Elephant: Difference between revisions

African bush elephants and Asian elephants are listed as endangered and African forest elephants as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). One of the biggest threats to elephant populations is the ivory trade, as the animals are poached for their ivory tusks. Other threats to wild elephants include habitat destruction and conflicts with local people. Elephants are used as working animals in Asia. In the past, they were used in war; today, they are often controversially put on display in zoos, or exploited for entertainment in circuses. Elephants are highly recognisable and have been featured in art, folklore, religion, literature, and popular culture.

[[File:Zhengzhou Zoo Elephant.jpg|alt=Elephant at the Zhengzhou Zoo|thumb|Elephant at the Zhengzhou Zoo ]]

'''[[Elephant|Elephants]]''' are known for their intelligence, social skills, and empathy towards other animals, including humans.<ref>[https://www.elephantvoices.org/elephant-sense-a-sociality-4/elephants-are-intelligent.html Elephants are intelligent] Elephant Voices</ref> However, despite their unique qualities, elephants are often kept in captivity for various reasons, including tourism, entertainment, and religious purposes. There is a growing consensus that keeping elephants in captivity is wrong and has serious consequences for the animals' physical and emotional well-being.