Description

Safety Baby Card

Safety Baby Card featuring an adult elephant and a young elephant close by and safe and secure between the legs of the parent.

Here are some facts about  baby elephants

Baby elephants are called calves. A newborn calf typically weighs around 200-300 pounds (90-135 kg) at birth. Despite their large size, calves are surprisingly agile and can walk within an hour or two of being born. However, they cannot jump due to their weight and body structure.

Elephant Trunks

One of the most fascinating features of elephants is their trunk, which is an elongated fusion of the nose and upper lip. Baby elephants are born with small trunks but can use them from birth for grasping objects and drinking milk from their mothers. An adult elephant’s trunk can lift up to 600 pounds (272 kg) and is used for drinking, breathing, grasping, and communicating.

When an elephant lifts its trunk, it can indicate different emotions or intentions. A raised trunk can signify excitement, curiosity, or a greeting. On the other hand, if an elephant lifts its ears, it may be a sign of alertness or aggression.

Elephant Anatomy and Evolution

The trunk of an elephant is a remarkable adaptation that allows them to manipulate objects, communicate, and obtain food and water. It is a muscular structure with tens of thousands of muscles and tendons, making it incredibly dexterous and strong.

Elephants are part of the order Proboscidea, which evolved from ancient mammals called Tethytheria around 60 million years ago. Their evolution was marked by the development of their distinctive trunk, large size, and other adaptations that allowed them to thrive in various environments.

While baby elephants are born without tusks, these elongated incisor teeth develop later in life. Elephants use their tusks for digging, stripping bark from trees, and defense.

Communication

One recent development in understanding elephants is that they name each other. Observers have heard how elephants call each other by name and that when that name is used, the elephant being called responds and others do not.

SKU: C0389