Run-Away

Moving at a fast amble, or ‘run’ away from another elephant. Elephants may Run-Away from one another in Submissive, Social Play and Courtship contexts. In a Submissive context all age/sex groups except infants may be observed to Run-Away; in a Social Play context all age/sex groups may Run-Away though typically they are younger animals, and more often males; only estrous females Run-Away in a Courtship context.

References: Poole 1982; Lee 1986; Poole 1987a; Poole 1989a; Poole & Granli 2003. (Full reference list)

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

Run-Away

Context: Social Play (1)

Two adolescent males are at play, one Runs-After the other who Runs-Away. The pursuer Grasps-Tail of the fleeing male and Tusks him as they run. The fleeing male Tail-Swats him. (Gorongosa, Mozambique)

Run-Away

Context: Social Play (2)

Two adolescent males are playing. The one behind is Pushing and Tusking the one in front. The male in front Kicks-Back at the one behind. The male in front Runs-Away while the male behind Run-After. Catching him the pursuer Tusks him several times and forces him down, whereupon he pins him down by Stepping-On his leg! He Reach-Over as if to mount the trapped male, but he manages to get up and away. The game begins again. (Gorongosa, Mozambique)