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There are two different species of elephant - the African (Loxodonta africana)
and the Asian variety (Elephas maximus). The former is larger and there are a
few distinct differences. The African species numbers are estimated at approximately
500,000 whilst the Asian variety has fallen to an disturbingly low estimated figure of
below 30,000.
There are a number of elephant races within the Asian species. For instance the Indian
elephant, is bigger, has longer front legs and a thinner body than their Thai counterparts. As the
park deals exclusively with Thai elephants we will concern ourselves with this particular
order. The facts are, however, generally applicable to all types of Asian Elephant.
Various authorities differ somewhat on exact details. Using our own experience and
taking into account numerous sources we present you with our own interpretation.
Elephants, like human beings, can and do vary in many characteristics, emotions and
personality.
Existing Numbers of Asian Elephants
They are officially classified as an endangered species, numbers in Thailand estimated
between 3,000-4,000 animals. Around half of this number are domesticated, the remainder
living wild in National Parks Reserves. Some 300 are suffer under appalling conditions in
Bangkok.
It is notable that at the start of the 20th century (1900 AD) over 100,000 elephants
graced the Siamese (Thai) countryside.
 More about elephant anatomy
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