The African elephant, Loxodonta Africana, is the largest land animal in existence. The average male stands 3.2 metres (10.5 feet) at the shoulder, and the females, 2.6 metres (8.5 feet). Given their size, it is surprising how hard they can be to spot in the bush. With their matte grey hide, they are well camouflaged in dappled sun and shade and the greens and browns of bushes and trees.
The average male weighs 6 tonnes (13,230 lbs), and the females, 3 tonnes (6,610 lbs). Despite their weight, they can move around silently in the bush, and one’s first warning of their presence might be the cracking of a branch ripped from a tree. Elephants have poor eyesight but excellent hearing and a phenomenal sense of smell. They can run at a brisk 24 kilometres per hour (15 mph).