Among one of the most intelligent creatures on the planet, the elephant is capable of joy, learning and memory, mourning and long periods of grief. The Wikipedia page on elephant intelligence touches on various other abilities of the pachyderm. There is no time to be lost if we want to protect this magnificent animal and save it from extinction. Freeing the elephant corridors, allowing natural vegetation to be restored in the forests and ensuring protection from the poachers are some of the urgent tasks to be addressed. Perhaps then our children, and their children and theirs, will still be able to feel the joy in seeing a wild elephant ambling through the forest, or a herd with babies frolicking and enjoying in the water.Written by Jayalakshmi K
Photo credits: Rujan Sarkar (Cover)