Jumbo journey planning to conserve energy

Elephants, those majestic giants of the animal kingdom, have long been admired for their intelligence, social structures, and complex behaviours.

- By Reg Henry Scargelli

But did you know that these remarkable creatures also appear to have a knack for planning their journeys to conserve energy? This behaviour, often seen as a survival strategy, offers a fascinating glimpse into the depth of elephant cognition and their ability to adapt to their environment.

In the wild, elephants can cover vast distances sometimes travelling as much as 30 miles in a single day while foraging for food and water. These long treks often take them through harsh terrain, and the need for careful navigation is critical to their survival. However, research suggests that elephants don't just wander aimlessly through the landscape. Instead, they appear to carefully plan their routes to minimise energy expenditure, a behaviour that reflects their remarkable understanding of the resources they need to survive.