The use of the term 'domesticated' elephants, although it is the most common description, is a bit confusing because it can be misinterpreted to imply that (like domesticated dogs, cats, horses, water buffalo, etc.) these captive elephants are a different strain from wild elephants. The fact is that nowhere in Asia has the elephant ever been selectively bred, the process required to bring rapid genetic change to wild species. Thus, both behaviorally and genetically, so-called domesticated elephants are in reality captive wild elephants, virtually the same as their wild cousins roaming protected areas.