FT News Briefing FT Weekend: The rich interior lives of pigs
Jun 11, 2022
Join Henry Mance, a Chief features writer who explores animal sentience, and Edwin Heathcote, an architecture correspondent focused on skyscrapers. They unveil the surprising emotional complexity of pigs, reshaping our views on animal ethics in farming. Mance discusses recent research that challenges pig stereotypes and prompts deeper reflection on our treatment of livestock. Meanwhile, Heathcote reveals the rise of 'skinny scrapers' in NYC, examining how these ultra-thin towers reflect urban identity and wealth disparity.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Pig Heaven
- Scientists study pigs in a "pig heaven" environment in Vienna, Austria, to observe their natural behavior.
- The pigs roam freely, build structures, and even blow bubbles, demonstrating unexpected complexity.
Cognitive Turn
- Science has shifted towards studying animal cognition.
- Researchers now explore the intelligence of various species, including dogs, pigs, cats, rats, and goats.
Domestication's Effects
- Researchers in Budapest are studying how domestication affects animal behavior.
- They found that pigs, like dogs, are sensitive to human actions and can learn commands quickly.
