Elephant breeding and reproduction
• During courtship, male and female elephants will rub their bodies against each other and even wrap themselves around tree trunks. The female tends to run away from the male and he will have to chase her. This cat and mouse game can continue for a long time before mating actually occurs.
• Males go through a “must” period, when rising hormones cause behavioral changes. A growing period is necessary for natural herd dynamics and successful breeding.
• Male elephants fan their ears more when preparing to mate compared to other times. This allows them to spread their scent over longer distances to attract potential mates.
• Females are ready to breed when they are about 14 years old.
• There is a lot of competition between males for mating rights. Younger elephants often cannot match the strength of older elephants, which is why they cannot mate until they are much older. That tends to make increasing elephant numbers more difficult.
• Males rarely hurt each other when competing for mating rights. Most young people will back away from older people. There is speculation that this is not out of fear but out of respect and admiration for the elders.
• Baby elephants are well cared for in the herd. Their mothers as well as other females will make sure their children are protected. The young often follow right behind the mother as the herd moves, wrapping its proboscis around the mother’s tail.
• Females who have not yet given birth will care for their young as if they were their own. This is done so mothers can breastfeed on demand to produce enough milk for their young. Newborns can drink up to 3 gallons of milk per day.
• Baby elephants do not seem to have the same survival instinct as other animals. That is why they are very dependent on their mother and other females in the herd. However, they are quick learners and pick up new skills through observation. The other elephants praise them for doing well and scold them when they don’t follow the rules.
