A Virtual Tour of the NMNH:  African Elephant/Rotunda
African Elephant

ROTUNDA

His trunk raised in alert, this male African elephant seems to sense your presence. What can an elephant do with its trunk? It enables an elephant to pick up and to carry things, dig, uproot, smell, eat, trumpet, spray itself with water, and douse itself with dust. As dexterous as the arms of any human parent, the trunk gently guides the young to adulthood. Like humans, elephants have complex social systems. They live in extended family groups led by mature females, who teach and nurture the young. Adult males, like this one, may remain solitary or associate with other bachelors. So, if you meet your family "by the elephant," remember that they also meet, grow, learn, and cooperate in groups.




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