There was a Korean elephant noted to sooth their own lonely experience by vocalizing sounds it heard during the day. Some of the sounds involved the name of its handler.
In the wild elephants literally use a very low frequency among each other to consolidate their existence as a herd. I strongly believe elephants are hard wired to be social with strong attachments. They aren't inherently violent, but, they will rise to the occasion if a feeling of threat. I believe it is a mistake to keep a solitary elephant in any circumstance.
4:00 AM Wednesday Dec 23, 2009
After 28 years (click here) in the rigours of the circus industry, Jumbo the elephant is enjoying her first Christmas as a pachyderm of leisure.
She moved to Franklin Zoo and Wildlife Sanctuary at Tuakau three weeks ago, after finishing her career with a year-long stint at Weber Bros' Loritz Circus.
Sanctuary director and veterinarian Dr Helen Schofield said the 36-year-old settled very quickly into her new surroundings and was happy in her large enclosure.
"Jumbo is intelligent and fun loving, and gains more confidence in her surroundings and in her team of carers each day."...
Vet crushed to death by elephant (click here)
5:42 PM Wednesday Apr 25, 2012
A veterinarian has been crushed to death by an elephant at Franklin Zoo south of Auckland, according to reports.
The zoo is home to just one elephant, a former circus elephant called Mila, One News reported.
TV3 reported that the elephant sat on the keeper then, acting protectively, would not let anyone else enter the enclosure to help the woman.
Police said they were called to the incident between the elephant and its female keeper at the zoo shortly after 4.30pm.
No further information would be available until next-of-kin had been notified and the matter had been referred to the coroner.
A fire communications spokesperson said they had limited information, but confirmed the brigade were asked to attend the Franklin Zoo in Ridge Road to assist where a person had been attacked by an elephant....
