If you ask an adult or a child whether an elephant loves water, the answer is “Of course, yes!”. After all, a picture with a huge elephant, bathing in the river, releases a real fountain of water from its trunk is firmly imprinted in the memory of everyone. Can they swim?
Elephants are vegetarians. In one day, in natural conditions, they eat about 250 kg of grass and leaves and drink about 200 liters of water. In search of pastures and watering holes, these animals often travel impressive distances, which means they must somehow overcome the rivers that meet on the way of their migration.
The question "Can elephants swim?" simple enough. All representatives of the elephant family, like the overwhelming majority of mammals, can swim perfectly, although they sometimes do it with reluctance. In their habitats, shallow water bodies are most often found, which are easier to wade. Elephants are not afraid to plunge into the water with their heads, and if the depth of the river is deep enough, they can walk along the bottom, breathing with the help of a trunk exposed to the surface like a periscope. In India, there was a case when a herd of elephants crossed the Ganges delta, for which they had to swim continuously for six hours. And yet, once, during a flood, elephants swam for more than a day and covered a distance of more than 30 km.
Elephants can swim even in the ocean, making marathon swims. In the Andaman Islands, located in the Indian Ocean between Myanmar and India, they were used for heavy work. Since it was impossible to transport elephants from one island to another, they were taught to swim and even dive. They sailed between the islands under the supervision of the drivers, covering distances of several miles. Today, these floating giants are no longer necessary; they have been replaced by modern boats and cranes. Brazilian photographer Daniel Botelho filmed a unique underwater video on the Andamans that has spread all over the Internet, in which the old elephant Rajan confidently swims.
For those who still doubt whether elephants swim in natural conditions, we can cite the repeatedly recorded fact of elephants crossing the strait between the African continent and the island of Zanzibar. This is great proof that even ocean waves are not scary for amazing animals.
Of all the mammals currently found on land, elephants are the largest. They are inherent in the ability to overcome considerable distances by land and water, live in a social order, tenderly caring for their young, experience a variety of emotions and even listen to music. Perhaps the only thing that elephants cannot do is jump.
can elephants swim? and got the best answer
Answer from Raduzhnaya roza [newbie]
The elephant is the largest mammal on our planet! The largest elephant ever to live on Earth was recorded in Angola in 1956. This male weighed about 12,000 kg (26,400 lb) and was 4.2 m (13.8 ft) tall, a meter (3.4 ft) taller than the average African elephant. The smallest elephants, the size of a cow or a large pig, lived in the prehistoric period on the island of Crete. Elephants are a royal symbol of Asian culture and are known for their excellent memory and high intelligence, and they are even equated with whales and hominids (belonging to the great ape family). Aristotle once said that the elephant is "an animal that surpasses all others in wit and intelligence." Recent discoveries have shown that elephants can communicate with each other over long distances, producing a dull rumble that travels across the ground faster than sound through air. Other elephants receive messages through the delicate skin on the soles of their feet and trunks. It is believed that this is how the groups call on each other for help.
It has long been known that the tusks of dead elephants are not found in the African savannas and jungles. There is even a legend that elephants go to die in mysterious and impregnable cemeteries for elephants. In the twentieth century, hunter John Hunter managed to establish where the tusks disappear. He found that they were eaten by African porcupines, thus trying to satisfy the mineral hunger, since during the rainy season, heavy downpours wash out minerals from the soil. Usually, predators do not attack elephants, although lions can attack their little ones, and sometimes even adult animals. Yet in some areas, lions regularly hunt elephants.
Interesting that:
Elephants can reach 2.7m (9ft) in height and weigh 3 to 5 tons (3200-4,500kg or 7000-12000lb.) 3-4.5 tons (2300-4500 kg or 5000-10000 lb.) Newborn baby elephants are born about 0.9 m (3 ft) tall and weigh 90 kg (200 lb).
Despite its enormous size, the elephant has a unique sense of balance and an extremely keen sense of touch.
The elephant has the largest ears of all living things on Earth.
