Mourning-Like Behaviour in a Malayan Sun Bear

Publication Type:
 Book Section
Year of Publication:
 2023
Authors:
 Friederike Schmitz, Simone Schehka
Publication/Journal:
 Optimal Wellbeing of Ageing Wild Animals in Human Care
Publisher:
 Springer International Publishing
Keywords:
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ISBN:
 978-3-031-30659-4
Abstract:

The behavioural response of animals to death, also called mourning-like behaviours, is an area of science which is underrepresented in the literature. Grief is the internalized psychological processing of a loss, whilst mourning is the external expression. In a survey by McGrath et al. (Anim Welf 22, 2013), “90% of the general public surveyed believed that some or all animals can experience grief, with 23% believing that all animals can grieve” (p. 33). Many caregiving staff have reported anecdotally that they believe they have witnessed changes in animal’s behaviour when other animals have died, either suddenly or following a longer illness or deterioration. Within this chapter, we refer to the literature with regard to animal behavioural responses to death and also describe an example of behaviour we observed following the death of a companion Malayan sun bear (Helarctos malayanus). The appreciation that animals may have feelings of grief and show mourning behaviour is an important factor in their care in captivity and should be considered when managing older animals in zoos.

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