Rump-Present

An elephant backing toward another and presenting his or her rump for testing. Most typically females are observed to Rump-Present to males, but males may occasionally Rump-Present to other males during bouts of Sparring. Females of all ages except infants are observed to Rump-Present.

References: Poole 1987b; Poole & Moss 1989; Poole 1999a; Kahl & Armstrong 2002; Poole & Granli 2003. (Full reference list)

This behavior occurs in the following context(s): Advertisement & Attraction, Courtship, Social Play, Submissive

Rump-Present

Context: Submissive (1)

Ten year old Qaskazi joins matriarch Qoral and her infant at a mud wallow. Qaskasi is very eager to take care of the infant and Qoral doesn't want her help. Qaskazi has been bothering her and does so again here. She walks up and then turns to Rump-Present and then as if to get Qoral's attention begins Tail-Swatting her. Having watched her do this over the course of the morning and knowing the drama that takes place later, I think this is a bit like 'hey, hey, I am here, can't I please look after the baby, please, pretty please.' (Amboseli, Kenya)