Grasp-Tail

Using the trunk to briefly grasp the tail of another. This is perhaps most commonly observed during social play, but males may sometimes grasp the tail of an estrous female, and mothers may hold the tails of their infants apparently to get their attention.

References: Moss 1988; Poole 1996: p 274; Poole & Granli 2003; Poole & Granli 2011. (Full reference list)

This behavior occurs in the following context(s): Advertisement & Attraction, Affiliative, Calf Nourishment & Weaning, Calf Reassurance & Protection, Social Play

Grasp-Tail

Context: Calf Reassurance & Protection (1)

Little E is 2 days old and is searching for the breast at wrong end of allomother, V-Notch. She reaches her trunk back to touch him. He continues to search for the breast and she reaches back and touches his genitals and then Grasps-Tail as if to get his attention. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)

Grasp-Tail

Context: Calf Reassurance & Protection (2)

Little E is 4 days old and is standing with his mother Mama Little E. He appears to plan to Push on her trunk, but Mama Little E moves it and instead holds his tail (Grasp-Tail) at one point she appears to be sniffing his anus. Then she touches him gently around his mouth (Trunk-to-Mouth) and then touches his genitals (Trunk-to-Genitals). (Maasai Mara, Kenya)