Are humans the only animals that engage in foreplay during sexual activity?

Question

If not, which other animal species engage in it, also?

Answer 1

We're not the only mammals that have sex outside of reproductive purposes, no - but I think a lot of people are confusing sex for pleasure vs what sex is used for in the other mammals that do it other than for reproduction.
Dolphins are NOT the only other mammals that engage in "meaningless sex" so-to-speak (not for the purposes of reproduction), and it's not "Chimps" as in the Chimpanzees that most people are familiar with - it's a specific subfamily of Great Ape called the Bonobo, which is a different species than the Chimp but often thought of as a "Pygmy Chimp."

You can see pretty much example here, only they make it look like an orgy without really explaining the reasoning behind the incidences taking place:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZiTzxL3Nh4

You can watch documentaries that actually approach it scientifically and not as a joke, but, yeah.

Either way - Bonobos engage not only in meaningless sex, but also employ various positions, engage in homosexual (female on female, male on male) activities, and "foreplay" such as oral sex and manual stimulation, and sometimes even masturbation.
HOWEVER - they are NOT doing it for lollies and gollies. Bonobos have a very complex (yet peaceful, as opposed to EVERY other great ape society INCLUDING humans) society that, quite literally, revolves around sex. They use sex to diffuse tension ("I'm sorry I did something to anger you, so may I offer you a BJ to ease the anxiety?"), to thwart conflicts amongst members ("I don't want to start a fight, so I'll offer myself up for sex instead."). They'll also do it for bribery.. ("I'd really like a piece of that fruit you have, if I let you touch me, can I have some?"), etc., this is WELL documented and there is plenty of evidence showing how they specifically exchange and use sex as a means to either keep the peace or get something they want. Sort of how we use money. But it's not just a huge orgy fest going on, so they're clearly not doing it because they "think it's pleasurable" - this is a attaching a human thought process to an animal. Most animals act with intent. And it should be noted that these "sexual acts" almost never result in true insemination - meaning they don't "conceive" even from the actual copulation that may take place.

Dolphins (and it's particular species of dolphins that do it.. not every kind; bottlenose and spinners most commonly engage it) do it for the same reason - to strengthen bonds within the pod and help eliminate tension, "arguments," etc. But it's pretty much the same concept as with the chimps - there's a reason behind it, not the dolphins just saying.. OO that feels good - otherwise, it'd be an orgy. And again, the extraneous sex doesn't result in fertilization of the females, and dolphins also engage in homosexual behavior.

Answer 2

Dolphins Sexuality With Humans

Answer 3

Well if you look at it all animals kind of. They have there mating rituals, with calls, colors, and dances. All to attract their mate. But to the extent of humans, no. I think they have also said that humans, pigs and dolphins are the only species that have sex for pleasure!

Answer 4

No...

But we ARE the only animals that engage in...

"Really Hot Foreplay..."

Answer 5

I know that Dolphine enjoy sexual contact like humans do.

Answer 6

Nope, we're not
several species of simions (Monkies) engage in foreplay.
Also, dolphins :)

Answer 7

well yes and no. we do know what we are doing when it comes to this area to get a girl/guy going. other animals use different things. example, i saw a bird who puffs out all his feathers to get the female going, or fish do a rub thing to get the female going. it just depends on the animal or isect and their technique.

Answer 8

As mentioned, their is a species of monkeys that does as well. We are one of the few. We like our sex.

Answer 9

Countless animals have mating rituals that are preformed before sex. Monkeys clean each other, birds dance, spiders eat their mate; look up mating rituals.

Answer 10

Thinking about the fact that foreplay is “pleasurable”.. I heard on the radio the other day that the only other mammals that have sex for pleasure are dolphins.