Animals That Don’t Forgive and Forget

Quick Take

• One animal on this list doesn't just hold a grudge. It actively teaches younger members to do the same, turning a single conflict into a multigenerational rivalry. How orcas pass grudges down →
• For at least one species here, holding a grudge isn't emotional baggage. It's a calculated survival strategy that makes them more effective in the wild. Dolphins' survival-driven grudges →
• Scientists have documented one animal on this list planning delayed revenge, choosing to wait for the right moment rather than retaliating immediately. Chimps and delayed retaliation →
• One animal here can recognize a specific human face years after a single bad encounter, and it won't hesitate to recruit backup. Crows recognizing human faces →

Many animals are capable of remembering negative experiences, but some seem to take things a step further. Scientists have documented species that recognize individuals who wronged them, even long after the offending incident. In some cases, these grudges help them survive by encouraging them to avoid danger. Other times, they help maintain social order. While their perceived grudges likely differ from human emotions, their ability to remember and respond to past unpleasant interactions is quite impressive. Here are seven animals known for holding grudges.

1. Crows

Crows are famous for their long-term memories, and this ability is especially heightened when it comes to people they dislike. Researchers have found that crows can recognize human faces years after a negative encounter. They often warn fellow crows about a person they see as a threat. Multiple crows have been known to mob a person who previously disturbed one of their members. Crows are definitely one of the most notorious grudge holders in the animal kingdom.

2. Elephants

As the familiar saying goes, elephants never forget. And while their memories aren’t perfect, one thing they rarely forget is mistreatment. Both individuals and herds have been observed reacting aggressively toward people associated with harmful behaviors. In some situations, elephants have remembered locations where family members were killed by poachers. Due to their strong social bonds, they also may remember conflict that occurs within their herd. Their exceptional recall is one reason they are considered among the most intelligent land animals.

3. Dolphins

Perhaps due to their highly developed social intelligence, dolphins can remember other dolphins for decades. Years after a dispute has occurred within a pod, individuals may avoid enemies or even antagonize old rivals. Researchers have documented cases where dolphins exclude disliked individuals from group activities. In this way, dolphins’ social interactions have been compared to human social circles, complete with friends, rivalries, and complex relationships. In order to succeed in the open seas, these marine mammals have to keep track of both allies and enemies. Holding a grudge can actually be a useful survival strategy.

4. Chimpanzees

In groups of chimpanzees, status and relationships matter. These primates won’t soon forget if another chimp steals food, wrongs them in any way, or undermines their position. Most intriguing, scientists have observed delayed retaliation, with chimps thinking ahead and strategizing the right opportunity to get revenge. They’ve also been known to form alliances, strategically working against individuals they distrust. Their behavior points to a sophisticated understanding and recall of past interactions.

5. Orcas

Orcas live in tight-knit family groups. Like other grudge-holding mammals, they have impressive long-term memory. While likely to remember a pleasant interaction, they are also programmed to remember hostile conflicts with other pods. Opposing groups have avoided each another for years after displays of aggression. Orcas also teach younger members how to respond to threats, likely passing on grudges from one generation to the next. In this way, their grudges might last decades.

6. Parrots

Parrots are intelligent birds that form strong relationships, both with other birds and with humans. They quickly learn which individuals act kindly and which are mean spirited. A parrot that feels ignored or mistreated can be less cooperative or louder around the offender. Owners have reported their parrots remembering negative interactions even when much time has passed.

7. Horses

Horses may be predisposed to form grudges, as they remember human behavior exceptionally well. They can distinguish between people who showed kindness and gentle communication and those who spoke to them aggressively or dealt with them harshly. Horses have proven to respond differently to known humans based on previous experiences.