Paul Manger

We have all heard the mantra that dolphins and whales (cetaceans) are highly intelligent animals. Some claim they’re on par with great apes and humans—maybe even smarter. But where does this concept come from?

Elephants have long captivated our attention, partly because of their sheer size and majesty. But we’re also struck by their complex behavior. In some ways, we’re fascinated because this behavior echoes our most humane feelings. For instance, elephants have repeatedly been observed using tools and grieving their dead.