Baby elephants are one of the cutest creatures in Africa. They’re a bundle of energy that loves to play, even with poop.
Zander Rautenbach submitted this fun-filled footage to Latest Sightings. He filmed the calf at play while visiting South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
Energetic elephant calf
Zander’s video begins with a sight we all love to see. An energetic elephant calf makes its way up the road while its mother grazes in the background.
The curious calf approaches Zander’s vehicle for a closer look, as elephants are fairly shortsighted. At this age, the mother has not yet weaned the calf. As such, while the adults feed, he must keep himself entertained.
Communicating without contact
Consequently, as the vehicle comes into focus, the calf stops to examine it. His posture, with ears flared and head raised, tells us that he is both excited and curious.
Elephants display their emotional state through a wide range of vocal and visual cues. Many species use body language to communicate without the need for direct contact.
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Precision through play
Satisfied that the vehicle is not a threat, the youngster runs around aimlessly, burning off excess energy. He might be showing off that he is in good health and not to be messed with.
Even so, he does not coordinate his movements very well. This will come with time as his muscles grow and he refines the mastery of his body.
What is that?
As the calf spins about, he spots something nearby. Standing stock still, he once again adopts his “curiosity pose” as he takes a closer look.
After a brief examination, the calf decides to check in with Mom before investigating further.
Consequently, we’re treated to a hilarious view of the calf running from the camera, his uncoordinated limbs sending him veering left and right.
I’m a big, brave boy!
However, he changes his plans. Believing he is a big, brave boy, he spins back towards the curious object he spotted earlier.
These small moments of independence are vital to his early development and confidence-building.
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Confronting curiosity
Without hesitating, the calf charges across the road to confront the object of his curiosity. As he does so, we see a pile of dung on the road.
Apparently, having decided that the poop is a foe that must be swiftly dealt with, the calf tramples through the dung.
Then, having scattered it all over the road…
… he turns to admire his footwork.
All the while, his body language tells us that he is enjoying himself immensely. Who would’ve thought dung could be so much fun?
However, surely kneeling in it is taking things a bit far. Perhaps he is just making sure it is well and truly defeated.
Wait until I tell her!
Amusingly, having conquered his fragrant foe, the video ends as the calf rushes to tell his Mom about his great victory.
No doubt she, like us, will be hugely impressed by his valiant defence of the herd.