Elephants also use their trunks to spray liquids or sawdust onto their backs for cooling or protection from flies, to greet each other, and to vocalize. Further, the gestation period of an elephant averages 22 months, the longest in the animal kingdom. In the care of humans, the female and male must be physically brought together in a large enough area for breeding and at the right time in the reproductive cycle. The genetic diversity of the Ringling Bros. herd of elephants, the design of our breeding facility, and the practical and scientific knowledge we have obtained on elephant behavior, social structure, and veterinary needs are all crucial factors in our successful efforts to protect the species. During birthing, elephant calves are presented hind legs first and walk within hours after their arrival.
Most elephant births are singular.
Calves nurse for one to two years after birth, using their mouths, not the tip of the trunk. The mother's breasts are located between her front legs. Elephants' vocalizations incorporate a wide range of frequencies, ranging from high-pitched squeaks to low rumbles. Their low-pitched sounds can travel over long distances. When greeting each other, elephants will often intertwine trunks.