Archive · 3 Sep 2025
Animals Grieve: Elephants, Primates, Whales, and More
Animals, like elephants and whales, seem to feel sad when their friends or family die, just like humans!
They show it by staying near the body, touching it, or carrying it around for days.
For example, an elephant herd will gather around a dead member.
An orca (whale) carried its dead baby for over two weeks.
Scientists are learning that grief might not be just a human thing, and animals could also have these feelings.
Animals across species exhibit behaviors suggesting they mourn their dead.
Elephants gather around deceased companions, touching them, and standing watch.
Primates, such as chimpanzees, have been observed carrying dead infants.
Whales and dolphins support dead calves at the water's surface.
Crows and magpies exhibit behaviors that suggest mourning.
- Who
- Elephants, primates, whales, dolphins, and various bird species.
- What
- Animal behavior suggesting grief after the death of a companion.
- When
- Observed over time with recent examples highlighted.
- Where
- Observed in various locations, including wild environments and zoos.
- Why
- To highlight that grief is not exclusive to humans and to encourage rethinking how we treat animals.
- Notable Mourners
- Elephants, Primates, Whales, Dolphins, Crows, Magpies
- Elephant Example
- Elephants touch, lift, and stand watch over deceased companions
- Primate Example
- Chimpanzees carry dead infants for extended periods
- Whale/Dolphin Example
- Whales and dolphins support dead calves at the water's surface
- Orca Example
- Tahlequah carried her dead calf for 17 days