Their skin is rather thick - 2.5 cm (1 ").
An elephant's brain weighs approximately 5 kg or 11 pounds (which is 4 times the weight of a human brain).
The elephant swims very well, even at depth.
Usually elephants move at a speed of 2-6 km / h, but for a short time they can reach speeds of up to 35-40 km / h.
Elephants sleep standing, gathered together in a dense group; only cubs lie on their sides on the ground.
The pulse is about 28 beats per minute!
Photos of elephants:
Answer from 2 answers[guru]
Hey! Here is a selection of topics with answers to your question: Can elephants swim?
Answer from LORA[guru]
Oh sure!
Answer from LOVER OF SERIALS[guru]
The elephant not only swims well, but can also dive under water
Answer from DDD[guru]
Yes, they can, and very even with a decent speed.
Answer from Karboffos[guru]
They know how. They jump into the river and land immediately appears there.
Answer from sasha ptitsin[guru]
Elephants, like most animals, can swim, and those who cannot swim dive!
Answer from Mujer-Aguila[expert]
They are able to do both very well and for very long distances ...
Answer from * Julia *[guru]
I think they can!
Answer from V. Makarova[guru]
they know how and not bad!
Answer from User deleted[guru]
elephants can swim.
Answer from Lady[guru]
Yes
Answer from Alexey Kuznetsov[guru]
On TV they showed something like that - an elephant was anxious for a party to a girlfriend on a neighboring island several kilometers away. The elephant rushes like a tug, and the driver calmly cools down on his neck.
For many years, the Andaman Islands, southeast of India, have used Indian elephants for heavy work, as well as for transporting goods. In order not to carry overweight animals, elephants were taught to swim. If necessary, under the careful supervision of the drivers, the elephants swam from island to island. In our time, the need for elephants has disappeared. They have been replaced by modern technology.
From the former population of "waterfowl" elephants, only 60-year-old Rajan remained. The five-ton elephant is still swimming. True, because of his venerable age, he swims less and less often: twice a day for five minutes.
Brazilian photographer Daniel Botelho traveled to the Andaman Islands in the Indian Ocean to learn the story of Rajan the elephant.
Daniel Botelho reports: “When planning a trip to the Andaman Islands, I was amazed to learn that there was only one Indian elephant floating on the ground. In India, elephants have been used for work from time immemorial. They had to be transported from one island to another, so the eared giants were taught to swim. About 15 years ago, ships and trucks appeared on the islands, which became a much more efficient way of transportation. As a result, virtually all elephants were sold to the continent or to international zoos. There is only Rajan left - the last floating elephant. "
Daniel Botelho reports: “At first I thought it would be very easy to shoot a floating elephant, but as soon as we got there, the difficulties began.”
(Daniel Botelho)
Since Rajan is already at a venerable age, he only swims twice for 5 minutes a day, and not every day, and only at 5:30 in the morning to avoid big waves.
(Daniel Botelho)
Daniel Botelho reports: "Fortunately, during my 7-day trip, Rajan decided to swim several times."
(Daniel Botelho)
Daniel Botelho reports: “For photographing an elephant, I chose the Nikon D3 with Nikkor 16mm and D3X lenses and Nikkor 14-24mm. These cameras are ideal for shooting sunrise and sunset in low light. "
(Daniel Botelho)
Beach number 7, on which Rajan swims, is amazing, as many guidebooks say, calling it the most beautiful beach in Asia.
(Daniel Botelho)
Daniel Botelho reports: "To get to the Andaman Islands, I first had to fly for a few hours by plane, and then sail for 3 hours on an Indian warship provided by the government."
(Daniel Botelho)
(Daniel Botelho)
(Daniel Botelho)
Daniel Botelho reports: "During this trip, I decided to photograph the perfect waves at sunset and thought how great it would be if Rajan decided to swim with the last rays of the sun."
(Daniel Botelho)
Daniel Botelho reports: "For five minutes, Rajan, a very gentle and friendly elephant, entered the water with me at sunset, and I took these amazing shots."
