Chin-Out

An elephant Standing with its “chin” or face stretched outward toward another elephant he or she is facing making the neck appear elongated and the head higher. This is an anticipatory posture and the elephant is typically Standing and Waiting for a response. Often observed in the context of Sparring or during an Escalated-Contest. A sudden thrusting of the Chin-Out often initiates a new round of contact.

References: Poole & Granli 2004. (Full reference list)

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

Chin-Out

Context: Social Play (1)

Adult males gm0016 and gm0049 are Sparring. Smaller male gm0049 adopts an expectant Chin-Out and Reach-Toward gm0016 posture as he awaits or initiates the next round. (Gorongosa, Mozambique)

Chin-Out

Context: Social Play (2)

Adult males G7 and gm0016 are Sparring. Smaller male gm0016 adopts an expectant Chin-Out posture as he awaits or initiates the next round. (Gorongosa, Mozambique)

Chin-Out

Context: Social Play (3)

Adult males gm0016 and gm0045 are Sparring. Smaller male gm0045 adopts an expectant Chin-Out posture as he awaits or initiates the next round. (Gorongosa, Mozambique)

Chin-Out

Context: Social Play (4)

A young male wants to Spar with another and walks toward him with Chin-Out. The challenge, or invitation, is accepted and the two Spar. (Amboseli, Kenya)