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African elephant

Adapted from Wikipedia · Explorer experience

A group of African elephants in the Serengeti National Park during the dry season.

African Elephants

African elephants are big, friendly animals that live in Sub-Saharan Africa. There are two types: the African bush elephant and the smaller African forest elephant. Both eat plants and have grey skin. They look different in size and shape of their tusks, ears, and skulls.

These elephants are special because they have lived in Africa for a very long time. Scientists have found old bones and teeth from around 7–6 million years ago. The name Loxodonta comes from Ancient Greek words meaning “slanting tooth,” describing the shape of their chewing teeth.

African elephants are very smart. They have large brains and can do many complex things. They show feelings, learn new things, and work together. Elephants also help plants grow by spreading seeds when they eat fruits.

These elephants face big dangers because they lose their homes and their tusks are wanted by some people. Both types are in danger, but people around the world are working hard to help keep them safe.

Images

An African elephant scratches against a tree at a waterhole in Etosha National Park.
Forest elephants walking in a swamp in the Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park in Congo.
Illustration of a bush elephant from a historical zoological collection.
An illustrated Indian elephant, showcasing the majestic animal in a clean and educational style.
A detailed skeleton of an African elephant, showing the bones and structure of this large animal.
Scientific comparison of African Bush Elephant and African Forest Elephant skulls displayed in a natural history museum.
A skull of an African Bush Elephant displayed at the Museum of Osteology.
A close-up of a molar from an adult African elephant, on display at a natural history museum.
A comparison showing how tall a famous African elephant named Jumbo is compared to a person.
Two male African elephants gently pushing each other during a playful mock fight in the Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania.

Related articles

Sub-Saharan Africa
African bush elephant
African forest elephant
Skin
Tusk
Ear

This article is a child-friendly adaptation of the Wikipedia article on African elephant, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

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