Answer:
It is not totally surprising that animals can suffer from emotional distress or mental illness because many animals, like humans, have complex brains and nervous systems that allow them to experience a wide range of emotions. In fact, many animals display similar behaviors to those seen in humans who are experiencing emotional distress or mental illness, such as changes in appetite, sleep patterns, and social behavior. Additionally, some animals have been found to have structural and functional similarities in their brains to those seen in humans with mental illness. Therefore, it is not surprising that animals may be capable of experiencing emotional distress or mental illness.