Matthew Chan

Self-Represented | Philosophy MA @durham_uni (Thesis: Interests, Freedom & the Moral Relevance of Species), BA @UniOfYork

[ArchaeoHistories @histories_arch]

The "Final Goodbye" - the viral photo capture the two captive Asian elephants stretching their trunks toward each other from separate transport trucks, one final time before being separated forever....

In December 2016, a photograph taken on an Indian highway captured a moment that moved people worldwide. Freelance writer Sowmya Vidyadhar shared the image online, highlighting a moment of connection before both animals entered a lifetime of human service.

This interaction shows that animals experience deep emotional responses.

Elephants live in close family groups led by older females, forming lifelong bonds.

They raise calves together, share food, and support each other during times of distress.

"Elephants have a remarkable capacity for empathy," notes animal behavior researcher Dr. Ananya Rao.

"They remember family members for decades, mourn their dead, and show clear sadness when losing a companion. When taken from their herds, they experience significant grief."

The highway photograph illustrates the impact of captivity.

As traffic passed, the elephants focused entirely on each other, using their trunks to comfort one another.

"You could hear them making soft rumbling sounds. It was clear they did not want to separate."

For decades, elephants have been captured for work in temples, tourism, and heavy labor. While valued for their physical strength, the emotional strain of separation is often overlooked.

Being removed from a herd leads to long-term isolation.

Looking at that photograph, we are left to reflect on how we interact with the natural world. By recognizing animal emotions, we can support better protection and freedom for future generations of elephants.

This heartbreaking farewell is not an isolated incident; it is the everyday reality of an industry that treats living, feeling beings as mere tools for human profit.

Until we refuse to support businesses that exploit wild animals, we remain complicit in their suffering.

Real compassion means speaking up against animal abuse and demanding that these emotional, intelligent creatures be allowed to live free in the wild where they belong.

#archaeohistories

[College Sports Only @CSOonX]

Todd Beamer was the passenger on United Airlines Flight 93 who rallied fellow passengers to fight back against the 9/11 hijackers with the phrase "Let's roll" and stopped it from reaching Washington, DC.

This is his daughter, Morgan, who was born 4 months after his death and went on to play women's soccer at his alma mater, Wheaton College.

Imagine how proud he would be. 🇺🇸 #neverforget

[Mike Pannett, Author,TV Drama/Doc Development 🇬🇧 @MikePannett]

Served his country then the Cleveland community with courage and determination. #RIPPCTomClough 🇬🇧

[England @England]

Rising up to the occasion 💪

[FIFA @FIFAcom]

The reason Japan fans clean the stadium after each game. Respect. 🤝🇯🇵

[Emma @MrsEmmaWebber]

Barnaby Philip John Webber
11/01/2004-13/06/2023 💔

If you can, share these images of the beautiful soul stolen from us by the worst of humanity.

Let his face today burn bright.
Barney, I promise you there will be accountability 💛💚

For You. For Grace. For Ian.

[EFL @EFL]

👋 Welcome back, @YorkCityFC!

#EFL

[Polling USA @USA_Polling]

Those who agree - "Democracy is the best form of government"

Don't use social media: 72%

Less than an hour using social media daily: 73%
1-2 hours a day: 68%
3-4 hours a day: 62%
5+ hours a day: 57%

Gallup / Aug 2025

[WST @WeAreWST]

Everyone at World Snooker Tour is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of legendary snooker player and broadcaster John Virgo, aged 79.

Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.

Rest in peace, JV. ❤️

[Auschwitz Memorial @AuschwitzMuseum]

Auschwitz was at the end of a long process. We must remember that it did not start from gas chambers.

This hatred was gradually developed by humans. From ideas, words, stereotypes & prejudice through legal exclusion, dehumanization & escalating violence... to systematic and industrial murder.

Auschwitz took time.

[H.E.T. @HolocaustUK]

Today is Holocaust Memorial Day, marking over 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. We remember the 6 million Jewish men, women and children murdered by the Nazis and their collaborators. As survivors grow fewer and antisemitism rises, today is more vital than ever.

[Volcaholic 🌋 @volcaholic1]

Ladies and gents, I give you a box phone farm.

These create and manage fake accounts for disinformation, trolling, scams, likes, follows and money earning schemes.

Who did you argue with today?

[Matthew Chan @matthewchan93]

#September11th #NeverForget #NeverForget911

[Physics In History @PhysInHistory]

No rational argument will have a rational effect on a man who does not want to adopt a rational attitude.

- Karl Popper

[Matthew Chan @matthewchan93]

@RebeccaPapin @_LiteraryKat_ @TRFNews Excellent news, many congrats to you!

[Physics In History @PhysInHistory]

Quantum Physics!

[Team GB @TeamGB]

Farewell, Sir Andy Murray

Five-time Olympian, three-time Olympic medallist and British sporting legend.

[H.E.T. @HolocaustUK]

Today is Holocaust Memorial Day. We remember the six million Jewish men, women and children murdered by the Nazis and their collaborators, all victims of Nazi persecution and the victims of subsequent genocides.
#HMD2024 #HolocaustMemorialDay

[Matthew Chan @matthewchan93]

@hk_kickers I didn't truly believe until the final few mins, we did it!