Why Can't Elephants Jump?

Lang – July 13, 2017

Many fictional shows in cartoons show lively elephants that can jump here and there. But do you know, that the actual conditions of adult elephants can not jump at all?

The most easily accepted reason is that the body of the elephant is too heavy. Just imagine, how much power is needed to throw a weight of four tons into the air?

Then, how is the landing process possible? It's hard to imagine.

The next reason why elephants can not jump is, because they do not have to jump. In other words, there is no need for elephants to jump!

Kangaroos, frogs, and other animals jump to avoid predators and foraging. While elephants, they do not have many enemies. Moreover, elephants protect themselves in a way always in groups and by relying on their very strong physical.

Therefore, the muscles in the elephant's legs are also not designed to jump.

To jump, the feet should have specially designed muscles and flexible joints. While the elephantiasis muscles are designed to withstand very heavy loads, not to jump.

The joints at the elephant's feet are also not as flexible as the joints in our legs. That is why, although very strong, elephants move relatively slowly. He "only" can run at a maximum speed of 24 Km per hour!

Well, so already know why elephants can not jump? You must be thinking, how does it feel to have such a great power as an elephant, at the same time can move with agility? Surely it could be a superhero like in the movies!

Additional Info

In fact, adult elephants are not the only land mammals who can not jump. Kudanil and rhino are other examples of mammals that can not jump. The reason is also similar, because of their weight.