Watch As Elephants Mourn Tragic Loss Of Matriarch Mother

Elephants have been seen mourning the loss of their herd mother. Witnessing this behaviour in the wild can shed light on their intricate social behaviours, especially when it comes to mourning their dead.

Elephants gather around to mourn loss of mother — Image credit: Courtesy of National Geographic (screenshot from YouTube)

But elephants aren’t the only animals that display signs of grief. Delving into the animal kingdom reveals that many animals have their unique ways of dealing with loss.

Elephants’ Emotional Depth

Witnessing a group of elephants interacting with a deceased member is an “extremely rare event.” Such observations provide a window into their deep emotional connections.

Unlike many other animals, elephants display signs of mourning even weeks after the passing of their kin. This behaviour is not just limited to their immediate family.

Even unrelated elephants show empathy and interest in the deceased, highlighting the intricate social bonds and the sense of community that exists within elephant groups.

Beyond Mere Survival Instincts

Elephants, in their natural habitats, are known to be constantly on the move, feeding for most of the day. However, when faced with the death of one of their own, they can spend an unusual amount of time standing around the dead.

This behaviour is not driven by survival or necessity but seems to be based on a deeper emotional connection. It’s a testament to the intricate social bonds and the sense of community that exists within elephant groups.

Understanding Their Grief

Elephants mourn loss of mother — Image credit: Courtesy of National Geographic (screenshot from YouTube)

While spending time with baby elephants in the wild can be a soul-recharging experience, understanding their mourning behaviour remains a challenge. We cannot directly communicate with them, making it hard to truly grasp their feelings and experiences.

However, their actions, such as lingering around the deceased and showing signs of distress, speak volumes about their emotional depth.

Other Animals That Grieve

Elephants are not alone in their expression of grief. Many animals display behaviours indicative of mourning. Chimpanzees, our closest relatives, have been seen attending to their dead, grooming them, and sitting beside the body in a state of distress.

Birds, too, show signs of grief. Magpies have been observed bringing grass and placing it next to their deceased companions, while some birds like swans and geese display signs of depression after losing a partner.

These behaviours across various species challenge our understanding of emotions in the animal kingdom and highlight the depth of their emotional lives.

Rare Glimpses into Elephant Grief

In the Samburu National Reserve in northern Kenya, a poignant scene unfolded in 2013. Queen Victoria, one of the last surviving old matriarchs, passed away due to natural causes. What followed was a touching display of elephants from three separate families inspecting her remains.

These elephants, although not directly related to Victoria, had known her and showed a clear connection by lingering over her carcass. This behaviour highlights the strong social bonds and the sense of community that exists within elephant groups.

Elephants’ Unique Response to Death

Elephants, dolphins, and chimpanzees are known for their ability to express emotions, including empathy. However, the way elephants respond to death remains a mystery. While many animals show little to no interest in the remains of their dead, African elephants are different.

They have been observed scattering the bones of their deceased family members, raising a foot over an elephant’s body, and even interacting with the remains for days.

Such behaviours indicate a deep emotional connection and possibly a form of grief.

The Legacy of the Royals

The Samburu Reserve is home to the Royal family, a group of elephants named after global royalty. Victoria, the matriarch, led this family, which is one of the largest and most dominant in the reserve.

Her peaceful passing by the river, surrounded by her family, was a stark contrast to the tragic fate many elephants face due to poaching.

Final Thoughts On Elephants Mourn Loss Of Matriach

The emotional lives of elephants are profound and intricate. Their reactions to death, their deep social bonds, and their unique behaviours all point to a level of emotional intelligence that we are only beginning to understand.

Observing and respecting these majestic creatures in their natural habitats can offer us invaluable insights into their world.

Do you think the elephants are grieving over this tragedy? Leave a comment below.

Thank you for following along with this article – Elephants Mourn Tragic Loss Of Matriarch Mother