For most of us, the separation between our human life and that of the animals around
us is as easy as apples and oranges. We are the smarter, more evolved creatures who
have been given dominion over all others. And it's not like they have any emotions,
have been given dominion over all others. And it's not like they have any emotions,
anyway, right?
Except that actually... they do. While we can't speak for all animals, Washoe the
Chimpanzee could speak for herself. Rescued by professor Roger Fouts when he
Chimpanzee could speak for herself. Rescued by professor Roger Fouts when he
was still just an undergrad back in 1966, she was spared the fate of so many other
chimpanzees used for brutal science and medical research. Instead, she became
chimpanzees used for brutal science and medical research. Instead, she became
the first chimpanzee to be taught American Sign Language.
bond. She became more and more like another person to Fouts over their years
of friendship, aided by her growing vocabulary. Most primates don't shed tears or show
much in the way of outward emotion, which is what led so many to believe they simply had none. Thanks to Washoe's sign language skils, she was able to communicate her
fears, sadness and happiness.
Kat, who had become pregnant. Washoe had given birth to two babies herself, but both
had resulted in unfortunate early deaths. When Kat would arrive, Washoe would pay
extra close attention to her and sign questions asking about the baby.
Then, without warning, Kat didn't show up -- and she stopped showing up for a
couple of weeks. When she returned, Washoe acted unusually detached toward her,
as if she was offended.
Then, without warning, Kat didn't show up -- and she stopped showing up for a
couple of weeks. When she returned, Washoe acted unusually detached toward her,
as if she was offended.
Then Kat explained why she had been missing: she had lost her baby. Washoe signed
the word "cry" and "please person hug."
Washoe never had her own children, but accepted the adoption of a son named Loulis
who she in turn taught the sign language. She passed it along without any human
interaction encouraging her to do so, but because she simply cared about his well being.
who she in turn taught the sign language. She passed it along without any human
interaction encouraging her to do so, but because she simply cared about his well being.
Lucky to be so loved and cared for by Fouts, Washoe passed away of natural
causes at age 42 in 2007.
causes at age 42 in 2007.
(H/T: LA Times.)
Others like her, however, have fared much worse. Some were released back into the
wild only to be killed by humans, others were given over to medical research labs
where they were injected with toxins and diseases on top of deplorable living conditions.
We could all use an adjustment where this perspective is concerned.
wild only to be killed by humans, others were given over to medical research labs
where they were injected with toxins and diseases on top of deplorable living conditions.
We could all use an adjustment where this perspective is concerned.
