20/10/2026
An elephant calf is rarely alone for long. In the Mara, mothers and other females stay close as the youngest learn to find their feet.
Four things you may not know about elephant calves:
1. They spend nearly two years in the womb. An elephant’s pregnancy lasts around 22 months.
2. They’re born weighing around 90–120 kg. Despite their size, calves can be on their feet soon after birth.
3. They drink with their mouths, not their trunks. Young calves curl their trunks out of the way to suckle.
4. The herd helps raise them. Other females, known as allomothers, help comfort, guide and protect calves as they grow.