Humans and animals have coexisted peacefully since ancient times. This fundamental truth remains unchanged through the ages.
Asian elephants are slightly smaller relatives of the African elephant (Loxodonta africana), known for their intelligence and distinctive personalities.
This is reflected in their brain structure, which features a large and complex neocortex similar to that of humans, apes, and some dolphin species. Asian elephants are adept at processing information, demonstrating cognitive abilities that surpass even those of monkeys, which are closely related to humans. Numerous observations have shown that Asian elephants move to safer areas during natural disasters, such as tsunamis or earthquakes.
A study conducted by scientists has demonstrated that Asian elephants often comfort one another when in distress. The elephants in the study used both physical contact and vocalizations, along with comforting gestures, touching each other’s bodies and making soft chirping sounds. The study concluded that this behavior is “best classified with similar comforting responses observed in apes, possibly due to the convergent evolution of empathetic abilities.”
This helps explain why young elephants in herds are excessively protected by their parents and other herd members. Indeed, elephant parents are willing to do anything to ensure the highest safety for their offspring.
Recently, an event occurred that left the villagers even more amazed by the affection elephants show for one another.
That evening, the usual peaceful atmosphere in the village was suddenly shattered by the heartbreaking cries coming from a vacant lot. This caused a commotion among the villagers, and soon a group of young people gathered to investigate what was happening.
It turned out that a small elephant, approximately a few months old, was trapped under a concrete pit. Its mother, after a long search, finally discovered her lost child. The elephant’s large body, combined with the pit’s narrowness, prevented it from rescuing its offspring. The situation worsened when the mother elephant was electrocuted and fainted after touching an electric fence.
In response to this heartbreaking situation, the villagers quickly shut off the electricity and helped the mother elephant regain her footing. Moments later, the elephant led the villagers to where her calf was trapped, hoping for assistance from humans.
Image of the baby elephant trapped under the concrete pit.
The condition of the calf was equally dire. Having been trapped for an extended period, it was extremely frightened and exhausted. At this point, the rescue team’s challenge was to quickly excavate the surrounding earth while being very careful to avoid harming the calf.
Thanks to their unity and determination, the rescue team excelled in their mission. After a period of confusion, the calf joyfully rushed into its mother’s embrace, bringing tears of joy to all the witnesses present.
