The eldest female elephant within an elephant group is regarded as its matriarch, and is the leader of her family, taking care of its well-being and survival. The other younger females are referred to as cows. An elephant family unit consists of a mother, her juvenile offspring, and occasionally sisters, aunts, and grandmothers. Family groupings often range in size from two to more than twenty elephants. Male adult elephants, on the other hand, typically form bachelor groups made up of an elder male and several younger bulls.

However, elephant families shift constantly. Whilst an elephant may start the day in a group of 12 to 15, it may join bigger herds around midday, graze with smaller groups in the afternoon, and spend the night with only its nearest progeny or parents. This sort of social dynamic is known as a fission-fusion society. In fact, it's very similar to how we humans commute to school or work during the day, and then return back home at night.