Sashay

An elephant taking exaggerated sideways steps, to manoeuvre rapidly into a new position that is immediately to the elephant’s left or right. This movement is classically seen by adult males (usually in musth) during Duelling or Escalated-Contests where a male tries to manoeuvre himself into a better position. It may similarly be observed among males during Sparring.

Further, Sashaying may be observed among adult, adolescent and juvenile females as members of a family jockey for a better position during Affiliative behavior such as a Bonding-Ceremony, or by an adult female - or male - during Attacking or Mobbing behavior.

References: Poole & Granli 2021. (Full reference list)

This behavior occurs in the following context(s): Affiliative, Aggressive, Attacking & Mobbing, Conflict & Confrontation, Social Play

Sashay

Context: Social Play (1)

Two 18 month old male calves at play. As the male on the right stands in an expectant posture, the male on the left Sashays into position to approach and Push him. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)