Facts & F.A.Q.
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Did you know that...
- our elephants live in Florida on a ranch built just for elephants?
- elephants are vegetarians?
- they can reach a weight of over 17,000 lbs (7,711 kg)?
- there are two kinds of elephants?
- they live longer in captivity?
- elephants have more muscles in their trunk than are in the entire human body?
- they are NOT scared of mice?
- baby elephants cannot use their trunk when they are born?
- they are very social and have aunts to help take care of the babies?
- we work with our elephants using our voice and body language?
- elephants don't sweat?
- elephants use low frequency sounds to communicate?
- even today elephants are being poached for ivory?
Two Types of Elephants
| African | Asian |
| Range: Kenya, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Zambia, Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Namibia, and national parks in South Africa | Range: India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, China, and Southeast Asia |
| Habitat: Grassland, savannah, and open woodland | Habitat: Scrub forest and rain forest edge |
| Traits: They have large ears that are shaped like the continent of Africa. Both males and females have visible tusks. Their skin is very wrinkly, their backs are swayed, and the end of their trunk works as if they have two fingers. | Traits: They have smaller ears than African elephants. Usually only the males have visible tusks. Their skin is smoother, their backs are dome-shaped, and there is only one finger on the ends of their trunks. |
| Status: Protected | Status: Endangered |
Big Appetites
Elephants eat all kinds of vegetation. Wild ones eat 220 lbs to 400 lbs of grass, fruits, leaves and roots per day. Our elephants each eat per day 3-5 bales of hay, 25 lbs of mixed grains, 10 lbs of special elephant pellets, 25 lbs of fresh produce, fresh cut bamboo and elephant grass grown at the farm. They also get branches, sugar cane, and fresh cut grass.) And they wash this all down with over 65 gallons of water.
The Biggest One of All
The largest elephant on record was a male African. He weighted 24,000 lbs (10,886 kg) and was 13 ft tall at the shoulders. Our elephants are Asian and they do not get as large as that. The females can weigh up to 9,000 lbs (4,090 kg) and the males up to 17,000 lbs (7727 kg) and get to be 10 ft (3.08 m) in height.
Still Growing
Luke is our male Asian elephant. He was born in Florida in 1984. Luke currently weighs 11,480 lbs (5218 kg) and is 10'6" (3.23 m). He is the largest land mammal that currently travels North America and will continue to grow until he is in his 30s.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do they have spots?
Most Asian elephants have skin pigmentation, or freckles, as we call them. It is usually most noticeable on the ears and face of clean animals.
Why do they sway?
While it is not known for sure, studies done by elephant specialists suggest that they sway to shift their weight and be more comfortable.
Can they run?
Technically, no. Elephants are incapable of running, however they can walk very fast. They have been clocked at 18-20 mph (29-32 kph).
How long do they live
The oldest elephant ever recorded died at the age of 82. His name was Raja and he lived in captivity in Sri Lanka. Typically they live 40-50 years in the wild and 65-80 in captivity.
How many muscles are in their trunk?
It is estimated that there are as many as 100,000 muscle units in an elephant's trunk. In comparison, the entire human body has only 639.
Do they like to work?
Studies have shown that elephants look forward to performing or doing chores. They perk up and seem to wait for the opportunity to please and be involved in the actions of the trainer and the surrounding family.
