If you’re the only elephant calf in your herd, you’ve got to make your own fun. In this video, a calf finds a novel, if smelly, way to play while mum feeds.
Zander Rautenbach sent this amusing video to Latest Sightings. He filmed it while on safari in South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
Solo play
Like all youngsters, baby elephants play best when they have similarly aged playmates. However, when you’re the only calf in your herd, you’ve got to improvise to pass the time while mum feeds.
As Zander’s video begins, we are met with a sight that is meant to intimidate us… Lol. A young elephant bull stands with his head raised and ears flared, daring the oncoming traffic to proceed. Little does he realise the cars have stopped to watch his antics.
Body language cues and clues
Satisfied with his ‘achievement’, the youngster presents his side profile, where we see that his tail is held erect. While this can signify anxiety, fear, or aggression, in this instance, it is most likely excitement.
Were it any of the former, we can safely assume there would be squealing while looking for mum. One can tell a lot about an elephant’s mood by looking at its posture in context.
Growing confidence
However, whether just to be sure or wishing to brag to mum about his traffic-stopping skills, the little guy then turns and runs down the road to where mum is peacefully feeding on the roadside.
The calf appears to be 1-2 years old. At this age, calves start becoming more adventurous, leaving mum’s side to explore and burn off excess energy. But, they’re still dependent on her for comfort and protection.
Target locked in
Having got the affirmation he sought, the young bull looks for a new challenge. And there, in the middle of the road, he sets his sights on a pile of fresh elephant dung.
On a side note, you’ll see that his trunk seems to have a mind of its own. It will take him several years to master control of this most unique appendage.
Damage done
Subsequently, the calf flares his ears, lowers his head, and charges the mighty pile of poop. As he barrels into it, he kicks it, sending a splatter of dung flying across the road.
Then, he turns to inspect the destruction he has single-handedly brought on his fragrant foe…
Apparently not satisfied with his footwork, the calf then runs through the offending pile of poop once more.
Quite what he is trying to achieve is unclear, but he is clearly enjoying himself
Do I really want to do this?
As he turns once more to inspect his masterpiece, the calf seems intent on doing something rather unexpected. Dropping to his knees, he appears ready to roll around in the dung.
However, he thinks better of the idea, perhaps not wanting to have to explain his state to his mum later. And, it is just as well.
Moments later, Mum summons him with a gentle belly rumble to which he obediently responds. As Zander’s video comes to an end, we leave the young bull as he runs back to her side, ready for the next adventure.
Young bulls like this typically remain with their natal herd until the age of 12-15, at which point they either join a bachelor herd or remain solitary.
