Suckle-Face

An adult female while Suckling an infant or calf, or a juvenile female while Comfort-Suckling an infant or calf, standing still, but attentive, in a Suckle-Stance, Ears-Stiff, eyes opening and closing (Eye-Blinking) but the trunk resting, folded under, on the ground (Resting-Trunk).

References: Poole & Granli 2003; Poole & Granli 2011 [Suckle-Stance]. (Full reference list)

This behavioral constellation includes the following behaviors: Ears-Stiff, Eye-Blinking, Suckle-Stance, Resting-Trunk and occurs in the following context(s): Calf Nourishment & Weaning

Suckle-Face

Context: Calf Nourishment & Weaning (1)

Little E is 14 days old. His mother has adopted a Suckle-Stance. Little E Suckles and she adopts Suckle-Face including Resting-Trunk, Eye-Blinking, Ear-Lifting. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)

Suckle-Face

Context: Calf Nourishment & Weaning (2)

Little E is one month old and is Suckling. Mama Little E adopts a Suckle-Stance and Suckle-Face. She reaches back with her trunk toward Little E and then adopts Resting-Trunk with Ears-Stiff. In the close up view we can see her Eye-Blinking. She reaches her trunk back again to touch Little E. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)

Suckle-Face

Context: Calf Nourishment & Weaning (3)

Ruby and her 1.5 year male calf are walking. The calf Solicits-Suckling making an extra effort to stop Ruby by pushing his head against her side. He succeeds and Ruby stops and adopts a Suckle-Stance and Suckle-Face and he Suckles. Note her Ears-Stiff, Resting Trunk and Eye-Blinking. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)

Suckle-Face

Context: Calf Nourishment & Weaning (4)

Big Mama's calf is Suckling. Note her attentive ears (Ear-Lifting) and the eyes opening and closing (Eye-Blinking) and her Resting-Trunk making up a typical Suckle-Face. Then she signals she will move on with an Ear-Flap-Slide. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)

Suckle-Face

Context: Calf Nourishment & Weaning (5)

Little E is one month old and is Suckling. Mama Little E has adopted and Suckle-Stance and Suckle Face. Note her attentive ears (Ears-Stiff), her Resting-Trunk, and her Eye-Blinking. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)

Suckle-Face

Context: Calf Nourishment & Weaning (6)

Berta stands with her Ears-Stiff and a Resting-Trunk while her infant Suckles. (Gorongosa, Mozambique)