This angry papa elephant tosses around a tiny helpless baby elephant from his own herd, luckily mama elephant intervenes just in time! Sadly, sometimes the most imminent threats come from inside our circle.
A group of tourists witnessed this intense interaction between a bull elephant and a calf. The video they captured is not just a rare glimpse into elephant behavior but also a stark reminder of the complexities within the animal kingdom.
Are Male Elephants More Aggressive Than Female Elephants?
Male elephants, particularly during mating season, exhibit heightened aggression due to increased testosterone levels. This hormonal surge can lead to unpredictable behavior, often resulting in the bull elephants asserting their dominance in the herd.
Females, on the other hand, are more nurturing and protective, especially of the young.
As seen in this video from the Addo Elephant Park, males may become intolerant of calves and can display aggressive actions towards them.
The Tossing Explained: Confused By the Hormonal Scents
The tossing of the calf by the bull elephant is a behavior that may stem from the confusion caused by hormonal scents.
During mating season, bulls are on high alert for females in estrus. A baby elephant will also carry this scent for a while after being born – which may seriously confuse bull elephants in the area.
Angry Papa Elephant Tosses Around Baby Elephant: The Footage
The video showcases a young calf being tossed around by an angry papa elephant. The calf, infinitely smaller and weaker than the hue papa elephant doesn’t stand a chance against his immense power.
Lacking the parental and protective instincts of a mama elephant, the angry papa elephant can easily do great harm to the herd’s new member. This display of unpredictable behavior is a reminder that threats to vulnerable babies do not only lie outside of the herd.
The lucky tourists who captured this footage were privy to a glimpse into the harsh realities of animal interactions and the complex social dynamics within an elephant herd.
Elephants Trumpet to Celebrate New Babies
The birth of a new elephant is a cause for celebration within the herd, often marked by trumpeting and other displays of joy. This adorable display highlights how elephants’ complex social nature isn’t all that different from ours.
However, these vocal celebrations can attract the attention of bull elephants, particularly those in search of a mate.
The presence of a bull, driven by the instinct to reproduce, can lead to tension and conflict, especially if the herd’s harmony is disrupted by the bull’s aggressive behavior towards the calves.
The Extremely Long Reproductive Cycle of Elephants
Elephants have one of the longest reproductive cycles in the animal kingdom. Females give birth after a 22-month gestation period and may only reproduce every 4 to 5 years.
This slow birth rate makes every calf precious to the survival of the species. The social structure of elephant herds is designed to protect these valuable offspring, but during mating season, the natural instincts of bull elephants can pose a threat to the young.
Elephant Tosses Around Baby Elephant: Wrapping Up
In conclusion, the video points to the sometimes unexpected challenges calves face in their early years. Likewise, it highlights the delicate balance that exists within elephant societies.
While the footage may be unsettling, it is a natural occurrence that highlights the importance of understanding and respecting the wildness of these majestic creatures.
Thank you for reading this article about the angry papa elephant that tosses around a baby elephant! For more elephant news, take a look at these posts:
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- Elephant and Rhino Fight Each Other In a Nighttime Duel
- Adorable Baby Elephant Sees The Ocean For the First Time
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