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Description
1. An elephant trunk contains 40 000 different muscles.
The human body only contains 639! This gives us an idea of the immense complexity of this amazing appendage.
2. The elephant trunk is by far the most versatile appendage on the planet
It is used to breathe, drink, eat, smell, snorkel, communicate - as well as being used as a 'hand' to touch, feel, hold, grab, pull etc.
3. The trunk is both extremely delicate and extremely strong.
The African elephant has two finger-like tips at the end of its trunk that it uses to clasp smaller objects. The trunk is so delicate it is at times used to wipe or clean their eyes. On the other hand, the trunk is an extremely powerful tool that can pull out trees and lift up to 350 kg (770 lb).
4. Elephants are either left or right-handed.
Baby elephants are born not knowing how to use their trunks, much like baby humans are unable to use their arms and hands. They often stumble over their trunks for the first couple of days, but soon their trunks grow considerably and they gain control. Interestingly, elephants show a preference between grasping objects to the left or right, in the same way, that children are left or right-handed.
5. The elephant's sense of smell is estimated to be four times that of a bloodhound and they can smell water from miles away.
Info source: www.kariega.co.za/blog/elephan…
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The photo was taken during September 2017 near Transport Dam, Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga, South Africa.

Description
1. An elephant trunk contains 40 000 different muscles.
The human body only contains 639! This gives us an idea of the immense complexity of this amazing appendage.
2. The elephant trunk is by far the most versatile appendage on the planet
It is used to breathe, drink, eat, smell, snorkel, communicate - as well as being used as a 'hand' to touch, feel, hold, grab, pull etc.
3. The trunk is both extremely delicate and extremely strong.
The African elephant has two finger-like tips at the end of its trunk that it uses to clasp smaller objects. The trunk is so delicate it is at times used to wipe or clean their eyes. On the other hand, the trunk is an extremely powerful tool that can pull out trees and lift up to 350 kg (770 lb).
4. Elephants are either left or right-handed.
Baby elephants are born not knowing how to use their trunks, much like baby humans are unable to use their arms and hands. They often stumble over their trunks for the first couple of days, but soon their trunks grow considerably and they gain control. Interestingly, elephants show a preference between grasping objects to the left or right, in the same way, that children are left or right-handed.
5. The elephant's sense of smell is estimated to be four times that of a bloodhound and they can smell water from miles away.
Info source: www.kariega.co.za/blog/elephan…
=========
The photo was taken during September 2017 near Transport Dam, Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga, South Africa.