Natalia’s Grief: The Chimpanzee Who Refused to Let Go — and What It Teaches Us

Valencia, Spain — In February 2024, at Bioparc Valencia, a female chimpanzee named Natalia gave birth to a baby. Tragically, the infant died just two weeks later. What unfolded after that would captivate global attention: for months, Natalia continued to carry, groom, and cradle her deceased infant, refusing to part with the body even as it decomposed.

A Mother’s Unyielding Grief

Since the death of her newborn, Natalia has been observed carrying the body with her everywhere—nestled to her chest, cradled in her arms, and at times walking among her fellow chimpanzees, sometimes allowing them to inspect or gently touch the body. The zoo’s management and primate specialists have opted not to intervene, choosing instead to monitor her closely while respecting her natural mourning process.

Miguel Casares, director general of Bioparc, told reporters that visitors were initially shocked when they saw a chimpanzee carrying a dead baby. But once explained, many came to understand and respect what Natalia was experiencing. “This is a conduct that has been previously observed in chimpanzees, not only in zoos but also in the wild,” he noted.

A History of Loss

This is not Natalia’s first heartbreaking experience. In 2018, she lost another infant. Because of that prior loss, the zoo staff had instituted a heightened monitoring protocol during and after the 2024 pregnancy. In the immediate aftermath of the 2024 birth, detailed video monitoring and close observation of feeding and maternal behavior were used to ensure the well-being of both mother and child.

Zoo officials explained that intervening more aggressively—such as forcibly removing the body or sedating Natalia—could be dangerous not just for her but for the rest of the chimp group. Instead, they prioritized minimal disturbance and allowed her to mourn on her own terms.

What Animal Grief Can Tell Us

Natalia’s behavior mirrors documented cases of mourning in chimpanzees, both in captivity and in the wild. In primatological studies, mothers have been observed carrying and grooming the bodies of their deceased infants for days or even weeks after death. Some research suggests that such behavior may arise from the strength of the maternal bond, cognitive awareness of death, or simply an inability to fully grasp the finality of death immediately.

Interestingly, Natalia’s period of mourning extended longer than many documented cases. Her patience and persistence remind us that grief is not uniform—among humans or animals—and that emotional lives in other species may be far more complex than often assumed.

The Ethical and Conservation Questions

Natalia’s story has spurred debate among zoo professionals, conservationists, and the public on several fronts:

• How should zoos and sanctuaries respond when animals display grief? Intervening prematurely may violate the animal’s instincts; intervening too late may result in health risks (for instance, if decomposition leads to infection). Bioparc’s approach—respecting the mourning process while providing observation—offers one model but may not apply universally.

• What do such behaviors say about animal sentience and emotional life? Cases like Natalia’s challenge simplistic views of animals as emotionless. They emphasize that bonds, loss, and suffering may not be limited to humans alone.

• How can we balance animal welfare with conservation goals? Chimpanzees, especially the subspecies Pan troglodytes verus, are critically endangered, and breeding programs in captivity play important roles in species preservation. But ensuring the psychological well-being of individuals must be part of the conversation.

A Turning Point in Understanding

As months passed, Natalia’s grief made headlines around the world, prompting reflection about how we see, care for, and empathize with animals. Her story has become more than a sad anecdote—it’s a mirror, forcing us to confront uncomfortable questions about what it means to be human, what it means to love, and how deeply grief can run across species lines.

Natalia’s mourning may eventually end, but its lessons will endure—encouraging greater compassion in zoos, deeper respect for animal cognition, and renewed urgency in conservation.