Although an elephant can not technically run, at least not according to the standard definition of running, it can walk rapidly. To be considered running all four feet must be off the ground at some point in the animal's gait. This does not appear to be the case for elephants Elephants can move at a speed of over 15 miles per hour, regardless of what you call the gait.
Size
Elephants a have the distinction of being the largest land animal in the world. Adult male Asian elephants weigh in at nearly 6 tons and tower to a height of 10 feet at the shoulder. The largest African Elephant recorded weighed 9 tons and stood over 12 feet at the shoulder. Males of both species are larger than the female.
Features
The elephant uses its gigantic ears to cool the body both by flapping the air and by a multitude of blood vessels running throughout the ear that cools the blood before it returns to the rest of the body. The ear can weigh up to 110 pounds and is 4 by 6-feet in size.
Function
His trunk is used as tool for gathering water which he pours into his mouth. It is extremely sensitive and may be used to caress the young or as a way to grasp objects. This massive trunk weighs approximately 400 pounds and is 7 feet long.
The elephant's tusk, only found on males, serve to rip or tear objects or as weapons in battle. They are really an elongated tooth. A pair of tusks weighs 440 pounds. Females have a smaller elongated tooth called tush, instead of a tusk.
Time Frame
Females mate and produce their first young beginning at age 12 and continue to reproduce throughout their lifetime until they die at about 60. The gestational period is nearly two years. The baby is generally born at night and weighs between 200 and 250 pounds, standing 3 feet high. The older females assist in getting the baby to his feet within 30 minutes and within days the baby is able follow the herd on short excursions. The young may nurse for up to another two years, but remains with the herd for life. A mother elephant gives birth to new offspring approximately every 4 years.
Considerations
Although males reach sexual maturity at around 10 years of age, they do not generally mate until 30 years old, when they have matured enough to fend off other male competitors.
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