Exaggerated-Walk

Walking with an obvious bouncing swagger; the head moves up and down and the trunk swings from side to side more than in a normal walk; the front legs appear to bend more. Can be a sign of bravado. May be seen when an elephant makes a sudden decision to do something, for instance entering into an ongoing interaction. Following a bout of Contemplation - appears to be an outward reflection of an elephant’s thoughts or decision-making. A similar bouncing gait is seen as elephant walk down a slope.

References: Buss & Estes 1971; Hendrichs 1971; Douglas-Hamilton 1972: ch 6; Poole 1987a; Moss 1988; Moss 1992; Balfour & Balfour 1997; Poole & Granli 2003; Poole & Granli 2011 [Head-Nodding]. (Full reference list)

This behavior occurs in the following context(s): Attentive, Conflict & Confrontation

Exaggerated-Walk

Context: Attentive (1)

A young male engages in an Exaggerated-Walk after J-Sniffing. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)

Exaggerated-Walk

Context: Attentive (2)

A young male engages in an Exaggerated-Walk as he walks alongside a female calf. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)

Exaggerated-Walk

Context: Attentive (3)

A young male in association with Selengei's family engages in an Exaggerated-Walk as he walks alongside the family members. They are walking down a slight slope toward a drainage or korongo. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)

Exaggerated-Walk

Context: Attentive (4)

An adult male walking slightly downhill is engaged in an Exaggerated-Walk. Notice the Ear-Flap-Slide type of gesture as he gets going in speed. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)

Exaggerated-Walk

Context: Attentive (5)

A one year old male calf is engaged in an Exaggerated-Walk as he walks along in the company of his family. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)

Exaggerated-Walk

Context: Attentive (6)

Adult female Walli engages in an Exaggerated-Walk as she walks with her calves down a slight slope. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)

Exaggerated-Walk

Context: Attentive (7)

An adolescent female engages in an Exaggerated-Walk as she walks down a slight slope. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)

Exaggerated-Walk

Context: Attentive (8)

Young male, George, walking slightly downhill is engaged in an Exaggerated-Walk. Notice the Ear-Flap-Slide type of gesture as he walks - a contemplative 'message to self'. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)