Elephants have the longest gestation period of any living mammal. African elephants are pregnant for an average of about 22 months, while Asian elephants have a gestation period ranging from 18 to 22 months

. This extended pregnancy allows the baby elephant to develop fully, especially their large body and highly developed brain, which is crucial for their survival and social interactions immediately after birth

. In summary:

• African elephant pregnancy: ~22 months
• Asian elephant pregnancy: 18 to 22 months

This nearly two-year pregnancy is one of the longest in the animal kingdom and reflects the complex development needs of elephant calves before they are born