Waggling of the head from side to side. This behaviour is observed during Social Play as a component of Solicit-Play and Sparring-Initiation and is associated with Lone and Object Play when an elephant considers an object of play. Head-Waggling may also follow a period of Contemplation, when the behavior appears to be an outward expression of internal thoughts and feelings. Head-Waggling may be observed in all age/sex groups, though most often in younger individuals.
A large group of elephants standing around dusting and interacting. A calf is standing in the middle of the group and appears to be in her own thoughts. She Head-Waggles and steps down a little bank and moves on with the group. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)
