Elephants crossing Luangwa River, Zambia

© Frans Lanting/Gallery Stock

Elephants crossing Luangwa River, Zambia

African elephants have the biggest brain of any land mammal, with the average mass of their brain being about five kilograms. Their brains have a complex neocortex as well, a trait seen only in apes, some dolphins and humans. Scientists think the African elephant’s brain structure is a good indicator of their intelligence — not just because of the brain size, but the fact that elephants in both the wild and in captivity have exhibited complex and emotional behaviour, all signs of a highly intelligent species. These behaviours include tool use, memory and even compassionate actions.