Female Elephant's Labor

    The labor can last for several days, beginning with labor pains. The female elephant will lose her mucous plug, and contractions increase as the labor continues. Wild elephants normally give birth at night. It is believed this is to provide them with an undisturbed environment. A female in labor has been known to make attempts to interrupt the birth, if it is occurring during the day or early dawn.

Actual Birth

    The amniotic bladder may push out before the calf, appearing like a balloon-like matter. The elephant may attempt to rub off the protruding bladder. The calf will pass through the birth canal, and the mother will separate the amniotic bladder from the newborn. Introductions to the new arrival will involve the mother sniffing the calf. Once she accepts her calf, the mother will pull it towards her.