How much can an elephant lift?
Elephants are incredibly strong animals. African elephants, the most powerful land animals on earth, can lift their own body weight, roughly 6,000 kilograms, and are capable of lifting over 200 kilograms with their trunks alone. This jaw-dropping strength is important for their survival, allowing them to move heavy objects, forage for food in trees, and protect themselves from predators.
Sadly, this strength has also led to the exploitation of working elephants in various industries. In logging, elephants are often used to carry heavy loads in areas that can’t be accessed by machinery, which can result in physical strain and injuries.
Equally, in the tourism industry, elephants are frequently burdened with rides and performances, often enduring harsh training methods and long hours of work without adequate rest or care. There is a lack of regulation on these practices in many regions, meaning that the welfare of working elephants is not always prioritised. At SPANA, we’re advocating for the ethical treatment of all working animals.