Animals That Have Trunks
“They can swim and cross rivers without any problem,” Surendra Varma, senior scientist at the Bangalore-based Asian Nature Conservation Foundation, said. However, he noted that since most live in forested or mountainous areas, this skill isn’t really displayed to the extent it is in these islands. It’s surreal to swim with an elephant, especially in tropical blue water. I remember thinking, “Wow, this is crazy that I’m here witnessing this.” Often, Rajan was in shallower areas. But I really hoped to get a photo of him swimming weightlessly in deeper water, his legs kicking freely, in doggy paddle motion. It all came down to whatever mood Rajan was in.
This can’t be further from the truth. Elephants are great swimmers, and they love water. Unfortunately, bad things can happen, and nature can be cruel.
Their swimming style is quite interesting as well. Shortly after moving to Udhagamandalam in southern India I learned that elephants were brought to the Andaman archipelago for logging. Male elephants were put on some islands and females on other islands. When the males went into musth, pulled by nature’s call, they would swim to the islands with the female elephants. In India the elephants keepers are known as mahouts.
Six elephants drowned in Thailand’s national park. Raging waters swept a baby elephant, and others drowned trying to save it. Yes, elephants can swim underwater for short distances. They are able to hold their breath for up to two minutes while diving fully underwater.
This includes the use of force, like hitting, kicking or pulling on the elephant, and a sharp metal tool called a bullhook. You'll be laughing your trunk off thanks to these elephant-themed jokes. The sensitive soles allow them to sense the rumblings of other elephants through the ground. elephant video This enables them to communicate over great distances. Containing 40,000 muscles, the trunk can lift weights up to 500kg, yet it can easily pick up a grain of rice and smell water from 12 miles away.
Vector illustration for learning shadow of different shapes. For children witch 4 cartoon image Horse Elephant Fish Giraffe learning pages for kids. Vector illustration for learning shadow of different shapes.... Large elephant herd taking a bath in the Chove river, Chobe... A close up action profile portrait of a swimming submerged...
Rajan’s body lies deep within the forests of his adopted home where it will lay undisturbed after 66 years of a truly unconventional life. The largest ever recorded elephant swim was over 22 miles long and took place in India. The elephant trunk serves as a snorkel while they’re swimming, this helps them to breathe while they are underwater.
Baby elephant swimming and playing in the water is a sight that has to cheer you up. In conclusion, elephants are great swimmers and their abilities should not be underestimated. Elephants typically swim for short distances though, but they are capable of swimming for long periods of time or longer distances if necessary. As mentioned, however, keep its strong trunk raised above the water and use it as a sort of snorkel to allow it to breathe even while the rest of its body remains in the water. Hailey Pruett is a freelance content writer, editor, and lifelong animal lover living in Tennessee with their spoiled cat, grumpy leopard gecko, and loving partner. Their favorite animals are lizards, turtles, snakes, and frogs.
It is clear that they are not limited by their size and can use their abilities to adapt to their environment. In addition to being hunted, elephants are also at risk of being caught in fishing nets and other fishing gear. This can lead to them drowning or being injured. Elephants typically swim using somewhat of a breaststroke.