The elephant, one of the wisest, smartest animals in the animal kingdom, lives for a very long time, never forgets, and are ferocious when it comes to protecting their calves I used to go to the zoo a lot and just sit and watch them interact with each other. They are a peaceful species, and it is a shame that hunters kill them for profit. My friend in Pennsylvania had a pet donkey, and it was one of the meanest, most ornery animals I have ever seen. It was constantly backbiting people, and would kick people in the butt if they turned their back on it. I love all animals, especially elephants.