A heartwarming video of elephants holding what seems like a “funeral” for a young deceased elephant has gone viral, touching the hearts of many. Posted on Twitter by Parveen Kaswan, a forest ranger in the Indian Foreign Service, the video shows an adult elephant gently carrying the lifeless body of a young elephant and placing it on the ground. The adult elephant stands guard as other members of the herd arrive, forming a solemn procession.

Young and mature elephants gather around the small carcass in a display of unity, lifting and carrying it into the forest. The video received over 5,000 retweets and nearly 12,000 ‘likes’ on social media, with viewers deeply moved by the scene.

The video illustrates the capacity of animals for complex emotions like grief, although scientists advise caution in attributing human-like feelings to them. Elephants, like other species, have been observed displaying mourning behaviors. This heartwarming moment showcases the depth of emotion and social connection in the animal kingdom, revealing nature’s touching and beautiful moments.