The desire to squeeze and hug cute things comes from the same place in your brain as aggression.
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Rex the German Shepherd was a rescue dog with a bad temper. He refused to be fed by humans and would attack strangers, but he’s a changed dog after falling in love with Geraldine the goose!
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Squirrels will sometimes adopt orphaned baby squirrels that they’re related to.
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Sandy, an African Penguin, has been in 'love' with her keeper at the Nuremburg zoo since 1996.
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When a male gentoo penguin "falls in love" with a female penguin, he searches the entire beach to find the perfect pebble to present to her.
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Ten seconds of hugging a day increases levels of oxytocin, which can reduce blood pressure, thus cutting the risk of heart disease.
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Cuddling (or other ‘love’ acts) helps to heal physical wounds faster due to the release of Oxytocin which is proven to reduce swelling.
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