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S44E5: Tusker: Brotherhood of Elephants | Clip

How Elephants Learn to Mate

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In Amboseli, Esau’s moment has arrived. As other males circle, he relies not on force, but skill and restraint — while younger elephants watch and learn what it takes to mate.

TRANSCRIPT

- [Narrator] Back in Amboseli, Esau's luck has finally changed.

(birds chirping) He's found a female at the peak of estrous.

Her son naps, oblivious to the events about to unfold.

Of course, Esau is not the only male to catch her scent.

He needs to clear the stage.

(Esau growling) There are multiple males circling, hopeful.

As Esau approaches, he's exceptionally gentle, even as he blocks the other males.

She allows him closer.

Lifting six tons and finding his target takes remarkable skill.

Fending off interlopers is another challenge.

(Esau growls) Her calf stays close.

Esau will stay with this female for the next few days, guarding her from the other males.

(Esau growls) The morning's events have been very instructive.

Young males practice endlessly, building the skills they'll need when they're old enough to mate.

Juveniles from other families join in.

This young teen is testing the boundaries with a female.

He sorely lacks Esau's decorum.

Just as Esau did at his age, this 12-year-old is taking his first steps towards independence.

In the coming years, he'll wander farther and farther from his family.