If you truly believe in the value of life, you care about all of the weakest and most vulnerable members of society. – Joni Eareckson Tada
IT WAS ONLY RECENTLY that the old saying “having a whale of a time” struck me. As you know, the expression refers to an individual having a jolly good time. I wondered why a “whale” and not another mammal or even a bird for that matter.
Perhaps the answer lies in the fact that whales are very family-oriented creatures and some of their pleasant behaviour towards family members may be good examples for humans to emulate.
Marine biologists say that there are about 78 species of whales, each of which does amazing things. but it was the killer whales that gripped my attention. I thought their incredible conduct towards their vulnerable family members deserves more than a fleeting glance.
Weighing about six tons, the adult killer whales, or orcas as they are called, are one of the sea’s most deadly hunters. It is observed that they team up as family members and work very strategically to take down both small and large prey in order to provide for each other and especially their disabled members.
As vicious as these sea creatures are they can teach humanity a great lesson when it comes to taking care of disadvantaged, hurting family members.
“In many animal societies, if a member of a group is gravely wounded or born with disabling deformities, that animal becomes an unsustainable burden on the others, and is often left behind at the mercy of predators, hunger and disease. Not so with killer whales.”
Such statements were made by David Kirby, a British professional journalist of 25 years’ experience, who did extensive research on killer whales. “They are among the few species in the world to look after members of their family who cannot look after themselves. Their patience and compassion for each other surpasses, perhaps, even that of humans.”
Loving differently abled
Today I am delighted to see a much greater awareness being placed on the differently abled members of our community. It is my observation that family members are giving more public exposure to these useful members of our society although it may be challenging at times to do so.
I also commend the institutions of learning and the workplaces that have made it possible for the differently abled to feel a sense of pride and worth as they are given opportunity to function confidently and productively.
The question still lingers in my mind as to whether greater effort cannot be given to lift the standard of empowerment for this group of individuals. I am still hearing about the different forms of abuse, insults and devaluation to which some of these helpless ones are subjected.
Caring for the helpless
In May 2013 Britain’s Daily Mail ran a very touching story of a killer whale which spoke volumes of compassion, commitment and care of these incredible sea creatures towards a disabled family member. The publication ran the story of an orca that was apparently born without two crucial fins which prevented it from hunting with the other family members.
What was remarkable was the fact that the other family members (pods) would go hunting and bring back food for the disfigured family member.
Compassionate towards the helpless
Dr Ingrid Visser, founder of New Zealand’s Orca Research Network, is one of the world’s leading experts on killer whales. She spoke of two whales that were severely damaged by the propellers of passing boats and how the other family members devised a strategy to take care of their wounded.
When the healthy family members went hunting, a few would stay behind with the wounded orcas. Food was always brought back for those two injured members to enjoy.
I am aware of situations where the burden of the vulnerable within families is sometimes placed on the shoulders of one caring member while the other able-bodied resourceful family members refuse to lend a supportive hand.
The example of the “less intelligent” sea creature should be a wake-up call to all human families to function at an advanced level when it comes to caring for the helpless.
Considerate towards each other
Marine mammal scientist Dr Naomi Rose showed the killer whales’ compassionate, caring, social and emotional side, citing the “babysitting” of younger siblings by older sons so that their mother could go and socialise with other females or just get some rest. Amazing!
The members within the killer whale’s family recognised the vulnerability of their young and worked to have them protected with the presence of their very own flesh and blood. It is a practice to which more human families should adhere so that the horror stories of young children being left in the “care” of strangers, some of whom take advantage of them, would become a thing of the past.
Another thing evident among the killer whale family is the need for the hard-working mothers to periodically get away from the demands of taking care of the tender offspring.
Often older children don’t seem to realise that their parents need some time for themselves. Good example from the killer whales; thoughtful lesson for older family members who may also have a tendency to burden their parents with their own children and run off with their friends to enjoy activities that satisfy their desires.
I have now grown to greatly appreciate the amazing examples killer whales continue to display among themselves as family members. The high level of commitment to their own and especially the vulnerable; the consistent compassion, care, cooperation and cohesion for which they are known will always be etched in my mind. What about you?
• Haynesley Griffith is a marriage and family life consultant. Email: griffitharticles@gmail.com