Researchers exploring elephant behavior have found that these giants respond to the death of herd members in ways that resemble human grief. A team from a respected Indian institution analyzed candid videos uploaded by everyday people to understand how elephants react when someone in their social circle dies. The study, published in a leading science journal, indicates that elephants seem to notice death and show mourning-like behaviors and concern. This work adds to earlier findings about other highly social animals, such as monkeys and dolphins, where loss within a group triggers strong emotional responses, especially from mothers who have lost calves.
Documenting elephant reactions to death has been rare because such moments occur infrequently in the wild. Scientists cannot track these animals constantly, so they relied on publicly available footage recorded by others. In this study, researchers searched social media for relevant clips and found 24 videos showing elephants reacting to the death of herd members, with many clips depicting very young individuals. These videos offer a rare glimpse into the complex social and emotional lives of elephants.
The study notes that touching or caressing the carcass, especially the face or ears, was the most common response. In some clips, elephants sniffed the remains; in others, they made a range of sounds and, on occasion, attempted to reanimate the deceased using their trunks and gentle guidance with their teeth. The researchers describe a pattern of behaviors that suggests active grief rather than mere curiosity.
The research concludes that elephants not only detect death within their group but also engage in grieving processes, particularly when mothers lose calves. In several cases, mothers carried the remains for extended periods, underscoring the depth of attachment in elephant social life. The adult female carrying a deceased calf was often joined by other herd members, though there were moments of tension as a mother sometimes blocked access to the corpse by a younger elephant.
Across the video cases, observers noted that elephants approached corpses, explored them, and displayed what the researchers described as human-like reactions to dying and dead individuals. Attempts to lift or prop up the bodies were documented, and in some situations, the herd worked together to cradle or steady the carcass, suggesting efforts to preserve the deceased or provide comfort through contact.
Protect corpses
One notable clip shows an adult female and other herd members helping a calf that had fallen into a ditch and later died. The group touched or leaned on the body in various ways, an action that appeared to calm the living and comfort the bereaved. In several cases, vocalizations were heard, while in others the video sound was largely absent or masked by music or commentary added later by viewers. The most consistent behavior was close physical contact, a sign of enduring social bonds within the herd.
Elephants often watched over the dead, sometimes staying near the body for long periods, and in some situations they did not leave during rescue attempts. In certain cases, the distance between individuals and the carcass extended for many hours, indicating a strong attachment that could influence group dynamics long after a death.
There were accounts of defensive actions toward humans in a few cases, with members showing aggression when approached, which highlights the protective instincts that can surround a resting calf or a dying member of the group. The research also cataloged calmer, soothing responses such as gentle touching, head-to-head contact, and scent-based cues, while other responses included urination, defecation, or lingering near the carcass long after the body was removed.
Similarities with primates and marine mammals
The researchers note that elephants display thnatosocial responses that bear striking similarities to certain primates and marine mammals known for strong social bonds and high cognitive capacities. These parallel patterns reinforce the idea that complex grief-like behaviors may be more widespread in the animal kingdom than previously thought.
Earlier studies from other institutions have shown elephants recognizing and maintaining awareness of the remains of relatives long after death. Some investigations report elephants remembering places associated with lost family members and visiting those sites repeatedly. There is evidence suggesting rudimentary funeral-like customs, such as covering remains with earth or vegetation, pointing to enduring rituals within elephant societies.
Beyond mourning, elephants display remarkable memory and sophisticated social structure. They coordinate group actions, show empathy toward peers, and even interact with other species in ways that imply deep social understanding. They are renowned for their large brains and expansive neural networks, which support learning, memory, and social cohesion. This body of work adds to a broader view of elephants as highly social, emotionally rich animals with abilities that invite respectful consideration from humans. For researchers, these observations offer a compelling reminder to study elephants within the context of their natural social worlds and to interpret their behaviors with careful consideration of the ecological and ethical dimensions involved. RSOS 211740