Asian and African elephants are quite different from one

another and that’s because they are 2 different species with different ancestors.

Asian elephants are more closely related to mammoths and African elephants

are more closely related to mastodons even than they are to each other. This

evolutionary background means that the two species are so different that they

cannot successfully interbreed.

 Ancestors make all the difference!

o Howdah/culture: For thousands of years elephants in human care have assisted

man by working in the forests of Asia, building, hauling, logging and even

engaging in warfare. For centuries elephants have played an important role in

religion. In Hinduism, Lord Ganesha is an elephant headed god and is the lord of

success and remover of evils and obstacles. In some Asian cultures, the Baraat,

or groom’s wedding procession, is a tradition that developed when a groom

would travel for days in order to reach his bride. The groom arriving at his

bride’s home on an elephant amid much fanfare is a sign that his family is

wealthy and will be able to support his wife and their future children.