ELEPHANTS

Elephants are large mammals of the family Elephantidae and the othe order Probosciedea.Two species are traditionally recognised,the african elephant (Loxodonta africana) and the asian elephant (Elepha maximus),although some evidence suggests that African busg elephants and African forest elephants are separate species(L.african and L.cycltis respectively).Elephants are scattered throughout sub-Saharan Africa,South Asia,and Southeast Asia.Elephants are Elephantidae is the only surviving family of the order Proboscidea;other,now extinct,members of the order include deinotheres,gomphotheres,mammoths,and mastodons.Male African elephants are the largest extant terrestrial animals and can reach a height of 4m (13 ft)and weigh 7,000 kg (15,000 lb).

All elephants have several distinctive features,the most notable of which is a long trunk or proboscis,used for many purposes,particulary brathing,lifting water and grasping objects.Their incisors grow into tusks,which can serve as weapons and as tools for moving objects and digging.Elephants' large can carry their great weight.African elephants have larger ears and concave backs while Asian elephants have smaller ears and convex or level backs.

Elephants are herbivorous and can be found in different habitats including savannahs,forests,deserts and marshes.They prefer to stay near water.

WHERE WILL YOU FIND THEM

You will find the elephants at pen E22,right next to the ampitheatre