Grasping a clump of grass with the trunk and, using the strength of the trunk alone to tear the blades, then transferring the trunkful into the mouth. The next trunkful is grasped and torn as the elephant continues to chew. This foraging technique is typical when the elephant is grazing on medium length grasses such as lush Cynodon dactylon. A group of elephants Ripping-Grass is associated with a rhythmic sound as individuals rip and ingest trunkful after trunkful.
A young male uses his trunk to Rip-Grass. Typically with tougher grass like this, an elephant would use a foot to kick the grass to dislodge it. This elephant, instead, repeatedly yanks at it until it breaks free. He cleans it with a couple of swishes. (Gorongosa, Mozambique)
