Male elephants in Sri Lanka and southern India engage in same-sex bonding and mounting as part of their social behaviour. Same-sex interactions occur particularly during months when food and water are available in Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks. Physical strength among males often determines access to females, leaving weaker bulls to engage in homosexual behaviour. Elephants show affection by intertwining trunks and grooming one another. Relationships between individual elephants, whether same-sex or opposite-sex, can last many years. Video evidence documents affectionate interactions near Gudalur in Tamil Nadu. Homosexual conduct remains illegal in Sri Lanka.
The newspaper, which is based in the country's capital city of Colombo, reports that this behaviour was seen as a "natural part of elephant social behaviour" in the Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks of Sri Lanka - "particularly during months when food and water are available". The report also notes that "male elephants with physical strength often win over females for mating, leaving out weak bulls who opt for homosexual behaviour" - which we can't imagine the gay elephants are really that fussed about.
A recent post to X by Tamil Nadu Geography (@TNGeography) also shows a clip of two male elephants "showing affection" near the city of Gudalur in the southern region of India. Two male elephants are showing affection near Gudalur in the Nilgiris dt of Tamil Nadu. 🐘. Elephants have good memory, can remember their friends & family for life. pic.twitter.com/SjJ9kFyFvr- Tamil Nadu Geography (@TNGeography) August 18, 2025
Elephants 'hold hands' by intertwining their trunks, and groom each other to show affection. 'Relationships' between elephants - gay or straight - may last for many years. Despite the apparent freedom of expression exhibited by Sri Lanka's gay elephants, it is still illegal to be gay in the country.
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