Elephants are large mammals that live in Asia and Africa.They are related to extinct mammoths and mastodons. Male African elephants are the largest land animals and can reach a height of 4m (13ft) and weigh 7,000kg (15,000lb).

They are now unique in having a large trunk, which is used for breathing, lifting water into their mouths and getting hold of objects. Their front teeth grow into tusks, which can be used to defend themselves as well as tools for moving objects and digging. Elephants have very large ears, which are used for helping to keep themselves cool.

Elephants are plant-eaters, mainly relying on tree leaves (they are browsers, not grazers). Unlike most plant-eaters, they are rarely prey to carnivores such as lions, tigers, hyenas and wild dogs because of their size. Only the baby elephants (calves) are attacked, which is why female elephants move in groups and keep the calves close by. Females (called cows) live in family groups of other females and calves, but males (called bulls) live alone.

Elephants can live up to 70 years.