Grief has historically been considered a human characteristic, but various animals, from killer whales to crows, also exhibit signs of mourning when they lose a companion.
Last week, observers witnessed a female killer whale off the coast of Washington State repeatedly pushing the body of her deceased newborn calf, reminiscent of a previous incident in 2018 when the same orca, known as Tahlequah, did the same when another calf passed away.
This behavior, lasting for 17 days, showcases the strong bond these animals share despite their ability to travel long distances daily.
Interestingly, killer whales are not the sole species that carry their dead young. Edinburgh Zoo reported in 2021 that a chimpanzee named Lianne cradled her stillborn baby, refusing to let go. Additionally, dolphins, monkeys, and other highly intelligent mammals have displayed similar actions.
Researcher Becky Millar from Cardiff University views this behavior as a manifestation of the innate human desire to retain connections with lost loved ones. It reflects an animal's struggle to come to terms with the loss and adapt to a changed reality.
Some animals exhibit prolonged grieving processes, akin to how humans experience grief following a bereavement. Anecdotal examples include elephants crying over deceased companions and a dog like Greyfriars Bobby, who guarded his owner's grave for 14 years. Similarly, Jane Goodall observed chimpanzees showing signs of depression after the loss of family members.
Studies suggest that animals might undergo emotions comparable to grief. Laboratory experiments with infant primates separated from their mothers and observations of baboons facing loss showcase behaviors akin to human grief, such as detachment and increased stress hormone levels following a death.
In some cases, animals partake in ritualistic acts after a loss, resembling human funeral customs. Elephants and chimpanzees have been seen visiting remains, touching bones, cleaning bodies, or congregating around deceased members, exhibiting what seems like a form of mourning.
The concept of grief in animals remains a philosophical debate, with discussions about whether animals possess the cognitive capabilities necessary for true grief. While some argue that animals lack the understanding of death's permanence, others, like Millar, contend that many animals exhibit behaviors indicative of grief, showcasing an ability to adapt to loss and changed circumstances.
Ultimately, regardless of the cognitive intricacies involved, the emotional responses observed in animals following a companion's death suggest a capacity for empathy and complex emotional experiences that echo human grief processes.
5 Animals that Mourn their Dead - Travel Video
Video by Kenya Wild Parks
