How often have you stared at the huge trunks and tusks of an elephant? Of course, we are talking about the elephants in a zoo. Outside a zoo or an enclosed space, we might not even dare to go near them. But elephants are a fascination for most of us, especially for kids. Here are some interesting elephant facts and information for kids.
Elephant facts and information
Animal lovers and researchers have conducted studies on elephants and compiled the information below:
Female-oriented society
A herd of elephants is often led by the oldest female member, and it will have many females and kids in it. Female elephants always move in a group. They live with their herd, take care of young ones, and remain attached to them for life. They are also fiercely protective of their family members.
Lonely male elephants
Although female elephants live as a group, male elephants mostly prefer to live an isolated life. They grow up in the matriarchal society. It seems males can’t stand female supremacy for long. On reaching teenage, male elephants move out from their herd and start living on their own.
Expressive and emotional
Elephants are very good in expressing their emotions, just like us. When a baby is born in the group, they express their joy by bellowing or trumpeting. When a family member dies, they grieve. Most important, when a member of the herd is in trouble, others line up for help. Now that’s something for us to learn, right?
Impressive memory power
The saying ‘elephants never forget’ seems to be true. As per studies, elephants have an amazing memory. When scientists studied the behavior of a group of elephants during a drought situation, they found out that the elephants survived owing to the memory power of older members. They clearly remembered the droughts that happened during their youth days, and how they survived them.
Self-awareness
Elephants can recognize their reflections in a mirror! This shows that they are highly intelligent beings. Researchers conducted studies on elephants using mirrors, and the results were amazing additions to elephant facts and information.
Elephants made unusual movements standing in front of mirror, so as to confirm that it is their own reflection in the mirror. They did not try to interact with the being in the mirror, as they understood that it is only a reflection.
Excellent swimmers
Elephants are excellent swimmers. They use all four legs to swim, and are pretty fast too. While swimming, they breathe using their trunks. They have their inbuilt snorkels! Elephants love swimming long distances. Baby elephants are fond of splashing in water as well as playing in the mud.
Aggressive when angry
You don’t want to be near an elephant when it is angry. There are several tell-tale signs to find out whether an elephant is in a mood to show off his power. When you are near an elephant, look out for a loud trumpeting, shaking of head, or stiffening of tail. If you notice any of these, time to speed off!
Do you wish to read more of such interesting animal facts? Go to our Fascinating Facts section.
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