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A dense tree background isolates this young bull with his wet body glistening as he moves off after cooling himself down in Hluhluwe, KwaZulu Natal.

The image of a lone elephant making it’s way through the African bush is one I have often encountered. These are usually males that leave the herd at between 10-20 years of age and head off on their own. In search of food and mating opportunities they cover great distances but they are not as solitary as previously believed.

Young males tag along behind older males who can lead groups of mixed aged males and new research is showing that these older males play an important part in the social structure of elephants. Vital information regarding food and water are passed along by these groups as well as the hierarchical structures with older males keeping younger males in check.

There was a case of several young males that were relocated to a park that was starting to host elephants. It seemed to be going well until the elephants started killing the rhinos. Fortunately one of the rangers had experience in the matter and they brought in 2 older bulls. The behaviour stopped as the mature bulls disciplined the younger bulls and established order. Young males also form loose groups as elephants are social by nature and we can can draw parallels with teenage behavior.