There are a number of people who will argue about an animal’s ability to feel empathy. Some believe that the idea of animals being able to experience grief is overblown. Meanwhile, those who know better would never say such a thoughtless thing. Videos like these serve as proof that the former group does not know what they are talking about. This clip should touch the heart of viewers everywhere.
The video depicts an elephant’s funeral procession. These animals are supremely intelligent and when they lose a loved one, they grieve in the only way that they know how. The footage first began to circulate on Twitter and has since gone viral. The funeral took place in India. The footage was initially shared by one of the park rangers who happened to be on the scene at the time.
Grieving elephants filmed carrying body of dead calf in 'funeral procession'https://t.co/hqlsnkIyhL pic.twitter.com/7wkuZoCEqo
— Daily Star (@Daily_Star) June 10, 2019
Of course, social media had to turn this touching footage into one of their newest debates. This family had just lost their baby but leave it to the snark merchants of Twitter to turn it into yet another bad faith debate. This elephant’s emotional and physical strength is tough to calculate. Just imagine having to carry the body of a loved one while you are still in the grieving process.
#NewProfilePic pic.twitter.com/MI7rtczn8g
— Parveen Kaswan, IFS (@ParveenKaswan) June 7, 2019
Elephants do not have the luxury of asking pallbearers to handle the task for them. They have to handle these issues all on their own. That is what makes this video so incredible. We are in awe of the emotional strength that this elephant was able to summon. While there is very little to enjoy about this clip, the respect that was paid by the drivers made us smile.
Grieving elephants weep as they carry dead baby in 'funeral' procession https://t.co/Y9W3tAq7Zi pic.twitter.com/SFGiYe8jIJ
— Daily Mirror (@DailyMirror) June 9, 2019
The vehicles remained stationary during the procession. They did not want to disturb the elephants. These observers were very smart to keep their distance. Elephants do not take well to any disturbances that involve their young. We are glad that no one decided to get too close. The familial bonds that these elephants share are much like the bonds that humans are able to form.
This will move you !! Funeral procession of the weeping elephants carrying dead body of the child elephant. The family just don’t want to leave the baby. pic.twitter.com/KO4s4wCpl0
— Parveen Kaswan, IFS (@ParveenKaswan) June 7, 2019
If you are anything like us, you will be wiping away the tears by the time you get to the end of this heartbreaking clip. We hope that these elephants are able to find solace soon. Rest in peace, old friend. Please take a moment to share this touching video with the animal lovers in your life. They are sure to appreciate every moment of it.
