Emotional Bond: Mother Elephant Drags Lifeless Calf in Grief, Video Goes Viral
Emotional Bond: Mother Elephant Drags Lifeless Calf in Grief, Video Goes Viral
Grief transcends all boundaries, even for animals. A touching video recently shared by Indian Forest Service officer Parveen Kaswan shows a mother elephant in deep sorrow as she drags the body of her deceased calf. This emotional footage emphasizes the strong bond that exists between these gentle giants and has gone viral, evoking powerful feelings online.
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#Elephant Mother not able to comprehend death of her calf. She keeps dragging body for some time – at times for days. They are so like us – they are so humane. pic.twitter.com/qmWBjLZud8
— Parveen Kaswan, IFS (@ParveenKaswan) November 21, 2024
The mother elephant, clearly in distress, struggles to come to terms with her calf’s death, pulling the lifeless body along with her. Observers noted that she remained with her calf for several days, unwilling to leave, which serves as a poignant reminder of the emotional complexity elephants are known to possess. This tragic event has prompted reflection on the emotional lives of these animals and the lasting connections they create.
“Elephant Mother not able to comprehend death of her calf. She keeps dragging body for some time at times for days. They are so like us they are so humane,” wrote IFS officer Kaswan in his post sharing the video.
Kaswan went on to explain that emotional reactions like this from elephants are not uncommon, and he has witnessed similar events during his years in the field. “This is not our first such case; it was filmed by ADFO Shri Jayanta Mondal. I personally have seen a few such instances over many years of field service. Sometimes the entire herd participates in a ritual that resembles a funeral procession,” he mentioned in a follow-up post.
Since being posted on November 21, the video has received over 169,000 views, with many users expressing their sympathy and understanding.
“Elephants are regarded as the most intelligent, sensitive, and social animals. When a member of their large family dies, the whole herd stands by, waiting for him to return. Once they realize he will not come back, they eventually move on,” one comment read.
Another user commented, “Heartbreaking. May she find peace.”
“Such a heartbreaking sight! How did the calf die?” another user on X inquired.
