Like all young animals, baby elephants are full of energy. In this video, a youngster burns off excess energy by showing off to some tourists.
David den Hartog of MalaMala Game Reserve submitted this footage to Latest Sightings. He filmed it in South Africa’s Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve.
Roadblock
As David and his guests travelled through the reserve, their journey came to a sudden stop. Blocking the road ahead, an elephant stood with its ears flared.
However, it was not an adult, but a young calf determined to put on a show. The calf appears to be less than two years old, judging by its size and the absence of tusk nubs.
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Ready, steady…
Evidently proud of himself for having brought the traffic to a standstill, the young bull got ready to strike fear into the hearts of the tourists. Subsequently, he dug his feet in and braced for a charge.
Even at this young age, the calf is displaying typical threat posturing. By flaring his ears and raising his body to its full height, he is trying to intimidate with his size.
(Mock) Charge!
After summoning all his courage, the brave young bull launched himself towards David’s vehicle. At this point, we hear David explain that the calf is trying to intimidate them.
However, after charging forward just a few steps, the calf pulls up, seemingly trying to gauge the effect of his display.
This behaviour is referred to as a mock charge, intended to intimidate or elicit a reaction from a perceived rival. It is intended to avoid a physical confrontation, giving the intruder time to back off.
Doubt creeps in
However, when David doesn’t back off, doubt seems to creep in as the calf backs up a few paces. Notably, he reverses to the right.
It’s at that point that we realise that the calf may believe he is protecting someone very special to him. Can you guess who? There’s a clue in the above image.
If at first you don’t succeed
Having pondered his options, the calf retreats further down the road. Is he abandoning his duties?
Subsequently, he does a few stretching exercises, suggesting that he is not done dealing with the intruders.
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Waving wildly
His warm-up completed, he pivots and charges back up the road towards the onlookers. As he does, his trunk swings about wildly.
At this age, the calf hasn’t learnt how to control this amazing appendage. With 50,000 muscles, it will take him two years to master the use of his trunk.
Momma’s here
However, as he charges forward, a large grey rump emerges from the bush to the right. It’s the calf’s mother.
Coming to a halt alongside her, it seems the calf believes he has been protecting her while she feeds.
She, however, is completely unfazed by David’s presence. Consequently, the calf realises all is well, and the video ends as the mother and son move off down the road.
