Across many species, animals show heightened awareness of changes in routine, scent, and behaviour, often responding when a companion or human is nearing a major life transition.
Researchers and animal caregivers have observed patterns such as increased closeness, guarding behaviour, or quiet withdrawal, which may be linked to animals sensing physical or emotional changes rather than predicting outcomes.
Understanding these responses can help people recognise why animals may act differently during emotionally intense periods and respond with patience and care.
This article is for general interest only and is based on information from documented observations and online sources.
Animal behaviour varies widely by species, individual temperament, environment, and past experience.
Consult a qualified veterinarian or animal behaviour professional for guidance related to health or behavioural concerns.
Photos are for illustrative purposes only.
1. Elephants
Elephants display profound awareness when death approaches within their herds.
They often gather around dying family members, touching them gently with their trunks in what appears to be a final goodbye.
After death occurs, these intelligent giants may stand vigil for days, covering the body with branches and dirt.
Researchers have observed elephants returning to the bones of deceased herd members years later, carefully examining the remains.
Their complex emotional responses suggest they understand mortality on a deeper level than most species.
2. Cats
Oscar the cat became famous for his uncanny ability to predict patient deaths at a nursing home in Rhode Island.
This remarkable feline would curl up beside residents hours before they passed away, providing comfort during their final moments.
Staff members learned to notify families when Oscar chose to stay with someone.
Cats may detect chemical changes in dying bodies through their highly sensitive sense of smell.
Their keen observation skills also help them notice subtle shifts in breathing patterns and body temperature that signal approaching death.
3. Dogs
Canines possess an extraordinary sense of smell that allows them to detect biochemical changes occurring in dying bodies.
Their noses can pick up on ketones and other compounds released as organs begin shutting down.
Many hospice facilities now welcome therapy dogs because of their calming presence during end-of-life care.
Dogs often become unusually attentive to family members approaching death, refusing to leave their side.
Some owners report their pets whimpering or showing distress days before a loved one passes, as if trying to alert others to the impending loss.
4. Crows And Ravens
These intelligent birds hold what scientists call funeral gatherings when one of their own dies.
Crows will circle and call loudly around a deceased member, appearing to mourn while also learning about potential dangers.
This behaviour suggests they recognize death and its significance within their community.
Ravens have been symbols of death across cultures for centuries, partly because they’re often seen near battlefields and deceased animals.
Their remarkable memory allows them to remember dangerous locations where other ravens died, helping them avoid similar fates in the future.
5. Dolphins
Marine biologists have documented dolphins supporting dying pod members at the water’s surface, ensuring they can breathe until the very end.
These compassionate mammals will stay with deceased companions for extended periods, seemingly reluctant to abandon them.
Some have even been observed trying to revive dead calves by pushing them repeatedly.
Their complex social bonds mean dolphins appear to grieve deeply when losing pod members.
Scientists believe they may recognize the finality of death through changes in echolocation signals that no longer bounce back from deceased bodies.
6. Horses
Horses form strong herd connections and often sense when another horse is dying.
They may stand guard over a weakened companion, offering protection and comfort through their presence.
Some horses refuse to eat or become withdrawn when sensing death approaching for themselves or bonded herd members.
Owners frequently report that horses seem to understand when euthanasia is planned, becoming unusually calm and accepting.
Their ability to read subtle body language and energy shifts may help them perceive the emotional states of humans making end-of-life decisions for them.
7. Chimpanzees
Our closest genetic relatives display remarkably human behaviours around death and dying.
Chimpanzees have been observed grooming dying group members more frequently and gently, as if offering comfort.
They may also become unusually quiet when death occurs, abandoning their typical vocalizations.
Jane Goodall documented chimps showing clear signs of grief, including depression and loss of appetite after losing close companions.
Some refuse to leave the body immediately, sitting nearby in what appears to be contemplation.
Their reactions suggest a genuine understanding of mortality.
8. Rabbits
Bonded rabbit pairs share incredibly close relationships, and surviving rabbits often sense when their partner is dying.
They may become unusually affectionate, grooming their companion more frequently and staying close by.
After death, some rabbits search for their lost partner or show signs of depression.
Rabbits approaching their own death often seek quiet, isolated spaces away from their usual activity areas.
They may stop eating and become very still, conserving their remaining energy.
These prey animals instinctively try to hide vulnerability, making their behaviour changes particularly telling to observant owners.
9. Rats
Despite their reputation, rats are highly empathetic creatures that respond to the distress and death of cage mates.
Research shows they become stressed when witnessing another rat in pain or dying.
Rats may try to help struggling companions by bringing food or staying close to provide warmth and comfort.
Scientists have found that rats can distinguish between living and deceased cage mates relatively quickly.
They often investigate the body briefly before avoiding that area, suggesting they recognize death has occurred.
Their social intelligence allows them to adjust group dynamics after losing members.
10. Geese
Geese mate for life and show extraordinary loyalty when their partner is dying or injured.
A healthy goose will often refuse to leave its dying mate, even when the rest of the flock migrates.
This devotion can put the surviving bird at risk, yet they remain steadfast in their vigil.
After losing a mate, geese may honk mournfully and search for their missing partner for weeks.
Some eventually find new mates, while others remain alone for the rest of their lives.
Their obvious distress indicates they comprehend the permanence of their loss.
11. Bees
Honey bee colonies maintain strict hygiene by quickly removing dead bees from the hive.
Undertaker bees have the specific job of detecting deceased colony members through chemical signals and carrying them away.
This behaviour prevents disease spread and keeps the hive functioning efficiently.
Bees recognize death through oleic acid, a chemical released by dead insects.
When researchers apply this compound to living bees, other workers treat them as deceased and remove them from the hive.
This chemical detection system helps colonies respond swiftly to mortality within their ranks.
12. Ants
Ant colonies operate like organized cities with designated graveyards where workers deposit deceased colony members.
When an ant dies, it releases oleic acid that signals other ants to carry the body to these cemetery areas.
This organized disposal system prevents contamination and disease within the colony.
Workers patrol constantly, checking on nest mates and identifying those near death or already deceased.
Their efficient response to mortality helps colonies of thousands or millions function smoothly.
Some species even care for dying ants separately before moving them to final resting places.
