For the most part, elephants are docile creatures, peacefully coexisting with other wildlife. However, when this elephant felt its herd was threatened, its brutal attack revealed a violent side.
Hans Henrik Haahr submitted this remarkable footage to Latest Sightings. He filmed the action in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park.
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Curious sight
As Hans’ video begins, we encounter a curious sight. An elephant stands in shallow water.
At her feet, an object sits, and for some reason, the massive animal seems really upset with it. Consequently, the grey giant lowers her head and brings her considerable weight down on it.
After pushing it into the mud for several seconds, the elephant rises and then stamps on the object. It is clear that she is not at all happy and means to do serious damage.
Object identified
Eventually, we are able to identify the object. It is a large Nile crocodile.
For the most part, the two species coexist peacefully, so one has to wonder what has caused the elephant’s outrage. It is possible the elephant felt that the croc posed a threat to younger members of its herd.
Protective female
When the elephant presents its side profile, we notice that it has an angular, as opposed to a rounded, forehead. As such, we know that it is a female.
Furthermore, when she faces us, we notice a swollen teat. This suggests that she may be lactating. Combined, these factors suggest she may have a young calf nearby.
Unlikely to survive
While the elephant continues her attack, we hear Hans comment that he thinks the croc might still be alive. However, with elephant cows weighing between 2,700 and 3,600 kg, its chances of survival are slim.
We also note that the cow has no tusks. According to researchers, tuskless elephants are often more aggressive.
This may be a compensatory adaptation since they lack tusks as weapons. The elephant’s exaggerated aggression seems to support the hypothesis.
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Mothers in arms
Time and again, the cow headbutts, kneels, and stands on the crocodile.
Meanwhile, in the background, other members of her herd look on. Elephants are highly social, and there are many records of them protecting one another.
Females form the core of elephant society, with the eldest cows playing a matriarchal role. The angry elephant may be the matriarch, busy protecting her herd from the perceived threat.
Silent but violent
As the video nears its conclusion, the elephant places the croc’s tail in her mouth before thrashing its body about. This, too, could be behaviour to compensate for her lack of tusks
Even when it becomes clear that the croc is dead, the cow continues to batter it. Barely making a sound, her ruthless vengeance is eerie to watch.
Hans said he had almost no words to describe the interaction, just that it was “shocking!”