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backroadtovillainy t1_jdtr62l wrote

Reply to comment by [deleted] in Can elephants canter or gallop? by [deleted]

The elephant in your video is not a good example because it's front two legs are hobbled together by chains. You can see them through the dust just barely, and hear them in the sound. This is not a natural movement by an elephant.

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[deleted] OP t1_jdttj4a wrote

I am agree that the gait is not natural. But actually my point is many sources say elephants are physically incapable of catering or galloping because of their anatomy. Isn't that's mean he should not be able to run like that at all even when forced?

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Lucifernal t1_jdtuaaf wrote

It doesn't matter what you think a gallop is. People may use that word loosely all the time. An actual gallop, however, requires all four feet to be off the ground at the same time. Elephants are physically incapable of moving in this way.

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[deleted] OP t1_jdtw8rc wrote

I don't think it is the exact same gait as gallop, I just see the way he run look similiar to gallop or canter of other animals so I asked. You are right about people use the word gallop loosely. But I understood it now.

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backroadtovillainy t1_jdu56vj wrote

A lot of animals can be forced into unnatural movement like this elephant. Horses bounce or hop on their front legs the same way when hobbled.

But it's not natural, and causes a lot of painful wear on their bodies from long term unnatural movement. No wild elephant would get around this way because it probably hurts. Imagine how sore you would be if you had to hop everywhere and couldn't walk? Just because you technically can move that way doesn't mean you ever would.

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[deleted] OP t1_jdu5fkg wrote

Yes, I never think it's ok to force the elephant to run like that.

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