Wild Windows · African Savanna Elephant
Loxodonta africana
The largest land animal on Earth, with adults reaching 4 meters at the shoulder and weighing up to 6,000 kg. Highly intelligent and deeply social, African savanna elephants live in matriarchal family groups across sub-Saharan Africa.
Natural History
Habitat
Savannas, grasslands, woodlands, and forests across sub-Saharan Africa.
Diet
Generalist herbivore: grasses, leaves, bark, fruit, roots, and seeds — eating up to 150 kg per day.
Lifespan
60 to 70 years in the wild.
Behavior
Lives in tight matriarchal family groups led by the oldest female. Mourns its dead, communicates over long distances via low-frequency rumbles, and recognizes individual humans.
Classroom Facts
Live Cameras
Each listing is hand-verified for source, permission status, and viewing quality.
The last great African elephants of KwaZulu-Natal.
The Elephant Trails herd, up close.
The McNair Asian Elephant Habitat.
The African Forest exhibit's tallest residents.
Under-and-over views of the Lost Forest hippos.
Use This With
Printable, photocopy-friendly, designed by educators. Pair them with any cam featuring this species.
Research-style ethogram for grades 6–12. Two pages: definitions of 12 mammal behaviors, plus a 30-minute one-zero observation log students fill in during a cam watch. Compatible with our giant panda, African elephant, sea otter, African lion, polar bear, mountain gorilla, and red panda pages.
