(CBS) When elephants retire, many head for the Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald, Tenn. They arrive one by one, but they tend to live out their lives two-by-two.
"Every elephant that comes here searches out someone that she then spends most all of her time with," says sanctuary co-founder Carol Buckley.
It's like having a best girlfriend, Buckley says - "Somebody they can relate to, they have something in common with."
Debbie has Ronnie. Misty can't live without Dulary.
Those are pachyderm-pachyderm pairs. But perhaps the closest friends of all are Tarra and Bella.
That would be Tarra the 8,700 pound Asian elephant. And Bella. The dog.
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Studying animal friendships allows scientists to gain insight into the social behaviors and dynamics of different species, and how these relationships can impact their survival and reproductive success.
Yes, many animals, including primates, elephants, dolphins, and even some birds, have been observed forming long-term friendships with other individuals. These bonds can last for years and play a crucial role in the animals' social lives.
Scientists use various methods to study animal friendships, including observations in the wild, behavioral experiments, and studying the animals' brain activity. They also use techniques such as social network analysis to understand the complexity of these relationships.
Yes, animals from different species have been observed forming friendships. These relationships can be beneficial for both animals, providing companionship, protection, and even learning opportunities.
Yes, animal friendships have been shown to have evolutionary significance. For example, in some species, friendships can increase an individual's chances of survival and reproductive success, leading to these traits being passed down to future generations. It also helps to maintain social cohesion within a group, which can be crucial for survival in some species.