(Daniel Botelho)
Floating elephant at sunset.
(Daniel Botelho)
Which trees turn red in the fall?
Correct answer: leaves turn red in rowan, maple and aspen.
Why are rabbits constantly chewing something?
This is how they grind their teeth.
Who can a fox live with in the same hole?
With a badger.
Which animal is the cleanest?
Badger.
Are toads poisonous?
Yes, it's a toad yeah.
Can Elephants Swim?
Yes, these giants swim great. They also love to play in the water and frolic. They can also lie down in the water almost completely, with only the trunk exposed.
What animal will have cubs in the fall? Whose babies are called deciduous trees?
Answer: The cubs of the hare are born in the fall. Hence the cute name for these crumbs appeared.
Why are elderly moose called elk?
Because its horns look like an ancient agricultural tool - a plow.
Who has the biggest ears?
In hares, rabbits, elephants, long-eared jerboa, donkeys and fennec foxes.
Where do crayfish hibernate?
They spend the winter in burrows they build along river banks.
Where is it more convenient for the hare to run - from the mountain or uphill? Why?
Upward the hare easily runs - its hind legs are long. But in them you have to roll obliquely head over heels - otherwise you can get tangled in your legs.
Does an elephant have wool or fur?
The elephant's mighty body is covered with thick and rough skin. It is covered with numerous deep wrinkles. Adult elephants are practically devoid of hair, while newborn elephants are covered with sparse, stiff bristles. The color of elephants is uniform gray or brownish.
What animal lives in water in summer and on land in winter?
Musk rat. Otherwise - muskrat, water rat, water vole.
What is Rabbit Discount?
When the hare leaves the chase, it makes a big throw to the side. This is called a discount.
Does polar bear hunt penguins?
This is impossible, since penguins and bears live at opposite poles.
Where do frogs hide for the winter?
They can hibernate in barns and barns. And those that live far from people burrow into sand, silt, mud. Forest hiding in the moss.
Who sleeps upside down in winter?
Bat. By the way, mice, arriving for the winter in a favorite cave, always sleep in the same place with an accuracy of 1 cm.
How much does an elephant weigh?
African elephants grow up to 4 meters in height and weigh 5-7 tons. Indian ones are smaller, their height is 2.5-3.5 meters, and their weight is from 3 to 5 tons.
What is an elephant's trunk for?
The trunk is not a nose, as many people think, but a completely unique organ formed by a fused nose and upper lip. At the same time, the trunk has its own system of powerful muscles and tendons. Thanks to this structure, the trunk has both strength and flexibility. The power of the trunk is such that with its help the elephant is able to destroy trees, raise logs. At the end of the trunk there is a mobile and sensitive outgrowth, with the help of which the elephant is able to touch and manipulate the smallest objects. Elephants are good at recognizing the texture of various surfaces, they can, for example, pick up coins or paint with a brush. The trunk plays an irreplaceable role in the life of an elephant: it is necessary for the animal to get food, protection, and communication.
With the help of the trunk, elephants also drink water, because a tall and short-necked elephant cannot drink with his mouth. Only small elephants can suck their mother with their mouths, and adult elephants suck in water with their trunk, and then only pour it into their mouths. Elephants, lacking their trunks due to injury, try to graze on their knees, but in the end they die.
Which animal has the loudest voice?
At the crocodile.
What do ants do in winter?
They close all the entrances and exits of the anthill, gather all together in a big heap and wait for warming.
Last week, representatives from several African and Asian countries agreed to jointly protect elephants. Among other things, the agreement provides for cooperation in the search and arrest of poachers and the expansion of the powers of the environmental departments of the countries of the Black Continent in the fight against criminal gangs hunting the largest land animals on the planet.
The elephants are threatened with destruction. Every 15 minutes, one elephant is killed by poachers on the Black Continent. If the extermination of the largest land animals continues at the same pace, then by 2025 there will be no elephant left in African shrouds.
Tanzania, for example, has already lost half of its elephants in the past three years. In 2009, according to various estimates, from 70 to 80 thousand elephants lived in this African country, that is, almost a quarter of the entire elephant population in Africa, and now it is half that.
