Everyday, biologists are realizing with greater clarity that we are not the only self-aware and/or highly intelligent species on the planet. Many animals even score drastically higher on tests dealing with memory, language, and problem solving skills.
Elephants are one of these exceptionally intelligent species. What is especially interesting about elephants is that they seem to have an extraordinary intuition as well.
Lawrence Anthony, a legend in South Africa known as the elephant whisperer, spent his entire life saving animals and rehabilitating elephants. On March 7, 2012, Anthony died, and something incredible occurred.
Two days after his death, wild herds of elephants, 31 in total, visited Anthony’s home to say goodbye. These elephants walked over 12 miles to reach his house in South Africa. The elephants, who had not been to the house in over 3 years or more, somehow knew exactly when Anthony had passed away and came to pay their respects. The elephants carried such profound emotional gratitude for this man, their friend, that they remained at his house for 2 days and 2 nights without eating any food. Then, they simply walked back home.
When will we shed our ignorance and choose sight over blindness? When will the nonsense end? We are just animals, and we are sharing this hunk of rock and water with trillions of other separate forms of life. Drop the ego and realize that our actions affect more than just ourselves.
A culture is no better than its woods.” – W.H. Auden
A society is no better than its zoos.” – Wondergressive
An animal is no better than the way it treats other animals.” – Wondergressive
Sources:
Wondergressive- A Group of Prominent Scientists Agree; Animals are just as Conscious as Us
The Daily Galaxy- A Moment of Zen: “Elephant Intelligence” –A Mystery of Our Universe
Discovery News- Elephants Outwit Humans During Intelligence Test
Wired- To Talk With Aliens, Learn to Speak With Dolphins
BBC News-Chimps beat humans in memory test
Laudator Temporis Acti- A Culture Is No Better Than Its Woods
Wondergressive 