African pygmy elephant

American  

[af-ri-kuhn pig-mee el-uh-fuhnt] / ˈæf rɪ kən ˈpɪg mi ˌɛl ə fənt /

noun

1. a small African elephant of the Congo Basin that was formerly considered a distinct species (Loxodonta pumilio ), but is now thought to be a diminutive form of the African forest elephant, the stunted growth likely due to environmental conditions.

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Etymology

Origin of African pygmy elephant

First recorded in 2000–05

Example Sentences

Keeper Richards declares that our late African pygmy elephant, Congo, was the wisest animal he ever has known.

From The Minds and Manners of Wild Animals A Book of Personal Observations by Hornaday, William Temple