In the lush expanses of Africa and Asia, elephants are the largest land mammals and embody strength, grace and wisdom. They are revered in culture, celebrated in conservation efforts and admired by nature lovers.

But the grandeur that makes elephants majestic symbols also presents them with unique challenges. In the jungle, being the “big one” comes with pains – both physical and existential – that are often overlooked in narratives of awe and admiration.

An elephant’s enormous size is its most distinctive feature, but it is also a source of constant stress. Their massive bodies require enormous amounts of food – up to 300 pounds daily – which means they must spend long hours foraging and travel great distances to find food. This relentless search for food is no easy task, especially as natural habitats shrink due to human interference.

“Decreasing forest cover directly affects the availability of food resources for elephants and forces them into closer contact with human populations,” says a study by Sukumar (2003). As a result, elephants come into conflict with humans, raid crops and risk deadly retaliation.

In addition, their size makes them prone to physical ailments unique to their species. The enormous weight of their bodies puts enormous pressure on their joints, leading to conditions such as arthritis and foot problems. In captivity, where elephants are often kept on hard floors, these problems are exacerbated.

“Chronic foot problems are one of the most common health problems of elephants in captivity and often result in severe pain and limited mobility” (Mikota, 2006). This chronic pain reduces their quality of life and turns their size from an asset into a liability.

Elephants are among the most intelligent creatures on Earth. They have complex social structures and the ability to feel deep emotions. They form strong family bonds, display behaviors similar to human grief, and even show a form of empathy that is rare in the animal kingdom. But this emotional depth also brings its own challenges.

“Elephants have been observed to exhibit behaviors suggestive of grief, such as touching and stroking the bones of their dead, suggesting a deep emotional response” (Douglas-Hamilton, 2006).

The loss of a family member, particularly in cases of poaching or natural death, can lead to long periods of mourning. Elephants have been observed returning to the bones of deceased loved ones and touching them with their trunks in a way that suggests a deep connection. This emotional distress is a stark reminder that their cognitive abilities, while remarkable, also expose them to psychological pain.

“Because of their complex emotional lives, elephants are vulnerable to long-term trauma, particularly when they lose close family members” (Bradshaw, 2009).

The threat of poaching and habitat loss

Despite international efforts to curb poaching, elephants remain the primary target of ivory hunters. The allure of their tusks has fueled a black market that is decimating elephant populations, leaving fragmented herds and orphaned calves in their wake.

“Ivory poaching reduces elephant populations and destroys their social structures, leading to long-term ecological and psychological impacts” (Wittemyer et al., 2014).

The loss of even a single elephant destroys the delicate social fabric of their communities and has long-term consequences for the entire group.

Habitat loss is further exacerbating their problems. As human populations expand, elephant habitats are becoming increasingly fragmented, resulting in isolated populations that struggle to maintain their genetic diversity.

This isolation can lead to inbreeding and a subsequent deterioration in the health of the population, thus threatening the long-term survival of the species.

“Habitat fragmentation is one of the greatest threats to elephant conservation, resulting in smaller, isolated populations that are more at risk of extinction” (Fernando et al., 2012).

Despite their majesty, elephants embody a paradox of strength and vulnerability. They are the gentle giants of the jungle, revered yet mercilessly hunted, loved yet increasingly endangered.

Their plight requires a deeper understanding of their unique challenges and a commitment to their conservation that goes beyond superficial admiration.

Honoring elephants should mean more than marveling at their size or enjoying their presence in zoos and sanctuaries. It should involve a concerted effort to alleviate the physical and emotional stresses that come with their existence, combat poaching and habitat destruction, and ensure that these magnificent creatures can thrive in the wild where they belong.

When we honor elephants, we must acknowledge the pain that comes with being the “big guy” in the jungle – a pain that is as real and deep as the awe they inspire.