When male elephants reach sexual maturity they become extremely competitive and aggressive- this new behaviour causes changes in the relationship with their matriarchal herd and as a result, the young males are eventually forced to leave and form their own bachelor herd. When these male elephants reach their 20s their body chemistry begins to change priming them for mating. Once he has found a suitable mate a delicate courtship process begins- once copulation is complete he leaves the female and returns back to his bachelor boys club.