Communication among elephants is multifaceted. They use low-frequency sounds called infrasound, which can travel several kilometers, allowing them to stay in touch over vast distances. These sounds, often below the threshold of human hearing, carry information about identity, emotional state, and environmental conditions. Additionally, elephants communicate through touch, body posture, and even seismic vibrations detected through their sensitive feet.
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Elephants exhibit behaviors that demonstrate empathy and compassion. They have been observed mourning their dead, returning to the bones of deceased companions, and standing vigil over sick or injured herd members. Their ability to remember individuals and locations for many years also speaks to their exceptional cognitive capabilities.