Young bull elephants go for 20 years under the care and
comapnionship of an older bull. We call the youngsters askaris after the
Swahili word for soldiers, the big old bull being like a captain over these
rambunctious fellows. They get pretty big too and many will be as big or almost
as big as the oldest bull.
Sometimes they can also bully each other and this is what
one of the elephants I was watching was doing. Dominance hierarchy is what they
are all about and they tussle and wrestle constantly testing each others
strength.
These two fellows were tussling on the edge of the waterhole
and then took the match into the water. They kept at it for quite a while and
the other elephants had already moved off a little ways. Then the victor would
not let the other one exit the waterhole and it get intense. I mean 3-4 tons on
each side and they were shoving each other around…. it was hectic.
The old bull noticed what was happening and came over pushed
the bully over to one side and let the other one out of the water. Then it was
time for a little disciplinary talk. Ha! Boy when the old one came over he
looked pretty upset with what was happening and unceremoniously pushed the
bully away. The bully knew what was up next for sure.
Then the little group
gathered around again and slowly made their way away into the bush.
Elephants are really amazing to watch and they communicate
their feelings and their thoughts so well. It is wonderful to watch. Come and
Explore Africa and you will find out it is true.
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