"It is not easy to study emotions even when the subjects are human...." ~ Jane Goodall
Laniakea Beach up at North Shore is also known as Turtle Beach. It is frequented by a number of beautiful, huge Hawaiian Sea Turtles, known locally as honu. The honu were previously an endangered species that has made a comeback of sorts and is now classified as threatened and still garners some protections under federal law.
Under the watchful eyes of the Honu Guardians - volunteers who watch over the animals, collect behavioral data, and share information with visitors to the beach - the animals that frequent this spot have endeared themselves to locals over the years and bear the names to prove it.
A few days ago, one of these turtles, Honey Girl, was slaughtered during the night by some human animal; ripped open like a tin can, eviscerated, beheaded and missing a flipper, she was mutilated far beyond what would have been necessary or humane for extracting the meat to eat.
The community was...is...horrified by this brutal and senseless act of violence.
A memorial was set up on the beach to honor Honey Girl, and the memorial had an unexpected guest:
Under the watchful eyes of the Honu Guardians - volunteers who watch over the animals, collect behavioral data, and share information with visitors to the beach - the animals that frequent this spot have endeared themselves to locals over the years and bear the names to prove it.
A few days ago, one of these turtles, Honey Girl, was slaughtered during the night by some human animal; ripped open like a tin can, eviscerated, beheaded and missing a flipper, she was mutilated far beyond what would have been necessary or humane for extracting the meat to eat.
The community was...is...horrified by this brutal and senseless act of violence.
A memorial was set up on the beach to honor Honey Girl, and the memorial had an unexpected guest:
Some may say this is coincidence or that we shouldn't ascribe human emotions to wild creatures, but why is emotion still so taboo in the scientific community? As a lifelong admirer of Jane Goodall, who challenged that taboo with her entire body of work, I say it's time to let that old taboo die.
Maluhia 'oe, Honey Girl.
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