Monthly Archives: July 2017

Elephants In Thai Culture

The relevance of elephants in Thai culture is traceable from the battle for the sovereignty of Thailand to modern times.

Elephants Play A Long And Rich Role in Thai Culture And History

There are two major elephant species today: the Asian and African elephants.

The Thai Elephant or “Chang Thai” is actually the Indian elephant: a subspecies of the Asian elephant and it is Thailand’s national animal. These animals have a long history of relationship with the Thai that goes centuries back. They often say that elephants helped them build the nation they have now.

How To Survive An Elephant Attack

What do you do when faced with a charging elephant? Run, hide, or stay still? Find out the steps that could save you in an elephant attack.

An African Elephant: Experts Say An Elephant With Ears Fanned Out Like This Will Not Charge You. But It’s Best To Be Very Cautious. (Author: Al Peabody On Flickr cc by 2.0)

Although we humans may be right up there when it comes to intelligence, we score very poorly when it comes to defending ourselves against rampaging animals. Even when we are armed, the chances of survival or escape without any injuries can be almost 50/50.

Different wild animals call for different defense/flight methods. Surely, what would work when trying to escape a gorilla may not work when faced with a wild bear or a shark.

Now what about elephants? Well, it turns out those docile and friendly looking creatures, whether African or Asian elephants, could turn deadly when the situation arises. In fact, a popular documentary by National Geographic called “Elephant Rage,” shows that at least 500 people are killed – every year by charging elephants.

How Does An Elephant Attack People?

When Elephants Attack

What happens when elephants attack and why do they attack humans at all?

Elephant Attacking a 3-wheeler : Elephants attack

A Wild Elephant Attacks A Three-Wheeler With Passengers In Sri Lanka.

Elephants of whatever species are commonly portrayed as lovable giants. Just take a trip down to the nearest zoo and check out the elephant enclosure and you’ll see an animal that appears domesticated, relatively friendly to its trainers and zookeepers, and quite peaceful.

As an added bonus, they are also intelligent and can be taught to perform tricks to the delight of viewers. However, when abused, hurt, or in any other way maltreated, these creatures can be some of the most dangerous animals you can encounter in the wild or elsewhere.

Elephants In Indian Culture

The importance of Elephants in Indian culture is obvious from religion, to architecture, literature, mythology, and history.

A Bull Elephant Statue. Elephants Are Inseparable From Indian Culture, Religion, And History.

Animals form an important part of Indian culture and beliefs and elephants are undoubtedly the most featured animals. These creatures, specifically the Asian elephants, are used in symbolism, mythology and art such as sculptures, pictures and architecture.

Elephants are strong, intelligent, resilient and capable of strong emotions. They are loved and revered in India.

Elephants In Religious History Over The Years

In other parts of the world such as Africa, people regard elephants as tourist attractions and beasts of burden. Therefore one might wonder why elephants are treated with such respect in India.

What’s so special about them anyway?