Americans have been intrigued by elephants since the first one arrived on our shores in 1796.

The flapping ears and the mouth seemingly curved into a smile are charming, of course. They practice teamwork, demonstrate the capacity for empathy and grief, and establish lifelong bonds of family. Herds are organized into complex matriarchal societies; calves are raised and mentored by the entire herd.

America’s feelings toward elephants have evolved since the 18th-century introduction. The relationship was hard on elephants. While Americans loved the floppy-eared giants, they were not always conscientious in providing care and nurturing for the emotional and sensitive creatures. However, changing attitudes in the United States have increased the awareness of conditions for captive elephants, enabled legislation to ban ivory importation and encouraged conservation efforts for elephants in the wild.