Grief in the Animal Kingdom

By: Matthew Funeral Home
Monday, May 28, 2018


Grief is a natural part of life. Many social and pack animals experience grief at the loss of a loved one; just as we do. When an animal in the wild passes away, it’s family and friends feel grief. They may show behavioral changes after the death; such as in eating or sleeping habits. Animals may want to stay near or with the deceased, or show signs of sorrow. Dogs, chimps, ducks, elephants, and more show incredible signs of grief after the loss of a loved one. Grief is a natural part of the healing process, across the Animal Kingdom.

Death in the Wild

Chimpanzees will often stay with or near their fallen member of their social group for a time. If a baby chimp passes away, the mother may keep caring for it for days or even weeks; denying the loss. Other chimps will rally to console the grieving mother during this time. 
Elephants, as one of the most intelligent animals in the world, will often examine their fallen family member with their trunks. They may sway back and forth in sorrow. Some might even attempt to help them stand up, to no avail. Elephant children might return to their parent’s body a number of times before the herd moves too far away. Other elephant herds that find a fallen elephant from outside of their own may attempt to check on it or help it as well.
Dogs, from housepets to the wild packs will often show compassion and sorrow after the loss of a loved one. Dogs can experience depression and refuse to eat after the death of a companion. Pets will often express this type of loss when their owner passes. 

Burials

Some animals have been known to exhibit signs of burial and funeral rituals. Elephants may move twigs and long grasses to drape their fallen herd-mate. Magpies will pick grass and lay it over their deceased. Ravens will often fly in swooping circles around their dead, crying out in lower tones than usual. 

Grief, loss, and death are natural parts of life; for any social animal. The heartbreak that the death of a loved one can bring is something that we share with each other, and with animals. Animals and humans both find comfort in others during the times of grief and loss. It is through coming together, and celebrating the lives of those who have passed, that the healing process can begin.

For almost 50 years, Matthew Funeral Home has been serving the Staten Island community. We can help with almost every aspect of your loved one’s memorial service. Our family is here to serve yours, every step of the way.


Leave a comment
Name*:
Email:
Comment*:
Please enter the numbers and letters you see in the image. Note that the case of the letters entered matters.

Comments

Please wait

Previous Posts

Tips for Pre-Planning Your Funeral

Pre-planning your funeral may seem strange, but it is a practice that can help you and your family in the future. People often see pre-planning a funeral as morbid, similar to how many people feel ...

Grief and Shorter Days

Grief and the associated feelings of depression can be a difficult burden to bear at times. Many studies have shown that sunlight and bright days can improve moods associated with grief and depress...

Funeral Flowers for Different Faiths

Faith and culture play a large role in the proper etiquette of a funeral service, and this also applies to the types of arrangements you should consider when sending flowers. Certain flowers and ar...

Could AI be a Tool For Grieving Families in the Future?

There is a lot of buzz around AI these days. And while the tools of artificial intelligence are still in their infancy, there is a lot of talk about its use in a variety of industries. AI could pot...

Reading and Grief

A book is a powerful tool. A good book can transport you to another world, or help you dive deep into your emotions. The right book can provide new ideas and unique perspectives. Reading books can ...

If You Pass Away Without a Will

If you are to die without taking the time to create a Will, there are procedures in place to handle your estate. Without a Will, your entire estate and all of your assets will enter intestacy. Inte...

Birthdays of Deceased Loved Ones

Birthdays are often a cause for celebration. But after the loss of a loved one, they can be a bittersweet reminder. Birthdays of the deceased don’t have to be somber days. Rather, they can be celeb...

Losing a Loved One to Drug Overdose

Drug overdose is a major cause of death in America, with over 100,000 deaths annually, according to the CDC. When you lose a loved one to an overdose, there can be a lot of mixed feelings surroundi...

Religious Trauma and Funeral Services

When grieving the loss of a loved one, religious services are often a part of the funerary process. While faith is not a requirement for grieving, faith-based services can often provide closure for...

The Importance of Close Friends After a Loss

It is easy to feel lost and alone after the loss of a loved one. Thankfully, you aren’t truly alone. Your friends are there to love and support you. Sometimes, all you have to do is reach out. Fri...