Are Elephants Capable of Intentional Killing?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the behavior of elephants, particularly in relation to claims of intentional killing and their intelligence. Participants explore various incidents where elephants have attacked villages, as well as the implications of their social structures and learning processes. The conversation touches on themes of animal behavior, conservation, and the ethical treatment of elephants.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants mention reports of elephants gathering in large groups to attack villages in India, suggesting possible intent to kill.
  • There are claims that elephants have learned to knock on doors, with some arguing this indicates a level of intelligence and intent.
  • Others express skepticism about the door-knocking claim, proposing that elephants might be trying to break down doors rather than knocking.
  • Participants discuss the social learning of elephants, particularly orphaned elephants lacking role models, which may lead to inappropriate behaviors.
  • Some argue that elephants are rebelling against oppression and that their behavior reflects their social and emotional needs.
  • There is a humorous exchange about elephants potentially using weapons if they were capable of knocking on doors.
  • Concerns are raised about the treatment of elephants in various cultures, with calls for better laws to protect them from exploitation.
  • Participants reflect on the intelligence of elephants, comparing their learning capabilities to those of other animals, such as birds.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of agreement and disagreement regarding the intelligence and behavior of elephants. While there is a shared recognition of their intelligence, the interpretations of specific behaviors, such as knocking on doors, remain contested. The discussion does not reach a consensus on the implications of these behaviors.

Contextual Notes

Some claims about elephant behavior are based on anecdotal evidence and may lack rigorous scientific backing. The discussion includes various assumptions about the social structures of elephants and their learning processes, which are not universally accepted.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in animal behavior, conservation efforts, and the ethical treatment of wildlife may find this discussion relevant.

  • #31
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  • #32
There have been battle elephants for ages. Have you forgotten Hannibal?
 
  • #33
Evo said:
There have been battle elephants for ages. Have you forgotten Hannibal?
I do remember Hannibal, I didn't think very many other folks did though.
He and his army crossed the Alps with them. Can you imagine? A lot of elephants didn't make it.. But Hannibal did use them in a famous battle, defeating the Romans at Ticino River. Claudius I (the stammerer) a later emperor of Rome, was a historian so naturally he remembered Hannibal.. Claudius used elephants during his campaign in Britania (more for the effect of surprise than might).
 
  • #34
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  • #35
I don't understand why you call them "slaves"; I doubt they would know what to do with a payslip...
 
  • #36
:smile:
Probably eat it.
 
  • #37
Anyone read this book?



It's about an elephant that was continually abuse until it finally cracked and went on a killing spree. After killing it's last owner, the elephant would go into villages to find specific houses and kill the owners. Turned out the elephant was an alcoholic, as was his last owner. The elephant was killing alcoholics because it associated them with his owner, then stealing their booze.

The telling of the actual hunt will end any question as to how quick a study elephants can be.
 
  • #38
There now an Endangering species.They have attacking people before hannibaal or before the wheel was invented humans hunted the mamoths during the Ice age and the Indian elephant is one the closest species to the mamoth.I also herd about elphants getting scared when they see another elephants bones when it dies because people used them for war for 100's of years and it became an instinct.
 
  • #39
Evo said:
Sad. :frown: These are beautiful, intelligent, social animals. There should be laws against their use as toys and slaves. :devil:

Yeah, it's no wonder that they lash out when they're beaten and chained on a regular basis.
 
  • #41
They are doing reruns on National Geographic on Elephants the Dark Side

Next show starts in 3 minutes :biggrin:
 
  • #42
lol that is sooo funny