You might have seen videos of gorillas gently cradling a fallen companion or lingering beside a lost family member. It can feel almost human—this deep sense of sadness.

But gorillas truly experience grief, and observing how they process loss can teach us a lot about animal emotions and social bonds.

Understanding Grief in Gorillas

Grief isn't just a human experience. Gorillas live in tight-knit social groups, forming strong attachments to family members and friends. When one of these connections is broken, whether through death or separation, gorillas often display behaviors that resemble mourning. Researchers have noted that they may stay close to the deceased, gently touch or clean the body, or show signs of withdrawal and low energy.

Behavioral Signs of Grieving

Watching gorillas in grief reveals several clear signs:

1. Prolonged contact with the deceased – Gorillas may sit beside or hold onto a lost companion for hours or even days. This behavior shows attachment and an effort to stay connected.

2. Changes in activity levels – Playful or social gorillas may suddenly become withdrawn. They may stop eating as much, sleep more, or move less, indicating sadness and emotional distress.

3. Vocalizations – Distinct calls, groans, or chest-beating can occur, reflecting anxiety or attempts to communicate distress within the group.

4. Protective behaviors – Some gorillas will guard a deceased infant or family member, showing awareness and care even after death.

Why Grief Matters?

Grief is a natural response to loss, and it serves several important purposes in gorilla societies:

1. Maintaining social bonds – Mourning reinforces connections. When a group collectively responds to loss, it can strengthen remaining relationships and cohesion.

2. Emotional processing – Just like humans, expressing grief helps gorillas cope with the absence of a loved one, reducing stress over time.

3. Teaching younger gorillas – Juveniles observing grieving behaviors learn about social bonds, empathy, and group dynamics, which are crucial for their development.

Case Studies and Observations

One well-documented case involved a gorilla mother who lost her infant. She carried the baby's body for days, grooming it and occasionally attempting to feed it. Even after the infant was gone, she remained withdrawn and subdued, showing the depth of her attachment. In other groups, researchers have observed older gorillas comforting younger members through gentle touches and vocalizations during times of loss. These moments highlight not only grief but also empathy and social awareness.

Supporting Emotional Wellbeing in Captivity

For gorillas living in sanctuaries or zoos, human caretakers can help ease the emotional burden after a loss:

1. Maintaining routine – Keeping feeding times, enrichment, and group interactions consistent provides stability.

2. Providing social support – Allowing grieving gorillas to spend time with familiar companions helps them process emotions naturally.

3. Observation and intervention – Monitoring for signs of severe stress or depression ensures caretakers can step in if needed, using enrichment or temporary adjustments to the group dynamic.

Lessons for Us

Seeing gorillas grieve challenges the idea that complex emotions are uniquely human. These moments of loss remind us that animals have rich inner lives and strong social connections. They also offer a perspective on empathy, patience, and care—qualities we can nurture in our interactions with animals and each other.

Reflecting on Grief and Connection

Watching a gorilla mourn is profoundly moving. It's a reminder that the bonds we share with animals are meaningful, and their emotional experiences are real. Taking the time to observe, understand, and support them not only respects their intelligence and social nature but deepens the connection we share. Grief may be universal, but so is compassion—and caring for animals in their moments of loss brings out the best in both humans and gorillas alike.