Play is a vital part of the development of baby animals. As this video shows, it is also a useful distraction when the rest of the family is too busy eating to give this young elephant any attention.
Michael Botes of MalaMala Game Reserve submitted this endearing footage to Latest Sightings. He filmed it in South Africa’s Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve.
Anyone want to play?
As Michael’s video starts, we see an elephant calf looking for attention amongst the members of its herd. However, they are all too busy feeding to indulge the boisterous youngster.
This is not unusual. Elephants feed almost continuously, having to consume around 150 kg of vegetation per day to fuel their massive bodies.
Trial and error
Consequently, the little one decides he’ll have to make his own fun. As he stands behind a spindly shrub, he appears to have decided on a game of hide-and-seek.
Realising that he is clearly visible to Michael and his guests, the calf repositions himself.
Subsequently, he backs up, hoping for better cover, but he is still easy to see. Time for plan B.
Plan B
Next, the calf finds a much bushier bush. But can he make it work?
At first, his oversized nose thwarts his efforts to conceal himself.
And it doesn’t help matters when he peeks out to check whether anyone has spotted him. Backing up doesn’t help either, especially with such big ears.
Finally, with all his sticky-outy parts brought under control, he disappears… Poof!
Amazing!!!!!!!!! However, he has yet to learn that the other key aspect of the game is patience. Or perhaps he’s just taunting the onlookers for being so easily fooled.
Seeking to hide
Having so easily tricked his audience, the calf goes looking for other hiding places. How about behind his sibling’s ear? Hmmm, that’s not great.
How about under this teenager’s trunk? No, that doesn’t work either.
Maybe, if he hides behind the older sibling? Better, but not perfect.
And, it certainly doesn’t help when the hiding place you’re hiding behind is too busy feeding to stay put! Come on, big brother!
Despite the hit-and-miss approach, it soon becomes apparent that the calf is learning from his mistakes. What he needs is something really big that doesn’t move.
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Found it!
Subsequently, the little ellie squeals with delight as he finally spots the perfect hiding place. But he’ll have to be quick so the others don’t catch on.
Barely able to contain his excitement, the calf careens around the side of a dense thicket…
Moments later, as if by magic, he well and truly disappears from view. Wow! What a clever calf.
Ta-daaaaa!
Then, before we get too worried that he has gone forever, he magically reappears at his Mum’s side.
Speculation is rife as to how exactly the calf pulled off his magical feat. While that may remain a mystery for all time, it’s great to know that he’s safe and sound once more.
As our story ends, the little calf is seen waving to make sure we’re all okay. Such smart, thoughtful creatures, elephants ;-D