An elephant is so big compared to a dog. However, in one video that has gone viral, the gentle giant was caught surprised when it nearly stepped onto a sleeping dog.
(Photo: Pexels/Anthony )
Elephant and Dog
In a video shared on Instagram, a colossal elephant can be seen walking. Its trunk bumps into a dog sleeping on the ground, prompting the latter to raise its head. The tusker appeared surprised, and it stepped back.
According to the netizen who shared the adorable video, the elephant is 9 years old. Its name is Lanna, and she's a "big softie." Lanna is reportedly "a little scared of dogs," so she was startled and went to her owner for a hug.
The clip received several responses from netizens, who found the footage adorable. According to them, the elephant appeared apologetic for disturbing the sleeping dog. One said Lanna was a "gentleman." Another suggested that the elephant touched the dog's tail, which probably felt "weird."
Another joked that the elephant reacted as if she saw a cockroach. Another person shared the same sentiment, writing, "Us when se see cockroaches be like." Another person said that elephants are very respectful when it comes to territories, and if they see someone occupying the space ahead of them, they will usually walk away.
A different netizen said Lanna appeared "embarrassed" and was the "cutest."
Although there are claims that elephants and dogs aren't comfortable with each other, there are several instances when the two species appear besties. On a sanctuary in Hohenwald, Tennessee, where elephants rescued from zoos and circuses found a new home, one animal found a close bond with a dog.
Tarra, the elephant, has been spotted with Bella, the dog. The two are very close and inseparable. They don't just walk around the grounds but also participate in activities that socially bond animals. The pair also sleep, eat, and drink together.
Tarra is reportedly very gentle with Bella, and the latter welcomes the former's affection. In one video, Tarra was seen stroking Bella's head gently.
ALSO READ: Highly Social Elephants Communicate With Gestures and Sounds, Expert Says
Elephants Communicate Like Humans
Vesta Eleuteri of the University of Vienna in Austria shared her observations on how elephants communicate. According to her, they use gestures and sounds when they greet each other, just like humans do.
Frequently, they would flap their ears forward and rumble. She saw a consistent pattern: the elephants would rumble before fluttering their ears. Another variation involved roaring and rubbing their tail against the receiver or rumbling and extending their ears forward. She claimed that there were various combinations.
She also affirmed that certain elephants are more gregarious than others. For instance, Doma, a savannah elephant, was everyone's favorite.
Doma was well-regarded by all, and when the other elephants got into difficulties, they supposedly went to him for assistance. The others responded kindly when they brought Doma back with the different male and female elephants. They were eager to meet Doma and even showed signals of obedience and reverence to him.
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