Selective Allomothering of an African Elephant Adolescent

Indianapolis, IN

We are conducting an observational study of the allomothering behavior of an African elephant (Loxodonta africana) adolescent in a unique group context. Our study examines the social interactions between a female adolescent (Zahara), her 5 years younger sister (Nyah), an unrelated 4 years younger juvenile (Kalina), and an unrelated senior female elephant (Sophi). We plan to compare the behavior of Zahara towards her maternal sister Nyah and the unrelated Kalina. We made digital video recordings of these four animals in the elephant barn at the Indianapolis Zoo. In our analysis of the recordings, we examined Zahara’s social interactions: time spent in proximity to each conspecific, which animal was responsible for maintaining contact, and the number of allomothering behavior displayed to each juvenile. Nyah spent more time in close proximity with her sister and displayed more allomothering behaviors towards this juvenile. The results of this study informs how adolescent elephants learn to mother and how allomothering behavior develops.