  One of the key problems in active materials is the control of shape through
actuation. A fascinating example of such control is the elephant trunk, a long,
muscular, and extremely dexterous organ with multiple vital functions. The
elephant trunk is an object of fascination for biologists, physicists, and
children alike. Its versatility relies on the intricate interplay of multiple
unique physical mechanisms and biological design principles. Here we explore
these principles using the theory of active filaments and build, theoretically,
computationally, and experimentally, a minimal model that explains and
accomplishes some of the spectacular features of the elephant trunk.
