Weird Wonderful World – The Elephants Knew

The Elephants Knew* 

. . .THE ELEPHANT’S JOURNEY TO PAY RESPECT, BUT HOW DID THEY KNOW?

Lawrence Anthony, a legend in South Africa and author of 3 books including the bestseller, The Elephant Whisperer. He bravely rescued wildlife and rehabilitated elephants all over the globe from human atrocities, including the courageous rescue of Baghdad Zoo animals during US invasion in 2003.

On March 7, 2012 Lawrence Anthony died. 

He is remembered and missed by his wife, 2 sons, 2 grandsons, and numerous elephants.

Two days after his passing, the wild elephants showed up at his home  led by two large matriarchs. Separate wild herds arrived in droves  to say goodbye to their beloved ‘man-friend’.

A total of 31 elephants had patiently walked over 112 miles  to get to his South African House.

Witnessing this spectacle, humans were obviously in awe not only because of the supreme intelligence and precise timing that these elephants sensed about Lawrence’s passing, but also because of the profound memory and emotion the beloved animals evoked in such an organized way: Walking slowly, for days, making their way in a solemn one-by-one queue from their habitat to his house. Lawrence’s wife, Francoise, was especially touched, knowing that the elephants had not been to his house prior to that day for well over 3 years! 

But yet they knew where they were going. The elephants obviously wanted to pay their deep respects, honoring their friend who’d saved their lives – so much respect that they stayed for 2 days 2 nights without eating anything. 

Then one morning, they left, making their long journey back home. 

Sharon, thank you for sending this.

* I did check this out on Snopes’ Urban Legends and it is listed as” undetermined”.  Despite my checking I LOVE elephants and know they are one of the most intelligent animals on the planet.  It’s well documented that they will mourn and bury their own.  No doubt that Lawrence Anthony was one of their own.