Grief isn’t limited to humans, many animals also mourn the loss of their partners in deeply emotional ways. These behaviours reveal how complex and compassionate the animal world can be.
Scientists are continuing to uncover just how strong emotional bonds run in nature, offering a touching glimpse into how love and loss transcend species.
This article is for general informational purposes only and is based on behavioural observations from wildlife studies.
1. Elephants
Elephants possess extraordinary memories and form lifelong bonds with their mates. When one dies, the surviving partner often returns to the body repeatedly, touching the bones with their trunk in what appears to be a tender farewell ritual.
Researchers have documented elephants standing vigil over deceased companions for days, refusing to leave even when the herd moves on. They may also cover the body with branches and dirt, creating a makeshift burial site.
Some elephants have been observed producing low-frequency rumbles near their dead partner, possibly a form of vocal mourning that humans cannot fully hear.
2. Swans
Swans mate for life, creating one of nature’s most enduring partnerships. If a mate dies, the surviving swan may refuse to eat or interact with other birds for weeks.
Some swans have been known to die shortly after their partner’s death, possibly from the stress and heartbreak of separation. Others remain alone for the rest of their lives, never seeking a new companion.
Observers note that grieving swans often return to places where they spent time with their mate, circling those spots as if searching for what they’ve lost.
3. Wolves
Wolves build incredibly strong pair bonds that can last their entire lives. When a mate dies, the surviving wolf often howls mournfully for days, a haunting sound that echoes through the wilderness.
The grieving wolf may withdraw from the pack, spending time alone and showing little interest in hunting or socializing. Pack dynamics can shift dramatically when an alpha loses their partner.
In some cases, wolves have been observed visiting the site where their mate died, lying down in that exact spot as if keeping a silent vigil.
4. Gibbons
Gibbons are among the few primates that form monogamous partnerships, singing elaborate duets with their mates each morning. When one partner dies, the surviving gibbon often stops singing entirely, falling into a profound silence.
These tree-dwelling primates may lose their appetite and become lethargic, showing clear signs of depression. They often sit motionless for hours, staring into the distance.
Researchers studying wild gibbons have noticed that some never take another mate, spending the remainder of their years alone in the forest canopy.
5. Albatrosses
Albatrosses travel thousands of kilometres across the ocean but always return to the same partner each breeding season. These magnificent seabirds can live over 60 years, maintaining their bond throughout decades.
When an albatross loses its mate, it may return to their nesting site year after year, waiting for a reunion that will never happen. The bird often performs their courtship dance alone, a heartbreaking display of loyalty.
Eventually, some albatrosses do accept new partners, but the process can take several years of mourning first.
6. Beavers
Beavers work side by side with their mates to build elaborate dams and lodges, creating a true partnership in every sense. When one beaver dies, the survivor often abandons their carefully constructed home, unable to maintain it alone.
The grieving beaver may stop eating properly and neglect grooming, leading to a matted, unkempt appearance. Their once-industrious nature fades as they struggle with the loss.
Younger beavers from previous litters sometimes stay to help their surviving parent, providing comfort and assistance during the difficult transition period.
7. Sea Horses
Sea horses engage in daily greeting dances with their partners, intertwining tails and changing colours together. This ritual strengthens their bond and coordinates their reproductive cycles.
When a sea horse’s mate dies, the survivor often stops eating and becomes inactive, drifting aimlessly through the water. Some have been observed searching their territory repeatedly, as if looking for their missing partner.
Researchers believe sea horses can experience something similar to depression, with hormonal changes that mirror those seen in grieving mammals and birds.
