A comprehensive, multi-year study published by MeatEater in their latest installment, 'Animals, Vol. 14,' has definitively concluded that animals are, in fact, still animals. The findings, which span thousands of hours of observation across diverse ecosystems, confirm that creatures great and small continue to exhibit behaviors consistent with their biological classifications.

“For years, we’ve operated under the assumption that a deer is a deer, and a fish is a fish,” stated lead researcher Dr. Brock Hunter, from a remote field camp. “But to finally have the empirical data to back that up, across 14 volumes of rigorous analysis, is truly humbling. We can now say with scientific certainty: they’re still doing animal things.”

The study meticulously documented various animal activities, including eating, sleeping, reproducing, and generally existing in their natural habitats. Researchers noted a consistent pattern of animals avoiding human tax forms and refraining from engaging in complex philosophical debates. “We even observed several instances of apex predators continuing to be, well, predatory,” added Dr. Hunter, “which, frankly, was a relief.”

Critics of the study, primarily from the 'Animals, Vol. 1-13' fan base, argue that the latest volume offers little new information. However, MeatEater maintains the importance of ongoing verification. A spokesperson for the publication confirmed that 'Animals, Vol. 15' is already underway, promising to explore whether animals will, against all odds, continue to be animals next year.