Chin-Up

Standing or Walking with the “chin” or jawline lifted up so that it is almost parallel to the ground; if Walking away, the jaw is both raised and slightly tilted as the elephant Looks-Back. Often observed when an elephant is fearful or apprehensive or when confronting a threat. Chin-Up is a component of Standing-Tall.

References: Poole 1996: 41, 133; Poole 1999a; Poole & Granli 2003; Poole & Granli 2004; Poole & Granli 2011 [Jaw-Tilted-Upwards/Chin-Raising]. (Full reference list)

This behavior occurs in the following context(s): Vigilance

Chin-Up

Context: Vigilance (1)

gf0070 is leading her family away. She pauses to Listen with Chin-Up looking apprehensive. (Gorongosa, Mozambique)

Chin-Up

Context: Vigilance (2)

gf0070 is walking our direction and then realizes we are there. She stops and begins Foot-Swinging and Foot-Lifting and then stands in a Chin-Up posture and Contemplates us. (Gorongosa, Mozambique)

Chin-Up

Context: Vigilance (3)

In slo-mo: Matriarch, Provocadora, gf0012, is walking along and seems to suddenly detect our presence. She stops, turns to face us, draws herself up to full height with Chin-Up and Listens/Freezes. Then she lowers her head. (Gorongosa, Mozambique)

Chin-Up

Context: Vigilance (4)

In slo-mo: After much contemplation Corajosa, gf0054, Head-Shakes and Advances-Toward us and then stands facing us and considering us with her Chin-Up. (Gorongosa, Mozambique)

Chin-Up

Context: Vigilance (5)

gf0225 and her family are engaged in Periscope-Trunk. gf0225 is clearly apprehensive as she raises her Chin-Up. (Gorongosa, Mozambique)

Chin-Up

Context: Vigilance (6)

Emilio, gm0045, steps forward and stands with Chin-Up. Then he Backs-Away and Touch-Self. (Gorongosa, Mozambique)