Comparing Humans to Elephants (standard:Editorials, 1313 words)
Author: Lori	Added: Jun 05 2007	Views/Reads: 3418/2161	Story vote: 0.00 (0 votes)
What do you think when you see an elephant? Do you think there goes an animal that is beyond magnificent? Or do you think, Wow I wish I had an ivory necklace made from that tusk? How would you like to know how closely they resemble us? Read on and find ou

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In another story, an elephant drops dead as the herd is moving from one
camping ground to another. The female elephants gathered around and try 
to get her to stand. They couldn't do it so the males stepped in. In 
true male fashion, in my opinion, one male tries to mount the elephant 
to draw her from her comatose state but also fails to relieve her. They 
leave the body only to return the next day to pay their respects to the 
dead elephant. Who can say they wouldn't do either of the things I  
mention in this paragraph for another human being. 

Elephants are sensitive creatures. They run to a complaining baby to see
what's the matter. Like I mentioned in the above paragraph they sense 
each other's moods and actions. If one elephant is sick, they try and 
take care of it. If another is feeling depressed they try to make it 
happy. If some other is happy their share in the joy. Can you see why I 
love these creatures so much? 

Elephants also greet each other. If a returning member of the herd comes
back after an extended absence they greet each other with a hug of the 
trunk. If a new calf is born, they not only greet the new member of the 
herd they congratulate the mother with a hug of trunks. In play they 
greet each other before the game is played. In romantic trusts they 
wrap their trunks around each other's as a means of a beloved embrace. 
These are called greet ceremonies. As humans we do the same thing with 
each other. If we pass someone on the street, it doesn't matter if we 
know them or not, we acknowledge we see them whether its with a nod of 
the head or a friendly wave or just to make eye contact with each 
other.  And when a family gets together for an event, who knows how 
many times you're going to get hugged and kissed on the cheek. 

To me it's fascinating to know there are animals out there who have
similar backgrounds as we humans. Granted we've always been linked to 
chimpanzees and apes. But, who knew we had so much in common with 
elephants. 

I'm bring all this to your attention for one reason. In Africa elephants
are being killed, again, for their tusks.  My family hunts and fishing, 
so before you start hollering at me about guns and the things you can 
do with them understand I'm not talking about hunting for meat. I'm 
talking about hunting for the process of making money off of it. I 
don't think it's right to kill animals for profit. I know that the 
elephants aren't the only ones out there this is happening too. But, 
this animal is my chosen animal, my totem if you will. 

So, in closing, please don't buy anything made of ivory. An elephant
died to give you that piece of jewelry or whatever. Was it worth it? 
Was it worth an animal to be hunted down and slaughtered for you to 
have a pretty little trinket? That's my question to those who wear or 
buy it. 

© June 4, 2007


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