what is this term called?

when animals know theyre going to die or when theyre in a really bad situation, they can just die on their own will .. what's this called?

edit: i found the article that made me think of this, but i thought there was a term put to the situation?? guess not?
news.yahoo.com...

[edit on 27-9-2008 by MurrayTORONTO]

[edit on 27-9-2008 by MurrayTORONTO]

Hmm... Suicide?



IMO Animals probaly have less of a fear of dying than we humans do... then are more able to "let go" than we are.

Seems like some kind of naturally induced Euthanasia, I have heard of this before though. Perhaps we as human beings have this ability also, we just rely on a more material approach of Suicide.

An interesting question would be;

Is this a Spritual act of self-induced Euthanasia or a scientifically Natural one?