An elephant's ivory tusks are simply two teeth, but they have been the cause for much of the hunting of elephants. Many countries have adopted bans on trading ivory in an effort to save the animal from extinction. Elephants are considered highly intelligent. Captive animals can be trained to respond to as many as 40 different voice commands. In Asia they have been domesticated for over 4,000 years and often serve as work animals.
Some elephants perform in circuses.
Elephants have very sharp memories. They are also excellent communicators, often signaling each other over long distances about food and water sources. Male and female elephants live separately, with the cows and their calves living in family units of about two to four related females and their offspring. These family units are led by a matriarch, usually the eldest female. Males leave the family upon reaching adulthood, but visit occasionally.