Elephants and father figures

Dear Editor,

Elephants are fascinating creatures. Adult bulls tip the scales at 13,000 pounds (6,000 kg.). Adult female elephants weigh more than 6,000 pounds (3,000 kg.).

Ten Years ago an elephant reserve area in South Africa had a problem of overpopulation. Young elephants were sent to another location.

Twenty years later, rangers at the relocation site observed that a number of elephants were being killed and injured.

Hidden cameras were installed to discover if poachers were killing the animals. The camera revealed that young male elephants were terrorizing other animals and killing them. In addition, they were charging at tourists and vehicles.

In a normal elephant environment, bull elephants model the behavior to young elephants and help them understand how to act. Without guidance, young elephants became violent, uncontrollable and destructive.

South African game officials sent some older bull elephants in specially designed trucks to the South African game reserve where the behavior problem was observed.

In spite of the fact that these bull elephants were not their natural parents, they were still able to provide role models and influence the younger animals. Their violent behavior stopped.

Human beings are not elephants, but they need good role models, too. They need the positive example of a good father figure. The loving, positive example of a father figure in a child’s life is essential, even if it is not a blood relative.

Grandfathers, uncles, big brothers, trusted friends, step fathers and dedicated individuals can fulfill this critical need.

Helen Ruth Arnold,

Trenton, Neb.