Elephants mourn their dead even if they did not have a close bond

Elephants mourn their dead even if they did not have a close bond and continue to take an interest long after their bodies start to decay, a new study finds. Experts from the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research looked at 32 wild elephant carcasses from 12 different sources across Africa. They monitored the way in which the animals interacted with the carcasses and found that, in all cases, they would touch and examine the remains. They were also seen vocalising and attempting to lift or pull fallen elephants that had just died, according to researchers. New research has shown they mourn their dead even if they don't know them well (stock image) The idea that elephants have a'unique relationship' with the dead has been touted for a number of years, but this new study is the first to examine it in detail.