Elephant Manoeuvrability

[Patrick Waterson]

The degree to which an elephant can manoeuvre in combat has been the subject of occasional debate.  Now, with a live re-enactment (of sorts), courtesy of Zambia's South Luangwa National Park, we can see an 8-year old elephant display its repertoire of combat manoeuvres.  (You may have an advert inflicted before the clip begins.)

Note in passing its relative helplessness against rear attacks but also its ability to charge through a water obstacle and turn practically on a sixpence (OK, on a 5p piece, double the face value).  Notice also the extreme difficulty of inflicting a lethal or even incapacitating wound on a reactive elephant.

[Duncan Head]

I wouldn't want to be in a tower on the back of that.

[Patrick Waterson]

It could have its moments, certainly.  One can see that sitting astride might have a certain appeal, at least in the absence of big cats.

[Nick Harbud]

Maybe 10 years ago, I remember Phil Halewood wrote quite a nice article on elephant maneuverability.  Amongst other points noted was that elephants have a reverse gear, unlike other mounted types....