In Photos: African Elephants

African elephants are even larger than there Asian relatives, and are the largest land animal alive today.

of 5

Kilimanjaro

Under the watchful eye of Kilimanjaro, the white cattle egrets hitch a lift on the backs of a herd of elephants. The egrets will pick off any parasites, cleaning the elephants in return for a quick morsel.
Family Group

Led by a dominant matriarchal female, elephant herds cover great distances to waterholes and feeding spots. The matriarch has a keen sense of direction and her knowledge is passed down to her extended family.
Skin

African elephants have very thick, wrinkled hide which protects them from wayward tusks, parasites and the beating sun.
Mother and Baby

Elephant mothers are extremely attentive. The bond is some times so strong that mothers will refuse to leave their deceased offspring for days.
Red Elephant

In the absense of water African elephants will throw dust over themselves in order to cool off. This sometimes gives them a red tinge depending on the colour of the soil.