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Introduction
Play is a common occurrence in humans and widely studied. Knowledge of play in non-human animals, however, is wanting. With only thirty organisms, mostly mammals, demonstrating play behaviour, researchers are attempting to explore the function of play in greater detail. Burghardt defines play in animals as: “repeated, seemingly non-functional behavior differing from more adaptive versions structurally, contextually, or developmentally, and initiated when the animal is in a relaxed, unstimulating, or low stress setting.” Animals can engage in play on their own or with others. Researchers hypothesize and study different criteria and contexts for play in non-human animals. Some criteria for play in non-human animals are described as a behaviour important for the development of competence in adulthood, to ensure short- and long-term development for coping with sudden events , demonstrating fairness for survival in adulthood by learning through fair play when young , and engaging in a pleasurable experience. These categories that encompass the definition of play are explained in further detail below.

Preparing for Adulthood
Play as the development of competence for adulthood proposes that animals engage in play behaviour when they are free from threats and their overall well-being is preserved. This allows the animal to engage in play behaviour because they do not need to focus on aspects of survival. Play generally occurs when resources or energy levels are adequate. For example, when needs for food and health are satisfied. Therefore, when basic needs are met, an animal can then feel safe and content to engage in play. Play behaviour also allows for the development of sensory and motor skills, for example, reciprocal gentle grabbing and tickling in chimpanzees. Moreover, play behaviour in young non-human animals ensures that they increase and advance their motor skills for use in adulthood.

Adapting for the Unexpected
Play behaviour allows animals to cope with unexpected or sudden events. During play, animals can perform different actions in an unpredictable fashion which present as a way for the animal to practice for real or serious survival situations. In a cognitive, or emotional capacity, play allows animals to adapt to novel situations such as surprise and disorientation. A study by Richter and others notes that although play encourages preparedness for uncertainty, animals may experience an increased level of anxiety. This finding is interpreted as an adaptive benefit because if the animal is generally on higher alert, they may not encounter as many unexpected situations.

Fair Play for Survival
When non-human animals engage in play fighting within partners or groups, they learn to pay attention to multiple social communication cues. Play fighting usually involves rules and allows the animal to assess the risk of the situation, whether it be serious or for fun. Following the rules of fair play allow the animal to learn cooperation and equity for survival. For example, if resources are limited, the animal can choose to keep the resources they acquire to themselves or gather or share resources with others which may derive a more successful result.

A Pleasurable Experience
As previously mentioned, play can occur when an animal is free of threats and their well-being is preserved. Similarly, this could be defined as a low stress situation and animals use play as a way to regulate levels of stress. Play is also a way to limit boredom when other survival needs are met. Examples of pleasurable play are exploration of objects, chasing, nipping, and tumbling. Engaging in playful behaviour can result in a rewarding experience due to an opioid-like trigger. Social play with others can also act as a reward in itself, for example, play as a reinforcer can be stronger than other activities or items such as food.

Play Across the Animal Kingdom
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Conclusion
Although researchers are still filling the voids of knowledge on the topic of animal play, they have come to understand that the inherent reason for play involves multiple factors and that the connection between the level or availability to play is dependent on an animal’s well-being. From skill acquisition to social emotional elements, play in animals can be a fascinating topic.