Animal
African elephant
A precise trunk, cooling ears and a life shaped by family bonds.
Langue du contenu
Warsaw's African elephants are Leon, Fryderyka and Buba. Against their massive bodies, the trunk looks like a separate, remarkably mobile limb. In fact, it developed from the nose and upper lip. It contains no bones or cartilage; muscles provide its strength and precision.
The tip of an African elephant's trunk has two grasping projections. They can pick up a small object, while the whole trunk can lift heavier branches. To drink, an elephant first draws water into its trunk and then pours it into its mouth. It does not swallow directly through its nose as though using a straw.
Large ears help release heat. Blood flows through an extensive network of vessels, and moving the ears increases cooling. Bathing and mud also protect the skin from sunlight and troublesome insects. Despite its thickness, elephant skin is sensitive to touch.
Wild family herds consist mainly of related females and their young, led by an experienced female. Adult males usually live outside these groups. Elephants eat plants, including grasses, leaves, bark and fruit. Gathering the large amounts of food they need occupies a substantial part of their day.
Pour les enfants
An elephant can pick up a small piece of food with something that is both a nose and an upper lip. This is its trunk, and there are no bones inside it. An African elephant has two little projections at the tip that help it grasp things precisely. Leon, Fryderyka and Buba live in Warsaw.
Drinking takes two steps. First the elephant draws water into its trunk, then pours it into its mouth. Its large ears have a job too: blood passing through them can cool down. Mud protects sensitive skin from sunlight and insects.
Elephants eat plants, so they need plenty of leaves, grasses and branches. In the wild, females and young form family herds. An experienced female helps the group find food and water. Their great size goes together with a delicate touch and care for the youngest animals.
Question 1 sur 2
How does an elephant use its trunk when drinking?
- Emplacement
- African elephant - location on the zoo map.