Creature Feature – In Praise of Older Elephants

Elephants are slow-maturing, long-lived animals that can survive up to 70 years in the wild. They are socially complex creatures, living in herds where individuals as well as the greater group benefit from senior members. Elephants rely on their elders for knowledge and leadership. In fact, the removal of just two or three older herd members can threaten the well-being of entire families and even populations. 

There is a strong matriarchal component to this dynamic. Female elephants reproduce well into old age, and calves born to older mothers have a significantly higher chance of surviving their first year than those with younger mothers. Furthermore, aged female elephants generally exhibit increased social and ecological knowledge. Their better judgement and discriminatory abilities translate to improved survival and success for the herd. Elephants seem to recognize this fact, as they will run to the herd’s matriarch when they feel threatened.

Meanwhile, there is also a strong correlation between reproductive success and older male elephants. Males reach peak reproduction between 40-55 years of age and may remain reproductively active at age 60. Individuals that survive to old age achieve high ranking within the herd and father many offspring. Young male elephants show a keen interest in these special elders—watching and imitating their actions, which helps develop their education and socialization skills.

Article by Margie Manthey
Photo by Wikimedia Commons