Why do animals have the innate desire to die in a quiet/safe place?

Question

Anthropologically speaking, why would this be a positive trait? How would it improve a species chances of survival and propagation?

Answer 1

What do animals have to do with anthropology? (see, I read your question)

At this stage/poing, I'd say the best-days for propagaiting are long behind them..  If an animal -- let's say an elephant -- seems to understand it's old & weakened, and walks away from the herd.. it can be done because of 2 things... 1) those around them have recognized there's something wrong, ill about them and have moved away from THEM.. meaning the herd or pack or group has moved on, leaving them alone.. or 2) that animal is slower may not be able to keep up, and doesn't want to infect/sicken others (as the mothers of young, etc. also seek to distance the young, from them).

Your answer is about Others, not the individual on one hand.. and a general weakness, or slowing on the other hand. They might not want to DRAW or attract predation, closer to the others or young.. where another can be taken/eaten in the frenzy -- like with the elephant example.

At some point, too, many beings lose their will, to live and to eat and to move, etc. -- even people. (Especially people, anthropologically speaking...)

Answer 2

They probably sense that they are vulnerable and seek a place to hide that is as safe as possible from preditors.