Giraffes are social animals organized in matriarchal societies in which older females care for the offspring of daughters and sisters.
Le grandmothers they represent the true pillars of the family and the community and are fundamental for society. This applies to human beings, but not only.
According to a recent study, in fact, the important role played by grandmothers is also essential in the animal world, for example among the giraffe. By closely studying the behavior of giraffes, the researchers noted that female giraffes survive well beyond their childbearing age. To be precise, giraffes live about eight years - so a third of their life - after their ability to procreate is over.
The phenomenon is known not only in humans, but also in killer whales and female elephants and has now also been demonstrated in giraffes. Until now, giraffes had always been seen as unsocial animals and lacking an organized system.
Instead, it seems that the giraffe females, once their fertile life is over, they take care of the offspring of the females of reproductive age, forming groups and helping in the search for food for the young. The grandmothers giraffes they look after the offspring of their daughters and younger sisters, in a kind of matriarchal society.
A widespread behavior among social animals and able to offer numerous benefits. The role of grandmothers not only lightens the workload of new mothers, but also helps them find resources in difficult times.
The elderly giraffes therefore behave like real grandmothers for a reason very specific, which is to increase the survival chances of the species.
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Reference source: Wiley online library
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