They’re some of the biggest, most awe-inspiring creatures to ever walk the planet, but just how much do you really know about elephants? Put your trivia to the test by taking a look at these fun facts about elephants no one else will have told you before.
1. Elephants love mirrors.
Elephants are so bright they can instantly recognise themselves in the mirror.
2. Elephants are skilled diggers.
They use their trunks to dig for salt in the ground. They can dig water holes far quicker than we can without any tools! They can even create footpaths for their youngsters to follow.
3. Elephants love caving.
Elephants have been found exploring underground caves at the base of Mount Elgon in Kenya.
4. Elephants really chow down!
A male adult will eat for up to 18 hours a day!
5. That’s more food than you might imagine!
They will eat 300 lb of food in a single sitting. That adds up to more than 50 tons a year.
6. Elephant groups are led by women.
Their groups are largely matriarchal with the little ones staying close to their mums at all times.
7. Male elephants don’t stick around!
Male elephants will typically leave when they reach maturity and start moving around in bachelor groups looking for mates.
8. Elephants genuinely care.
Their social intelligence is so high they’re regularly seen displaying empathy to one another.
9. It’s true – an elephant never forgets.
Their amazing memories are more than just myths — they can even pass on their knowledge from one generation to the next!
10. They even recall old friends.
They can remember fellow elephants for years at a time without seeing them in the flesh.
11. Not all elephants have prongs.
Female African elephants have tusks, but their Asian counterparts do not.
12. Those that do, put them to use!
They use their tusks to tear down leaves and break branches.
13. Elephant trunks are really versatile.
As well as for drinking, elephants use their trunks to throw dirt over their backs so they don’t get sunburnt.
FAQs about Elephants
How big are elephants?
As you can imagine, the size of the elephant depends on the breed - however, generally speaking, adult elephants can measure up to 13 feet tall!
How much do elephants weigh?
As is the case with their height, an elephant’s weight depends on a few things - however, generally speaking, an African Bush Elephant can weigh around 6,000kg, whilst an Asian elephant can weigh about 4,000kg.
How long do elephants live?
African elephants can live up to the ripe old age of 70! Asian elephants, on the other hand, can live up to about 45 - 50 years old.
Do you know any fun facts about elephants? Share them in the comments section below!
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