Elephants are remarkable not only for their size, but for their complex minds. Their sophisticated social lives, extraordinary communication and ability to learn from decades of experience have made them an important species for scientists studying animal cognition.

Here are five fascinating facts that reveal just how intelligent elephants can be.

Elephants Can Recognise Themselves

Elephants are among a small number of animals that have demonstrated mirror self-recognition. In a landmark study involving Asian elephants, one individual successfully passed the "mark test", using her reflection to investigate a mark placed on her own head.

Researchers consider mirror self-recognition an important indicator of advanced cognition and the ability to distinguish oneself from others.

They Comfort One Another

Elephant relationships go far beyond simply living together. Research on Asian elephants has documented consolation behaviour towards individuals experiencing distress, including physical contact and reassuring vocalisations.

Elephants have also been observed assisting injured or incapacitated companions, demonstrating just how important social bonds and cooperation are within elephant society.

They Have an Extraordinary Communication System

An elephant conversation can involve far more than the sounds we hear.

Elephants communicate through vocalisations, touch, scent and visual signals such as body posture. Their famous low-frequency rumbles can travel considerable distances, helping separated elephants remain in contact.

Even more remarkably, elephant rumbles and movements can generate vibrations that travel through the ground. Research shows elephants can detect seismic information, adding another fascinating layer to their sophisticated communication system.

Experience Really Does Matter

The saying that "an elephant never forgets" might be an exaggeration, but there is plenty of science behind their reputation for exceptional memory.

Older matriarchs can hold extensive social and ecological knowledge accumulated throughout their lives. Studies have found that families led by older matriarchs can make better decisions when assessing threats, while elephants also rely on spatial memory to navigate landscapes and locate important resources such as food and water.

For a species that may live for many decades, experience can become an incredibly valuable survival tool.

They Respond Remarkably to Death

Perhaps one of the most moving aspects of elephant behaviour is their response to dying and deceased companions.

Researchers have documented elephants touching and investigating bodies, remaining close to deceased individuals, guarding them, vocalising and even attempting to support dying or dead herd members. Adult females have also been observed carrying deceased calves.

Scientists are careful about assigning human emotions such as "grief" to animals, but these documented death-related behaviours reveal an extraordinary level of social complexity.

The more we learn about elephants, the clearer it becomes that there is far more happening beneath the surface than we can see. Their memory, communication, relationships and remarkable cognitive abilities continue to give us new reasons to appreciate and protect these incredible animals.

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All photos copyright of our founder Shannon Wild