Trunk-Twisting

Twisting the distal portion or tip of the trunk back and forth. Most often observed in situations where an elephant is apprehensive or unsure of what action to take.

References: Douglas-Hamilton 1972: ch 6; Poole 1999a; Poole & Granli 2003; Poole & Granli 2011; O’Connell-Rodwell et al 2011 [Trunk wrap]. (Full reference list)

This behavior occurs in the following context(s): Ambivalent, Attentive