Horizon Season 2007 Episode 2 The Elephant's Guide to Sex

The popular science show Horizon returns with a fascinating second episode, titled "The Elephant's Guide to Sex." This episode explores the sex lives of one of the largest animals on Earth - elephants.

Elephants are known for their majestic size and gentle nature, but they also have incredibly complex social lives and mating rituals. In this episode, experts from around the world come together to unravel the mysteries of elephant sexuality, from their courtship behavior to their impressive size and anatomy.

The episode begins with a look at the importance of sex in the lives of elephants. For male elephants, breeding is essential to their social status and their ability to reproduce. For females, conceiving a healthy calf is crucial to the survival of the herd.

Researchers have also discovered that elephants use a range of behaviors to attract mates, from trumpeting calls to elaborate displays of strength and prowess. The episode follows a group of male elephants as they compete for the attention of a female in heat, highlighting the fascinating courtship rituals and behaviors that occur.

One particularly intriguing aspect of elephant sexuality is the size of the male's reproductive organs. Adult male elephants can have penises that are over five feet in length and weigh over 60 pounds. The episode looks at how scientists have tried to understand the mechanics of these enormous organs and how they function during mating.

In addition to their size, elephant penises are also unique in their shape and structure. They have a series of folds and bumps along the surface, which scientists believe may play a role in increasing pleasure for the female during intercourse.

The episode also delves into the importance of physical fitness and strength in male elephants. To be successful in breeding, male elephants must be able to compete with other males for the attention of females. This often involves physical battles, where the strongest and most agile males come out on top.

Despite the focus on male elephants, the episode also explores the important role that females play in the mating process. Female elephants have a complex reproductive system that involves a lengthy gestation period and a careful balancing act between providing enough milk for their young while still being able to breed again in the future.

Overall, "The Elephant's Guide to Sex" offers a fascinating look at the complex social and sexual lives of these incredible animals. With stunning footage of elephants in the wild and expert insights from some of the world's leading researchers, this is a must-watch episode for anyone interested in animal behavior and biology.