Solicit-Play

Stretching of the head down and forward, Chin-Out, sometimes folding the trunk under and resting it on the tusks, or placing it in its mouth (Trunk-Sucking); looking forward over its tusks at a potential playmate while holding the trunk in a Periscope-Trunk or Circus-Pose posture. Additionally, the elephant may engage in Head-Waggling or stand with a Foot-Forward, or may Kneel-Down. In a Social-Play context any of these postures may be interpreted as an invitation to play.

References: Lee 1986; Poole 1998b; Poole 1996: 154; Poole & Granli 2004; Poole & Granli 2003; Poole & Granli 2011. (Full reference list)

This behavioral constellation includes the following behaviors: Chin-Out, Circus-Pose, Foot-Forward, Head-Waggling, Kneel-Down, Periscope-Trunk, Trunk-Sucking and occurs in the following context(s): Social Play