Explore-Touch-Trunk

Using the trunk to investigate or touch an object.

References:  Poole & Granli 2003, Poole & Granli 2011, Poole & Granli 2021 [Explore-Touch, Touch]. (Full reference list)

This behavior occurs in the following context(s): Attentive, Lone & Object Play

Explore-Touch-Trunk

Context: Attentive (1)

Two calves in the C family are investigating a tree stump. The older male calf investigates the stump first and then the younger female investigates it. It seems that the male rubs on the stump and then the female possibly rubs, too. This is an example of Contagion. (Gorongosa, Mozambique)

Explore-Touch-Trunk

Context: Attentive (2)

gf0080's 2013 infant investigates vegetation as if practicing how to grasp a stalk and place it into its mouth. (Gorongosa, Mozambique)

Explore-Touch-Trunk

Context: Attentive (3)

A one day old male infant investigates the world around him with his trunk (Explore-Touch-Trunk) and feet (Explore-Touch-Foot) - in this case studying a rock. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)

Explore-Touch-Trunk

Context: Attentive (4)

A newborn looks to be trapped by a sea of thorns and appears a little hesitant as he investigates their nature. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)

Explore-Touch-Trunk

Context: Attentive (5)

A 1.5 year old female from Pat Derby's family knock over the dead trunk of a small Faidherbia drepanolobium tree and then begins to explore the stump with her trunk and her feet: Explore-Touch-Trunk and Explore-Touch-Foot. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)

Explore-Touch-Trunk

Context: Attentive (6)

An infant Sheltering under its mother investigates a branch with his trunk (Explore-Touch-Trunk) and feet (Explore-Touch-Foot). (Maasai Mara, Kenya)

Explore-Touch-Trunk

Context: Attentive (7)

An infant is getting to know his social surroundings and Explore-Touch-Trunk a 6 year old juvenile family male several times. First he touches his face (Trunk-to-Face) and the juvenile male backs away a little bit. The infant follows him and again reaches to touch him, this time Trunk-to-Body and then a third time Trunk-to-Mouth. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)

Explore-Touch-Trunk

Context: Attentive (8)

The male infant of adult female f0254 investigates a rock with his trunk (Explore-Touch-Trunk) and his forefeet (Explore-Touch-Foot). (Maasai Mara, Kenya)

Explore-Touch-Trunk

Context: Attentive (9)

A male infant investigates a Faidherbia drepanolobium tree with his trunk (Explore-Touch-Trunk) and forefeet (Explore-Touch-Foot). (Maasai Mara, Kenya)

Explore-Touch-Trunk

Context: Attentive (10)

The male infant of adult female f0254 Explore-Touch-Trunk what appears to be a bird's nest or a clump of grass that another elephant has dropped. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)

Explore-Touch-Trunk

Context: Attentive (11)

The male infant of adult female f0254 studies a stone and a bit of bark or stick with his trunk (Explore-Touch-Trunk) and forefeet (Explore-Touch-Foot) for over two minutes! (Maasai Mara, Kenya)

Explore-Touch-Trunk

Context: Attentive (12)

Little E is 15 days old and is in the company of Lorato. He begins to investigates a Croton bush with his trunk (Explore-Touch-Trunk) and feet (Explore-Touch-Foot). His actions already have elements of adult foraging behavior. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)

Explore-Touch-Trunk

Context: Attentive (13)

Little E is 5 days old and he investigates a croton bush with his trunk (Explore-Touch-Trunk). (Maasai Mara, Kenya)

Explore-Touch-Trunk

Context: Attentive (14)

Little E is 5 days old and investigates a stick with his trunk (Explore-Touch-Trunk). (Maasai Mara, Kenya)

Explore-Touch-Trunk

Context: Attentive (15)

Little E is 15 days old and investigates a Croton bush with his trunk (Explore-Touch-Trunk). (Maasai Mara, Kenya)

Explore-Touch-Trunk

Context: Attentive (16)

Little E is 15 days old and investigates a log with his trunk (Explore-Touch-Trunk). He seems to become rather excited about it, Backing-Away with his pink ears spread. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)

Explore-Touch-Trunk

Context: Attentive (17)

Little E is 6 weeks old. He stops to investigate an Acacia seedling. His Explore-Touch-Trunk is beginning to look as though he is trying to Browse. Notice how he opens his mouth and places it close to the branch he is touching. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)

Explore-Touch-Trunk

Context: Death (1)

An adult female approaches an old lower jar and skull of an elephant. She looks at them and reaches her Trunk-Toward them and appears to briefly Explore-Touch-Trunk the skull. Then a young male approaches the bones from the right. He walks past the skull but stops to Explore-Touch-Trunk the lower jaw. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)