Unlike humans, baby elephants can walk from birth. Baby elephants can often stand within 20 minutes of being born and can usually walk within an hour. The ability to stand and walk is a crucial survival skill for elephants in the wild. Like any animal learning new things, just because a baby elephant knows how to walk or stand doesn’t mean it does either well from the start. A sweet, wobbly elephant can create some adorable moments if you’re fortunate enough to catch the not-so-little one trying to master walking, standing, or climbing skills.
In an adorable, watch-on-repeat video shared to social media by the Living Green Elephant Sanctuary Chonburi in Thailand, the humans on hand were able to capture the sweetest moment as one of their babies attempts to climb through a fence. Not quite able to assess its own size versus the fence, the little cutie gets stuck in the rungs before easing its way out and toppling over like a tree in the forest. The little one takes the tumble in stride, working its way back up on all fours before heading right back to the fence in hopes of making it over or through this time. Like all determined toddlers, you get the sense this elephant is going to keep trying, whether or not it’s actually possible.
Related: Loving Baby Elephant Rushes to Hug Caretaker After Time Apart
Baby Elephant Learns to Walk and Climb
This video certainly put my scrolling on pause. Like many commenters on the post, I found it impossible not to be completely charmed by this elephant’s wobbles. Commenters shared similar sentiments, with one writing, “Dismount was flawless like an Olympic Champion.” Another added, “So playful. Gorgeous.”
“This cuteness made my day,” confessed another.
This Thailand-based elephant may still be working on getting its sea legs, but the ability to walk and stand is instinctual for elephants, even if it comes with a case of the wobbles. In the wild, a herd of elephants needs to keep moving to protect itself from predators. The ability to continue moving after a new calf is born helps ensure the safety of the group.
Elephants are generally quick to master standing and walking skills. Learning to use their trunks properly, however, can take more time. It can take elephants nearly a year to learn to use their trunks to drink water, but their cuteness is instantaneous.
Related: Handler Showers Baby Elephant With Sweet Affirmations and Gets Kisses in Return
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This story was originally published by Parade Pets on Dec 16, 2025, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.