Elephants have been shown to learn new behaviors by observing other elephants. This includes avoiding dangers or using tools. They do not need direct exposure to learn the lesson. This form of social learning accelerates knowledge transfer. It strengthens group survival.
It matters because social learning preserves knowledge across generations. Experience doesn’t have to be repeated painfully.
This explains rapid behavior changes within herds. One elephant’s lesson becomes everyone’s lesson.
Young elephants quickly adopt avoidance behaviors after watching elders react. This learning happens without reinforcement.
Animal Cognition Journal (springer.com)