When a man who saved and rehabiliated elephants passed away, two herds of elephants did something that amazed the world!

In March 2012, Lawrence Anthony, an esteemed environmental activist and author renowned as the "elephant whisperer," passed away.

His family recounted an inexplicable procession of elephants that unfolded in the wake of his death.

For twelve hours, two herds of wild elephants from South Africa journeyed slowly across the Zololand prairie, making their way to Lawrence Anthony's home.

These elephants, once deemed violent and troubled—candidates for extermination—were rescued and rehabilitated by Lawrence himself.

They stood vigil around his house for two days, as if keeping watch, before eventually disappearing back into the wild.

"They had been away for a year and a half, and it likely took them about twelve hours to complete the journey," explained Dylan, Lawrence's son. "The first herd arrived on Sunday, while the second herd came a day later. They remained at the house for two days before returning to their natural habitat."

But how did the elephants become aware of Lawrence's passing?

"A good person may die suddenly," remarked Rabbi Leila Gal Brenner. "From miles away, two herds of elephants sensed they had lost a friend—a cherished human being. They approached in a dignified manner, as though attending a funeral, wishing to convey their condolences to the bereaved family of the man."

"If there was ever a moment that exemplified the connection between all living beings, it is this. A man's heart ceased to beat, and the hearts of hundreds of elephants mourned. They came to honor the beloved man who had dedicated his life to healing and rehabilitating these elephants, paying him their final respects."

Source: CBC Canada, Beliefnet