A Muddy Morning in Pilanesberg
On a beautiful sunny day in Pilanesberg Game Reserve, safari-goer Loretta Weber came across an adorably hilarious sight. She and her group had stopped at Rathlogo Hide, a spot famous for wildlife sightings, especially elephants.
To Loretta’s joy, a herd of elephants, made up of many big and small members, was enjoying the cool water and muddy surroundings in a glorious bath for all to see. Nearby, a small group of impala rested in the shade, calmly watching the muddy spectacle from a safe distance.
To all the observers, the impalas seemed completely uninterested in the elephants’ activities, but a few of the elephant calves apparently saw things differently…
Tiny Defenders Take Charge
Feeling the urge to defend their family from the threat of the impalas, a few of the tiny elephants charged toward the antelopes! They trumpeted and stomped as if they were guarding the herd from a serious threat!
Any observer of this scene can’t help but laugh at the absurdity of the overzealous elephants seemingly scolding the impalas that pose literally no danger to their herd.
Small but Mighty
The scene perfectly illustrated the playful yet instinctual behaviour of elephant calves. From a young age, they begin learning their social roles and practicing protective behaviour through imitation and play.
By charging the impalas, these elephant calves were practicing the important skills of guarding and herding, which could one day serve them well.
Mayhem in the Mud
Eventually, the family moved a few meters over to a new mud hole, and the young elephants quickly forgot about their imaginary enemies. What followed was a scene of pure joy.
The calves sprayed themselves and their elders, rolled energetically in the mud, and trumpeted in delight. Adults, too, joined in, splashing and coating themselves in the cooling mud.
Mud baths are important rituals that serve multiple purposes in the wild. Aside from social bonding and environmental enrichment, mud acts as a barrier to protect elephants’ skin from the sun and/or biting insects, and also keeps them cool during the heat of the day.
Get our Best Sightings as they Come in
As the little ones treated themselves to a “spa day”, they were also learning lessons in coordination, strength, and confidence.
Nature’s Little Comedians
The combination of mud, playful energy, and the over-the-top “defence” from harmless impalas created a moment that was both humorous and educational. Loretta’s footage showcases firsthand how elephants use playful behaviour to practice essential life skills, while also enjoying the simple pleasures of the wild.
It’s easy to underestimate the intelligence and emotional depth of elephants, but moments like this remind us that they are not only protective and social, but also capable of hilarious antics that highlight their personalities.
In the wild, even the youngest animals are learning, practicing, and playing their way through life. Sometimes their lessons come from imaginary threats, sometimes from the mud itself, but each moment strengthens the family bond and allows that individual to grow up into a strong adult.