In brief
A deep dive into how various species perceive and respond to death with insights from Susana Monsó, an expert on animal cognition.
In the summer of 2018, an impactful event occurred off the coast of British Columbia involving an orca named Tahlequah. After giving birth, her calf died tragically just thirty minutes into life. In a powerful display of maternal grief, Tahlequah was seen carrying her deceased calf for over two weeks, balancing the tiny body on her nose while swimming. This poignant story captivated the world, drawing attention to the emotional depths of animal behavior.Dr. Susana Monsó, a philosopher specializing in the minds of animals at the National Distance Education University in Madrid, commented on the situation, emphasizing that the universal experience of loss connects human beings and killer whales. “The image of a mother holding onto the corpse of her baby resonates deeply with those who understand grief," Dr. Monsó noted.However, she cautioned against the risks of anthropomorphism, a common pitfall when interpreting animal behavior through a human lens. Despite these risks, Monsó challenges the perception that cognitive and emotional responses to death are exclusively human traits. In her book, “Playing Possum,” she highlights how various non-human species demonstrate an awareness of death, suggesting that they experience it in complex ways.During her conversation with The New York Times, Dr. Monsó elaborates on her research and ideas, revealing the layered understanding of how different animals respond to dying and mourning, thus bridging the gap between human and animal emotions surrounding death.
