Anthrozoology, Anthropomorphism, and Marine Conservation: A Case Study of Southern Resident Killer Whale, Tahlequah, and Her Tour of Grief

Abstract

University of Washington Abstract Anthrozoology, Anthropomorphism, and Marine Conservation: A Case Study of Southern Resident Killer Whale, Tahlequah, and Her Tour of Grief Jessica M. Knoth Chair of the Supervisory Committee: Marc Miller School of Marine and Environmental Affairs The field of marine affairs is broad, and covers everything from marine pollution policy and management to the blue-green economy and conservation science. The newest area of marine research is anthrozoology – the study of the relationships between human and nonhuman animals. Anthrozoology includes social sciences and humanities along with natural sciences, and can have powerful effects on human behavior - making it important in conservation and fishery economics, and for understanding human nature. One of the reasons the study of anthrozoology is important is because it encompasses anthropomorphism of animals as a research theme. Anthropomorphism is the application of human thoughts and behaviors to objects and animals, and creates empathy because humans then view animals as similar to themselves. This empathy is key in promoting conservation action for endangered species. The case study for this thesis looked for anthropomorphism in the news frenzy surrounding the death of Southern Resident Killer Whale (SRKW) Tahlequah (J-35)’s calf. As Tahlequah mourned her calf, news articles describing her grief, NPR stories, and magazine features became a daily onslaught for Seattle locals and beyond. The case study found that people identified with Tahlequah as a mother losing her child, an anthropomorphic construct that possibly changed the way people view killer whales, and influenced their conservation. The outpouring of support from the public for the recovery of SRKW after hearing about the story is likely because of anthropomorphism, and it represents the possibilities for other threatened and endangered marine life.