Foot-Forward

Standing facing another elephant with one Foot-Forward while adopting an expectant attitude, such as Periscope-Trunk, Circus-Pose, Chin-Out, waiting for a partner's next move.

References: Poole & Granli 2021. (Full reference list)

This behavior occurs in the following context(s): Social Play

Foot-Forward

Context: Submissive (1)

Six males are standing around estrous female, Nastya. The youngest male has Backed-Toward a larger male in a cozy fashion as if he is confident that he won't be Pushed or Tusked - as if they know one another, perhaps related. A new male arrives in the group and the young male puts his Chin-out in anticipation. He stands with a Foot-Forward, then he puts his Chin-Out again. He gives a couple of Head-Dips and reaches Trunk-Toward to touch the other male, again with Chin-Out. He stands with Chin-Out and Foot-Forward. Then he Backs-Toward the older male again. (Amboseli, Kenya)