A cessation of activity and attentiveness to relax, sleep, or recover strength. Elephants may Rest, doze or sleep either standing or lying down. A Standing elephant is alert, while an elephant that is Resting stands with the eyes closed, the head may droop and the ears flop forward. The rhythm of a Resting elephant’s breathing changes, becoming more audible. The elephant may snore. Young elephants typically lie down to Rest or sleep, day or night, in the safe surroundings of their elders. Adults are more likely to stand to Rest during the day, but may lie down to sleep for a few hours at night.
Four males stand Resting in the shade of a tree. (Gorongosa, Mozambique)
