Change in Female Elephant Calf (Loxodonta africana) Distance to Different Family Members Over Time

Abstract

At Reid Park Zoo, Tucson Arizona, spatial distances of the female African elephant calf (Loxodonta africana) were compared to the other five members of her herd for 14 weeks. Looking at average distances, maximum distances, and percent change it can be seen overall that the mother was the closest to the calf, then the 4-year old brother, 7-year old brother, father, and aunt. It was concluded that the calf spent most of her time with her mother and younger siblings compared to her father and aunt. Also, the mother and 7-year old brother were the only two members of the herd that had a statistically significant positive increase in distance away from the calf. Trends for the other members of the herd were not statistically significant. Results from this study were compared to P.C. Lee's study on wild elephants, which had similar conclusions in strong mother to calf bonds.