A Family of Elephants
On the wide savanna of Africa lived a young elephant named Lila. She had large flapping ears, a long trunk, and eyes full of curiosity. Lila loved her herd—a close family led by her grandmother, the matriarch.
Elephants always traveled together. They ate together, rested together, and protected one another. The older elephants knew where to find water, while the younger ones learned by following.
One dry season, the grass grew thin and the watering holes began to shrink. The matriarch raised her trunk to the wind. “It is time,” she rumbled. “We must walk far to find food and water.”
The Journey Begins
At dawn, the herd set off across the plain. Lila walked close to her mother’s side, her little feet making deep prints in the dust. Her cousins trumpeted playfully, but the adults stayed focused, keeping the herd moving steadily.
“Where are we going?” Lila asked.
“Toward the great river,” her mother replied. “It will take many days, but together we will get there.”
Lila’s heart fluttered. She had never traveled so far.
Across the Savannah
The elephants marched in a line, the older ones guiding, the calves in the middle where they were safest. At midday, they rested under the shade of an acacia tree.
That night, the herd rumbled low songs to comfort one another. Their calls carried across the plain like a secret language only elephants understood.
Lila pressed against her mother’s side. She felt tired, but also proud. She was part of something strong—a family that cared for each other.
Through Dust and Heat
The next days grew hotter. Dust rose in clouds as the herd walked. Lila’s trunk drooped. “I’m thirsty,” she whispered.
Her grandmother slowed the pace. The matriarch always remembered the way. Elephants have excellent memories, and she led them toward places she had visited long ago.
Finally, they reached a shallow pool. The elephants took turns drinking. Lila slurped happily, water cooling her tongue. Then they sprayed the rest over their backs, turning the dust into mud that protected their skin.
“See?” her grandmother said. “We look after one another, and the earth provides.”
Reaching the River
At last, after many days, the herd reached the wide river. Lila’s eyes widened. The water sparkled in the sun, and tall grasses grew thick along the banks. Birds swooped overhead, and hippos grunted nearby.
The elephants trumpeted joyfully and splashed into the shallows. Lila waded in up to her knees, spraying water high into the air. Her cousins squealed with delight.
That night, as the herd rested, Lila gazed at the stars. She realized their journey had been hard, but they had made it because they stayed together.
What Lila Learned
When the herd was safe and full, the matriarch told the young ones, “We elephants have traveled like this for thousands of years. We remember paths, water holes, and trees. We share that memory so each new calf will know how to survive.”
Lila snuggled against her mother. “I understand now,” she said softly. “A journey is easier when you are never alone.”
Her grandmother touched her with her trunk. “That is the wisdom of elephants. We are strong not just because of our size, but because of our family.”
That night, Lila fell asleep to the gentle rumble of her herd, dreaming of rivers, grasslands, and the long journeys still ahead.
The End.
If you’d like to learn more about real elephant families and migrations, visit National Geographic Kids: Elephant Facts.
Looking for another story that travels far? Try The Rainbow Fish of Samoa, a colorful tale inspired by island traditions.
Make bedtime feel extra cozy — visit our Bedtime Shop for glowing nightlights, cuddly plush friends, and enchanting storybooks that help little dreamers drift off with a smile.
