In the video shared by Parveen Kaswan, a herd of elephants can be seen gathered around the body of a deceased member. The scene unfolds on a quiet road, where traffic has come to a complete standstill as onlookers witness an extraordinary and deeply emotional display. The elephants, often viewed as gentle giants of the animal kingdom, are exhibiting a behavior that goes beyond mere curiosity. They appear to be mourning, gently touching the fallen elephant with their trunks, as if paying their respects.
This moment, captured in the video, provides a glimpse into the complex emotional lives of elephants. Their reactions—ranging from gentle nudging to standing in silence—echo the human grieving process in remarkable ways. It’s a reminder that elephants, much like humans, experience loss and seem to seek comfort from one another during times of sorrow.
George Wittemyer’s observations align with what we see in the video, shedding light on the emotional depth of these creatures. He has long documented their mourning behaviors, noting that elephants often return to the site of a herd member’s death days, weeks, or even years later. This, combined with the reverence they display toward the bones of deceased elephants, suggests an understanding of death that scientists are only beginning to grasp.
While much about elephant mourning remains a mystery, the growing body of evidence shows that these animals possess an emotional intelligence that transcends the boundaries of species, reminding us of the deep connections that exist within the animal kingdom. As conservation efforts continue, understanding the emotional lives of elephants may become key to ensuring their protection and well-being.
A magnificent herd of elephants is crossing the street with a grace that is appropriate for their size and harmony. One elephant in particular sticks out in the parade, softly holding something in its trunk. Viewers, intrigued, quickly discover that the elephant is bearing a young, dead elephant calf, which is inert.
The herd stops quite solemnly, and the elephant carrying the small load carefully lays the dead calf on the ground. The others assemble around, creating a circle of respect. This scenario is quite moving; it conveys a sense of shared sadness and mourning.
The title of the video, as Parveen Kaswan so eloquently put it, “The family just don’t want to leave the baby.” Their behaviour is reminiscent of the solemn cortege of a deceased person.
The elephants continue to amaze and astound researchers and viewers alike with their level of emotional depth as they exhibit an instinctive reverence for the deceased and an understanding of the great grief they have experienced.
As they go on their trek, a second elephant comes up and tenderly cradles the dead calf in its trunk. Elephant herds are emotionally connected to one another, and this display of deep grieving and solidarity emphasises how capable elephants are of feeling loss and sadness.
This will move you !! Funeral procession of the weeping elephants carrying dead body of the child elephant. The family just don’t want to leave the baby.
The film serves as a moving reminder of the extraordinarily emotional lives that elephants lead and is evidence of the strong bonds that exist among animals. It’s a tale that connects our worlds and serves as a moving reminder of the intricacy and beauty of nature. Please spread the word about this post on Facebook to your loved ones so that others can also be moved by the moving scenes shown in the film.