Elephants are magnificent creatures known for their complex social structures and deep family bonds. These intelligent animals live in matriarchal societies, where older females lead the herd. Their strong familial ties are evident in how they care for their young, demonstrating a collective approach to raising the newest members. The social fabric of an elephant herd provides a supportive environment for all its members.
What Are Elephant Babies Called?
Elephant babies are known as calves, a term used for the young of several large mammals. This designation applies from birth. The term “calf” is not unique to elephants; it is also commonly used for the young of animals such as cows, giraffes, whales, rhinoceroses, and hippopotamuses. The use of “calf” emphasizes their early developmental stage.
From Birth to Independence
An elephant calf enters the world weighing between 200 and 250 pounds, standing approximately three feet tall at the shoulder. Despite their considerable size, newborns are initially quite helpless and rely entirely on their mother for nourishment and protection. They are born with poor eyesight and depend on their trunk for tactile exploration and their sense of smell to locate their mother.
A calf’s survival depends on its mother’s milk, which it suckles directly from glands located near the mother’s front legs. This milk provides all the necessary nutrients for rapid growth during their first years. The entire herd participates in the care of the young, with female relatives, often called allomothers, assisting the mother in guarding and guiding the calf.
Calves remain highly dependent on their mothers for several years, typically continuing to nurse for up to two to four years, though some may nurse longer. During this period, they gradually begin to supplement their diet with solid foods, learning foraging behaviors from other herd members. The protective presence of the herd is constant, shielding the vulnerable young from predators and teaching them social customs.
As they mature, calves gain more independence. Females generally remain connected to their birth herd for life. Males typically leave their natal herd between 10 and 15 years of age to live solitary lives or join bachelor groups. This departure marks a significant step towards full independence.