Chimps Mourn Death As Humans Do

http://www.livescience.com/animals/chimps-mourn-death-100426.html

In a Scottish safari park workers witnessed a peculiar display by the Chimpanzees. Pansy, a 50 year old chimp was laying down with the other chimps circled around her. They continued to caressed her head and one male continued to check if she was alive by checking her mouth and moving her limbs. When she finally died her daughter stayed next to her all night. Later one male began to jump on her in an aggressive manner. It is believed that it was through frustration that the male acted as such, much like humans do. When the body was removed the chimps did not sleep in her platform even though it was a preferred sleeping spot.

Also in the wild chimps exhibited similar behaviors and a knowledge of death. When a fever struck a group, five chimps and two infants died. The mothers continued to carry the infant and treat as if it was still alive. They brought it everywhere with them, groomed and caressed it, and chased flies from its corpse. This behavior also reflects humans in their unwillingness to let go of a deceased loved one.