Clamber

An individual moving in an awkward or laborious manner, typically crawling on the hind knees and on the front wrists. Often observed when an elephant is climbing up an embankment, out of a mudwallow or pool or when climbing on top of one another during play, where the collective behaviors are termed Climb-Upon.

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

This behavior occurs in the following context(s): Lone & Object Play, Maintenance, Social Play

Clamber

Context: Social Play (1)

Families of elephants are leaving a pool where they have been Swimming and playing for a long while. As they reach the bank they continue to engage in social play. Some Clamber out to follow their mothers while others continue to muck about, Pushing and Shoving, Tusking-Ground and making halfhearted attempts to Clamber out. One faces us, Ear-Spreading and Trumpets in a playfully. (Amboseli, Kenya)

Clamber

Context: Social Play (2)

Families of elephants are leaving a pool where they have been Swimming and playing for a long while. As they reach the bank they continue to engage in social play. Some Clamber out to follow their mothers while others continue to muck about, Pushing and Shoving, Tusking-Ground and making halfhearted attempts to Clamber out. The last one to Clamber up turns around to face his playmates in a form of Attain-Higher-Ground. (Amboseli, Kenya)

Clamber

Context: Social Play (3)

Families of elephants are leaving a pool where they have been Swimming and playing for a long while. As they reach the bank they continue to engage in social play. Some Clamber out to follow their mothers. Two adolescent males arrive last and one gives a playful trumpet and then Clambers up the bank and comes over to us Standing-Tall and giving a challenging Head-Dip. (Amboseli, Kenya)

Clamber

Context: Social Play (4)

Two males are playing in a water hole. One Clambers out. Notice how he climbs out on his "knee" and puts weight on his trunk to balance himself. (Amboseli, Kenya)

Clamber

Context: Maintenance (1)

A young male is Mud-Splashing at Lengkolong and then Clambers up the bank and out of the water. He Head-Shakes and Head-Waggles as he makes it up and walks off. (Amboseli, Kenya)

Clamber

Context: Maintenance (2)

A family of elephants crosses a river in the Maasai Mara and Clambers up the bank on the other side. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)