Elephant mums to me are the most caring and 'long-suffering' mothers in the wild. Studies have shown that elephants are not only social but are believed to be emotional. I guess that's why elephants have the longest gestation period of 22 months! In human terms, its like having two separate babies in a row! This sadly is not a good thing as far as poaching is concerned. At the moment, the elephant is a vulnerable species and each year, the rope tightens for these precious animals.
Needless to say, calves are born over 90 kilos, three feet tall, hairy with long tails and a very short trunk! They, just like human babies are totally dependent on their mums and members of the herd for survival. Calves feed on their mother's milk and stick close to them until they are about two to three years old. Baby elephants spend their days learning how to make all four legs go in the same direction, practice their ear flaring and master control on their trunks. Like any human baby learning to walk, calves are very clumsy learners but get the hang of it in time.They are also very playful and friendly, oblivious to the dangers of the world. :)
Baby elephants are initially born blind but recognises its mother by touch, smell and sound. A mother usually appoints a baby sitter to care for her calf so that she has more time to look for food and provide sufficient milk. Babies drink up to 10 litres of milk a day! And they continue to drink milk up to 10 years old! Interestingly, 99% of calves are born at night!
Due to their long gestation period, elephants only have one calf every four years. They are therefore very protective of their babies and shield them from predators such as lions and hyenas. Other females from the herd also protect these calves and walk in their pace until they are old enough. Elephants as shown are very loving and close knit.
I admire the work by the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust that helps care for orphaned baby elephants. Such orgnizations are the reason these wonderful creatures get to live yet another day.
Cheers to DSWT! :)
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