The Elephants Show Their True Colours With Stuffed Toys for Science

Learning from the Giants | A Study into the Personality of Elephants

We caught up with a new study with the Jabulani herd, by South African university student, Chloe Caister who is researching a very special facet of elephant life – personality, for her Masters project. The research looks into the science behind determining whether elephants have personalities. To do so, Chloe has been observing each member of the herd’s behaviour and recording her findings using certain protocols. She has finished creating a profile for each elephant, and has conducted novelty experiments, exposing the individual elephants to novelty stimuli to record their variation. Recording their reactions to different stimuli help determine and confirm our thoughts of each elephant's unique character

Here we watched as the herd reacted to numerous stuffed toys, including bears and elephants, out in the bush while they were foraging for the day. It was fascinating to watch the reactions and gain even deeper insight into the individual elephants' natures.

It was clear that while Somopane may be the peacemaker in the herd, he is still not afraid to take control of potential threats and knock them out if necessary. Limpopo was boldly curious too, kicking her toys, while Klaserie, Timisa, Pisa and Khanyisa took some time to warm up to the dolls, showing an instinctual weariness. But once confident that the animals were not threats, they all took to them with greater curiosity and thorough kicks - Khanyisa throws a few back kicks too!

Tokwe, Lundi, Jabulani and Fishanwere all happy to try a taste of the stuffed elephants and bears, before our carers asked them to stop, for their own benefit. The elephants are used to the carers' voices, as their protcetors, the way the carers are used to elephants' body language. Mambo takes a playful strut with one toy and Zindoga is sure to give a punch here and there too.

Kumbura is weary, which is typical of her sensitive and alert nature, but she doesn't give it trying to suss out the scene and eventually joins in in tossing the toys about.

Sebakwe is not overly interested, but does seem quite feisty on this outing. Bubi and Setombe also stretch out a trunk of curiosity. The carers stood close to make sure all went smoothly, and as soon as it started, it ended as the elephants found better snacks to chew on in the surrounding bush.

Chloe will be compiling a report on her overall findings which we look forward to sharing with you soon.

Chloe says, “My project aims at studying the behaviour of the Jabulani Herd, specifically them due to their unique set-up as rescued elephants. Through various behavioural experiments, we can determine their personality types and how these affect the interpersonal dynamics within the herd. The Jabulani Herd is well known for its acceptance of orphaned elephant calves. This makes them an integral part of elephant conservation in Southern Africa. By understanding their individual personalities and needs we can cater their care to best suit them as individuals and continue to enhance their quality of life and hopefully we can apply this study to other animals striving to provide quality care for rescued animals.”

Knowledge is power! It is part of our ongoing objectives to generate new research into elephants, especially in areas where a lot of scientific research is lacking, for instance in the orphan calves and their integration into a herd, as well as albinism in elephants.

Which of the elephants amazed or surprised you the most in this morning personality study?

Please note: We don’t take research students or interns frequently and also don’t accept volunteers or visitors to the orphanage, for the wellbeing of the elephants. This is also to limit foot traffic, maintain hygiene standards and to prevent orphans from bonding with outsiders.

Видео The Elephants Show Their True Colours With Stuffed Toys for Science канала HERD Elephant Orphanage South Africa