Elephants are extremely smart and social. In this video, a young bull’s attempts to make friends are hilariously re-“butted”.
Johan Seekles submitted this amusing footage to Latest Sightings. He filmed it while on a game drive in South Africa.
Two male elephants
Johan’s video begins with a view of two male elephants. On the left, we see a sub-adult, probably between 10 and 19 years old. On the right is a young adult, estimated to be between 20 and 34 years of age.
When male elephants reach adolescence, they often leave their natal herds to seek the companionship of other males. However, as you’ll soon see, acceptance is not automatic.
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Warning or invitation?
When the younger animal approaches, the elder bull appears to put on a show of strength as he kneels down and digs his tusks into the earth.
However, as he then goes onto his belly, the smaller bull interprets this as an invitation to play and approaches.
Greeting rebuffed
However, as he gets closer, the larger animal eyes him warily, possibly feeling vulnerable on the ground.
Subsequently, the younger bull extends his trunk towards the other, in a typical elephant greeting.
But the larger animal seems to rebuff the greeting, shaking his head in warning. Consequently, the smaller bull retracts his trunk.
Unsure what to do next, the youngster moves away, not wanting to antagonise the larger elephant.
Before he goes too far, however, the youngster’s curiosity gets the better of him, and he turns…
But the older animal is more interested in rubbing his belly than making a new friend.
Confused
Confused at the older bull’s indifference towards him, the younger bull moves off a short distance and fiddles with a tree.
This is called displacement behaviour, used when an animal feels uncertain or anxious. It gives them time to figure out their next move.
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Making a point
A short while later, the two elephants stand face to face. Will this be the moment that the youngster makes a new friend?
Sadly, it is not to be. As the larger bull advances, the youngster loses his nerve and turns away.
As he does, the bigger bull sees an opportunity to make his position clear.
With that, he jabs the youngster in the backside with his tusks. Talk about making your point!
Sincerest form of flattery
Despite having repeatedly failed to gain acceptance, the youngster perseveres. As he, too, drops to his belly, it seems he is trying to flatter by imitation.
Whether the ploy was successful is unknown, as the video ends shortly after. Given the youngster’s determination, we think his chances of finding acceptance are excellent.
Male elephants live fairly separate lives from the females. To compensate, they often form bachelor herds, where young bulls like this can learn all they will need to thrive in their communities.