Watch an Elephant Mother Make a Lion Rethink Attacking Her Baby!

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Written by Chris Madden

Updated: November 10, 2023

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mother and baby elephant walking together
© iStock.com/abadonian

Massive Mother Lays Down the Law On This Lion!

Prepare to witness a heart-stopping encounter against the backdrop of African savanna vegetation in the inspirational video below. A magnificent mother elephant embarks on a leisurely stroll with her adorable baby by her side. But after a few seconds of calm at the start of the clip, a sudden danger emerges—a fully-grown male lion. Then, in a breathtaking display of maternal courage, the mother elephant swiftly changes direction. The lumbering mother turns on a dime to position herself between her baby and the imminent threat. With grace and agility defying her massive size, she becomes an imposing wall of defense, deterring the lion from getting any closer to her precious offspring.

Watch Maternal Heroism Protect This Calf from a Hungry Lion!

Mom to the rescue!

The lion quickly assesses the situation and wisely decides to retreat, his predatory instincts overpowered by the potential peril. The mother elephant, undeterred, enters a heightened state of protection. Elevating her long majestic tusks she creates a dust-laden spectacle as she kicks up clouds of earth. It is an awe-inspiring display of protective instinct and a clear message. She will not tolerate any harm befalling her beloved baby.

This powerful video captures the indomitable spirit of maternal heroism in the animal kingdom. It serves as a poignant reminder of the extraordinary lengths to which a mother will go to safeguard her offspring. The bond between mother and baby drives even the most formidable creatures to become fierce protectors in the face of adversity. Witness this extraordinary display of courage and instinct as this mother elephant showcases her unwavering devotion to her young in the video below. The remarkable encounter leaves an indelible impression of the strength and magnificence of motherhood in the wild.

elephant close up in a field

An elephant can reach up to 14,000 pounds, giving it a weight advantage over a lion.

©David Steele/Shutterstock.com

How Long Do Baby Elephants Stay With Their Mother?

Baby elephants, like their human counterparts, enjoy an extended period of maternal care and guidance. These gentle giants remain closely attached to their mothers for an extended duration. On average, baby elephants stay with their mothers for about 3 to 5 years. The mother elephant imparts crucial knowledge and skills to her offspring, teaching them the ways of the herd. The bond between a mother elephant and her baby is strong, as the mother provides nourishment and emotional support.

Are Elephants Mammals

Elephant calves spend years at their mother’s side, with daughters often staying with the family for their whole lives.

©iStock.com/AndreAnita

Visible in the thrilling video below, a mother elephant is an incredibly effective protective force for her young calf. As the baby elephant grows and gains independence, it becomes more self-reliant. However, the elephant will continue to maintain a social connection with its mother and the rest of the herd, in a community-based existence that seems akin to us humans. The extended period of maternal care highlights the importance of family dynamics and the intricate social structure within elephant communities.

What Does a Mother Elephant Teach Her Calf?

During the aforementioned 3 to 5 years they spend together, an elephant mother imparts a wealth of essential knowledge and life skills to her calf. She teaches her young one how to navigate its surroundings, recognize sources of food and water, and identify potential dangers. The mother demonstrates communication techniques through various vocalizations, body language, and trunk gestures. Learning this language enables the calf to understand and participate in the complex social dynamics of the herd.

Young elephants playing, the youngest holding the tail of its sibling

Emotional and psychological support are also significant aspects of the mother-calf relationship.

©Johan W. Elzenga/Shutterstock.com

Essential survival skills, such as foraging techniques, bathing rituals, and mud wallowing, are passed down from mother to calf. The mother elephant instills discipline, teaching the calf proper behavior within the herd, including respecting hierarchies and maintaining social bonds. Emotional and psychological support are also significant aspects of the mother-calf relationship, as is with human beings! The mother provides comfort, reassurance, and a sense of security. Through these years of close companionship, an elephant mother molds her calf into a capable, well-adapted member of the herd, setting the foundation for its future success and ensuring the perpetuation of elephant knowledge and traditions.

Is it Normal for Elephants to Attack Lions?

Elephants are ordinarily peaceful animals, although there may be some natural animosity between lions and elephants as well as certain circumstances that lend to their aggression. Lions prefer to avoid adult elephants as they know an encounter is likely to end in injury, however, there are some instances when where they are known to hunt them, especially if they are facing hunger. The objects of their hunt are generally young elephant calves.

Animals that sleep standing up - Elephants

©Neil Tyers/Shutterstock.com

Females are usually aggressive when young calves are present because they know they are at risk and males and bulls can be exceptionally aggressive during musth, a condition marked by heightened aggression and unpredictable behavior that usually occurs annually in association with a surge in testosterone level.


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About the Author

Chris is a lifelong animal lover with a passion for writing and a natural tendency to explore the internet in pursuit of new wildlife and nature facts! He is completing his Bachelors in Political Science at Concordia University in the Spring of 2024 after a science-centric high school career. Aside from studying and writing for A-Z Animals, he has a budding music career and enjoy spending time outside year-round, from swimming to skiing!

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