Elephants always remember

Memory

Elephants, often associated with their exceptional memory, possess a remarkable intelligence that extends beyond their ability to recall information. As we delve deeper into the world of elephants, we discover that their impressive memory is just one aspect of their extraordinary cognitive abilities, which make them some of the most social, creative, and compassionate creatures on our planet. Contrary to many unfounded proverbs, the belief that elephants never forget is supported by scientific evidence. These gentle giants possess the ability to recognize and remember every member of their herd, effortlessly identifying up to 30 companions through sight or scent. This skill proves invaluable during migrations or encounters with potentially hostile elephants. Elephants also possess a remarkable capacity to recall specific cues that signal danger and retain important locations in their memory long after their last visit. However, it is the memories unrelated to survival that truly captivate our interest.

Elephants not only remember their fellow herd members but also retain vivid memories of other creatures who have left a lasting impression on them. For example, two circus elephants that performed together briefly rejoiced when they crossed paths again 23 years later. Astonishingly, elephants' recognition abilities extend beyond their own species, as they have also been known to remember humans with whom they have formed deep bonds, even after decades apart. These remarkable memories demonstrate that elephant cognition surpasses mere responses to stimuli.

Brain

By examining their brain structure, we gain insight into their exceptional abilities. With the largest brain of any land mammal and an impressive encephalization quotient (EQ), which measures brain size relative to body size, elephants' intelligence is comparable to that of chimpanzees. Despite the evolutionary distance between humans and elephants, convergent evolution has resulted in striking similarities between the two species' brains. Elephants possess a comparable number of neurons and synapses, along with a highly developed hippocampus and cerebral cortex.

Emotions

The hippocampus, strongly associated with emotion, plays a crucial role in encoding significant experiences into long-term memories. This ability to discern importance allows elephants that have survived a drought in their youth to recognize the warning signs in adulthood, explaining why clans led by older matriarchs exhibit higher survival rates. Unfortunately, this cognitive capacity also makes elephants one of the few non-human animals susceptible to post-traumatic stress disorder. On the other hand, the cerebral cortex enables elephants to showcase their problem-solving skills in various creative ways. They employ cooperative problem-solving techniques and have even outsmarted researchers and manipulated their partners in certain situations.

Communication

Additionally, elephants have demonstrated a basic understanding of arithmetic, accurately tracking the relative amounts of fruit in two baskets after multiple changes. This rare combination of memory and problem-solving abilities explains some of the clever behaviors elephants exhibit. However, there is still much to learn about their mental capabilities. Elephants communicate through a diverse range of methods, including body signals, vocalizations, and infrasound rumbles that can be heard kilometers away. Their understanding of syntax suggests the existence of their own language and grammar.

Art

Moreover, elephants display a sense of aesthetics and creativity, deliberately selecting and combining different colors and elements to create art. They can also distinguish twelve distinct tones of music and even recreate melodies. Surprisingly, elephants have formed their own musical bands. Yet, perhaps the most astonishing aspect of elephants' intelligence lies beyond their cognitive abilities: their capacity for empathy, altruism, and justice. Elephants are the only non-human animals known to mourn their dead, engaging in burial rituals and revisiting graves.

Empathy

They have also demonstrated concern for other species, as evidenced by a working elephant refusing to place a log into a hole where a dog was sleeping. In encounters with injured humans, elephants have been observed standing guard and gently comforting them with their trunks. Conversely, instances of elephant attacks on human villages have often occurred shortly after large-scale poachings or cullings, suggesting a deliberate act of revenge. Considering all these remarkable behaviors, along with elephants' ability to recognize themselves in a mirror, it is difficult to deny their consciousness, intelligence, and emotional depth.

People impact

Tragically, humanity's treatment of elephants fails to reflect their true nature and intelligence. These majestic creatures continue to suffer from habitat destruction in Asia, ivory poaching in Africa, and mistreatment in captivity worldwide. In light of our expanding knowledge about elephants and the valuable lessons they teach us regarding animal intelligence, it is more crucial than ever to ensure the survival of what English poet John Donne aptly described as "nature's great masterpiece."