Life in an Elephant Herd
1Elephants live in family groups called herds. A herd is usually led by the matriarch, the oldest female, who guides the others to food and water. She remembers where to find water during dry times.
2An elephant's trunk is its nose and upper lip joined together. The trunk is so nimble that it can pick up a small fruit from the ground without squashing it. Elephants also drink with their trunks. They suck water up into the trunk and then squirt it into their mouths.
3On hot days, elephants like to wallow, rolling around in mud until their skin is covered. The mud acts like a shield, protecting their skin from the sun and biting insects. Elephants also flap their big ears to help them cool down.
4Elephants are herbivores, which means they are animals that eat only plants. An adult elephant can devour huge piles of grass, leaves and bark, eating for most of the day.
5A baby elephant is called a calf, and it stays close to its mother. If a calf is frightened, the adults huddle around it. They crowd together in a tight circle to keep it safe. Elephants also rumble to each other, making deep, low sounds that can travel a long way.