Orient-Toward

Reorientation of the body to face or look at another elephant, animal or object of interest. Displayed by all age/sex groups.

References: Poole 1982; Kahl & Armstrong 2000; Poole & Granli 2003; Poole & Granli 2011 [Turn-Toward]. (Full reference list)

This behavior occurs in the following context(s): Affiliative, Aggressive, Calf Reassurance & Protection, Conflict & Confrontation

Orient-Toward

Context: Aggressive (1)

As G7 begins an Advance-Toward gm0016, gm0016 Orient-Toward him before beginning to Back-Away. (Gorongosa, Mozambique)

Orient-Toward

Context: Aggressive (2)

A teenage male is standing behind a female drinking at the river, apparently minding his own business. She Orients-Toward him in an aggressive manner and he turns rapidly away. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)

Orient-Toward

Context: Calf Reassurance & Protection (1)

Two juvenile males are Sparring. One is bigger than the other. An adolescent female intervenes Orienting-Toward them and Head-Shaking and then Looks-At the older male while Trunk-Sucking. She Advances-Toward the older male and he Backs-Away. It is as if she decides that they are being too rough - or perhaps the older male is not part of the family and she is protecting a sibling - or perhaps she wants to join the play. (Gorongosa, Mozambique)

Orient-Toward

Context: Social Play (1)

A young male is standing side by side with large adult female gf0061. He has tested her and they have exchanges in the form of Trunk-to-Mouth greetings. After standing side by side for some moments she Orient-Toward him in an expectant manner - head slightly outstretched. He raise his head and Ear-Fold and then they begin to Spar. She walks past him and onto higher ground on the bank. He Ear-Folds and flaps his ears. She pauses and he pauses and wait. He steps up onto bank behind her and she turns to Orient-Toward him and again they Spar. (Gorongosa, Mozambique)

Orient-Toward

Context: Conflict & Confrontation (1)

Matriarch, gf0223, with a long right tusk, Orients-Toward and Looks-At the vehicle in a threatening posture. She walks purposefully as if considering a Perpendicular-Walk, but appears to change her mind and pauses to Orient-Toward and Look-At the vehicle again, Standing-Tall. (Gorongosa, Mozambique)