You know what I like the most about this video, even more than the self-recognition? Her first reaction upon seeing an unknown elephant was to invite it to play. It wasn't agitation, fear, or hostility; it was an invitation to play.
Elephants are large, social, herbivorous prey animals with a matriliear group structure. The alpha is usually a female. It pays for them to be wary but sociable towards strangers instead of instantly picking a fight (much more to lose from a fight), and this one was further socialized by interactions with humans. It has a more... open mind, if you get me. Elephants are fond of bluff charges, even when incensed. Like gorillas, they are more bark than bite. Unless you really scare them bad...which you don't want to do.
Actually the first reaction WAS agitation and hostility. She first does a digging motion with her front legs which is a clear indication of this. The invitation didn't come until after that. The older you get the more you'll realize it's best not to just blindly accept what a media jjournalist states as fact.
I believe I understand why an elephant can make this leap of consciousness. They have a unique perspective due to their height and frequent experience with water and it's reflective properties along with being conditioned by the visual cues nescessary to avoid crocs. Of course they must have the requisite intelligence but it's the visual association with water that's crucial.
Absolutely fascinating. I suppose we'll never know what goes on inside of an elephant's mind, but this research brings us closer to an understanding of their processing. Elephants are by far one of the most intellectual of all the animals. I love them and hope the rest of the world comes to have as high regard for them, ensuring a future for them.
+WasabiMeal Who knows? Maybe someday...our technological achievements are astounding, leading to ever greater advancements. My hope is that with it our compassion for all living creatures will match our intellectual growth.
@@KatherineUribe-1 it closer then you think, it's been only eight years and it's already happened with humans already! another 10-20 years and 100% we will
I think having your child standing next to you in front of the mirror helps with the processing since the parent can recognize its offspring in the mirror
I am super irritated by those people who insist to give an animal a human name. I am equal irritated by the fact that people insist to give a hurricane a human name.
This is so cool. I keep on wondering what happens after the elephant understands that that's himself in the mirror. When he continues his daily routine will his mind not be working overtime? I can only imagine his consciousness is going to expand after experiencing something like this. It's so interesting.
Like with human babies. After seeing themselves in the mirror for the first time they go back to their familiar world but look at it in a completely new way. They start to relate things to each other in a different way too. Would it be possible to measure the brain activity or the behavior of an elephant before and after seeing itself in the mirror? It would seem to me that such an experience would spark an enormous thinking process. This is so interesting.
i wish you would upload the whole show after it's aired. not everyone lives in america and has access to nat geo wild channel. I would love to watch the documentaries you guys air.
The Keeper missed the point, the elephant tried to check on the strange prop that was showing another animal which is an intelligent trait, other animals would most likely not check on the prop but instead smash the mirror or hit it somehow, the elephant did not bumb in the mirror or anything like that, it simply checked on its structure, very intelligent.
I watched from gorilla to lions to elephants. The Elephants had the most intelligent response. The suggestion that she was testing her trunk in RESPONSE to her reflection. It's just a suggestion, but the fact that it did something like that is cool.
It acts as if it's the first time it's seen a reflection of itself, but what about when their head is overlooking water in a pond? They must see their own reflections all the time with water? The mirror reflection is much more explicit in detail and perhaps that's why they investigate more?
So elephants are smart enough to eventually figure out that that's them in the mirror but they're not as smart as dolphins to almost automatically realize. It's kind of strange because elephants run across natural mirrors more often then dolphins like when elephants been down to drink water out of a lake they can see their reflection. Hmmmm...
More is known about elephant behavior now. People used to think when elephants bend down that it’s like when dogs are inviting another to play. First of all, adult female ellies don’t invite others to play, which that really should’ve been known. In reality, when an elephant does what Kathy did, it’s an aggressive act. It’s a show of ‘I will kill you’ if you if you push me too far.
Consciousness tests are a tricky subject. If they're too easy, then everything is conscious. If they're too hard, then the majority of humans are not conscious.
The Elephant is my spirit animal because I have a excellent memory I’m caring about my family I recognize myself in the mirror and I also have the strength of an elephant 🐘
There are only about 5-6 species in the world that understand an image of themselves is not another animal. Think about that. Of the 6,000 known mammal species, only the great apes, dolphins and maybe elephants understand that an image of themselves is in fact them.
why do animals with high emotional intelligence (even contested to be higher than humans) have a matriarchal system rather than patriarchal like lions?
cloveraby, matriarchal is as terrible as patriarchal, you have sociopaths and psychopaths in both groups. You have in your comment shown low existential, interpersonal and intra-personal intelligences indicative of sexists. If you can't think of how terrible matriarchy is just as patriarchy is, then I hope you're still a child for everyones sake.
@@rachelhendricks6886 Humans were actually a matriarchal species during the earlier days of our evolution. As we operated on a family social structure just like orcas and elephants.
