Elephants and self-abuse

Matmail: Is it known whether animals masturbate? Two possible species that I considered were elephants and primates. —jwavrider, the Net

Elephants? I don’t even want to know how you came up with that one in particular, J. But to answer your question, yes, it is known. And yes, virtually all mammals do, including your close friend the elephant. One Alice family acquaintance owned a mateless peach-faced lovebird that had a long affair with the top of the man’s head. Another eye opener is the recent medical journal report on masturbatory activity in unborn (human) babies. X-rated sonograms, if you will. Sorry to leave you unsatisfied. I’m sure you were hoping for details.