the stunning photography of Tom Mangelsen, centers on Grizzly Bear 399. This iconic mama bear and her cubs, residents of Grand Teton National Park, captured the hearts of thousands globally, drawing visitors from around the world. Mangelsen, a world-renowned wildlife photographer and close friend of Dr. Bekoff, documented 399’s life for years, creating a powerful testament to the human-bear connection. The narrative, however, also touches on the tragic reality of human-wildlife conflict, as 399 was eventually killed by a car, underscoring the challenges of coexistence in increasingly human-dominated landscapes. These stories serve not only to educate but also to foster a deeper emotional connection with the animal kingdom, potentially inspiring future wildlife photographers, scientists, and conservationists.

Dr. Bekoff’s Non-Linear Path to Ethology

Dr. Bekoff’s own journey into the scientific study of animal behavior was anything but conventional, a detail he openly shares in Love in Their Hearts to demystify the image of scientists for young readers. Born in Brooklyn, New York, his early years were marked by a profound fascination with nature and animals, which often led him away from the confines of traditional schooling. He describes himself as a "disaster" in conventional academic settings, preferring to observe and interact with animals, a passion supported by his parents, despite skepticism from neighbors. This early connection fostered a deep conviction that animals possessed emotions and intelligence, a belief that would later become a cornerstone of his academic career.

His academic trajectory took a crucial turn after a brief stint in a medical PhD program he found unfulfilling. He subsequently connected with Dr. Michael Fox, a pioneering ethologist renowned for his work on canids. Dr. Fox became Bekoff’s mentor, profoundly influencing his approach to animal behavior research. Simultaneously, Dr. Bekoff was indirectly exposed to the groundbreaking work of Dr. Jane Goodall through her then-husband, Hugo van Lawick. Goodall’s revolutionary practice of naming individual chimpanzees and acknowledging their distinct personalities, initially met with resistance in the scientific community, resonated deeply with Bekoff, who had similarly faced criticism for naming laboratory animals. This confluence of influences solidified his commitment to studying animal minds and emotions.

Pioneering Research in Canid Ethology and Behavioral Taxonomy

Dr. Bekoff’s doctoral thesis, conducted under Dr. Fox, focused on the detailed development of behavior in young canids, including beagles, coyotes, wolves, and various hybrids. This extensive research laid the groundwork for his comparative studies, exploring how different species and hybrids exhibited unique developmental pathways and social behaviors. His work built upon Dr. Fox’s foundational descriptions, particularly those found in The Behavior of Wolves, Dogs and Related Canids, which Bekoff considers an unparalleled resource in canid ethology.

His career further blossomed at the University of Colorado, Boulder, where he secured a Guggenheim fellowship. This prestigious award supported his innovative "social cohesion theory of dispersal" in coyotes, which challenged prevailing dominance-based models. Bekoff’s field observations in the Lamar Valley of Grand Teton National Park suggested that some coyotes dispersed from their natal groups not due to being driven out, but because they struggled to form social bonds with other animals. This theory, which integrates phylogeny (evolutionary history) and ontogeny (developmental pathways), represented a significant advancement in understanding animal dispersal mechanisms.

A particularly notable contribution was his pioneering work in behavioral taxonomy for mammals. Through meticulous, detailed film analyses, he demonstrated that distinct behavioral profiles could be used to classify different groups of canids and their hybrids, providing a novel method for taxonomic differentiation that had previously been applied mostly to other animal classes. This interdisciplinary approach, marrying evolution and development, has been a consistent thread throughout his decades of research.

Advocacy and Education: Cultivating Compassionate Action

Beyond his scientific contributions, Dr. Bekoff is a tireless advocate for animal protection and compassionate conservation. His collaborations with Dr. Jane Goodall are extensive, serving as co-chair of the Ethics Committee of the Jane Goodall Institute and contributing to books like Jane Goodall at 90: Celebrating an Astonishing Lifetime of Science, Advocacy, Humanitarianism, Hope and Peace. His commitment to education extends to working closely with inmates at the Boulder County Jail, and he was recognized as a hero by the Academy for Dog Trainers in June 2022.

The Educator’s Kit for Love in Their Hearts is a direct manifestation of his philosophy. It provides practical guidance for young people to engage in real-world activism, from observing animal behavior at dog parks to understanding the emotional lives of often-maligned species like mice. He shared an anecdote about a young boy in Kentucky who, inspired by Dr. Bekoff’s insights, built an outdoor enclosure to study mouse behavior, highlighting the potential for citizen science to foster genuine understanding and empathy. This focus on empowering youth aligns perfectly with Dr. Goodall’s vision that every individual has the power to make a positive impact on the world.

Future Horizons and Enduring Legacy

Dr. Bekoff’s work continues to inspire. He is scheduled to participate in Bark! Fest, a book festival for animal lovers, in September, joining a panel discussion on books for teen and middle-grade readers, where he will further elaborate on Love in Their Hearts. The interview also teased an exciting new book idea with the podcast hosts, exploring how animals "tell stories" to each other through various forms of communication.

Further demonstrating his dedication to children’s literature and animal advocacy, Dr. Bekoff previewed his upcoming children’s book, Every Elephant Has a Name, co-authored with Dr. Jane Goodall. This book, completed before Dr. Goodall’s passing, is described as a "book of hope and inspiration," building upon their earlier collaborative work, The Ten Trusts. The cover art, featuring an elephant’s trunk playfully reaching towards the title, visually encapsulates the book’s gentle yet profound message.

Dr. Marc Bekoff’s career exemplifies a powerful fusion of rigorous scientific inquiry and passionate advocacy. Through Love in Their Hearts and his ongoing work, he continues to bridge the gap between human and animal worlds, challenging preconceived notions about animal sentience and inspiring a new generation to embrace compassionate action. His enduring legacy lies in fostering a deeper, more empathetic understanding of the diverse and rich emotional lives of animals, advocating for their protection, and empowering individuals to make a tangible difference in the pursuit of a more harmonious coexistence.