Sad news: baby elephant has died.

[Fish]

Originally Posted by teevee

So what separates us from the other animals? We thought it was tool use, then Goodall and others found out otherwise. Is it self-awareness? Good research suggests that many animals know they're looking at themselves when you put a mirror in front of them, and not another individual. Is it the ability to feel compassion?

I would suggest the topic of this thread as a possible difference. Despite the amount of destruction and killing and clear-cutting we seem to do as a species, I can not think of a single other animal that cares personally about the well being of another species (that is not motivated by personal preservation). I mean really, our concern for an elephant in the zoo or even all the elephants in Africa is not motivated by any sort of benefit to ourselves because, as a species, we do not rely on the elephant for anything. Infact, if anything, it could be seen by many as a competitor for space and a thief of farm produce. Despite this, there are people who have devoted their entire lives to keeping these animals alive. I don't think you will find a parallel anywhere else in the animal kingdom. It flies in the face of all the rules about survival of the fittest and whatnot.
Also, I don't think anyone would contest species evolve over time. I think it is the "theory of evolution" as an explanation of the origon of man (without the involvement of a Higher Power), that some of us have a hard time with. I belive that I am a man of strong convictions but I recognize that I probably don't have half the "faith" or conviction or fervor that someone who believes in a Big-bag-type theory has. Because, of the two options, .... that is really a stretch

- Chad