Some of the world’s most pressing ecological issues, including climate change and urbanisation, require animals to cope with major changes to their environment and general lifestyle. Since animals’ brains are the ultimate source of their behaviour, understanding the role of psychological traits in animals’ perception and decision-making is crucial for knowing whether and how they can adapt to such changes. At the same time, many of the issues concerning wild animal welfare and conservation are due, in part, to human activities. Thus, to help ensure a sustainable future in which humans and wildlife can coexist, we must also understand humans’ attitudes and relationships with the natural world.