Mourning can be defined as a shared, social response to loss. In the case of elephants it refers to a set of behaviors that are typically observed in the presence of a dead elephant. Elephants may approach, investigate (Trunk-Toward-Carcass, Back-Toward-Carcass, Touch-Carcass-with-Foot, Touch-Carcass-with-Trunk, Mouth-Carcass), stand stationary in Silence, attempt to Lift-Carcass, Carry-Carcass, Mount-Carcass, Cover-Carcass, Feed-Carcass, and or Guard-Carcass.
As Celeste lay dying, too weak to stand, her older male calf came over and reached Trunk-Toward her and then stood by her engaged in Displacement-Dusting. He then turned and Backed-Toward her. We can see he has fresh Temporin and, by his Ear-Flapping, that he is vocalizing. Her younger calf then appears and stands near her mother's face, her trunk making Body-Contact with her dead or dying mother. The younger calf lies down next to her mother's body, while the older calf stands and Waits, Back-Toward Celeste. (Amboseli, Kenya)
