I have such a soft spot for animals, and particularly elephants who are some of the most intelligent in the animal kingdom. They are also the largest creatures in the world who suffer Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. You have probably have heard the phrase, (he or she) has the memory of an elephant, referring to those who can remember almost anything. Well, so do elephants. They never forget. In fact, once you meet an elephant up close and personal, you will never be a stranger to that elephant again.
image: Deep Blue Adventures
But that also is a double-edged sword when it comes to painful memories, such as killing and war, because these majestic animals also cannot forget these disturbing images and sounds. And many in Mozambique, where there has been civil unrest for fifteen years, are experiencing PTSD. A whopping 95% of their species were brutally killed during that time. As a result, they have become very fearful and anxious around humans, and now the local citizens are trying to regain the trust of the weary elephants in an effort to help their struggling nation by encouraging tourism. Fascinating story reported on by Nightline’s Bob Weir. And these “War Elephants” are the subject of a new TV show on Nat Geo Wild, which premiered last night. Click here to learn how you can help elephants in Africa at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.
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