In a touching display of mourning, a mother elephant carried the body of her deceased calf to its final resting place, showcasing the profound emotions elephants can feel.
Somber footage captured in Namibia’s Torra reserve shows the grief-stricken mother elephant carrying her calf towards an acacia tree.
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This heart-wrenching scene unfolded in Damaraland, where the baby elephant, less than a week old, tragically died due to a water shortage.
As the mother elephant moved towards the tree, other herd members silently walked together in a solemn procession.
She highlighted the elephant community’s deep bonds and communal respect in this poignant moment.
The calf’s death resulted from severe drought conditions, with both rivers serving the Torra reserve running dry and the wells out of order.
While younger elephants continued to play, the older ones gathered in a silent tribute to the lost calf.
Witnessing such a funeral ceremony for the first time, Safari guides were deeply moved. They noted that this particular ceremony was exceptionally emotional.
At the same time, elephants are known for their mourning behaviors—such as laying branches over the deceased, raising their feet above the body, or scattering remains.
After the funeral, the herd continued their journey together, driven by the hope of finding water. This touching episode underscores the empathy and social complexity of elephants and highlights the harsh realities they face due to changing environmental conditions.
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