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Elephants can recognize themselves in mirrors, mourn their dead by holding 'funerals,' and have been observed covering deceased family members with leaves and staying with the body for days.
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Animal OdditiesSep 04, 2026

Elephants can recognize themselves in mirrors, mourn their dead by holding 'funerals,' and have been observed covering deceased family members with leaves and staying with the body for days.

Elephants hold funerals and mourn their dead. They cover deceased with leaves and branches. Stay with bodies for several days. Return to visit burial sites annually. Pass mirror self-recognition test consistently. Demonstrate human-like grief and self-awareness.

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