Can Animals Grieve?

The article explores the question of whether animals experience grief, particularly focusing on the reaction of elephants to the loss of a herd member. While direct confirmation of grief is impossible, behavioral observations suggest that elephants, and other social mammals, experience something akin to social depression upon the death of a close companion.

Elephants and Social Depression

The example of an elephant herd returning to the carcass of a deceased member demonstrates the social significance of the lost individual. While the exact nature of their behavior cannot be definitively labeled as 'mourning,' it reveals a strong social bond and demonstrates that the loss significantly impacts the remaining elephants.

Shared Emotions

The article asserts that animals share fundamental emotions with humans, including social depression. This condition often manifests as social withdrawal after the loss of a bonded partner. While observing grieving behaviors, caution is advised against anthropomorphism.