Everyone knows elephants have tusks! But, not everyone knows that for the Asian elephant species, it is only the male elephant that has two huge, ivory tusks. Female Asian elephants have smaller pieces of ivory called tushes. They are located in the spot as a male’s tusks, but are often hard to see because they are so small.
Baylor showing us his new tusks
Baylor’s left tusk was first visible through the sulcus on May 27th and the right was visible on May 30th. They are growing quickly! Tusks have many uses including digging, lifting, acquiring food, defense, offense, and display.
Written by: Kimberly Klein, Houston Zoo Elephant Keeper
More Posts Like This!
- Time flies when you’re having fun! Our elephant calves, Baylor and Tupelo, have certainly kept us busy the past few months, but we are welcoming 2011...
- April Showers Bring… Mud and More Mud April showers usually bring May flowers, but to the elephant herd mud is a much better result from rain showers...
- Who’s Your Daddy? A lot of zoo guests have a noticed a new elephant in the exhibit while visiting the zoo. But, it...
- Big Daddy Elephants live in a matriarchal society meaning that herds of elephants generally consist of adult females with their calves. Baylor...
- Oh Brother! Being the big brother is not easy, but Tucker has been really good at it so far. All Baylor...
