Some Common Myths Thought to be True - Myth 37
Myth 37: Elephant Graveyard - Special Place to Die
An elephants' graveyard (also written elephant graveyard or elephant's
graveyard) is a place where, according to legend, older elephants instinctively
direct themselves when they reach a certain age. They then die there alone, far
from the group.
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Other theories focus on elephant behavior during lean times, suggesting
starving elephants gather in places where finding food is easier, and
subsequently die there. Similarly, Rupert Sheldrake notes that elephant
skeletons are frequently found in groups near permanent sources of water and
suggests elephants suffering from malnutrition instinctively seek out sources
of water in the hopes of improving their condition. The elephants that do not
improve develop increasingly low blood sugar, slip into a coma and die.
Finally, older elephants whose teeth have worn out (typically after their sixth
set of teeth) seek out soft water plants and eventually die near watering
holes.
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