Their large ears are used as a cooling system. By flapping their ears, elephants can cool the blood flowing through the many large blood vessels in them and transfer the cooled blood throughout their bodies. At birth, young calves stand about four feet tall and weigh 200-260 lbs. They are weaned between two to three years of age, when their tusks begin to get in the way of suckling. During the first five years, the young double in height and weight, but are not fully-grown until they are about 30.
Herds consist of cows, calves and young bulls.
When young bulls reach puberty, around 12 years of age, they are expelled from the family. They can run for short distances at 24 miles per hour. They are excellent swimmers, staying underwater for hours and using their trunks as snorkels. Elephants bathe frequently, not only to keep their skin in good condition, but also as a cooling mechanism. They usually bathe as a group three to four times a day.