What is the average lifespan of elephants

Jul 29, , IST. Estimates related to the life span of an elephant, in particular, and of wild animals in general, are unreliable and vary significantly because they are based on small samples and inaccurate records. The best data is available only in zoos, but such data is not representative because the life span of an animal in captivity differs significantly from that in the wild.

An elephant under domestication lives longer than when it is in the forest. Estimates of the average life span of an elephant vary from 40 to 65 years. Brendan Borrell is a freelance journalist based in Brooklyn, New York.

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Get smart. Sign up for our email newsletter. Sign Up. Support science journalism. Knowledge awaits. She specializes in health, wellness and travel topics and has credits in various publications including Woman's Day, Marie Claire, Adirondack Life and Self. She is also a seasoned independent traveler and a certified personal trainer and nutrition consultant. Dray is pursuing a criminal justice degree at Penn Foster College.

By using the site, you agree to the uses of cookies and other technology as outlined in our Policy, and to our Terms of Use. Wild Elephants Elephants can live up to 70 years in the wild. Elephants in Captivity Many animals live longer in captivity than they do in the wild, simply because being captive means there are no predators around. Factors Affecting Lifespan of Wild Elephants Illegal poaching is a serious threat to the life of wild elephants. Why Captive Life is Short Elephants are highly social animals, and the stress of captivity often results in shortened life spans.

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