ReadingAnimals

I know of Karen Dawn because of her wonderful e-mail alert service, DawnWatch, which alerts animal advocates of news stories and opportunities to become part of the public dialogue on animal protection issues. Her editorial commentary has appeared just about everywhere - and it’s nothing short of stellar. Because she is such a keen advocate and writer, I am really looking forward to her new full-length book, Thanking the Monkey: Rethinking the Way We Treat Animals.

Japanese primatology is very different from its Western counterpart; it is more empathetic, intimate and relational. Thousands of years of sharing time and space with nonhuman primates and the cultural significance emerging from this long history have given rise to stories and rituals in Japan.

One modern interpretation, one that I can only imagine represents a significant departure for traditional views, is for those who conduct laboratory experiments on primates to engage in an annual ritual of thanks for the monkeys who are used. I wonder if this is where Karen got the inspiration for her title, Thanking the monkey? I can’t wait to find out!