Elephant and Calf

Elephants, the so-called giants of the animal kingdom, are also among the smartest and emotionally complex creatures walking the planet. On the whole, elephants have a social structure, behaviour, and emotions that are deep, especially the bond between an elephant calf and its mother. This bond is among the tightest in the animal kingdom, and it's a reflection of the species' ability to survive as well as its complex social behavior. Here we will look at the incredible tie between elephants and their young, and how it ensures the survival of the latter, the role of family units in the society of this monumental social creature, and how the very fibre of the bond bears testament to the phenomenal flood of emotions experienced by one of the largest and most majestic of beasts.

The Elephant Family: A Tight Society

Elephants have a matriarchal hierarchical society, where the oldest female is the dominatrix. This is a matriarch who is involved in leading the herd in finding food and water in guiding them and helping in bringing them to warmth in danger as in cold weather. The family is usually composed of the matriarch and her daughters and their calves. For males the situation is different as they tend to depart the herd when entering adolescence, and either lead a solitary life or associate with other males in loosely knit groups.

At this point, the elephant baby finds itself welcomed into this close-knit family where the care and protection of the mother and indeed of all the elephants is imperative for the baby's survival. Though the calf attaches to its mother over the course of two to four weeks, it also interacts with other herd members, especially older sisters and cousins. This family bonding structure provides a natural support system, where many of the elephants aid in the rearing of the young, protecting them, helping them find food, and entertaining them.

The Beginning of Life - A Cow and Her Calf Bonding

The first few years of a baby elephant’s life play an important role in shaping its future and are filled with learning. The calf relies on its mother for food, protection, and learning. The link is not only physical, it's emotional, it's full of maternal care and protection. At the time of birth, an elephant calf can already walk, so it will be up and about quite soon after birth, but it will continue to drink its mother's milk until it's about ready to start eating solid foods. This phase of dependence extends over several years, and it is here that the calf's mother will teach it essential survival techniques.

The bond between mother and calf is very strong, and the mother is highly protective. She puts her own body over the calf, whether she is struck by pain, and now gives up her own food, her own water, to care for the baby. Calves, meanwhile, exhibit signs of attachment, including staying close to their mothers, seeking solace from them in times of trouble, and copying their behaviour as they learn how to behave in the herd.

In addition to merely being a matter of survival, the emotional connection between mother and calf is palpable. Research has shown that elephants are capable of feeling emotions such as joy and grief and even display sympathy. As an example, the mother of a distressed calf will frequently vocalize in comforting tones to calm it, a degree of empathy rarely observed in the animal kingdom.

The Role of the Herd in the Rearing of Calves

While the bond between a mother and her baby is most vital for the survival of the calf, the larger herd is just as important. They're a tight-knit family unit, and older females, often the mother's sisters or the aunts, have a big role in raising the calves. They serve to protect the babies, social networking and in the education of the calf.

When the calf grew older, it started to move around and communicate with others within the herd. The older females serve as mentors to the younger ones, teaching them what to eat and drink, what to fear and whom to fear, and the ins and outs of social life in the troop. These are also important experiences for the calf's development, as elephants survive through their social network. ''Without that social unit, a calf might not learn very important survival tactics.

Mother Calf Communication

The ability to communicate is an important aspect of the bond between a baby elephant and its mother. These animals are among the most vocal communicators in the animal kingdom, relying on vocal sounds as well as body language and even infrasounds (sounds below human hearing ranges) to communicate with others. The mother and offspring vocalise and touch frequently, and the calf makes high-pitched calls upon separation from the mother and when under stress.

Touch is also a form of cue in communication. The trunk is a very sensitive organ, and elephants use the tip to touch and caress one another, or even play with them. Sometimes the calf will use its trunk to put its head down and nuzzle towards its mother or other members of the herd to reaffirm social relationships, and to rub its trunk around the mother's side for comfort or reassurance. The mother will show the same affection to the calf and use her trunk to caress or soothe it, especially if it is distressed.

Elephants also communicate their feelings through body language, in addition to sound and touch. A mother may loom over her calf, or the young may trail along behind her (as a sign of dependence and trust). These visual signs are as important as vocalization for a strong bond between mother and calf.

The Emotion Behind the Mother-Calf Elephant Bond

The bonding between an elephant mother and her calf is the focus of extensive scientific study. Elephants form special, lasting bonds, and their ability to feel empathy and mourn had been well-documented. For example, elephants have been seen grieving a calf or relative, touch the body, hovering around the body and even appearing to be upset.

This bond is not unique to mother and calf but can also be developed for other members of the pod. Elephants are intensely social creatures, and their relationships are based on trust and fondness for one another. ''Elephants are capable of malice, but I have never seen it used for anything other than vengeance,'' describes It just might be that this close-knit family structure and emotional connection are one of the big reasons they are so successful at surviving in the wild.

Why It's Important to Save Elephant Calves

RHEAULT replies, Unfortunately, the future of elephants, and elephant babies in particular, is under threat. Ivory poaching, loss of habitat and conflict between humans and elephants pose serious threats to elephant populations globally. So many elephant calves are being born into ever-more perilous conditions, unsure of their prospects for survival. Conservation efforts are vital if future generations of elephants are to develop behind the safety and comfort of strong family connections.

Safeguards for elephants and their habitats are critical for keeping the emotional ties that are so key to protecting these big-brained, long-lived beings. By protecting the habitats and protecting these awesome animals, we are keeping the complex social structures which are so vital for the health of elephant calves and the future of the species alive.