10 Animals That Grieve Their Loved Ones

3. Chimpanzees

Chimpanzees—sharing about 98% of their DNA with humans—exhibit mourning behaviors that are strikingly similar. When a chimpanzee dies, particularly a young one, the mother often carries the body for days, showing signs of distress and confusion. The group may gather around the deceased, grooming and inspecting the body, as if trying to understand the loss. In some cases, chimpanzees have been observed to sit in silence—a rare behavior for such typically vocal animals—suggesting a deep reflection or sadness. These rituals indicate that chimpanzees experience grief in a way that is remarkably similar to humans, highlighting the emotional connections within their social groups.