I agree that animals can understand jokes to some extent. Many animals, particularly social species like chimpanzees, dolphins, and dogs, exhibit playful behavior that resembles humor. For example, chimpanzees engage in playful antics, often teasing one another, which suggests an understanding of social dynamics and timing, similar to how humans share jokes. Dogs also demonstrate a sense of playfulness that can provoke laughter from their owners, indicating they recognize and respond to social cues.
However, the concept of humor may vary greatly between species. While animals can create situations that evoke joy or laughter, it's unlikely they perceive humor in the same way humans do, with cultural references and complex wordplay. Instead, their "humor" might be rooted in play, social interactions, and emotional connections. Overall, while their sense of humor isn't identical to ours, it's clear animals possess their own forms of playful interaction that can foster joy and bonding.