Definitelyworried
Member
- Jun 19, 2018
- 551
It is generally considered that humans are the only known beings to use weapons when putting an end to their own life. There are examples of animals dying in defence of their family or colony, such as the case of pea aphids increasing their chances of death as a response to parasitism.[1] Many animals that appear to be depressed or grieving begin to exhibit self-destructive behavior that sometimes ends in death.[2] In 1845, the Illustrated London News reported that a Newfoundland dog had been acting less lively over a period of days before being seen "to throw himself in the water and endeavor to sink by preserving perfect stillness of the legs and feet".[2] Every time he was rescued he attempted to do this again before he finally held his head underwater until death.[2] Other dogs, as well as ducks, have also drowned themselves.[3] One duck did so after the death of its mate.[4] Some dogs will refuse food after the death of their owner until they die as well.[4] In 2009, 28 cows and bulls mysteriously threw themselves off a cliff in the Swiss Alps over the span of three days.[5][better source needed] One deer leapt from a cliff to its death so as to avoid being captured by hunting dogs.[4] Another famous example of animal suicide is the case of the dolphin which most often portrayed Flipper, on the 1960s television show Flipper. According to trainer Richard O' Barry in the film The Cove,Kathy, the dolphin, drowned herself before him.[6] Suicidal behavior has been observed more in female animals than male and in more vertebrates than invertebrates.[7]
Animal suicide was long used to define human suicide; in the 1800s animal suicide was seen as an act of abuse, madness, love, or loyalty, the same acts human suicide was seen as.[2] Although it is impossible to determine what drives animals to self-destruction, some specific traits associated with human suicide can be successfully transferred to animals.[8] Scientists have been unable to explain whether animals are able to consciously end their own lives.[7]
Animal suicide was long used to define human suicide; in the 1800s animal suicide was seen as an act of abuse, madness, love, or loyalty, the same acts human suicide was seen as.[2] Although it is impossible to determine what drives animals to self-destruction, some specific traits associated with human suicide can be successfully transferred to animals.[8] Scientists have been unable to explain whether animals are able to consciously end their own lives.[7]
