Book 11, Question 53
Why Do Elephants Follow a Matriarch?
Elephants follow a matriarch because she is the wise old leader of the herd! A matriarch is an older female who remembers where to find food and water. Younger elephants follow her and learn.
More fun facts
- African elephant families are led by an older female called the matriarch.
- The matriarch leads her daughters, granddaughters and young relatives to water, food and safety.
- At a waterhole, the matriarch may step away and face the direction she wants the family to go.
- Older female elephants have formed protective circles around young calves when danger appeared.
- Young male elephants learn from older bull elephants before they leave their families.
Sources: Scientific American, Smithsonian Magazine, National Geographic
Questions kids ask
Who leads an elephant family?
Usually the oldest female, called the matriarch.