[someperson]

I wonder how much of this is due to the elephant having been shot (as opposed to being killed by a more comprehensible form of injury). The group of animals may have minimal contact with guns and not understand what happened.

From the herds perspective, they successfully escaped from the scary humans who made loud sounds but one elephant suddenly just toppled over after they escaped.

Confused they try to get her to her feet.

Later once its clear she's not coming with them, they cover her body to give it some form of protection against the elements or scavengers, if she wakes up later she might be able to catch up with the herd.

[srean]

Elephants share strong emotional ties with family members. From well documented behavior it is also very likely that they have an understanding of death (and birth) as well.

You can read this report about how a herd tried to protect a baby elephant that had got stuck in the railway track. The other elephants tried to block the train, possibly aware that the would be grievously injured. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/wildlife/8021988/Seven-elep...

This area has witnessed quite a few elephant deaths over the years, on an average, five elephants are killed every year here. Elephants have been run over by trains when their herds have in the process of crossing the tracks. Usually a single animal is hit. Lone elephants who have lost their mate have also been documented to attack railway engines. This is a behavior that's not been seen prior to these elephant accidents.

[deskamess]

From what I have heard/seen elephants treat their dead with respect. When coming back to an area where they lost one of their own they are known to caress and pick up bones and spend some time there. They seem to grasp the concept of death.

They may not have made an association between the event and their loss, but I am pretty sure they recognized the little one was no longer 'with them'. I personally feel (no facts here) they would not have left her alone if they thought she was alive.