Herd Matriarch Helped Struggling Baby Elephant Whose Mom Was Briefly Sidetracked During Journey

According to a video uploaded Tuesday by Latest Sightings, a young elephant's mother was temporarily "unaware" of her little one's struggle along a riverbank, but the herd matriarch was there to step in.

A herd of elephants' journeys together in search of water and nourishment. When there is a drought, they seek advice from the matriarch elephant to locate water or food sources. When faced with a threat, the herd looks to the matriarch's wisdom and experience for guidance.

As the herd's matriarch, she is more knowledgeable about the hazards and requirements that elephants must meet to live in such places. She teaches her daughters how to look after their children. When one of the female elephants begins to give birth, they all pitch in to help.

Next in Line

When the matriarch elephant passes away, her place is assumed by the elephant's closest kin. It's usually the oldest daughter that does it.

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