Elephants have the longest gestation period compared to any other animal. Usually a female gives birth to a single calf, occasionally two. Calves nurse for the first six months of life, drinking about 10 liters of milk per day. Elephant milk is high in fat and protein, hundred times more than cow’s milk. Calves are weaned slowly and may continue to nurse until they reach puberty or the mother gives birth again.
The young ones begin to experiment with their trunks for around four to six months and start picking leaves and grasses to supplement their diet. They follow their mothers’ responses to learn who is a friend or relative, and who might be a threat. The bond between a mother elephant and her calf is special because it’s very strong and nurturing. The mother elephant takes care of her calf with a lot of love and protection, ensuring its safety and teaching it essential skills for survival.
Interestingly, Priyanka Sharma wrote an article, “Being an Elephant Mom in the time of the Tiger Mother.” She observed that compared to the ‘Tiger Mums’ who push their children to make choices, behave like adults and minimize relying on parents, an ‘Elephant Mom’ parenting style is flexible; it allows children to reach out for help providing comfort and warmth to the young. This parenting style is filled with encouragement and protection. While Tiger moms prepare their children for independence and the harsh realities of life from a young age, Elephant moms strive to support their children emotionally, and create a warm and loving environment for their kids to grow. They will nurture and protect their little ones through hard time, compared to a tiger mom style, which is a parenting style that is formed on the basis of tough love.
Watching a young calf gently ambling along the mother in the wild is a sight to behold!
(12th August is World Elephant Day)
Happy Elephant Day! 💐
B +Ve!! 