Working with animals isn’t all fun and games…except for when it is!
Whether it’s an animal shelter volunteer or a zoologist at an elephant sanctuary like wildlife educator Cassandra, AKA @casanimaladventures, working alongside animals can be one of the most fun and rewarding things a person can do. It’s an honor to be entrusted with any animal’s care, but nothing compares to when they show you just how much they love you back.
On August 19, Cassandra shared the sweetest moment with a baby elephant named Bella while observing the little one’s family at an elephant sanctuary. The 200-pound baby must’ve thought she was the size of a lap dog, because she sat down on Cassandra’s lap like it was nothing!
Aww! This adorable elephant baby knew she had made a new friend when she met Cassandra. Animals always gravitate toward the kindest, gentlest souls, so hopefully the zoologist takes this as a major compliment!
Even though these elephants are much more comfortable around humans than most wild animals would be, Cassandra made sure to point out that Bella was the boss in every interaction.
Related: Moment Mother Elephant Cuddles Up to Her Calf After Being Reunited Is Incredible
Please never touch elephants or wild animals—even in sanctuaries! Just take it from these experts: letting curious creatures approach you when they feel comfortable will set everyone up for the safest and most positive interaction.
“It’s good elephants grow out of the ‘fall on you’ phase,” one commenter joked. You can say that again! Bella can pull this off for now, but it won’t be long until she’s too big to sit on anyone’s lap.
Do Baby Elephants Think We’re Cute, Too?
There’s no question that Cassandra and her colleagues love working with animals like this baby elephant, but do they feel the same way about us?
In recent years, an Internet rumor claimed that elephants think humans are cute, in the same way people think about puppies. In reality, the verdict is still out. No true scientific research supports this claim, though plenty of sweet elephant encounters seem to support this claim.
Just look at Bella and Cassandra! These besties just met, and they can hardly get enough of each other. This is the beginning of a beautiful friendship!
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This story was originally reported by PetHelpful on Aug 22, 2025, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add PetHelpful as a Preferred Source by clicking here.