African Elephant for Kids Ages 6-8

African Elephant

An African elephant shares its story, explaining its life in a herd led by a matriarch, the amazing uses of its trunk and ears, and its important job as a 'gardener' of the savanna. The elephant also talks about how a promise made in 1989 helped protect its family, ensuring it could continue helping its entire ecosystem thrive.

First Described 1797

International Ivory Trade Ban 1989

Listed as Endangered 2021

A Trunk Full of Tales: An African Elephant’s Story

Hello! I am an African elephant, and I'm the biggest animal that walks on land. My home includes the African savanna, as well as forests, deserts, and marshes across sub-Saharan Africa, where the grass is golden and the sky is wide. I don't live alone. I live with my wonderful family, which is called a herd, and we do everything together. Our leader is the oldest and wisest grandma elephant. We call her the matriarch. She knows all the best places to find food and water, and she works hard to keep us all safe.

My body has some amazing tools that help me every day. The most useful one is my long, wiggly trunk. It works like a hand at the end of my nose. I use it to reach high into the trees to grab tasty leaves for a snack. When I'm thirsty, I slurp up water with my trunk and spray it right into my mouth. I also use my trunk to say a gentle hello to my family members. I have huge ears, too. They are shaped just like a map of Africa. When the sun gets too hot, I flap them back and forth like giant fans. This helps me stay cool, and it feels so refreshing on a warm day.

Did you know I have a very important job? I am like a gardener for the whole savanna. As I walk around eating fruits and other plants, I help spread their seeds all over the land. When the seeds drop, new trees and bushes can grow. This makes sure there is always plenty of food for everyone. I also have strong tusks that I can use to dig for water deep under the ground when everything is dry. By making a little drinking fountain, I help other animals like zebras and giraffes get a drink, too. It makes me happy to help my neighbors.

My work helps keep the savanna healthy for all the animals who live here. A long time ago, my elephant family was in danger. But in the year 1989, many kind people from all over the world made a special promise to help protect us from hunters. The 1989 ivory trade ban helped reduce poaching and provided some protection to elephant populations, but illegal poaching remains a threat in certain areas. When people protect me, they are also protecting the entire savanna. Knowing that we all work together to make our home a better place makes me want to lift my trunk and give a happy trumpet!