Commentary in Animal Sentience
Can a nonhuman commit suicide?
This question is addressed in a target article in the journal Animal Sentience with commentary penned by me.
Claims are often made about behaviors being unique to humans; the evidence usually shows they are not. Sign language studies on chimpanzees may provide a useful model for comparative studies of suicide. A productive approach to comparative studies is to focus on observable behaviors rather than getting lost in the pitfalls of vague definitions and changing measures.
The author of the target article, David Pena-Guzman, participated in the Fauna Chimpopolis activities last year.
Mary Lee Jensvold, Ph.D.
Mary Lee Jensvold is the Fauna Associate Director, a primate communication scientist, and Fauna Board Member. With over 30 years of experience caring for signing chimpanzees, she has produced numerous publications that include sign language studies, communication in chimpanzees, and advancements in captive chimpanzee care. She is the former director of the Chimpanzee & Human Communication Institute.
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