March of the Matriarchs

Tiptoeing along the narrow path that leads from the open grasslands to the sparse tree lined edge of a pond, the matriarch of this small band of females and calves, eyes a large bull elephant busy feeding among palms and fallen acacia trees. It’s not that the matriarch and her band are attempting to sneak to the pond, but elephants naturally walk on their toes. They can be considered one of the original ballerinas of the savannah! Walking on their toes helps them carry their bulky bodies with ease and grace, while avoiding the injuries that can be associated when a 3 — 7 ton frame is set on four pillars. This is possible because an elephant’s foot is made up of spongy material to the rear as well as to the sides of the toes that allows the semi-stiff legged animal to carry its weight. Also, owing to the size of this massive animal’s foot, the sounds of the breaking twigs and crushing of dead leaves etc. are muffled as it casually wanders from place to place.

Reaching the pond, the elephants take positions along the edge, then lowering their trunks suck in water and then squirt the water into their mouths. Some elephants may drink as much as 30 - 40 gallons! The calves, which have not mastered the art of sucking water into their trunks, wade into the water and drink using their mouths. When all have had their fill, the baths begin. Breaststroke, snorkel, back roll, belly splash and pachyderm-paddle are all observed, documented and approved methods of bathing. While some swim, others after completing their baths, roll in the mud to both apply a coating that will discourage parasites and lock moisture in the wrinkles to help cool the huge beasts. It’s true elephants pump blood into their Africa-shaped ears, then waving the ears in the breeze, cool the blood that is then returned to the body. Cooling the entire 10-11 gallons of blood their body holds, can be accomplished in 20 minutes.

Finally, before moving off to feed, many of the ladies curl their trunks around dry soil that has been loosened by kicks to the ground with their 4 toed front feet, and throwing it over their bodies, signal they are ready to move. As the animals mill about, some picking at the vegetation in the area, much of it not tasty enough for these picky eaters, the matriarch softly utters the let’s go” rumble while slapping and sliding her ears against her neck and shoulders. A young male has to be admonished to get into line, and then away they go disappearing into the tree line. Using their powerful trunks to grab grasses, small branches and some fallen fruit along the way, the small herd journeys to the new feeding area, one the matriarch remembers visiting many years earlier when food was as it is now, hard to find and of low nutritional value. Younger females of the band are very attentive to direction and distance, for one of their number may one day be the matriarch and be faced with a similar problem of feeding the herd.

Along the route, calves and juveniles are kept close watch of, as an occasional hyena, driven by hunger, will dart in to swipe the tail of a younster that strays from the band. Marching some 20 miles well into the night, the herd finally reaches a savannah lush with tall grass and many acacia trees full of fruit. Lifting her trunk to test the air and the scent of other elephants, the matriarch spreads her ears and rumbles a cheerful "hello and how are you”, to other elephants grazing out of her immediate sight. Studies suggest elephants can recognize 200 other individuals by both sight and scent! Now the group begins to feed and rest, as some calves lie down to sleep, others sleep standing, opening the eyes every now and then and lifting their trunks to search the air for possible danger. The herd will remain here for several days, as water is nearby and the food plentiful. The matriarch will remain ever watchful over her herd and when she decides, the herd will again move to greener pastures.

Mr. Ed,
Zoo Docent