Elephants are widely known for their intelligence, and this was clearly demonstrated by a bull elephant in southern India.
In footage captured in Tamil Nadu, the large elephant approaches a checkpoint crossing where a barrier blocks its path.
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While male elephants are often known to rely on their strength to overcome obstacles, this one took a more calculated approach.
Instead of using force, the elephant uses its tusks to gently push down the barrier. With slow and deliberate movements, it bends the pole in the middle until it is low enough to step over.
The elephant then presses down on the barrier with its left leg, using its body weight to flatten it further.
Elephants are known for their ability to manipulate their surroundings, often uprooting trees when needed. However, this particular elephant chose a less destructive method to clear its path.
Once the bar was lowered to a comfortable height, the elephant calmly crossed over, using its left hind leg to keep the barrier down as it passed through.
The CCTV footage, taken at night, is believed to come from Gudalur municipality in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu, an area where interactions between elephants and humans are common.
In recent weeks, there have been reports of elephants leaving the forest and occasionally attacking people in the region.
This comes amid controversy surrounding a wild elephant named Chinna Thambi, who was captured following complaints. While some see Chinna Thambi as dangerous, others describe him as friendly toward humans.
The debate has led to the creation of a fan club for the elephant, called the Chinna Thambi Fans Association.
State Forest Minister Dindigul C. Sreenivasan announced plans to train Chinna Thambi as a kumki, a tamed elephant used for capturing wild elephants and participating in wildlife safaris, according to the Indian Express.
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