Elephants

There are two elephant species, the African Elephant, and the Indian Elephant. Two distinct species, which live on two separate continents, that surprisingly resemble each other only in shape, first the Bigger one. Weighing over 3,000 kilos, the African Elephant is a fierce and strong mammal like unto the giant mammoths of the past, with an untamable spirit. The Indian Elephant, on the other hand, is a meek and gentle mammal, that weighs under 3,000 kilos, and is very easy to domesticate (1). The African Elephant, residing on the planes of Africa, is the biggest land mammal. With an aggressive outlook and a protective character, it is dangerous when aproaching it or its family. Both genders have tusks, which is unique compared to the Indian Elephant, with whom only the males have tusks. The tusks are ivory, which for a number of reasons, one being the human’s greed and want of all things beautiful, caused poachers to kill these magnificent beasts. In the continent of Asia, resides the Indian Elephant, which is renowned for its gentle nature and smart mind. When colonists first traveled through India, they were surprised by the sight that awaited them. People riding on Elephants! Now, because most of us have since gotten used to this, it doesn’t come as much of a surprise, and yet we cant help feeling awed by these gentle giants, as the natives call them. Sadly, today there are no more wild Elephants in Africa, or Asia, they have been hunted for their ivory, and the remaining population has been put into game parks, and reserves. Is it our curse as humans, to annihilate these wonderful creations by our greed, and selfishness? No, it is not a curse, it is a choice made by people very much like you and me, taught a bad mindset by their elders and peers. But, may we hope that we try to preserve these animals, so that generations to come may enjoy the presence, of both the Indian and African Elephants.