While gerbils are intelligent and have complex social interactions, they don't experience emotions like hope in the way humans do. They don't have the same capacity for abstract thought or future planning.
Here's what we can say about gerbil behavior:
* They are instinctively driven: Gerbils' behaviors are mostly driven by instinct, such as finding food, avoiding predators, and socializing.
* They have basic emotions: Gerbils can experience basic emotions like fear, happiness, and stress.
* They form strong social bonds: Gerbils live in social groups and form strong bonds with their companions.
So, while gerbils may not "hope" in the same way as humans, they do experience a range of emotions and behaviors that contribute to their well-being and survival.