Elephants are truly remarkable creatures. They are the largest land animals on the planet, and among the most intelligent. They are also known for their close family bonds and their ability to display empathy towards their kin. It is perhaps no surprise then, that recent scientific studies have shown that elephants are capable of recognizing themselves in a mirror and also of mourning their dead.

Recognition in a Mirror

Elephants have long been known for their impressive cognitive abilities. They are social animals and have complex communication systems and behaviors. Therefore, researchers have long suspected that elephants might be able to recognize themselves in a mirror. Scientists first conducted experiments on elephants to test their ability to recognize themselves in 2006. Led by Dr. Joshua Plotnik, a team of researchers placed large mirrors in front of captive elephants and observed their reactions. After several minutes, most of the elephants began to inspect their own bodies, using their trunks to touch their faces, ears, and trunks. These behaviors indicated that the elephants did not simply perceive the images in the mirror as another elephant, but they could recognize that they were seeing their own reflection.

Elephant Mourning

Elephants are well known for their close family bonds. They live in matriarchal groups, led by the oldest and most experienced female. These groups are extremely tight-knit, and members often display behaviors that suggest they feel a deep connection to one another. It should not be a surprise then that elephants have been observed exhibiting behaviors consistent with mourning when members of their group die.

In 2018, a particularly notable instance of elephant mourning was witnessed in Kenya. A mother elephant had died from natural causes, leaving behind a calf. The calf was visibly upset and refused to leave its mother’s side, even after other elephants came to investigate. Over the next few days, elephants in the area who had clearly been close to the deceased elephant visited the site, often standing near the body for hours and appearing to touch it. They gently stroked the calf with their trunks, apparently trying to comfort it.

Such instances of elephant mourning are not uncommon. In fact, there have been several documented cases in which elephants display behavior consistent with grief after a member of their group has died. This was first noted in 2005, at the death of a matriarchal elephant in Tanzania. Members of her group stood vigil over her body for several days and engaged in behaviors that hinted at mourning, such as touching and smelling her remains and dragging dirt and branches over her body.

Conclusion

Elephants have a complex social structure, and they possess impressive cognitive abilities that allow them to display behaviors that were once thought to be unique to humans. Recent studies have shown that elephants can recognize themselves in mirrors and show signs of mourning when a member of their group dies. These findings only underscore the importance of protecting these majestic animals and their habitats. As we learn more about elephants, it becomes clear that they are far more intelligent and sensitive animals than we ever could have imagined.