When you think of elephants, you probably picture their majestic size and powerful presence. But what you may not know is just how deeply these creatures feel. These giants aren’t just intelligent—they’re capable of emotions that mirror our own. From their intricate family structures to their ability to mourn, elephants have a lot more in common with us than you might think.
George Wittemyer, a conservation biologist from Colorado State University, has spent years studying elephants, and in a recent interview with National Geographic, he shared some fascinating insights. “Elephants show incredible respect for their deceased,” Wittemyer said, “but we still don’t fully understand the depth of their interactions with the dead.” This behavior has long puzzled scientists and left us wondering: just how much do elephants understand about grief?
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. pic.twitter.com/KO4s4wCpl0
— Parveen Kaswan, IFS (@ParveenKaswan) June 7, 2019
A powerful new video, shared by Twitter user Parveen Kaswan, gives us a glimpse into the emotional lives of elephants. In it, a herd of elephants is seen crossing a quiet road when something extraordinary happens—one of the elephants is holding a lifeless calf in its trunk. As the herd pauses, the elephant gently places the calf on the ground, surrounded by the others in a silent, respectful circle. It’s a deeply moving moment, almost like a funeral procession.
The video, aptly titled “The family just don’t want to leave the baby,” is a powerful reminder of just how emotionally complex elephants are. They don’t just move on; they mourn. The way they honor their lost calf shows a level of emotional intelligence we can’t ignore.
What’s even more poignant is when another elephant steps forward to cradle the calf, showing a level of empathy and solidarity that’s hard to watch without feeling moved. These elephants are mourning together—demonstrating the strength of their family bonds and their profound capacity for grief.
This powerful footage brings us face-to-face with the emotional world of elephants, reminding us of the deep connections that exist in the animal kingdom. It’s a beautiful, heartbreaking moment that invites us to reflect on how we, too, experience loss and mourning. Let’s spread the word and share this heartwarming video with others to remind the world of the emotional depth these magnificent creatures possess.
Share it with your friends on Facebook—you might just open their eyes to the emotional lives of elephants!
