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African Elephants

African Elephants

Habitat

Forest, savanna grassland, arid deserts

Conservation Status

Vulnerable

Enlightening African Elephant Facts

Elephant herds consist of one or more adult females and their immature offspring who feed, rest, move, and interact in a coordinated manner and are closely bonded.

African elephants play a critical role in their ecosystem. They use their tusks to dig up dry riverbeds, creating watering holes, and their dung is full of seeds, that helps spread plants across the environment.

An adult elephant can consume up to 300 pounds of roots, grasses, fruit, bark, leaves, and branches in a single day.

Challenges in the Wild

African elephants face prolonged droughts caused by climate change, making it increasingly harder for them to find food and water. 

African elephant’s biggest threat is poaching for its ivory.


Dallas Zoo Saving African Elephants

The Dallas Zoo supports two amazing elephant conservation organizations:

Elephant Havens, an orphanage specializing in rescue and rehabilitation for orphaned elephants in Botswana — Our veterinary staff and zoologists have shared best practices in infant elephant care, provided veterinary medical supplies, and have hosted training for veterinarians. 
Tarangire Elephant Project in Tanzania — We have supported their efforts to secure safe migratory passages for elephants in Tanzania since 1998, with the aim of securing one million acres of community-based protection for elephant migration.

You Can Help Save African Elephants in the Wild

Buy a Dallas Zoo membership to help save African elephants in the wild.

Never buy ivory & tell five people why.

Tell your family and friends that elephants need our help.