In brief
In her groundbreaking work, philosopher Susana Monsó emphasizes that grief and concepts of death are not solely human experiences, echoing familiar emotions in animals such as orcas and ants.
In the summer of 2018, an orca named Tahlequah captured global attention when she gave birth to a calf that tragically lived for only 30 minutes. In a poignant display of grief, Tahlequah carried her deceased calf around the waters off British Columbia for 17 days, balancing it on her nose as she swam. This heart-wrenching act struck a chord with many, mirroring the experiences of human parents who endure the unimaginable pain of losing a child.The powerful imagery evoked by Tahlequah's behavior resonated with philosopher Susana Monsó, who researches animal cognition and emotion at the National Distance Education University in Madrid. Monsó notes that while projecting human emotions onto animals can be problematic, it is essential to acknowledge that many species, including orcas, possess emotions and a basic understanding of death.In her newly released book, "Playing Possum," Monsó delves deep into this subject, shedding light on the grief exhibited not only by orcas but also by various other species, including ants. She argues that the capacity to understand death is more widespread than previously assumed, challenging the notion of human uniqueness in emotional experiences.Monsó emphasizes that recognizing grief in animals helps bridge the gap between species, providing a new perspective on how we understand emotional responses and experiences of loss. She encourages us to perceive animals not just as beings defined by instinct but as creatures capable of complex emotional lives.As we continue to study the behavior of animals in the context of death and loss, tales like that of Tahlequah may become vital in fostering a more profound understanding of the interconnectedness of life across species.
