I do not claim to be the loudest or most passionate advocate for animals. But, I have always been fascinated by those, like elephants, who seem to show qualities of emotion and intellect that we so jealously guard and label “human”. These animals have demonstrated a remarkable memory for members of their herd… visiting bones of departed loved ones and paying their respects. They can also recognize former herdmates after decades apart.
Here is another such anecdote of an elephant’s concern for the deceased. This story was related to Hillary Clinton by a Kenyan naturalist. She shared it with Ellen Degeneres a few days ago on Facebook Live. While I’m aware, in a general sense, of the Clinton family’s charitable works, I did not know that the ivory trade was an issue they had focused on.
A text/photo version is available here: www.thedodo.com/…
What are they thinking? What are they feeling? We can put ourselves in their place and consider how we would feel, and experience a sense of connection. Scientists rightly caution us against anthropomorphizing. Yet, there is some feeling going on there, some thinking, and certainly capacity for joy and suffering. We would do well to remember.