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Habitat:
Sub-Saharan Africa from semidesert to forest at different
altitudes
Height: Up to 13 feet at shoulders for mature bull, 9 feet
for cow.
Weight: Up to 6 tons for mature bull, 4 tons for mature cows.
Longevity:
45 to 50 years in wild. They can live up to 60 to 70 years
under proper domestic conditions.
Gestation: 22 to 24 months
Diet:
Herbivorous - leaves, grasses, bark and fruits
Its enormous ears serve
as a remarkable cooling system for the body. Blood, in the
large veins of the ears, is cooled by the flapping motion
of the ears and is circulated throughout the body.
Female elephants,
such as Asha, remain very stable for life
and develop a strong attachment for their keepers, based on
mutual trust and respect.
Asha
enjoys giving rides and participating in her educational programs.
All her training has been with positive reinforcement (lots
of nutritional treats) and she eagerly awaits each session.
Copyright @ 2005 - Natural Bridge Zoo
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