In the past, elephants held an imperative role in the lives of Asian people. They dragged logs, took part in religious ceremonies and carried soldiers into battle. (Asian Elephants at the National Zoo, n.d.)
Photo taken at the Singapore Zoo [Personal]
Photo taken at the Singapore Zoo [Personal]
Unfortunately, the numbers are dwindling. Their population has decreased by 70% due to human-elephant conflict and habitat loss. Currently, there are only about 35,000 to 50,000 of them living in 13 Asian countries (World Wildlife Fund, n.d.)
Photo taken at the Singapore Zoo [Personal]