Adorn-Body

Using the trunk to place or throw vegetation or an object onto the top of the head, neck or back. In some instances such "adornment" may be a consequence of foraging, for instance if an elephant submerges in a swamp and comes up under a clump of vegetation, it may end up lodged on its head or back. In other cases, the adornment is clearly purposeful as the elephant is seen to place the object on its body and work to keep it in position with its ears or trunk, and may replace it if it falls off.

References: Poole & Granli 2021. (Full reference list)

This behavior occurs in the following context(s): Ambivalent, Birth, Conflict & Confrontation, Foraging & Comfort Technique, Lone & Object Play, Social Play