We often think of kissing as something uniquely human, an intimate gesture reserved for romance, comfort, or care. But if you look closely at the animal kingdom, you might be surprised to find similar moments of affection playing out between creatures who don’t even have lips.Across species, from playful dolphins to cuddly lovebirds, some animals appear to share something akin to a kiss. Whether it’s a bonding moment or a way of making peace, these gestures are far more than random touches. They’re often layered with emotion, instinct, and the language of connection.PrimatesAmong our closest relatives in the animal kingdom, chimpanzees and bonobos, kissing—or something strikingly similar to it—is a common sight.Bonobos, especially, are known for their highly social and affectionate nature. Scientists have studied them for decades and describe these lip-to-lip interactions as a form of emotional communication. A quick kiss might follow a quarrel or serve as a warm greeting.Chimpanzees, too, kiss. Mothers are often seen kissing their babies, a behaviour not far removed from human nurturing. In groups, a kiss might say “I’m sorry,” or “I missed you,” spoken in a language without words.LovebirdsTrue to their name, lovebirds are among the most visibly affectionate creatures in the avian world. Watch a bonded pair, and you’ll see them gently touching beaks, feeding one another, or nuzzling feathers in what can only be described as tenderness.For parrots and cockatiels, too, this kind of contact plays a part in building long-lasting pair bonds.Story continues below this adAccording to wildlife observations published by National Geographic, this ritualistic touching and beak-feeding, called “allofeeding”, is a key part of how these birds form and maintain relationships. In the wild or captivity, it’s their way of saying, “I choose you.” Social and intelligent, dolphins often make physical contact with their mouths, nudging or lightly touching (file)DolphinsSocial and intelligent, dolphins often make physical contact with their mouths, nudging or lightly touching in what researchers from the University of St Andrews describe as bonding behaviour.It’s not a kiss in the way we know it, but there’s clearly something personal about it. Sometimes it happens during playful moments, and other times it serves to soothe tension after a disagreement.ElephantsNow, elephants don’t kiss with their mouths, but they do something just as moving. They touch each other gently with their trunks, on the face, the mouth, or entwined together, creating what can only be described as a trunk-hug. At the Smithsonian Zoo, keepers have often noted how calves reach up to their mothers’ faces with their tiny trunks, searching for comfort and reassurance.Story continues below this adIn elephant families, touch isn’t just communication. Much like a human embrace, it offers a sense of belonging and love.FishIf you’ve ever seen kissing gouramis, you might assume they’re nature’s little romantics. But in truth, that lip-lock is more of a test of strength. These fish, especially the males, engage in a face-off by pushing against each other’s mouths, establishing dominance rather than affection.That said, it’s still a fascinating reminder of how similar movements can carry vastly different meanings across species. As the Animal Diversity Web from the University of Michigan explains, for some fish, what looks like love might be a power play.ReptilesSnakes might seem cold-blooded in every sense, but even they have ways of getting close. During courtship, many species, like garter snakes, rub their heads and bodies together, communicating through touch. It might not resemble kissing, but it reflects an ancient instinct to bond, to connect, to create life.