Call-Calf-Rumble

A short, unmodulated rumble given by a mother that has the immediate effect of calling a wandering calf back to her side.

References: Poole 2011. (Full reference list)

This behavior occurs in the following context(s): Calf Reassurance & Protection

Call-Calf-Rumble

Context: Calf Reassurance & Protection (1)

Little E is 5 days old and is with his mother. She seems to first get his attention by touching Little E on his rump, and then turns and Rumbles and begins to walk away. He follows. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)

Call-Calf-Rumble

Context: Calf Reassurance & Protection (2)

Little E is 7 days old. His mother mother comes out of the bushes with Little E in tow. Little E follows her but seems to be heading toward matriarch Grumpy Grandma, who is Resting in the shade of the tree. This is dangerous as she doesn’t like him near to her and has already kicked him a few times. His mother appears to make a conserted effort to prevent him from going her way. She Backs-Up to deflect Little E, touching him Trunk-to-Genitals, making sure he doesn't get into trouble. He gets very close to f0412 when his mother gives a Call-Calf-Rumble to him as if to get his attention and call him to her. As she calls he runs to her front. Then she uses another tactic to distract him swinging her Trunk-to-Breast to draw his attention to her breast. As he starts to try to Suckle she does it again and actually touches his mouth and draws it up to her breast. Once she has his full attention she steps smartly away and he follows. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)

Call-Calf-Rumble

Context: Calf Reassurance & Protection (3)

There is a tight group of elephants surrounding Qoral's newborn when a large male walks into the middle of them sniffing here and there. We hear a very soft Rumble by a calf in their midst and two tiny calls by the infant. Then comes a louder powerful Rumble by an adult out of view, which overlaps with another calf Rumble.

The camera pans left to reveal Queiroz coming quickly with trunk outstretched. She gives another Call-Calf-Rumble. We hear another calf Rumble and her 6 month old calf comes out from the tight group and walks toward her and start to Suckle. She Urinates and gives another Rumble, seemingly of the same type, but softer. (Amboseli, Kenya)