Elephants are the largest existing land animals and are regarded as the "gentle giants" of the animal kingdom. They are scattered throughout most of Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia, and they are herbivores. There are two main recognised species: the African elephant and the Asian elephant.

Elephants are said to be one of the most intelligent animals on the planet. They are capable of using tools, exhibiting mirror self-recognition, and have the ability to remember people they have encountered, even after decades. Elephants are capable of holding grudges against humans or animals that have harmed or mistreated them.

Like humans, elephants are capable of exhibiting empathy and they also have their own unique mourning rituals.

Elephants are considered endangered species; they have long had a history of conflict with and mistreatment by humans. Scores of wild elephants are poached for their tusks each year, and many zoos and circuses worldwide have been accused of poorly treating elephants in captivity.

Many countries have since made efforts to clamp down on the ivory trade and protect elephants from harm.

Map of Elephants

• -33.446125.74581 Addo Elephant National Park – Eastern Cape, South Africa
• -2.6537.252 Amboseli National Park — Kenya
• 3.5923102.1428183 Kuala Gandah Elephant Conservation Centre – Pahang, Malaysia
• 19.214198.85844 Elephant Nature Park – Chiang Mai, Thailand
• 19.214198.85845 Chobe National Park – Botswana
• Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve – Malawi
• Sayaboury Elephant Conservation Centre – Laos
• -18.73526.9556 Hwange National Park – Zimbabwe
• 9.577577.187 Periyar National Park – India
• -6.91666731.3333338 Katavi National Park – Tanzania

See also: Dangerous animals#Elephants

Elephants are big enough, that they can hurt you accidentally if you are close to them. An aggressive elephant, or one that feels threatened, can easily kill you – keep your distance and act calmly.

See also: Animal ethics

As aforementioned, elephants are endangered. Therefore, you should do you part, as a model citizen, to protect these animals from further danger.

There are many ways in which you can make a difference, but the best place to start is to volunteer with an organisation dedicated to elephant conservation. Some organisations may even allow you to "adopt" an elephant for a fee.

You should avoid zoos, circuses, or shelters where elephants are not treated properly. Such places around the world use elephants solely for the sake of entertainment - not the way to treat elephants, or any other animal, for that matter.

• African wildlife
• Tigers
• Wildlife in South and Southeast Asia