Scrub Jays hold "funerals" for their dead

Adam Khor

http://news.discovery.com/animals/birds-hold-avian-funerals-for-their-dead-120905.html

No joke, I once saw what I can only describe as a pigeon funeral myself. I really wish I had my camera at the moment.

Also, the article mentions that giraffes are thought to hold ceremonies for their dead. First time I read that. Anyone knows more about it?

dodderangler

Loads of animals mourn their dead elephants do it and will often stay beside the deceased elephant for days
Wolves do it with alphas also
They will howl for hours over it
African hunting dogs aswell
Chimps and gorillas
Mainly close family bonded packs/herds will do it
Dogs do it with their owners

Adam Khor

dodderangler wrote: »

Loads of animals mourn their dead elephants do it and will often stay beside the deceased elephant for days
Wolves do it with alphas also
They will howl for hours over it
African hunting dogs aswell
Chimps and gorillas
Mainly close family bonded packs/herds will do it
Dogs do it with their owners

I know when one of my cats died, the others were really upset which is strange because when they saw the dead body they didn´t seem to think anything about it, yet for the next days they would cry and search for the other cat and were in a very bad mood/nervous mood for weeks.
Makes me think they probably don´t understand death like we do but they do miss those who are gone.

I didn´t know about wolves and wild dogs, BTW, care to elaborate?

Oh Hell Oui!

Very interesting article thanks for the link.

So am I right in thinking the birds basically mob the deceased in order to draw attention to it and warn others of a potential danger?

Can see how this behaviour could have developed further in social mammals to strengthen group bonds.