Elephants take mud baths for many reasons, including cooling off, protecting their skin from the sun, covering small nicks and cuts like natural bandages, and sometimes just for fun. Khyati Dhingra recently visited Mikumi National Park in Tanzania and happened to be in the right place at the right time when a herd of elephants decided to have some fun in the sun.
Watch as two baby elephants start playing in the mud while mom keeps a close eye on them. The littlest one decides there’s more than enough mud to roll around in and jumps right in. They’re clearly having a blast, and before long, the rest of the herd joins the party. It’s an adorable, muddy mess you won’t want to miss!
Khyati joked in the video’s caption, “Pool party, anyone? Baby elephants crash the splash zone, and suddenly it’s a trunk-load of fun!” It was a joy to watch, too!
Related: Baby Elephants Practicing Their Fighting Moves Is the Content We’re Here For
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Fun Comments about the Baby Elephant’s Muddy Bath
Like us, viewers couldn’t get enough of the cuteness overload as the baby elephants played in the mud. @lau_travellover spoke for all of us when they said, “Aw! They’re absolutely adorable!”
Another commenter added, “Yes, baby elephants are so funny and sooooo cute!” They totally remind us of huge puppies!
“Let’s just sling some mud around for a while LOL!”, said @short_gap, and we’re all here to see it! @7395_julie added, “All kids love playing in puddles!” She’s right!
Biology Insights shared that mud baths aren’t only fun for us to watch, but also fun for the elephants. “Elephants also appear to derive genuine enjoyment from mud bathing. The activity serves as a form of play, particularly for younger elephants, contributing to their mental stimulation and overall well-being.
Observations show them delighting in the cool sensation and engaging in playful antics within the mud. This behavior can also have a calming effect, helping to reduce stress for elephants. The act of wallowing and covering themselves in mud allows them to unwind and find relief after long hours of foraging and moving.”
We’ll watch videos of elephants playing in mud anytime we can find them!
This story was originally published by PetHelpful on Jan 9, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add PetHelpful as a Preferred Source by clicking here.