In droughts they dig down to underground water supplies. Society Elephants feed, rest, travel and play in their close knit family herd, which is led by a dominant older female called a 'matriarch'. Using information passed on by her mother, she guides and protects the family, which consists of her sisters, daughters, cousins and their calves. The matriarch's knowledge of the home range and traditional water sources is vital. Reproduction Elephants have a 70 year life span and mature around 12 years.
Bull elephants live outside the family herd and mating takes place after courtship.
Pregnancy lasts 22months and at birth the mother is often helped by an experienced female 'midwife'. The 100kg newborn calf relies on its mother's milk for up to four years and is cherished by the entire herd. Elefriends index .