When two elephants met at the river, a “fight” broke out, seemingly over nothing. See how one bull persists while the other tries various ways to de-escalate the situation.
A quiet drink
As the video begins, the scene looks tranquil. Two young elephant bulls are enjoying a drink.
This is a common enough sighting, especially as elephants usually drink at least twice daily, and are commonly found near water.
A challenge is made
Suddenly, and for no apparent reason, one of the bulls reaches towards the other. It’s almost as if he is looking for trouble.
For most of the time, elephant bulls get along just fine. However, like all young males, sometimes they feel the need to prove themselves.
Subsequently, when the other bull stands his ground, the first sees it as antagonism. Determined to prove a point, he advances on the other.
Consequently, the two spar briefly. However, the second bull doesn’t seem to be in the mood.
Attempted de-escalation
In an effort to de-escalate the situation, he turns from his aggressor. Sensing weakness, the first bull pushes forward.
In turn, the second bull turns away, presenting his rear end to the bully. As a result, he gets jabbed in the butt by his rival.
Will this be enough to deter further aggravation?
Head-on approach
Later, the pair stand face to face once again. Now, the bully stands on the left of the frame.
Once again, he throws his trunk forward, taunting the other. Despite clearly not wanting this to continue, the aggrieved bull decides maybe it’s time to tackle the problem head-on.
Accordingly, he lunges forward and drives the bully backwards. As the other bull retreats, he backs off, hoping he has made his point.
Instead, the bully sees it as a challenge accepted and pushes back. This time, he drives his rival backward, nearly sending him into the river.
Hangry
When things settle down again, it is evident that the bully still wants to prove his point. However, his rival just wants to eat.
By now, the beleaguered bull is getting frustrated. Consequently, he once again lunges forward, hoping to drive the other off.
And, once again, he doesn’t follow through. As he backs off, the bully advances once again.
This time, the second bull backs off, avoiding contact, while trying to get in a few mouthfuls.
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Butt-on approach
Having failed to deal with the problem head-on, the bull decides to try a new approach. When the bully approaches, he turns away. I mean, the message is clear, right?
This time around, he gets another tusk jab to the rear. On the plus side, at least his front end is now free to feed.
Subsequently, as the footage nears its end, we see the bully following his would-be rival.
In effect, the bull is conceding defeat by refusing to tussle anymore. Perhaps now they can return to peaceful coexistence.
A test of strength
The behaviour we’ve witnessed is called sparring. This is when animals play-fight, as if wanting to test their strength against potential rivals.
In male elephant society, this is how bulls establish their place within the hierarchy. Furthermore, it serves as useful practice for the day when they will have to defend themselves in a full-blown battle.