A baby elephant, or calf, is the offspring of an elephant. Elephants are social animals and live in close-knit family groups led by a dominant female, called a matriarch. Calves are born after a gestation period of 22 to 24 months and are dependent on their mothers for milk and protection for several years. As they grow, they begin to explore their environment, play with other elephants, and develop social bonds with members of their family group. By the time they reach adulthood, elephants have formed strong social ties that can last for their entire lives.