Elephants have been observed helping injured animals of other species. This includes lifting trapped wildlife or guarding wounded individuals. These actions provide no direct benefit to the elephant. Scientists interpret this as empathy-driven behavior. Such cross-species concern is extremely rare.
It matters because empathy shapes how animals interact with ecosystems. Elephants don’t exist in isolation.
It also challenges the belief that empathy is uniquely human. Emotional awareness is broader than assumed.
There are documented cases of elephants assisting injured humans. These responses occur without training or reward.
Scientific American (scientificamerican.com)