Filter-Water

Swishing the tip, or fingers, of the trunk back and forth on the surface of the water to disperse floating debris. Then, placing a partially submerged trunk tip parallel to the surface of the water, slowly and gently sucking in ‘filtered’ water. The filtering process may be repeated for each trunkful. Filter-Water is employed by adults and adolescents, but we are unsure at what age this technique is acquired by younger elephants.

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

This behavior occurs in the following context(s): Foraging & Comfort Technique