Watch The Sighting Here:
Susan captured this charming sighting on the H3 near Berg-en-Dal in Kruger National Park.
Standing Proud
At the beginning of the video, we see an elephant calf standing in the road. By the rounded shape of its forehead, we can tell that it is a young male.
And, by his body language, we can tell that he is excited about something. With head held high, ears flared, and tail held horizontally, it appears something has caught his attention. But what?
Swooping Swallows
Then, as he charges back and forth, we notice that numerous swallows were circling close to the ground.
Swallows usually behave in this manner when the weather is changing. Observers believe the insects they feed on seek stable air at lower altitudes. As such, the swallows must fly close to the ground to feed.
Now You See Them, Now You Don’t
Of course, the elephant doesn’t know this. He seems to think they are there just to be chased. When the swallows disappear momentarily, leaving the elephant looking somewhat perplexed.
Perplexed
At times, the little guy seems at a loss, as if disappointed that he cannot catch one of the fleeting birds.
Another thing that seems to trouble him is the dangling appendage on his face. As he runs around, his trunk wiggles about with a mind of its own. Consisting of around 50,000 muscles, it takes an elephant several years to master the use of this unique “limb”.
But that doesn’t stop him from showing off his most intimidating poses.
Bored
After running around playfully for some time, but having no luck catching a swallow, the calf tires of the game. At that, he ventures into the long grass on the verge of the road.
Until this point, it appears that the little calf is on his own. It therefore comes as a relief when other members of his herd come into view.
With that, playtime is over, and the calf and his family move off into the roadside shrubs.
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The Purpose Of Play
Play, whether individually or in groups, forms an important part of a young animal’s development. While we can only guess what benefit chasing birds had for this calf, it undoubtedly used up some of its excess energy.
On a more serious note, play teaches young animals how to socialise, how to solve problems, and a multitude of other skills necessary to survive in the wild. It also reinforces bonds between individuals within the herd.
Taming The Trunk
As mentioned, an elephant’s trunk is a unique appendage that may take years to master. Trunks comprise a fused nose and upper lip and have a multitude of uses.
Firstly, they use them for breathing and smelling, even employing them as a snorkel when swimming. Secondly, they use their trunks to draw water for drinking.
Incredibly powerful and sensitive, trunks also gather vegetation for eating. They are very dextrous, able to pick up tiny morsels of food.
Elephants also use their trunks to communicate through touch and gestures. When annoyed, they may spray water, throw objects, or use their trunks as weapons.
A fully-grown elephant’s trunk weighs up to 140 kilograms and can hold about 12 litres of water.