Reflections from Earth Expeditions Galápagos
Photo by Cosette De Ferrari
Las Tintoreras remains one of the most profound memories from my time in the Galapagos. The small islet, named for the White Tip Reef Shark, Tintorera, is carved with narrow lava channels where these sharks rest. As we moved across the jagged volcanic terrain, the thought of entering the waters that sheltered these magnificent predators filled me with quiet anticipation rather than fear.
I have admired sharks for as long as I can remember, but seeing them in their natural environment brought that admiration to a deeper level. When we slipped beneath the surface, a Tintorera appeared, our eyes met. In that brief exchange, I did not see a threat or a symbol of fear; I saw another living being, wild, aware, and deserving of space and respect.
That moment captured the essence of empathy in its purest form. It is the ability to see the world from another’s perspective, even across the boundaries of species. It was not about imagining the shark as human, but rather about recognizing its right to exist free from misconceptions that often surround it.
As the shark sank back toward the ocean floor, I remained floating in stillness, humbled and grateful. The encounter reminded me that empathy is not born only from shared experience, but from careful observation, respect, and presence. In that quiet underwater pause, I felt a connection that transcended words and left a lasting impression on the way I understand and relate to the world.
Empathy Beneath the Surface YouTube Video Link
Author Biography:
Cosette De Ferrari is a graduate student in the Global Field Program with Project Dragonfly, pursuing a Master of Arts in Biology through Miami University. She lives in South Bend, Indiana, where she serves as the Youth Programs Coordinator at the Potawatomi Zoo. Cosette discovered Project Dragonfly through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) while seeking professional development opportunities aligned with her passion for conservation education. Through her work and studies, she is committed to inspiring deeper connections between people and the natural world.
Photo by Cosette De Ferrari