Elephant Facts
What are elephants like?
Elephants are incredible animals with huge ears, long trunks, and big, strong bodies. They are the largest land animals and use their trunks like a super tool to grab food, drink water, and even give each other gentle hugs. Elephants are very smart and have great memories, which help them find food and remember their friends. They live in groups called herds and are very social, taking care of one another and playing together. Elephants love to splash in water and enjoy mud baths to keep cool and protect their skin. They’re gentle giants with big hearts and lots of love to give!
Where do elephants live?
Elephants are native to Africa and Asia, living in savannas, forests, wetlands, and grasslands. The map shows where elephants naturally live.
What problems do elephants face?
Unfortunately, many elephants are taken from the wild, separated from their families, and kept by humans in unnatural environments like amusement parks and circuses where they are forced to perform tricks and give rides to humans for their entertainment. Many others are bred in captivity to keep parks and attractions full of new animals. Elephants in the wild are also hunted for their tusks.
In captivity, elephants live in spaces much smaller than their homes in the wild, are often kept isolated from their friends and family, and are not allowed to participate in the natural behaviors that keep them safe, healthy, and happy.
How can you help give elephants a better life?
You can skip elephant rides, visiting zoos or circuses that keep elephants in captivity, and taking photos touching or standing close to a captive elephant. With your parent or guardian, you can also learn how to be a wildlife-friendly traveler and how to protect elephants on your vacation.
