[tonyvince7]

I am from south India where a lot of wild elephants roam the villages and towns. When elephants come to roam the streets most people lock themselves in their homes and alert the forest division authorities. Someone I know once rescued a baby elephant from a trap set for boars. Every year, a herd of elephants stop by his gate and leave presents - mostly bananas and coconuts. They wait for him to come out, make a friendly gesture - folding their trunks in a specific way, and leave peacefully. Our elders tell us that elephants have memory and show gratitude and they can hold a grudge so be respectful all the time.

[itslennysfault]

Reminds me of that story of the exact opposite where an elephant killed a woman. Then, showed up at her funeral and disrespected her corpse. THEN, brought friends and destroyed her house.

No one really knows why, but the rumor was she was associated with a poaching group. Either way that elephant clearly hated this lady and made it known.

https://www.fox26houston.com/news/elephant-kills-indian-woma...

[ourmandave]

...and they can hold a grudge so be respectful all the time.

It's like a 6000 lb raven.

[not_your_mentat]

Thank god elephants can't fly.

[illwrks]

Lovely story, and I think that is true for a lot of animals. I grew up around horses and saw very similar traits.

[CoastalCoder]

What a heartwarming story!

Do you think it would be safe for him to approach that group and to touch them in a friendly way?

I'm curious about their temperament regarding persons with whom that have some history.

[tonyvince7]

Unlike the animals in the Zoo, the sight of a wild Asian elephant (males especially) with unaltered tusks is very intimidating. People don't dare to go near the wild ones even when they are friendly. The domesticated animals (ones used in temple proceedings) are a different story. They are still majestic but sadly in chains and strappings so people touch and feed them often. Google 'Pampadi Rajan' - name of a domesticated elephant

[tonyvince7]

Can recommend watching this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shc9aOdWJ-g

[DeathArrow]

I wonder if there is a difference in this regard between Asian elephants and African elephants.

[harhargange]

i remember seeing tiktoks where elephants show intelligent behavior so I am glad that tiktok is of some use.