Not only are elephants the largest land mammals, but they are also among the most interesting to observe. When their young get involved, they often add humour to an already special occasion.
Sipho Khoza submitted this amusing footage to Latest Sightings. He filmed it while on a game drive in South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
Elephant crossing
We join Sipho at the sighting as he stops to allow a herd of elephants to cross the road. With night fast approaching, he needs to get to the gate before closing time.
However, in keeping with park regulations and good ethics, he gives wildlife the right of way. As such, the elephants pass calmly in front of him.
All shapes and sizes
As more elephants approach the road, we see that the herd includes all age groups. To an extent, it is possible to age an elephant by the size of its tusks.
And you can often count on the youngsters to provide the most entertainment. So, when we see a calf shake its head, it’s a good sign.
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Self-appointed guardian
Subsequently, one of the smallest calves in the herd decides to put on a bit of a show for the waiting vehicles. Or perhaps he’s appointed himself traffic warden.
In fact, aside from being adorable, the youngster is instinctively displaying elephant body language. In this case, his flared ears suggest he is alarmed.
He then starts trumpeting. This serves as a warning to the perceived intruder and alerts the herd to possible danger.
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Temper tantrum
However, when neither Sipho nor the herd reacts, the calf seems to take it personally. Accordingly, like most youngsters, he protests by throwing a tantrum.
Consequently, the calf puts on quite a performance. Firstly, he sits in the road.
Like a naughty child deprived of having its way, the calf rolls on the ground, determined to be noticed.
Even so, none of his family seems even remotely interested in his theatrics, while Sipho and his guests chuckle at his antics.
Who’s next?
As a result, the calf seems to realise his behaviour is out of line. And so he begins the long process of getting to his feet.
Having done so, he does a quick pose for the tourists to remind them who’s boss.
Point made, he then runs down the road, looking for someone else to impress. In the process, he accidentally runs away from his family.
Realising this, he quickly turns back in search of Mom. First, he meets one of the teenagers who points him in the right direction.
Meanwhile, the rest of the herd has crossed, and Sipho is free to continue. As he does, he sweeps his spotlight over the herd.
And there, we see the calf reunited with mom, suckling greedily after all his hard work.
