They aspirate water into their trunks and then blow it into their mouths or onto their body. They feed on grass, tree foliage, bark, twigs, herbs, shrubs, roots, and fruit. Breeding occurs throughout the year but a female will only give birth once every four years. The more food that is available, the more elephants will be in a group. There will also be a large number of elephants together when there is a drought.
Elderly females are the heads of the groups.
They decide when and where to move, and they also maintain peace and order within the group. Elephants may migrate long distances in search of food and water. They exhibit a wide variety of vocalizations, in particular those at very low frequencies, to which they are unusually sensitive. They also exhibit gestures or activities that are socially significant. A large family group is protective of infants and the young.