In the summer of 2018, off the coast of British Columbia, an orca named Tahlequah gave birth to a calf that died shortly after birth. For over two weeks, Tahlequah carried her calf’s body, often balancing it on her nose as she swam. This poignant display of grief resonated with viewers and went viral, capturing the attention of Susana Mons, a philosopher of animal minds at the National Distance Education University in Madrid.
Dr. Mons noted that despite the significant differences between humans and orcas, Tahlequah’s actions were strikingly relatable to anyone who has experienced loss. However, she cautioned against anthropomorphism, highlighting the potential pitfalls of attributing human emotions to other species. Dr. Mons argues that we might overlook the cognitive and emotional capabilities of animals, assuming they are unique to humans.
In her new book, Playing Possum, she posits that various animal species may have at least a basic understanding of death, challenging the notion that such awareness is exclusive to humans.