Ten fun facts about Elephants

1. 50-80 Yrs of Life!

The majestic elephant is a long-lived species, with a life span ranging from 50 to 80 years. Female elephants have an impressive gestation period of 22 months, and typically give birth to a calf every 4 years. This long-term reproductive cycle ensures that the species is able to survive and thrive in the wild.

Also → The Vanishing Elephants of Thailand

2. Elephants need to consume a lot of food and drink water to survive

In the summer, elephants consume an average of 150-170 kg of food per day, while in the rainy season they need to consume 200-280 kg of food daily to survive. Not only do they need to consume a large amount of food, but they also need to drink water at least once every 24 hours to stay hydrated, as they are prone to dehydration.

Also → The Ancient Greeks and their Miniature Elephants

3. Elephants have the largest brain of any land animal

Elephants are truly remarkable creatures, possessing the largest brain of any land animal. This impressive size is not only impressive, but also indicative of their intelligence. Elephants are capable of exhibiting behaviors associated with art and music, and have even been known to display grief. This remarkable level of intelligence and emotion makes them one of the most fascinating animals on the planet.

Also → 50 Tons of Food: How Our Diet Impacts Our Lives

4. Elephants are incredibly agile animals

Elephants are incredibly agile animals, able to run up to 40 km per hour while making almost no sound due to their soft cushioned undersides. This unique feature of their feet allows them to move quickly and silently, making them a formidable force in the wild.

Also → Horses Drink 38L Water/Day!

5. Female elephants lead the herd

Female elephants live in close-knit groups, with the matriarch leading the way. The matriarch is usually the oldest and most experienced female in the group, and she is responsible for making decisions and leading the herd to food and water sources. Meanwhile, male elephants tend to live solitary lives, only joining the herd during mating season. This social structure has been observed in the wild for centuries, and is an integral part of the elephant's way of life.

Also → Lions: The Fierce Predators of the African Savannah

6. Tusks of the elephant are incredibly useful

The tusks of an elephant are its most recognizable feature, and they are also incredibly useful. Growing up to 18 cm in adult males, these second upper incisors are constantly growing throughout the elephant's life. Elephants use their tusks for a variety of purposes, such as de-barking trees and clearing paths in the jungle, as well as for establishing territories and marking trees. In addition, they can also be used as weapons in fights with other elephants.

Also → "Water Buffaloes: Unique Digestive System Explained"

7. Elephants Use Their Trunk to Keep Themselves Clean and Cool

Elephants have an incredible way of keeping themselves clean and cool in hot climates. They use their trunk to suck up water, which they then blow into their mouth or spray onto their body for bathing. After that, they spray mud and dirt onto their skin to protect it from the sun and other elements. This unique behavior helps them stay healthy and comfortable in their environment.

Also → Giraffes: Adapted Animals That Feed on Young Shoots and Leaves

8. Elephants Use Aggressive Behavior to Show Strength

Elephants are known to be highly intelligent and social animals, and they have a variety of ways to express aggression. When feeling threatened, they will often fling dust in the air with their trunks, or flutter their large ears. This behavior is thought to be a way of intimidating potential predators or rivals, and is a sign of their impressive strength and size.

Also → Komodo Dragons are the world's most ferocious eaters

9. Herbivorous Elephants Feed on a Variety of Plants

Elephants are herbivorous animals, meaning they feed on a plant-based diet. This includes a variety of fruits, leaves, grass, and herbs. Elephants have a unique digestive system that allows them to extract the most nutrients from their food, and they can consume up to 300 pounds of vegetation in a single day. They also have a long trunk that helps them reach food that is high up in trees.

Also → Female Moose leads her herd to food

10. How Elephants Keep Themselves Cool in Hot Climates

Elephants have an incredible adaptation to help them regulate their body temperature and retain humidity: their wrinkled skin. This wrinkled skin helps to trap moisture and keep the elephant cool in hot climates, while also helping to keep the elephant warm in cooler climates. The wrinkles also help to increase the surface area of the skin, allowing for more efficient heat exchange. This adaptation is essential for the elephant's survival in its natural environment.

Also → Hippopotamuses Feed at Dusk