Elephants are among the most fascinating animals on the planet. They are even depicted as a source of power, wisdom, and strong relationships in various cultural traditions. But these are not the only things that elephants have going for them.
In fact, they have such traits, behaviors, and abilities that even the researchers themselves are frequently surprised by these guys. Below are amazing facts about elephant species that will leave you dazzled—each illustrating more and more how these giants are beyond compare.
Elephant Facts That Will Amaze You
1. The Number Of The Elephant Species Is Three
Scientists divided elephants into three different species, not two, as common people suppose. These are the:
- African Savannah Elephant
- African Forest Elephant
- Asian Elephant
The African forest elephant is a totally different species from the other two, as it differs significantly in size, skull shape, and tooth structure, according to the genetic studies. This finding led to a global strategy change for the conservation of the species because each of them now has to be individually protected.
2. Elephants Have The Largest Brains Of Any Land Mammal
The brain of a fully grown elephant is approximately 5 kg, which is more than three times the weight of the human brain. The main part of the brain, the cerebral cortex, is very large, and this is why memory, making decisions, and even feeling complex emotions are all possible for them. That is why elephants can find their way back to places they have been, follow the faces of people they haven’t seen for many years, and react to scenarios with admirable understanding.
3. Their Memory Is Absolutely Phenomenal
The saying “an elephant never forgets” is supported by facts. Extensively, elephants remember water spots in deserts, recognize the voices of people, and memorize safe routes for migration. Such memory is the pivotal core of their lives, especially during drought times when the whole herd depends on the wise female leader’s knowledge.
4. Elephants Communicate Using Sounds That Are Beyond Human Hearing
Besides trumpeting, elephants emit very low-frequency noises termed infrasounds that can travel through the earth’s surface for several miles. On the other hand, they realize such vibrations through their feet, and thus, herds can go on with long-distance talks about threats, availability of food, and intent to move this or that way.
5. Elephant Trunks Have Over 40,000 Different Movements
The trunk is made up of about 40,000 muscles, which makes it the most flexible organ in the world. In fact, one of the most biologically advanced tools in the whole animal kingdom is the trunk alone. Besides that, the furry animals employ it to breathe, smell, drink, carry heavy logs, pick up extremely small things, meet with and greet other elephants, and even communicate their feelings.
6. They Are Also Able To Experience The Same Type Of Feelings As Humans
Once in a while, elephants give signs of, among other things, empathy, joy, and sadness. Subsequently, they have been documented comforting one another when in need, rejoicing in each other’s company, and mourning for their loved ones.
More than that, the association in the troupe stays for long, and they have on many occasions been found visiting the place where their late kin lie after years of absence. Moreover, they have been spotted standing around the dead body in silence and stroking it softly with their trunks.
7. A Newborn Elephant Is Nearly Blind
Among various other things, calves need to be touched, smelled, and heard during the first days, when these are the only senses that the young can rely on. Also, they are very vigilant of their mothers or some other “aunties” that come from the herd. This system of care not only shelters the baby but also starts the infant’s education in the social and survival skills, one step at a time.
8. Elephants Can Also Swim Well
Notwithstanding their heavy weight, elephants are able to swim long distances. In fact, their trunks work as snorkels, and thus, they can breathe when they are fully underwater. Moreover, it is one of their favorite practices to do when the weather is hot, to relax their muscles, or when they need to move between islands or across rivers.
9. They Are Capable Of Eating Continuously For Up To 18 Hours A Day
Each day, elephants will take in anywhere from 150 to 200 kilograms of food. Their diet includes grass, fruits, roots, and bark as well. What they will take in the long run is only a portion of what they have eaten because their digestive system is not that efficient; hence, the constant feeding is necessary to meet the energy requirements.
10. Elephants Transform The Surrounding Environment To Their Needs
One of the ways that elephants do this is by tearing down the branches, pulling out the roots, or digging for water, and at the same time, they are hugely changing the world of plants and animals. The walking trails that are used by other animals become opened by them, the holes for water are created in dried riverbeds, and the seeds they scatter can travel a very long way. A great number of plants that exist would not be able to live without the biggest land mammals on earth.
11. Asian Elephants Have Small Ears Compared To African Elephants
The difference in size is related to the environment. Large ears of African elephants that dwell in hot areas serve as cooling fans. Whereas the smaller ears of Asian elephants that live in forests are more suitable. The ear surface is like a radiator that releases heat by circulating warm blood.
12. Their Tusks Are Actually Their Incisors That Have Been Modified
Elephants carry on the growth of their tusks throughout their lifetime. They are used for digging, stripping off the bark, scratching trees, and fighting against enemies. Just a few male Asian elephants develop long tusks, while male and female African elephants are most likely to have long ones. The disappearance of tusks due to poaching has been the cause of the decline of herd genetics.
13. Despite Their Loudness, Elephants Move Quietly
On their feet, they have a soft, padded area that lessens the jolt and shares the weight uniformly. With this construction, they can move silently in the woods. The pad, besides that, lets elephants hear very faint sounds, and so they get the first signal of any distant movement or danger.
14. Actually, They Recognize Themselves In A Mirror
Elephants can do the mirror self-recognition test, which is an extremely rare phenomenon in animals. It indicates the possession of self-awareness—a mental faculty that only very few other species, like great apes, dolphins, and some birds, have. Such awareness underpins the complexity of social interactions as well as emotional intelligence.
15. Elephant Herds Are Governed By Females
The leader of the herd is a matriarch, who takes them through migration, teaches young elephants, and makes decisions. She is very important in times of crisis, like drought or predator attack. The herds depend on the matriarch’s guidance to be able to live through ever-changing terrains.
Connecting With Elephants The Right Way
Elephants, from sophisticated communication to mind-blowing intelligence, belong to the most fascinating creatures of the planet. Their proficiency in feeling, remembering, interacting, and forming tight social relationships makes them impeccably sublime. Knowing more about their species, in turn, makes us realize how indispensable they are to the planet and why it is imperative to protect them.
In case you ever want to meet these incredible animals face-to-face in a dignified and kind manner, think of a sanctuary that gives priority to their liberty, health, and natural conduct. Witnessing elephants in a cruelty-free setting is one of the most awe-inspiring wildlife experiences that you can have—plus, it is the best way to elevate your bond with these gentle giants.
Reserve your spot now to get a chance to meet Asian elephants!
- Phone: +66 65 390 9925
- Email: [email protected]
- Book directly at aonangelephantsanctuary.com
