Hannibal's elephants were actually rather smaller than the African elephants you see in zoos - about 1/2 to 2/3 the size so they were probably less intimidating than might be imagined (I still would not want to face one charging at me though ).
As for elephants as transport animals, the British Indian Army used them for this well into the 20th Century. They could tow cannon that would otherwise require a team of horses as well as carry supplies. In rough terrain elephants can go places horses can't and where men on foot would struggle. Even today elephants can cross terrain that would defeat a 4x4 vehicle.
Wild elephants spend most of their time eating. Working elephants in India are usually fed a concentrated vegetable mash prepared by their handlers which means more work time and less foraging time for the animals.
As for elephants as transport animals, the British Indian Army used them for this well into the 20th Century. They could tow cannon that would otherwise require a team of horses as well as carry supplies. In rough terrain elephants can go places horses can't and where men on foot would struggle. Even today elephants can cross terrain that would defeat a 4x4 vehicle.
Wild elephants spend most of their time eating. Working elephants in India are usually fed a concentrated vegetable mash prepared by their handlers which means more work time and less foraging time for the animals.
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