A new study has confirmed elephants can console and reassure each other when they are distressed through touching and talking.
The study focused on 26 Asian elephants spread out in an elephant camp located in Thailand, according to an Emory University news release.
Research was conducted for nearly a year, where researchers recorded when elephants displayed stress reaction and the responses from other elephants.
The study was published in the journal Peer.
"For centuries, people have observed that elephants seem to be highly intelligent and empathic animals, but as scientists we need to actually test it," said lead author Joshua Plotnik, who started the study at Emory University, according to the university news release.
The findings said that elephants are capable of empathy and reassurance, and the animals do so through a series of touches and vocalizations, according to Discovery News.
To console another elephant, one will use its trunk and caress the suffering elephant, while emitting a "sweet-sounding chirp."
Plotnik, who is also the CEO of Think Elephants International, said consoling elephants occasionally will put their trunk in the other elephant's mouth as well.
This type of gesture has been compared to a hug or handshake.
"It's a very vulnerable position to put yourself in, because you could get bitten," Plotnik said, according to a university news release. "It may be sending a signal of, 'I'm here to help you, not hurt you.'"
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