Baby African elephants spend 20 to 22 m in their mother's body before they see the light of the world. Female elephants have the longest gestation period of all mammals. Elephants are known as being thick skinned. However, their skin is so sensitive, they can even get sunburnt. That is why elephants often throw several layers of mud on themselves. This pleasant 'cooling pack' also combats the scorching heat. While elephants cannot hear any better than other animals with their huge ears, they help them to cope with the African heat. When they fan with their ears, the blood cools down and provides them with refreshment.