Elephants are amazing animals and are one of the most intelligent species on earth. Their brains are larger than any other land animals and are very similar in complexity and structure to a human brain. The elephant's brain cortex has as many neurons as a human brain suggesting convergent evolution.

Elephants also have one of the most closely knit societies of any living species. The families are matriarchal (with no adult males) and can only be separated by death or capture. When an elephant dies or is killed it can be a very traumatic event for the family. Mourning over the death of a loved one can last for many days. Stories where elephants have been seen picking up and gently touching the bones of a deceased elephant as if to show respect are also quite common.

Elephants are thought to be one of the most highly altruistic of animals and have been known to aid other species, including humans, in distress. Elephants have been seen to go out of their way to avoid hurting or killing a human, even when it was very difficult for them. Many times the whole family of elephants will band together to try and assist one of their family members who are in need of help. The video below shows a mother elephant coming to the aid of her baby who cannot get out of a water hole. She is very persistant and does not give up until her baby is safe on dry land again. Although she has some trouble getting out of the water hole herself, the safety of her baby was her only concern even at her own expense.