African Elephant Loxodonta Africana

AFRICAN ELEPHANT (loxodonta africana)

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 our elephant friend, remain very stable for life and develop a strong attachment for their keepers, based on mutual trust and respect.

Our resident elephant 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.