All I could think abbout how MAGNIFICENT Cathy's tusk is! She has some elite quality ivory! Imagine the masterful, timeless artwork that can be crafted from those perfectly sized and shaped tusks! I wouldn't be surprised if some lucky rich mofo spent money to acquire the tusks
You know what I like the most about this video, even more than the self-recognition? Her first reaction upon seeing an unknown elephant was to invite it to play. It wasn't agitation, fear, or hostility; it was an invitation to play.
Elephants are large, social, herbivorous prey animals with a matriliear group structure. The alpha is usually a female. It pays for them to be wary but sociable towards strangers instead of instantly picking a fight (much more to lose from a fight), and this one was further socialized by interactions with humans. It has a more... open mind, if you get me.
Elephants are fond of bluff charges, even when incensed. Like gorillas, they are more bark than bite. Unless you really scare them bad...which you don't want to do.
@@gastonbell108 they aren't preys the children maybe but not the adults
Actually the first reaction WAS agitation and hostility. She first does a digging motion with her front legs which is a clear indication of this. The invitation didn't come until after that. The older you get the more you'll realize it's best not to just blindly accept what a media jjournalist states as fact.
My cat has that somehow she knows parkour to get up high places from like 5 things and I woke at 3 am to her staring into the mirror
Like a kid.
I believe I understand why an elephant can make this leap of consciousness. They have a unique perspective due to their height and frequent experience with water and it's reflective properties along with being conditioned by the visual cues nescessary to avoid crocs. Of course they must have the requisite intelligence but it's the visual association with water that's crucial.
At this rate, I'm not surprised as to why many cultures revered elephants as divine symbols of wisdom, beauty, and strength.
It's our lord Ganesha 🪷🍀🌼🐘🐘🐘🌼🍀🪷 Remover of obstacles. Lord of intelligence & wisdom🙏
@@endterrorism a very fitting animal for the identity of a lord
Absolutely fascinating. I suppose we'll never know what goes on inside of an elephant's mind, but this research brings us closer to an understanding of their processing. Elephants are by far one of the most intellectual of all the animals. I love them and hope the rest of the world comes to have as high regard for them, ensuring a future for them.
+WasabiMeal Who knows? Maybe someday...our technological achievements are astounding, leading to ever greater advancements. My hope is that with it our compassion for all living creatures will match our intellectual growth.
+Katherine Uribe Don't bet on it.
What about dolphins?
They did a test with Asian elephants and they were able to recognize themselves in the mirror
@@KatherineUribe-1 it closer then you think, it's been only eight years and it's already happened with humans already! another 10-20 years and 100% we will
I think having your child standing next to you in front of the mirror helps with the processing since the parent can recognize its offspring in the mirror
Beautiful elephants
Beautiful tusks!
I am super irritated by those people who insist to give an animal a human name. I am equal irritated by the fact that people insist to give a hurricane a human name.
I don'r get tired of saying it: elephants are the most amazing creatures on earth! 🐘🙌🏻❤️😍❤️❤️
Chimps must be pretty un cool
Me too😍💯
Spinosaurus is pretty cool
This is so cool. I keep on wondering what happens after the elephant understands that that's himself in the mirror. When he continues his daily routine will his mind not be working overtime? I can only imagine his consciousness is going to expand after experiencing something like this. It's so interesting.
Like with human babies. After seeing themselves in the mirror for the first time they go back to their familiar world but look at it in a completely new way. They start to relate things to each other in a different way too. Would it be possible to measure the brain activity or the behavior of an elephant before and after seeing itself in the mirror? It would seem to me that such an experience would spark an enormous thinking process. This is so interesting.
@@zja1441 that's actually a good theory! We need to test this!
I think after the elephants start to get the idea of how the mirror works, someone should walk up behind them and see if they turn to look.
i wish you would upload the whole show after it's aired. not everyone lives in america and has access to nat geo wild channel. I would love to watch the documentaries you guys air.
I am Indian American and used to watch nat geo in India.
Type in Nat Geo in the search box in UA-cam and get all the episodes
Elephants are so cool. They are almost as smart as the Americans.
And you're almost as smart as an elephant!
That comparision is not fair,americans are cooler than elephants.
an elephant has way more self awareness and intelligence, than any American. Americans sadly don't even come close.
@@rodricksteal1729 Guess that is why elephants rule the world and Americans wander around looking for food. Oh wait it was the other way around.
Are you praising or taunting?
The Keeper missed the point, the elephant tried to check on the strange prop that was showing another animal which is an intelligent trait, other animals would most likely not check on the prop but instead smash the mirror or hit it somehow, the elephant did not bumb in the mirror or anything like that, it simply checked on its structure, very intelligent.
I watched from gorilla to lions to elephants. The Elephants had the most intelligent response. The suggestion that she was testing her trunk in RESPONSE to her reflection. It's just a suggestion, but the fact that it did something like that is cool.
Such beautiful creatures with such incredible minds!
I think elephants know it's a reflective object (mirror). They are curious about it but I doubt theyre questioning whether it's another elephant.
