Elephas maximus- The Asian Elephant- Nursing, Sucking, Suckling and Weaning
This herd was filmed in the wild at the Jim Corbett National Park, Nainital, Uttarakhand, India.
- An average newborn calf is about a meter tall and weighs about 120 Kg. New born male African elephants may weigh up to 165 kg while the Asian calves may weigh about 91 kg.
- During the infancy stage which lasts for the first three months, elephant calves focus on developing their motor skills and coordination. They start attempting to feed on their own at around 3-4 months of age gradually gaining independence. They continue to nurse from mothers for 2 to 3 years for vital nutrients and protection.
- Mothers within herds help each other raise calves and may nurse other calves from the herd. Young ones aften socialise with multiple adults who provide guidance and protection from predators.
- Elephants drink directly from their mouth.
- On an average calves drink about 10 litres of milk a day. Elephant milk is high in fat and protein (100 times more than protein contained in cow’s milk).
- Calves are not completely weaned until they are over two years of age and may weigh 850-900 Kg.
- Elephant calves suck their trunks. This is a strong reflex prompting to suckle from the mother’s breasts. When not feeding, sucking the trunk may provide comfort.
- An Elephants trunk is a most remarkable asset for the Elephant, extremely flexible and strong. Bigger elephants may also suck their trunks especially when they are feeling nervous or unsure.
- Often the trunk is inserted into the mouth after touching or smelling dung or urine to assess the pheromone produced by other elephants.
©Srimaa Communication
Credits- Dr. Yashpal Singh, Mrs. Neena Singh, Mr. Rajesh Bedi, Manoj Kumar Yadav