In brief
Susana Monsó dives into the realm of comparative thanatology, revealing how various animals, including orcas, navigate grief and loss.
In a fascinating discourse on mortality, philosopher Susana Monsó from the National Distance Education University in Madrid emphasizes that the way animals respond to death offers profound insights into emotional processes, not just unique to humans. The compelling illustration of an orca named Tahlequah, who mourned her deceased calf by carrying its body for 17 days, exemplifies a relatable form of grief that resonates with human experiences of loss. Monsó highlights that while projecting human emotions onto animals can be problematic, it's equally critical to challenge the notion that cognitive and emotional responses to death are solely human traits. Her new book, “Playing Possum,” presents compelling evidence suggesting that many animals possess at least a foundational understanding of mortality, which warrants further exploration in the field of comparative thanatology. In an interview, Monsó articulated her passion for studying how animals deal with concepts of life and death, emphasizing the significance of recognizing emotional complexities within different species. This perspective invites humanity to reflect on the connections that span across species, bridging an understanding of grief and loss beyond human experience.
