What is the typical gestation period of an elephant?

An elephant’s typical gestation period is about 22 months, the longest of any living land mammal.

This unusually long pregnancy gives the developing calf time to grow a large, well-developed brain and body before birth. Elephant calves are born weighing roughly 100 kilograms, though birth weight varies by species and individual. They can stand and walk soon after birth, which is important because the herd must keep moving to find food and water.

The mother usually gives birth to a single calf, while twins are rare. Elephant families are led by related females, and other females may help protect and care for the newborn. Calves depend heavily on their mothers for milk, protection, and learning, and may remain with the family group for many years.

The figure is often rounded to 22 months; actual gestation varies somewhat. African and Asian elephants have broadly similar pregnancies, and the length is influenced by the slow development of the elephant brain and the calf’s large size.