Do animals truly understand death? The evidence says yes—and it’s more profound than you might think. From elephants tenderly touching the bones of loved ones to parrots refusing food after losing a mate, these behaviors show a shared emotional thread between humans and the animal world.
Here are 15 extraordinary species that grieve their dead, offering a haunting reflection of our own capacity for love, loss, and connection.
1. Elephants
Elephants are renowned for their profound capacity to grieve, showcasing emotional depth rarely seen in the animal kingdom. They’ve been observed holding vigils over fallen family members, tenderly touching their remains with their trunks as if saying a final goodbye.
In Kenya’s Samburu National Reserve, researchers witnessed Grace, an elephant, desperately trying to revive her dying companion, Eleanor. Grace’s distress was palpable as she vocalized and nudged Eleanor, refusing to leave her side.(ref) Elephants have even revisited the graves of loved ones years later, a poignant reminder of their enduring emotional bonds.
STOP BUYING GREENS: This Machine Grows $1000s Worth Automatically
✓ Set It & Forget It: Fully Automated Growing
✓ From Seed to Harvest in Days - No Experience Needed
✓ Grow Premium Microgreens Worth $50/lb Year-Round
Note: This is an affiliate link and we may earn a small commission if you purchase at no additional cost. This helps keep our website free to use.
2. Chimpanzees
Chimpanzees, our closest living relatives, display deep grief when losing a family member. Jane Goodall famously documented Flint, a young chimp who fell into a profound depression after his mother’s death, eventually succumbing to grief just a month later. (ref)
In other cases, chimps have been observed cleaning the teeth of deceased companions, a behavior some call a “mortuary ritual.” These actions reveal not only the emotional weight of their loss but also a possible understanding of death’s permanence.
3. Gorillas
Gorillas, like their chimpanzee relatives, show touching signs of mourning their dead. In Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, grieving gorillas have been observed staying close to the bodies of deceased group members, displaying remarkable emotional depth.
In one instance, a juvenile gorilla spent two days near a fallen adult, even making a nest to sleep beside him. Grauer’s gorillas have been seen sitting near the deceased, gently touching, sniffing, and grooming the body—acts that reflect their strong bonds and the need to process loss.
4. Dolphins
Dolphins, celebrated for their intelligence and deep social connections, display profound grief when facing loss. In the Red Sea, a mother bottlenose dolphin was observed carrying her dead calf for days, a behavior known as “epimeletic carrying” seen across dolphin species.
Off the coast of Greece, another mother dolphin was documented interacting with her deceased newborn. These poignant acts reveal the strong emotional bonds dolphins share and suggest they process death in ways strikingly similar to humans.
5. Magpies
Magpies, known for their intelligence, appear to hold funerals for their dead. When a magpie dies, others gather, calling out and sometimes placing twigs or pine needles around the body, resembling a wreath.
Biologist Marc Bekoff documented this behavior, observing a magpie “wake” after one was struck by a car. The birds stood solemnly around the fallen comrade, offering a touching insight into the emotional depth of these remarkable creatures.
6. Giraffes
In 2010, a female giraffe in Kenya stood vigil over her dead calf for more than four days, a heartbreaking display of maternal grief. Other female giraffes joined her, wrapping their necks together as if in an embrace.
This tender behavior mirrors how humans console one another and highlights the deep emotional bonds giraffes form. It’s a poignant reminder that even animals not typically linked with complex emotions can experience and express profound loss.
7. Dogs
Dogs have long been known as “man’s best friend,” and their loyalty extends beyond death. For centuries, artwork has depicted dogs standing guard over the graves of their deceased owners.
When a dog loses a beloved owner, they may refuse to leave their side, clinging to the hope that their companion will return. This heartbreaking behavior is a testament to the powerful bond between humans and their canine companions.
8. Cats
Cats, often seen as independent, can display deep sensitivity when grieving the loss of their humans. In nursing homes, cats have been observed curling up beside residents on the day of their passing, quietly keeping vigil.
Though the reasons remain unclear, this behavior suggests cats form strong bonds with their humans and may even sense when the end is near. For those who share their lives with these enigmatic companions, it’s a comforting reminder of their quiet loyalty.
9. Horses
Horses, deeply social creatures, form strong bonds within their herds and exhibit behaviors akin to mourning when a companion dies. They have been observed standing silently around a fallen herd mate, sometimes for hours, as if paying their respects.
In more personal losses, a horse may refuse food and companionship, showing signs of depression and withdrawal. These behaviors highlight the profound emotional depth of horses and their capacity to grieve, echoing the connections humans share with loved ones.
10. Rabbits
Rabbits, often seen as timid, can show deep grief when losing a bonded partner. In one case, a rabbit named Harper witnessed the euthanasia of his companion, Kohl, and became so emotionally devastated that he never recovered.
This touching story reveals the profound attachments rabbits form and the significant impact loss can have on their well-being. It’s a reminder to honor the emotional needs of even the smallest creatures we care for.
11. Goats
Goats, known for their playful and curious nature, have also been observed mourning the loss of their companions. Goats displayed behavioral changes and emotional distress when a herd member died.
These suggest that goats, like many other social animals, form strong bonds and experience grief when those bonds are broken. It’s an insight into the emotional lives of these often underestimated farm animals.
12. Turtles
Even ancient reptiles like turtles have shown intriguing signs of mourning. In one instance, a group was observed gathering around the body of a deceased companion, an unusual and thought-provoking behavior.
While the reasons for this are not fully understood, it suggests that even seemingly solitary creatures may form emotional bonds and feel loss. This serves as a humbling reminder of the emotional complexity present in all corners of the animal kingdom.
13. Parrots
Known for their intelligence and strong bonds, parrots have been observed displaying deep grief when they lose a companion. Some may withdraw, refuse food, or engage in self-destructive behaviors after the loss of a mate or close friend.
These heartbreaking reactions reveal the profound emotional attachments parrots form and the toll loss can take on their well-being. It’s a poignant reminder to care for the emotional health of our feathered companions during difficult times.
14. Baboons
Living in complex social groups, baboons form deep bonds with their family members. When faced with the loss of a loved one, they’ve been seen grooming the body, carrying it, or standing guard, reflecting behaviors reminiscent of human mourning.
These actions indicate that baboons experience grief on a profound emotional level and may even grasp the permanence of death. Their responses offer a powerful glimpse into the emotional lives of these intelligent primates.
15. Orcas
Highly intelligent and social, orcas form deep bonds within their family groups. In 2018, the world watched in awe as Tahlequah, a grieving orca, carried her dead calf for 17 days in an extraordinary display of maternal sorrow.
This poignant act of grief touched hearts worldwide, showcasing the profound emotional connections orcas share. It serves as a powerful reminder that love and loss are universal experiences, transcending species and uniting all living beings.
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.