Elephant pregnancies last around 22 months, the longest known gestation period. This extended time allows their brains to develop extensively before birth. Newborn calves already have complex motor skills and social awareness. A well-developed brain is essential for survival in elephant society. The long pregnancy is a major evolutionary investment.
This matters because it explains why elephants reproduce slowly. Population recovery takes decades, not years.
It also highlights how devastating poaching can be. Losing even one pregnant female has enormous long-term consequences.
Elephant calves are born weighing about 100 kilograms and can stand within an hour. Their brains are already highly developed at birth.
African Wildlife Foundation (awf.org)