Head-High

Standing or moving with head held well above shoulders, chin tucked in (Chin-In), so that the elephant looks squarely at its adversary with ears and tusks held more perpendicular to the ground. Typically, the ears are maximally forward (Ear-Spreading). This posture is used primarily to threaten other elephants, particularly by males in musth.

References: Eisenberg, McKay & Jainudeen 1971; Poole 1982: 77 & illustration 4.7, Moss 1983; Poole 1987a; Poole 1987b; Poole 1987c; Poole 1988; Poole 1992; Poole 1996: 75, 77; Poole 1997; Poole & Granli 2003; O’Connell-Rodwell et al 2011 [Head held up]. (Full reference list)

This behavior occurs in the following context(s): Advertisement & Attraction, Aggressive, Submissive

Head-High

Context: Aggressive (1)

The young male has just tested (Trunk-to-Genitals) a female. Then, as this clip begins he turns and threatens another female and Supplants her at a tree she was feeding on. He (right) starts his threat with slight Ear-Flap-Slide, Advancing-Toward her Ear-Folding at her while he Reaches-High and touches her tusk. The female (left), likewise Advances-Toward him with Head-High and Ears-Folded. She Forward-Trunk-Swings at him. After the clip ends she Backs-Away and then Orients-Away and Retreat-From. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)

Head-High

Context: Aggressive (2)

Throughout an Escalated-Contest between Tee-Jay and Gordon, Tee-Jay really holds Head-High and Chin-in posture and Ear-Folds persistently. In this short clip Tee-Jay Advances-Toward Gordon with Head-High, Chin-In and Lunges twice at Gordon as they Tusk-Clank in a Duel. Tee-Jay forces Gordon back, but after they separate Gordon Advances-Toward Tee-Jay, stil with Head-High and Chin-In Backs-Away. Gordon Head-Shakes and Tee-Jay circles around and comes to face him again. (Amboseli, Kenya)

Head-High

Context: Aggressive (3)

Tee-Jay and Gordon, both in musth, have been engaged in an Escalated-Contest. But when Paolo, also in musth, appears they turn to look at him in anticipation. When Paolo is about 50 m away both males turn to face him, Waiting for him with some visible apprehension. Gordon is Foot-Lifting and holds his trunk under. Paolo walks toward them with Head-High, Chin-In in a very dominant posture while Tee-Jay's bravado has changed and he Waits for Paolo with Trunk-Toward and his chin further out than earlier. Paolo continues to Advance-Toward them and at about 3 m Tee-Jay Backs-Away. Both males reach Periscope-Trunks toward Paolo and Retreat-From. Paolo's arrival breaks up the fight, whether purposefully or not. (Amboseli, Kenya)