How to Communicate With Elephants

Dangling a mouse in front of an elephant may not make him jump ten feet in the air, but it’s not a great way to get along with him, either. You can communicate with elephants by learning what they are trying to tell you and responding in kind.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Get to know your elephant by first bonding with him. You can begin to bond by rubbing his trunk, ears, legs and flanks. Just make sure your elephant is ready to bond so you don’t get kicked or stomped on.

2. Play when he wants to play. Smiling and flipping his trunk on his head are signs of play, as is kneeling down towards you and wagging his head.

3. Soothe the gentle giant when he’s nervous. Signs of nervousness include sucking his trunk or curving it under, or bowing his head. He’s downright scared if he spreads his ears wide, raises his tail or his eyes look like they are about to pop out of his skull.

4. Know he’s curious about something if he curves his trunk with the point of it in the object’s direction or touches the object with his foot or trunk.

5. Be wary if he starts to swagger in your direction with his head held high and his trunk curved. That’s a sign of wanting to mate.

6. Get the heck out of his way if he starts to charge at you, that means there’s probably a better day than today for communication.

Tips & Warnings

• If your elephant kisses you by placing his mouth near your head, you’ve got it made. That’s a fine way for him to greet you.