Hobbies And Interests
Size
African elephants are the largest collective family of elephants, growing larger than their Asian counterparts. The males can reach 13 feet high at the shoulder and weigh upwards of 13,000 lbs. The females are noticeably smaller, standing around 8 feet tall and weighing only around 8,000 lbs.
Physiology
African elephants are quadrupeds like other elephants, with long trunks that can typically reach the ground. They have much larger ears than Asian elephants that they use to keep themselves in the hot African sun. They have four large molars that each way about 11 lbs. and two ivory tusks, which are considered teeth and can reach up to 8 feet long and weigh 100 lbs.
Diet
Elephants are strictly vegetarian and eat things like tree bark, roots, grasses and various fruits. They use their long trunks to wrap around tree branches and strip off leaves, which they push into their mouths with their appendages. Because of their large size, African elephants must consume up to 300 lbs. of food per day.
Socialization
African elephants live in herds of females, which are known as cows, and juveniles. They may be found in enormous herds roaming the African savannas. However, male African elephants, known as bulls, are solitary animals that typically walk alone except for when they're courting a female and reproducing. The elephants mature around age 12, and males will perform mating calls that can last several months before attracting a female for mating. Females will usually produce just one calf per reproductive cycle, which stays with the mother until it is large enough to join the herd or go off on its own.
Intelligence
African elephants are considered highly intelligent animals, which has lead them to a complex social structure. They share many emotional similarities with human beings, including the capacity to mourn for a fallen mate or show affection toward each other with petting and caressing.