Out of nowhere, a young elephant begins feasting on its mother’s excrement.
The peculiar actions of a juvenile elephant have brought attention to the topic of coprophagia, which refers to the consumption of feces. The baby elephant was observed exhibiting a fascination with his mother’s droppings, even going so far as to kneel down and take a large bite. He persisted in scrutinizing the excrement, and even utilized a twig as a toothpick to rid himself of its taste. While some individuals may find this conduct distasteful, it is in fact quite common among several animal species, such as rhinos, warthogs, hippos, and elephants. For these infant creatures, coprophagia is an essential factor in their survival and general health, although it is not frequently witnessed by human observers in the wild. Despite its unsavory nature, it plays a significant nutritional role in their diet.
Move over, Dumbo! Say hello to Dung-Bo! Here’s a little-known fact – elephants are hindgut fermenters. That means after food passes through their stomachs and small intestines, it enters the large intestine where microorganisms break down grass and plant materials through fermentation. However, newborn elephants don’t have the necessary gut bacteria to digest plants. Instead, they acquire these essential digestive microbes by consuming feces from their mother or other herd members during the transition phase of starting to eat plants while still breastfeeding. It’s fascinating to know that elephant dung is composed of 75% water and 25% indigestible fibers, live and deceased bacteria, salts, mucus, and dead cells. The live bacteria present in the feces are crucial for baby elephants to develop their digestive and immune systems.
In Africa, many wild animals have developed a curious habit of consuming feces, otherwise known as coprophagia. Surprisingly, even baby elephants seem to be fascinated with excrement! Although some might find it repulsive, there is a valid reason for this animal behavior. Feces are packed with essential minerals and salt that are crucial for maintaining good health. For instance, hyenas consume bones which makes their feces an excellent source of calcium. Leopard tortoises, on the other hand, feed on hyena poop to obtain the calcium they require for laying eggs and strengthening their shells. Similarly, rabbits and hares eat their own excrement to absorb nutrients that were not assimilated during their initial digestion. These animals have adapted to this peculiar practice to acquire all the vital nutrients needed for their well-being.
