Family Bonds in the African Savanna

The zebras drink from the river while giraffes graze on leaves from the trees and keep watch for danger. Their height gives them an advantage, and many animals pay attention when they suddenly become alert. Nearby, a lioness may be slinking through the tall grass, ready to burst into a run after a weaker animal in the herd.

Meanwhile, the elephants at the watering hole are squirting each other and having some fun. Yet they are always watchful, especially of their young. Mothers and other members of the herd often help calves over steep river banks, surrounding them with protection when danger threatens. If predators approach, elephants may charge together to defend their young.

High above, monkeys swing from branch to branch and settle into the trees for the night. They carefully care for their babies, carrying them on their backs while walking or even leaping from one limb to another. Toolmakers that they are, some use sticks to fish for ants or insects hidden in tree holes. They also groom one another, strengthening the bonds that hold their group together.

Here, a single roar can send animals running in every direction. One of the great advantages of living in herds or groups is protection.

Not far away, lion cubs tumble and play in the grass, occasionally disturbing their father while he naps. He tolerates them for a while before giving a roar or a gentle shove to remind them who is king. All the while, he waits for his mate to bring home dinner. She seems to possess enough courage, energy, and stamina for both of them.

When the lioness drags home her kill, I sometimes wonder who gets to eat first. Usually, the adult male lion eats before the lionesses and cubs, although circumstances vary. Sometimes the lioness may eat first while still at the site of the kill, and on occasion the male stands guard while the others feed. Nearby, hyenas wait for an opportunity, and vultures circle overhead.

As night settles over the land, animals retreat to holes, dens, caves, nests, or simply huddle together for warmth, affection, and protection.

I believe animals love their offspring, parents, and mates, and often show loyalty to their pride, herd, or family group. We know that males compete for mates. Elephants have been observed lingering near the bones of family members, and mothers grieve the loss of their young. Such behaviors suggest that animals experience deep feelings, perhaps far more than we once imagined.

Perhaps love wears many forms. It may not always look like human love, yet throughout the animal kingdom we see devotion, loyalty, playfulness, grief, and protection. From elephants mourning their dead to monkeys caring for their young and lionesses risking their lives to feed their cubs, there is abundant evidence that feelings run deep in the creatures who share this earth with us.

Anyone who has ever loved a pet already knows this in their heart.

Do you have a favorite animal? Mine changes from time to time. Some days I admire the loyalty of wolves, the beauty of zebras, other days the intelligence of elephants, and sometimes I am captivated by the playful curiosity of lion cubs. But I think elephants hold a special place in my heart. Their devotion to family and their remarkable memories seem to speak of something very old and very wise.