Scientific name: Elephas maximus
Origin: Asia
Size: 2-3.6 metres in height
Diet: Herbivore
IUCN status: Endangered
Threats: Loss of habitat leading to conflict with people, poaching for the male’s tusks
Zoos I have seen them: Dublin Zoo, Belfast Zoo, Tierpark Hellabrunn, Chester Zoo, Natura Artis Magistra, Diergaarde Blijdorp
Interesting fact: The Asian elephant is more closely related to the extinct mammoths than to African elephants (Loxodonta africana). The shape of its skull resembles that of the mammoths, and young calves also have some hair.
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