Zookeepers Help Elephant Giving Birth | Reproduction live

Mounts last about 30 seconds
Mating and births occur any time during year; may peak during heavy rains in some regions
In managed care, estrus cycle lasts 13 to 14 weeks (if female is not pregnant)
Females who have conceived or with young may have 4 - 5 years between estrus cycles
Only one in five follicular cycles, each lasting 2-3 weeks, produce a fertile egg

Males can breed at any time, not only when in musth (Hindu for "intoxicated")

Musth levels of testosterone in male up to 20 times higher than normal
Musth lasts about 4 months in wild males
Females prefer musth males
Reproductive Rate:

Most females give birth for the first time at 16-17 years.
In optimal habitats, calving intervals are 2.5-4 years. In less favorable conditions, calving intervals are 5-8 years.
Cows can calve past age 50. Two elephants in managed care (Meennakshi and Tara) calved at 54 and 62 years, respectively.

Gestation

Lasts 18-22 months, the longest gestation period of any mammal
Birth

Litter size: Usually one calf; rarely twins (structure of uterus allows births several weeks apart)
Weight: 75-115 kg (165-254 lbs)
Height: 75-100 cm (2.5-3.3 ft)
Calves are very hairy compared to adults. Hairier than African elephant calves.