[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.