The elephant is the largest land mammal on the planet. And this animal grows to old age. Elephant lifespan is approaching the age limit.
Natural conditions
The cubs of these giants are often in danger of being eaten by predators. Elephants that have survived childhood have no natural enemies other than humans. If the animal can survive several long droughts throughout its life and find six hundred kilograms of greenery and two hundred liters of water, if it does not become prey to poachers, then the average life expectancy of an elephant will be about seventy years.
Features of large animals
They are picky about food. But the life expectancy of an elephant depends on the condition of the teeth - after their abrasion, the animal dies of exhaustion. Rootstocks are changed six times, the last - at forty years. After that, they are gradually destroyed and by the age of 50 the animals are not able tochew food.
The weight of an adult giant reaches 3-4 tons. An elephant bears a cub for 22 months. A newborn "baby" weighs almost 90 kg. For three years he has been feeding on his mother's milk, so for 36 months this couple is inseparable.
Elephants are smart, kind, calm, but they are also bad, angry, aggressive. By the way, if an animal is attached to one person, then only him will be obeyed all his life.
Giants in captivity
The life expectancy of an elephant in a zoo is significantly lower. Only a few cases are known when animals died at the age of 80, and then in Thailand. But whatever the right feeding and proper care, elephants are social animals, they need their own kind.
In their natural environment they live in groups - families. The male from birth to fifteen years is next to the mother. The female stays with female relatives until death. Daily exercise reaches tens of kilometers. Zoos are completely different. Physical, social and psychological needs are not met here in the way that is possible in the wild. For the normal life of elephants, zoos do not have enough territories. In addition, they are often separated, given for breeding in other zoos. Therefore, giants in captivity get sick, and the life expectancy of an elephant is only 18-20 years.
Why is the zoo bad
As a result of research and observation of five thousand animals, the following conclusions were drawn:
- Elephants often get sick. Content in inappropriate conditions leads to arthritis and other diseases of the limbs. Indeed, in nature, they travel up to 50 km daily, moving for 18 hours. Animals take mud baths, dust themselves, dig. Even in the best zoo, the life span of an elephant is short. He is constantly on a hard surface, standing for a long time, often in his own waste. Consequently, infections enter the legs of animals, leading to disease.
- The character of giants in captivity becomes hysterical. This is manifested in nodding and constant shaking of the head. The constant use of force and coercion, keeping on a chain does not prolong the lifespan of elephants.
- Animals live in unsuitable climatic conditions. In winter, they live in cramped enclosures. Antidepressants are added to their food to make the animals seem happy.
- Cub mortality is much higher than in nature.
- Zoos reduce the population of elephants by selecting them from wild families.
Life of giants in national parks
Elephant has the longest lifespan here. They live almost in the wild, but are under the supervision and protection of the state. They are not afraid of poachers and hunters. Animals are periodically examined and in case of any diseases or injuries, medical assistance is provided. If it is noticed that an elephant cannot feed itself or a baby elephant is left without a mother, they will be placed in a nursery. There, the adult giant will be cared for to death, and the little one will be released into the park when hegrow up.
Giants in Thailand
In this country, for many centuries, elephants have been loved, respected and revered by the inhabitants. In the monasteries there are their bronze sculptures and figurines. The local population is sure that the animal figures are made from real prototypes that served in ancient times at the Siamese court. They performed certain work on the transfer of weights for the construction of fortresses and city fortifications. Fighting ferocious elephants during the war were able to turn over the enemy troops.
With their help, the rulers of Southeast Asia sorted things out - the famous duel on elephants. Albino animals have always been considered in Thailand as a symbol of victory and good luck. Since there are very few of them in nature, the possession of a white elephant became a cherished goal for the monarchs. States that own such animals were considered very powerful. They even sparked wars because of them.
Today, poachers have reduced the number of elephants in Thailand from 20,000 (1976) to 5,000. Massive deforestation has also affected the number of animals.
When you think about it, it doesn't really matter how old an elephant lives. The main thing is that it exists freely and without a threat to he alth.
The delicate mental organization of elephants
With all the strictest bans on hunting and export of ivory, the number of these giants is steadily declining. The reason lies in the impossibility of breeding elephants in the wild. They do not withstand modern conditions of life. Animals "understand" that offspring will not be able to survive in conditions of poorair and cutting down the jungle.
In the north of Thailand there are special nurseries for breeding and keeping elephants. Here they receive food in the form of bananas and bamboo from tourists, for whom they perform breathtaking tricks. Elephants begin to teach them almost from birth. Under natural conditions, elephants would teach them completely different tricks - how to get food with their trunks, how to sprinkle themselves with dust and pour water.
Good giants are very emotional and loyal animals. They can be sad and cry, but they can also laugh. They have an excellent memory. Elephants bury their relatives - they cover their bodies with earth, cover them with branches. They also bury those who were killed protecting the cubs. Independent males who have left the herd will help their former relatives on occasion, they will always give a trunk.
Elephants, with their impressive external data, remain creatures with a fine mental organization. These quivering giants need to be protected by the whole world.
