In brief
Philosopher Susana Monsó explores the emotional and cognitive responses to death in the animal world, arguing that these reactions may extend beyond human experience in her new book "Playing Possum."
In the summer of 2018, a remarkable incident unfolded off the coast of British Columbia. An orca named Tahlequah gave birth, but the calf tragically died shortly after birth. Unperturbed by the loss, Tahlequah made headlines when she carried her deceased calf around for an astonishing 17 days, even balancing it on her nose as she swam. This poignant display of maternal grief resonated deeply with many, illustrating a level of emotional complexity that encourages reflection on the nature of death across species.Dr. Susana Monsó, a philosopher studying animal minds at the National Distance Education University in Madrid, notes the human relatability of this orca mother’s experience. "This idea of a mother clinging to the corpse of her baby for 17 days seems like something we can understand, something we can relate to," she acknowledged, particularly for those who have faced profound loss.However, this recognition comes with caution. Scientists warn against overly anthropomorphizing animal behaviors, highlighting the pitfalls of projecting human experiences onto non-human species. Yet Dr. Monsó argues in her new book, "Playing Possum," that many animals possess an elementary understanding of death—a concept traditionally seen as uniquely human.In her exploration of comparative thanatology, Dr. Monsó connects the complex behaviors of orcas with observations of other species, including ants, that display varied responses to the death of their kind. By examining these patterns, she posits that animals have a rudimentary grasp of mortality, challenging long-held beliefs that only humans can comprehend the finality of death.Dr. Monsó’s insights invite a richer appreciation for the emotional lives of animals and move us closer to understanding how widely the concept of death spans the animal kingdom. In an era increasingly interested in animal cognition, her work contributes significantly to discussing the interconnections between life, death, and the emotional responses that accompany these experiences. As we continue to delve into these topics, we may find that the bonds of understanding extend more broadly across the spectrum of life than previously imagined.
