In brief
In her new book, philosopher Susana Monsó delves into the comparative study of death among animals, shedding light on their emotional responses and cognitive understanding of loss.
In the summer of 2018, a poignant moment unfolded off the coast of British Columbia when an orca named Tahlequah gave birth to a calf that tragically passed away after just a half-hour. What followed was an extraordinary display of maternal grief: Tahlequah carried her deceased calf on her nose for over two weeks, a behavior that captivated the public and highlighted a deep emotional connection. This event resonated deeply with Susana Monsó, a philosopher dedicated to understanding animal minds at the National Distance Education University in Madrid. “The act of a mother holding onto her dead baby for so long reflects a human-like experience,” she notes, pointing to a common thread of loss that binds species. However, caution is warranted when attributing human-like sentiments to animals; anthropomorphism can lead to misunderstandings about the true emotional capabilities of different species. Yet, Monsó argues against the notion that human cognitive traits are entirely unique. In her new book, “Playing Possum,” she posits that numerous animal species possess an elemental understanding of death.In an interview with The New York Times, Monsó discussed her work on this subject, emphasizing the significance of recognizing the emotional lives of animals. As society increasingly confronts the ethical implications of our relations with other species, exploring how animals engage with death may reveal profound insights into both their nature and our own existential questions. Through her research, Monsó invites readers to reconsider the narrative surrounding death, opening a dialogue about empathy across species boundaries.
