Female African elephants give birth to just one calf after a 22-month-long gestation period - the longest of any mammal. Mom and baby, like this duo at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium are part of a matriarchal society, in which related females and their young form herds that are led by the eldest female. In the wild, these family groups consist of around ten females and their calves. On occasion, several family units will merge to form a much larger clan, though adult males remain on the o

Elephants are one of nature’s most fascinating creatures, and their pregnancies are extraordinary. A female elephant carries her baby for about 22 months, the longest gestation period of any land animal. When the baby is finally born, the mother and the herd immediately spring into action. You’ll often see the mother and other female elephants surrounding the newborn, helping it to stand, nudging it gently, and guiding it to take its first wobbly steps. They move in circles around the calf, offe

Baby elephants, called calves, are born weighing around 200-300 pounds and rely heavily on their mothers and the herd for care and protection. They are incredibly playful and curious, often using their trunks to explore the world around them, though it takes time for them to master its use. Calves stay close to their mothers, nursing for up to two years, while also learning social and survival skills by observing and interacting with the herd. Their playful nature and strong family bonds make th