Elephant calves are frequently the prey of lions, which is why these gregarious animals have evolved protective behaviours to defend their young.

A male elephant's tremendous weight can exceed 14,000 pounds, and herds will surround their young to protect them from lions. Elephants have been known to take up trunks weighing as much as 400 pounds and swing them like weapons against assailants, but they are also a deadly menace to even a pack of lions because to their tusks and powerful hooves.

Even one big elephant may easily kill a lion, and those who don't die immediately would find themselves unable to survive due to their wounds. Elephants have an advantage over humans that goes beyond weight. Researchers have shown that senior elephants have evolved more advanced strategies for fighting off lions and that they actively distribute this knowledge to protect their group from dangers.