The Elephants of Neptune, by Mike Resnick

I like most all of what Mike Resnick writes, since he does it so thoroughly professionally.  The Elephants on Neptune is no exception.  It is well researched and executed, and I learned something.  But while I liked it enough to give it 3 stars, I concede to be somewhat confused as to his point.  Elephants are nicer than people?  Surely not so prosaic.  As he says, Neptune is a confusing place.