Abstract

Observations of behaviour of one calf from birth to 5 h post partum, born to an Asian elephant (Elephas maximus), show that such calves are born precocious. It urinated, defecated and stood unassisted by the mother, walked and attempted suckling within an hour of birth. The precocity in development appears to have an indirect impact on the nature of its approach to humans. Thus, calves acquiring an ""aunt"" at birth seldom approach humans voluntarily, in contrast to those developing such associations later on. It is suggested that gravid cows be kept as isolated as possible, particularly close to term, if the calves are to be used for commercial purposes