A baby elephant missing its trunk has been seen wandering the South African plains, raising concerns for its safety and survival.
The calf was observed among a herd in Kruger National Park, lacking the vital body part essential for feeding, drinking, and social interactions.
It is uncertain how the young elephant lost its trunk, but safari workers believe a predator might be responsible. Crocodiles are known to grab baby elephants’ trunks as they drink from lakes, and lions often latch onto the trunk during an attack. Another possibility is that the calf’s trunk was caught in a snare.
Watch the video at the end.
An elephant’s trunk, a fusion of its upper lip and nose, contains over 100,000 muscles and is robust and agile. Elephants rely on their trunks to pluck plants and fruits from trees, graze on grass, and suck up water for drinking or bathing – up to two gallons at a time. Moreover, the trunk serves as a defense mechanism against predators.
The loss of a trunk can be life-threatening for an elephant. Adults must consume 200-600 pounds of food and up to 50 gallons of water daily. Without a trunk, it becomes nearly impossible for the animal to meet these requirements.
Additionally, trunks play a crucial role in elephant social interactions. They use their trunks to hug, caress, and comfort one another. Lacking this tool, the baby elephant may struggle to bond with its herd, leaving it more susceptible to predator attacks.
Watch the video below:
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