African elephants, Amboseli National Park, Kenya
African elephants, Amboseli National Park, Kenya (© Susan Portnoy/Shutterstock)
Amboseli National Park
African elephants, like those shown here, are the largest living land animals, with bull elephants standing four metres tall at the shoulder. Their distinctive trunks and big ears make them one of the first animals every child can recognise. Adults marvel at the close family bonds they create and the way a herd rallies to protect its members, grieving when one dies. They form a strong, social community over their life span of about 60 to 75 years.
© Susan Portnoy/Shutterstock