Everyone loves elephants, whether they be in the wild, seen at the zoo, or in the circus. Or so we thought, until all of us learned that elephants were fast becoming an endangered species. Due to the extensive trade in ivory, both the African and the Asian elephant were being eliminated each year by the thousands. Trade regulations against ivory and heavy penalties against pouching have certainly reduced the elephant deaths dramatically, but the question still remains as to whether or not these magnificent creatures will manage to rebuild their population as it was before. As we know all too well, it takes many years to develop a herd, but it takes only a few moments to make them extinct. And extinction means that they are gone forever.

There are basically two species of elephants existing today, African and Asian. The most prominent anatomical differences between these two species is their size. The African species is usually much bigger than their Asian counterpart. Upon close examination one finds many anatomical differences, such as their shape and size of ears, trunk, and forehead.

The elephant has a complex social structure of its own and amazingly enough, throughout Asia, it has a unique place in the society of humans as well. Particularly in the Royal Courts of Asia, they were a symbol of strength and prosperity. In times of war he was a powerful piece of military machinery and in times of peace he was a powerful work force equal to that of one thousand men.

How it all began is a mystery. This wild animal, many times the size of a man possesses the physical strength to fell a human with a flick of its trunk or crush him to death under foot. How is it then that this powerful creature humbles itself to befriend and serve a man, only a few months after its capture? Was it prehistoric man that first harnessed the strength of this powerhouse of antiquity? However it all began, this relationship still continues even today in remote jungle areas of Assam and Thailand. There, villagers known as mahouts, capture Elephants from the wild and domesticate them. While being tamed, they are soothed by words, songs and music, the same techniques that have been used for centuries

Although absent from western civilization, it is not at all unusual in many third world countries to see Elephants carrying a beautifully decorated palanquin on their backs during a religious function, or carrying a load of lumber in their tusks at a construction site. In Asia they are accepted as domesticated animals as much as a horse or an ox is in western countries. Amongst animals Asian Elephants are believed to be extremely intelligent and the most friendly of all—easily developing bonds of attachment and love with humans.

These large creatures have not become an endangered species because of domestication practices. In fact, its domestication has always given its existence meaning and purpose in human society and continues to do so. Archeological discoveries from the Indus Valley civilization (about 3000-1500 BC) show that they were used for both domestic and military service in those times and such has continued until the present time.

The high value placed on ivory and man’s uncontrolled craving for such ivory has alone been the greatest cause of their struggle against extinction. Big game hunting, in both Africa and Asia, has led to a drastic decline in their population over the last century and a half.

A more civilized and pleasant way to have a 'trophy' at home or in the lodge is to acquire an anatomically correct teak or rosewood sculpture. The precision and beauty of these sculptures helps remind us that the loss of such creatures from the face of the Earth would indeed be a great tragedy.