Elephants And Respect For The Dead.

As I already said on these boards, I have been observing the behavior of animals for many years (and very dispassionately, too, I think). And I think they share many of the same behaviors and values we do. I'm serious.

Anyways, I know this next one is still going to sound far out. But one time, as a child, I was watching this TV program, on elephants. They mourn the dead, according to this account.

Or more specifically, I give you the whole description. When they are roaming thru the fields of Africa, they sometimes come across the bones of other deceased elephants. Then (the story went), they react with great distress. But then they do something totally unexpected. They start moving and scattering the bones about.

Imagine, something that serves no logical purpose. You could almost call this behavior, respect for the dead. Or if not that, at least some kind of funerary custom.

My question then is simple: Is this true (i.e., that they exhibit funeral rituals)? And does it prove they are more human than some people would like to admit?

And now, I await your replies

 

I've always found elephants to be incredible animals but especially for this reason.

I don't believe it shows they are human-like, I believe it shows humans are not the only animals who can feel complex emotions.

 

On Facebook, in the last few days, I read a story of a baby elephant crying because it's mother rejected it. It cried for 5 hours.

Too much heartbreak just from reading the story!

 

I agree with meliai. They are highly intelligent and obviously can feel complex emotions, but in their own way not like humans. I love elephants, they are one of my favourite animals. My grandmother was also fascinated by them and her apartment was filled with carvings and wall hangings of elephants.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jGGhpo78BE


And part 2 the sad part.

http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/on-the-road-elephant-loses-mans-best-friend/

 

Yes, of course....my main concern in this world is for animals ...and elephants are lovely, feeling beings......they mourn the dead....a group visited an area where one of their own was killed and poached every anniversary for years .......elephants are amazing and they feel sadness......all animals feel...and when are people going to realize this?