Young elephants are great at making mischief, and honestly, they act a lot like human toddlers at times. They love to play in rain puddles, roll in dirt mounds, and fully embrace a good muddy mess. One pachyderm has become famous for kicking up dust—and spreading joy every time she does it.
Losoito, a four-year-old elephant, was rescued by the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust after being abandoned by her herd. After several months of recovery, she quickly became one of the “kids” and developed an adorable, cheeky personality too.
This sweet girl loves to be the center of attention, and when she’s not, she quickly makes sure to get there! In a recent Instagram video, the sassy girl is rolling elbows-deep in a giant mound of red dirt. She scoops up a “handful” with the end of her trunk and tosses it over her shoulder and onto her back.
The activity looks so enticing that her herd mates decide to follow her lead—and before you know it, everyone is throwing dirt around. Losoito is clearly a leader among her peers; once the others see her having fun, they instantly want in on whatever she’s doing!
Related: Baby Elephant Plays the Recorder and We Can’t Handle the Cuteness Overload
One fan described her perfectly saying, “Losoito, you’re such an influencer. The camera comes out and suddenly it’s a full-on photoshoot! Beauty baths with extra dust? That’s just your vibe. Keep serving looks, girl!”
Another commenter added, “Just look at her cheeky eyes, she knows exactly what she´s causing, sweet and charming Losoito!”
Why Do Elephants Throw Dirt on Themselves?
According to the World Wildlife Fund, elephants throw dirt on themselves for several reasons. The most important reason is to protect their skin from the elements, especially the sun. The dirt or mud acts like natural sunscreen.
They also throw dirt on their backs to help shield themselves from biting insects, creating a protective barrier over their skin.
One thing is for sure: Losoito’s playful spirit is impossible to resist. She’s the elephant equivalent of someone who brightens every room they enter. We can’t get enough of her, and we can’t wait to see what kind of trouble she stirs up next!
This story was originally published by PetHelpful on Nov 29, 2025, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add PetHelpful as a Preferred Source by clicking here.