h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

African elephants at higher speeds average 40km/h (25mph), human sprinters rather lag behind with males reaching 36km/h (22mph) and females reaching 34km/h (21mph).

But whether elephants can't jump or run, they can definitely scuba dive, keeping their trunks above water.

Hi friend
I have only seen African elephants at zoos or on the tv. I have had the pleasure of meeting, and even feeding baby Asian elephants, on a visit to the elephant orphanage in Sri Lanka. And when they went for their twice daily swim in the local river, demonstrated their abilities in the water, which they love.

Ooh! The Sri Lankan Elephant Orphanage - I heard about this and really want to go!!

So er... do they really scuba dive when they swim.. or is that just silly...?

love Heron x

PS Liked the entry - in reference to the other discussion here - I think you would normally get 'run over' by a marauding elephant; you wouldn't really think of marauding as 'a fast walk' would you - makes it sound a bit pathetic really

Hello Heron,

I've seen elephants do their scuba diving thing on a BBC Wildlife documentary, so I guess it must be true!

Your Ever Humble Servant,

Kerr Music Award Winner, Neri Aracro

Wo - that's something I'd like to see!

Hey look: the black cat emoticon looks a bit like an elephant if you concentrate (imagine the cat's head as a large tail, or ribbon) -

BTW What is the Kerr Music Award?

love Heron xx

Yes, elephants can be totally submerged, apart from the end of their trunk, which they use like a snorkel.

Heron, you obviously have a vivid imagination

Hello Heron,

The Kerr Music Award is an annual trophy awarded to the student in the graduating year group, who shows the most promising musical talent (if I do say so myself!) after their seven years at the school.

And before you ask, I am yet to find out who 'Kerr' is!

It's about my only 'major' achievement,(definitely my only piece of silverware) so I feel that I have to add it on to my name as a title like doctor or Right Honourable, although it is no way as important or grand.

To avoid the accusation of boasting amidst all the self congratulation and ego massaging, I always use the following statement to end my postings;

I remain, my lords and ladies, your ever humble servant,

KMA winner Neri Aracro

I see!

Betcha can't snorkel like an elephant tho?!

Heron xx