Elephants are the largest land animals. While adult elephants are massive, their offspring, known as calves, also begin life at a substantial scale. Their journey from newborn to fully grown involves significant growth.
Size at Birth
A newborn elephant calf typically weighs between 90 to 120 kilograms (200-264 pounds) and stands around 1 meter (3 feet) tall. While both African and Asian elephant calves are large, male African elephant newborns can reach up to 165 kilograms (364 pounds), and Asian elephant calves average around 91 kilograms (200 pounds).
Elephant calves are born with remarkable capabilities. Within minutes of birth, they can stand on their own. They begin walking within one to two hours, a crucial ability for staying with their herd. Newborn calves nurse directly with their mouths, as their trunks are not yet fully coordinated for grasping.
Growth and Development
Elephant calves exhibit a rapid growth rate from birth. They are heavily reliant on their mother’s milk, consuming approximately 10 liters (3 gallons) daily during their early months. Calves will continue to nurse for at least two years, and sometimes up to ten years. This sustained milk intake supports their weight gain, with young elephants gaining around 0.59 to 1.3 kilograms (2-3 pounds) per day.
Around four to six months of age, calves begin to experiment with solid foods like grass and leaves, gradually supplementing their milk diet. By six months old, a calf can weigh approximately 300 kilograms (660 pounds) and stand about 1.8 meters (6 feet) tall. Elephants reach their full physical development around 10 to 15 years of age.
Comparing Baby and Adult Elephants
The initial size of a baby elephant represents only a small fraction of its potential adult stature. An adult male African elephant can stand between 3.0 and 4 meters (9.8-13 feet) tall at the shoulder and weigh from 2,268 to 6,350 kilograms (5,000-14,000 pounds). Female African elephants are slightly smaller, ranging from 2,700 to 3,600 kilograms (6,000-8,000 pounds). Asian elephants are generally more compact, with males reaching 2 to 3.5 meters (6.6-11.5 feet) in height and weighing between 1,800 to 4,500 kilograms (4,000-10,000 pounds). The journey from a 90-kilogram newborn to a multi-ton adult highlights the extensive growth period that defines an elephant’s life.