Millions of years ago there were many species of elephants, but today there are only two — the African and the Asian species. African elephants, left, make up the entire herd at the Reid Park Zoo. Here are some comparisons between the two:
AFRICAN
Height: 8.2 to 13 feet (shoulder height)
Weight: 2.5 to 7 tons
Head: Rounded with a single dome
Ears: Larger, reaching up and over the neck
Trunk: Two finger-like features at the end
Tusks: Both male and female have large tusks
Skin: Wrinkly
Rib count: 21
Feet: Three nails on each hind foot; four on each front foot
Highest point: Shoulder
ASIAN
Height: 6.6 to 9.8 ft.
Weight: 2.25 to 5.5 tons
Head: Twin domes
Ears: Smaller
Trunk: One finger-like feature at the end
Tusks: Males have large tusks, females have small tusks or none at all.
Skin: Smoother, covered with more hair
Rib count: 20
Feet: Four nails on each hind foot; five on each front foot.
Highest point: Back