According to the US Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell The trade in elephant tusks, rhino horns, skins and other trophies from illegal safaris has doubled over the past five years to $ 10 billion. In terms of profitability, this type of criminal activity is in fourth place.
It is not only animal advocates who should fight poachers, but also politicians. The money from the sale of ivory, which is often called the "white gold of jihad" in Africa, finances terrorist organizations. Including "Al-Shabab", sadly "famous" for the recent hostage-taking in a shopping center in Nairobi.
The most incredible rumors are circulating about elephants. Before defending them, it would be nice to first figure out where they are true and where they are fiction.
1. Elephants use their trunks to drink like a straw.
Elephants do use trunks for watering. They actually collect water in the trunk, but then pump it into the mouth. By the way, elephants drink a lot - on average, from 140 to 230 liters per day.
2. Elephants love peanuts.
The purest water is a myth, because the largest land animals do not eat peanuts either in the wild or in zoos. Given the size of the elephants, it shouldn't come as a surprise that O they eat most of the time. They spend 16-18 hours a day doing this. There is nothing in peanuts that would repel these animals or be contraindicated for them. It's just that the nuts are very small, and in order to get enough of them, the elephants will not have enough even 25 hours a day.
3. Elephants are the only animals that cannot jump.
Adult elephants do not really know how to jump, but they are not the only ones who cannot do it. There are many other mammals that also do not know how to jump. For example, sloths, hippos and rhinos. True, unlike elephants, hippos and rhinos can simultaneously lift all four legs off the ground while running.
4. Elephants never forget.
The largest land animals actually have excellent, but still not phenomenal, memory. Their learning is based on imitation. They have the heaviest brain among land animals, weighing 5 kg. After training, they are able to distinguish and execute over 60 commands. Elephants remember trainers well and can remember them after many years.
5. Elephants are too heavy to swim.
On the contrary, elephants are very fond of water and can detect its smell at a distance of up to 8 km. They not only love water, but also swim great. There are cases when they used trunks as breathing tubes for diving.
1. Elephants "hear" with their feet.
Elephants have excellent hearing, but African elephants, in addition to this, are able to detect the tremors of the earth with the help of special sensitive cells on the soles of their feet. Elephants not only hear a sound, but can also determine the direction from which it is coming.
2. The closest relative of an elephant is an animal that looks like a guinea pig.
Gray hyrax are small, furry, rat-like mammals that live in mountainous areas in Africa and along the coast of the Arabian Peninsula. Oddly enough, but elephants and hyraxes really have a lot in common in the structure of the toes, teeth and skull. Biologists believe they had a common ancestor who lived about 60 million years ago.
3. In Chinese, "ivory" means "ivory."
Despite the fact that the tusks of elephants are actually elongated incisors, they do not fall out like in humans. In China, where the ivory trade is flourishing, not everyone understands that elephants are killed in order to obtain it. According to polls, about 70% of the inhabitants of the Middle Kingdom do not know this.
4. Elephants have unusually thick skin.
The scientific term pachyderm, used to refer to the order of mammals, which also includes elephants with rhinos, comes from the Greek word pachydermose, which translates as "thick-skinned." Despite its great thickness, the elephant's skin is unusually sensitive. So much so that the elephant feels when ... a fly sits on its back.
Elephant skin is not only sensitive but also vulnerable. Elephants can get sunburn and therefore hide in the shade or throw sand over their heads and backs to protect their skin from the sun.
5. Elephants are very sociable and social animals.
The elephant herd usually consists of 10-15 elephants and elephants. It is headed by the most experienced elephant. Having reached the age of maturity - 12-15 years, the males leave the herd and return only to mate with the female. By the way, the process of bearing offspring in elephants is the longest among land animals. Pregnancy lasts 22 months.
Elephants greet, gently touching the tip of the trunk to the mouth of the interlocutor. They sleep standing up and only two or three hours. They can't do it any longer, because they have to eat.
