In the animal world, maternal care often involves more than just the mother; it extends to the entire group.
This is particularly true for elephants, where female members are crucial in raising each other’s calves.
Young female elephants learn essential nurturing skills by watching older females care for the young, which helps the calves develop important survival techniques.
Having multiple females involved in caregiving greatly enhances a calf’s chances of survival. Elephants are known for their close-knit social groups, which form lasting bonds and deeply mourn the loss of loved ones.
Elephants have been observed returning to places where a loved one has died and lingering there. Mother elephants, in particular, show profound emotions, grieving over stillborn calves.
Elephant motherhood is an extraordinary journey. Elephants carry their young for over two years before giving birth and then invest significant effort in providing optimal nourishment and vital knowledge to their infants.
Mother elephants act as role models, teaching leadership skills to their young during challenging times.
Elephant herds operate under a matriarchal system, where the wisdom of older females is key to maintaining social structure and ensuring the family’s survival.
In a touching video, newborn elephant Pyi Mai joyfully plays in rising river waters while her attentive mother, Mae Kham Moon, and nurturing aunt, Sri Nuan, stand guard, ensuring her safety.
The bonds between elephants highlight their profound emotions and intelligence, making these majestic creatures even more fascinating and endearing to us.