How Fast Can an Elephant Run?

By Staff WriterLast Updated December 11, 2023

According to researcher John Hutchinson from the Royal Veterinary College in the U.K., adult elephants are capable of top speed running in a walk-like gait at a speed of 6.8 meters per second. That is nearly 15 mph.

Having extensively researched adult elephants, Hutchinson has recorded data verifying that when they run, even at top speed, at least one foot is in contact with the ground. Rear legs and front legs never become airborne at the same time.

It has been determined that elephants do move similarly to human runners. They use their legs for bounce to create a pogo stick effect, just as humans run.