Behavior Associated with Feeding in Captive African and Asian Elephants

Abstract

Describes the use captive elephants make of their trunk during feeding. Notes that African and Asian elephants differ not only in trunk morphology but also in behaviour. African elephants pick up objects using the 'pinch' method while Asians rely mostly a 'grasp'. Asians normally use their feet to secure objects while Africans use their tusks, but African elephants were also observed use their feet. Laterality or 'handedness', the preference for using one side over the other in order to pick up or manipulate food or objects was noted in individuals of both species.