Playtime Antics at Kruger: Observe a Mischievous Elephant Joining in on the Fun, as It Interrupts Romping Calves in the National Park
A heartwarming video captured by Michelle Broadhurst and Jacques Joubert reveals an older elephant stepping in to break up a playful scuffle between two baby elephants at Kruger National Park in South Africa.
The couple, who enjoy visiting the park during off-peak seasons for a more serene experience, were able to film the spirited calves tumbling and frolicking in the dirt near a watering hole, where the rest of the herd grazed peacefully. The older elephant then attempts to put an end to the playfight by nudging the calves apart with its trunk. The young elephants pause for a moment before resuming their antics as soon as the adult turns away.
Michelle, 49, and Jacques, 55, observed that it is quite common for baby elephants to engage in playful behavior on the ground when their family or group is at a watering hole or dam. As the adult elephants drink, the calves play since their mothers are still nursing them.
Michelle noted that these playful interactions could be early ranking exercises, typically occurring between elephants of similar size. If a larger calf engages in rough play with a smaller one, the mother of the smaller calf often intervenes to protect her offspring.
At the watering hole, the couple witnessed around 25 elephants of various sizes and ages, illustrating that such occurrences are not very rare, but they are seldom captured on video. This endearing footage was recorded by Michelle and Jacques during their safari at Kruger National Park in South Africa.
According to Michelle, the actions of these baby elephants are likely an early-ranking exercise. The young elephants show little interest in drinking from the water, as they are still being fed by their mothers.