Snorkel

When Swimming, Bathing or during social play in deep water, using the trunk as a snorkel to breathe. Also employed by elephants who are incapacitated in water.

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

This behavior occurs in the following context(s): Maintenance, Social Play

Snorkel

Context: Social Play (1)

A group of males Snorkel as they engage in social play in a pool. (Amboseli, Kenya)

Snorkel

Context: Social Play (2)

A mother is in a deep pool with her newborn and with many other elephants all engaged in social play. This is likely the first time the infant has been Swimming and it immediately knows how to use its trunk as a Snorkel. The infant also uses its mothers back to support itself. (Amboseli, Kenya)

Snorkel

Context: Social Play (3)

A mother is in a deep pool with her newborn and with many other elephants all engaged in social play. This is likely the first time the infant has been Swimming and it immediately knows how to use its trunk as a Snorkel. The infant also uses its mothers back to support itself. (Amboseli, Kenya)