Animals are a key motif throughout the novel, highlighting Zia and Karana’s connection to the natural world and providing meaning in key moments of the narrative. For instance, during her boat trip, Zia carefully observes the dolphins, the whales, and the flying fish around them as elements of the environment. While Mando is fixated on fishing, Zia demonstrates a more spiritual connection to them. When Mando catches a marlin and keeps it hooked along the boat, Zia feels guilty: “His gaze did not move from me. It was strange to look into the eyes of a fish that looked back at you” (40). Feeling that she is the “cause” of its captivity, Zia decides to free it. The marlin gains symbolic aspects as its strength leads the boat away from the island, with Zia realizing: “In one part of me I was glad the marlin had come between us and the ocean” (42). The text suggests that, as she freed the fish, she should also abandon her efforts to take Karana away from her homeland. 

The significance of animals also becomes evident through Karana’s relationship with nature, particularly with her dog Rontu-Aru. For Karana, the dog is a constant companion. While at the Mission, she prefers to sleep with it by her side rather than remain in the dormitory. The dog follows her everywhere until her death. During her last days in the cave, Karana fills it with “wounded animals” she tries to rescue. Zia observes that she also saved a snake, showing “pity for a creature that was fated to live its life hated and reviled by everyone” (168). This suggests that Karana’s relationship with animals is crucial to her worldview, as she finds connection rather than hostility in nature. Ultimately, Karana’s dog becomes Zia’s companion and protector after Karana’s death, signifying their ongoing spiritual bond.