Special connections within the elephant herd

Zoo Atlanta’s herd of four African elephants continues to bond. Our newest addition, 16-year-old bull African elephant, Titan, has integrated wonderfully into our herd. Titan is with the other elephants 24 hours a day. He has connected closely with Msholo, the Zoo’s 36-year-old bull African elephant. Bull (male) elephants are highly intelligent, complex, and social animals, often choosing the company of other bulls. These friendships have been observed numerous times in the wild and in human care. It is not unusual to see Titan standing beside Msholo, sharing a meal, or hoping for an afternoon sparring session. This play behavior helps to enhance social bonds between elephants, increase their strength, and establish dominance between individuals. Msholo and Titan can be regularly observed pushing, tusking, and wrapping trunks. It has become one of their favorite activities. While female elephants will also spar, especially with one another, the Zoo’s two older females, Tara and Kelly, choose to simply observe and stay out of the bulls’ way. 

Nate
Elephant Program Manager