Elephants have one of the longest gestation periods of all mammals, typically lasting about 22 months (approximately 660 to 680 days), which is nearly two years

. This extended pregnancy duration applies to both African and Asian elephants, though there is some variation:

• African elephants usually gestate for about 640 to 673 days.
• Asian elephants have a slightly more variable gestation period, ranging from about 18 to 22 months (roughly 540 to 670 days)

The reasons for this long gestation include:

• Elephants' large body size requires a longer developmental period for the fetus.
• The slow development allows the baby elephant's brain to properly develop, which is crucial given elephants' high intelligence and complex cognitive abilities.
• The long gestation ensures calves are born well-developed (precocial), able to move and interact with the herd immediately after birth

In summary, elephant pregnancies last around 22 months, making them the longest among land mammals, supporting both physical growth and brain development necessary for survival in their social environment.