Lie-Down

An elephant lying down on one side. An individual may engage in Lie-Down in the context of sleep or as an invitation to play. Immature elephants may Lie-Down to sleep at any time of the day or night, while older elephants are more likely to Lie-Down to sleep at night. In the context of play older female calves or juveniles will Lie-Down or Kneel-Down, encouraging younger individuals to climb on top, or Climb-Upon. 

References: Lee 1986; Moss 1988;  Poole 1996; Poole 1998b; Poole & Granli 2003; Poole & Granli 2004; Poole & Granli 2011. (Full reference list)

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

Lie-Down

Context: Maintenance (1)

A newborn in the MB family is being looked after by a few allomothers and Lies-Down briefly and then struggles to its feet again. (Amboseli, Kenya)

Lie-Down

Context: Maintenance (2)

The AAs have had a hectic morning with one of the twins almost drowning. Perhaps these two juveniles are tired. They Lie-Down. (Amboseli, Kenya)

Lie-Down

Context: Maintenance (3)

Noyeau's newborn Lies-Down, but a juvenile female allomother doesn't let him Rest, Nudging him with her trunk and feet until he gets up again. We see this behavior a lot with allomothers - as if they concerned that the infant is in some sort of danger if lying down. (Amboseli, Kenya)

Lie-Down

Context: Maintenance (4)

Filmed by Elephant Aware. Subat in musth is sleeping Lying-Down. You can see his abdomen rise and fall with each breath, and his trunk reverberate as he snores. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)