Elephant (Loxodonta africana)

These creatures are truly amazing, being not only the largest mammal on the planet, but their appearance and even their everyday behaviour.

These elephants are on average 10 feet tall (3 metres), weigh about 5 or 6 tonnes (5,500 kilograms), have large tusks and thick greyish skin. The elephants breathe through their trunks, but also use it like we would our arm and hand. At the end of the trunk is two grasping extensions, and the elephants can pick objects up using this. They can also suck water into their trunk and then squirt the water into their mouth. Their ears are about 4 feet long in themselves, and are used to dissipate heat.

The male elephant is called a bull, and the female elephant is called a cow. They live together in family groups.

Did you know? The African Elephant is the largest living mammal on land!

Did you know? The only mammal with a lifespan comparable to humans is the elephant.

Further Information on the African Elephant:

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