Is it true that an elephant never forgets?

Answer 1

i forget the answer to that.

Answer 2

ELEPHANT NEVER FORGETS - "First attested in the United States in 'Blue Ridge' (1937) by W. Martyn. The proverb is probably of Greek origin. The Greeks sometimes say, 'The camel never forgets an injury,' according to Burton Stevenson. 'To have a memory like an elephant' is used as a figure of speech." From "Random House Dictionary of Popular Proverbs and Sayings" (1996) by Gregory Y. Titelman (Random House, New York, 1996).

A second reference adds to this and has an earlier citation date: "Said of someone with a prodigious memory, usually for slights and wrongs. It was not the memory of the elephant but that of the camel that was renowned amongst the Greeks long ago. A Greek proverb ran 'Camels never forget an injury.' Proverbial reference to the elephant's memory is relatively recent. In 'Reginald: Reginald on Besetting Sins' (1910), the camel is usurped by the elephant: 'Women and elephants never forget an injury.' The author, Saki, was no stranger to elephants having been born in Burma and lived there, and would have appreciated the intelligence of the animal. The working elephant memorises a large number of commands given by the mahout and recognizes many other animals and people, thus remembering both kindnesses and injuries. Since its life-span is 50 or 60 years these memories are long-lived. Usage: Usually said of a person who does not forget injuries, but an 'elephantine memory' could just be a good one." From the "Dictionary of Proverbs and their Origins" by Linda and Roger Flavell (First published in the UK by Kyle Cathie Ltd, Barnes and Noble Inc, 1997, New York).

For some interesting information about Elephants go to:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elephants

Answer 3

I'm an elephant and I can honestly say I've never forgotten anyth....what was the question?

Answer 4

that's what i keep hearing and even reading about. an elephant has an incredible memory. my husband, who follows alot of this is now just telling me that they can remember smells and sounds too not just events. he says they remember nearly all the watering holes from many, many miles away. this is a fact, he says:)

Answer 5

Quite possibly

Answer 6

Dunno, forgets what?
I dont know anyone who speaks Elephant, except Johnny Morris, and he must be gettin on a bit if he is still around, so there really is little chance of finding out.

Answer 7

That's what I've always been told and dogs never forget either

Answer 8

I think they do have a long memory for things. Saw it on Arthur C Clarke or something like that.

Answer 9

yep never forgets a birthday or another its a real riot in that zoo u know

Answer 10

I dont know but I think most animals remember things, especially cruelty and love.

Answer 11

here's an idea...go to Africa or the Zoo which ever is closer to where you live...formally introduce yourself
tell him to meet you there in 10 years from now and ask him if he remembers you...or better yet marry one and see if he remembers your anniversary!!!