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African savanna elephant
In African elephants, both males and females have tusks. This is one of the differences between African and Asian elephants.
Discover in real lifeHabitat:
Africa
Diet:
Grass, fruits and leaves
Age:
Grows to be about 65 years old
Weight:
3,000 to 6,500 pounds
Offspring:
1 young
Gestation period:
22 months
To be seen:
Along the walking safari
IUCN status:
Endangered
EEP:
Yes
About the elephant
The elephant is the largest land animal in the world and comes in two species: the African elephant and the Asian elephant. African elephants are larger, have larger ears and longer tusks than their Asian counterparts. Within the African species, we distinguish the savanna and forest elephant. Elephants are herbivores and eat up to 160 pounds per day. The gestation period is exceptionally long: as long as 22 months. A newborn calf already weighs up to 115 kilograms. African elephants are seriously threatened by poaching and habitat loss. Zoos, such as Safaripark Beekse Bergen, play an important role in preserving these species through international breeding programs. Among the animals living in the Safaripark is Calimero, Europe's largest elephant, weighing as much as 7,000 pounds.
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Habitat and threats
The African savanna elephant lives in semi-open grasslands and savannahs south of the Sahara. It shares part of its habitat with the smaller forest elephant, which prefers dense forests in West and Central Africa.
The savanna elephant is seriously threatened by the fragmentation of its habitat due to agriculture, mining and urbanisation. Poaching for ivory also poses a major threat, as do increasing conflicts with humans when elephants enter fields in search of food. Protecting their habitats is therefore essential.
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Species conservation in Beekse Bergen
Did you know that more than 10,000 animal species in the world are in danger of extinction? Beekse Bergen works with about 325 European zoos to conserve these species. Through management programs (EEPs)we ensure healthy reserve populations. Together, we form the European Association of Zoos (EAZA).
The African savanna elephants at Beekse Bergen are also part of an EEP. A coordinator maintains a pedigree of the species and manages the population in zoos. Together with a committee, the coordinator gives advice on which animals are allowed to have cubs together. Sometimes that means moving an elephant to another zoo. This way we increase the chance of healthy cubs and the survival of the species. You can recognize animal species with an EEP by the logo of a rhino with a calf.
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