The Gentleness of the Elephant

Elephants are one of the largest animals you will find, but they can also one of the most gentle. You would think they would be vicious and destructive considering their size. But, the truth is that elephants have a very tender and caring side to them that is nurturing and healing, just like a human.

The Matriarch

The Matriarch, the oldest female elephant that dominates, is the leader and ruler to the other elephants. She is the Matriarch because she has lived longer and has gained more experience. In other words, she is older with more wisdom. The other elephants look up to the Matriarch for her superior guidance and leadership. Where she goes, the rest will automatically follow, as they depend on her to nurture, guide and protect them from imminent danger or obstacles they may face. The Matriarch knows what path is the best for the elephants in her group to take. She holds their best interest in mind and will carefully watch over them and defend each one, even unto death.

The Gentle Side

The gentleness of an elephant is astounding and not at all what you would expect. The bond these animals share with one another is the same as a human is with someone he or she loves. When one of their own gets hurt or dies, they go into a state of grieving and refuse to leave their side. This is truly heartbreaking to witness as one of the members of their group is brutally attacked, wounded or killed. They try to heal or raise the one that has been hurt, but when their efforts seem to be of no avail, they will proceed with a burial, so they can lay the member of their group to rest.

The Trunk

The trunk is to the elephant what our hands are to us. When we want to wash our face or body, we pick up a bar of soap. Well, elephants do the same thing, except they use their trunks. They cool their bodies down by grabbing dirt and/or water then blowing it on and over their body. This is also how elephants are able to drink and eat, by using their trunk.

Memory of an Elephant

An elephant has an impeccable memory and never forgets. They remember their childhood, and some of the memories are not so good. Humans tranquilize the Matriarch and usually another female in her group, so they can place a collar on them to monitor her group or family. If there is a baby around that sees this, the baby will more than likely be traumatized and grow up with this memory. To prevent the trauma, the person(s) will stroke and caress the baby to bring comfort to let animal know everything is okay.

Elephants are unique animals that are powerful, yet gentle and faithful to one another. They form a group that becomes their family for life, with the Matriarch as their leader. These tender giants have a keen memory, and all it takes is one bad memory for them to remember the slightest fear or pain, just like we do.