It acts as if it's the first time it's seen a reflection of itself, but what about when their head is overlooking water in a pond? They must see their own reflections all the time with water? The mirror reflection is much more explicit in detail and perhaps that's why they investigate more?
This proves 100% that elephants have full self-awareness.
Where is the rest of it? I want to see when she reaches the phase of trying to observe the parts of her body she normally can't see
Need to see more. Not enough. But great footage nonetheless just wish it had more. Very fascinating
2:00 Nah, at that point she's asking "why is that tusk bit shorter than the other" 😅
Learning from my dog and beardie i think all animals can recognize themselves in the mirror it just takes time for different species
If the elephant was half-human, it would start to have self-esteem issues!
Yes, yes they are. Along with dolphins, magpies, great apes, and humans.
kathys tusks are majestic and fierce at the same time
Its my understanding that elephants have already been proven to pass the mirror test.
Elephants 🐘 are also known as “tuskers”.
Using their smarts to recognize themselves in a mirror is amazing!
Elephant: I look good
that is so cool
Adoro elefantes, são super inteligentes
BRILLIANT AGREED
So elephants are smart enough to eventually figure out that that's them in the mirror but they're not as smart as dolphins to almost automatically realize. It's kind of strange because elephants run across natural mirrors more often then dolphins like when elephants been down to drink water out of a lake they can see their reflection. Hmmmm...
dolphins are just more active and hyper excited in general. elephants dont jump around and they are very calm.
And yet we always poach more and more of them :(
So cute
Excuse me, where can see the full episode of this elephant documentary?
Elephants and dolphins 😍😍😍💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞🌊
Beautiful
is there any scientific papers on this?
More is known about elephant behavior now. People used to think when elephants bend down that it’s like when dogs are inviting another to play. First of all, adult female ellies don’t invite others to play, which that really should’ve been known. In reality, when an elephant does what Kathy did, it’s an aggressive act. It’s a show of ‘I will kill you’ if you if you push me too far.
I think dolphin know that they are looking at themselves in the mirror I still remember...
Yes, dolphins have also been shown to recognize themselves in a mirror.
Bob Jacobs i know :D
a dolphin and an elephant should have a meetup
0:08 damn, thats a young looking bill cosby
Consciousness tests are a tricky subject. If they're too easy, then everything is conscious. If they're too hard, then the majority of humans are not conscious.
To think something as common as seeing and understanding your own reflection in a mirror is something completely unique to us as humans
Ignorance is also unique and common amongst humans so it's not that surprising.
Elephant: oh that's me
Villagers in comedy movies: who the hack is this ugly mf, is my wife cheating with another guy?
They’re the elephants from Naledi! The baby elephant documentary on Netflix! 😊
Who dislikes this kind of videos?
People should stop saying what they think animals are thinking
The Elephant is my spirit animal because I have a excellent memory I’m caring about my family I recognize myself in the mirror and I also have the strength of an elephant 🐘
There are only about 5-6 species in the world that understand an image of themselves is not another animal. Think about that. Of the 6,000 known mammal species, only the great apes, dolphins and maybe elephants understand that an image of themselves is in fact them.
why dont they use flat mirror?
Inland direction history and pre-city history, somewhere in balance there are....
mirror secrets of the wild....
That's the smallest type of elephants, forest elephant
Elephant are one of the smartest animal
I'm smater than an elephant 🤓
why do animals with high emotional intelligence (even contested to be higher than humans) have a matriarchal system rather than patriarchal like lions?
Abygail Claver - Humans are smarter and are patriarchal, but interesting question.
cloveraby, matriarchal is as terrible as patriarchal, you have sociopaths and psychopaths in both groups. You have in your comment shown low existential, interpersonal and intra-personal intelligences indicative of sexists. If you can't think of how terrible matriarchy is just as patriarchy is, then I hope you're still a child for everyones sake.
@@rachelhendricks6886 Humans were actually a matriarchal species during the earlier days of our evolution. As we operated on a family social structure just like orcas and elephants.
Well don't animals see themselves in water when taking a drink?
would like to see this without the dramatic music or narrator- just want to see the Elephant do her thing
You cant watch any American show without an over dramatic narrator or music xD
What a horrible name for such a beautiful creature.
AN ELEPHANT NAMED KATHY IS BEYOND WHOLESOME ITS SUPERIOR WHOLEWHOLE
All I could think abbout how MAGNIFICENT Cathy's tusk is! She has some elite quality ivory! Imagine the masterful, timeless artwork that can be crafted from those perfectly sized and shaped tusks! I wouldn't be surprised if some lucky rich mofo spent money to acquire the tusks
people like you are the reason why animals like these are killed for money
Do you think she knows its her?
she does. it's been scientifically proven the 8 non-human species understand that they are the stranger in the mirror.
😎
Elon Tusk
no animal is that smart !!!!!
There are 8 animals that smart actually.
You know humans are also and right?
Objects 🗿 For Facts Picacts Cucts Bucets October #