Remember when you were a kid and splashing in puddles was the only thing you wanted to do after it rained? Whether it was running through them with enormous rubber boots or riding your bike directly through the middle, that was the most freeing feeling in the world! Well, did you know that elephants love rain storms for the exact same reason?
In a recent video shared on their Instagram page, the elephants from the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust were enjoying a cooling rain—along with the massive puddles it created! Muridjo, a 3-year-old African elephant, was literally knee-deep and face-down in the center of the puddle—just living her best life.
Apparently, the little pachyderm absolutely loves it when the clouds roll in, and her excitement builds until she can finally dive in! As she’s burying her face in the puddle, she must have filled her trunk with water. When she comes up for air, she sprays her trunkful of water all over herself. Honestly, it looked as if the little elephant aimed right for the camera!
Muridjo isn’t alone in her puddle playing antics. She has several other herd members around who are also enjoying the water playtime—although they don’t have quite the same level of enthusiasm.
As the clip continues, we’re treated to more elephants playing in the water. Another little one seems to bump into Muridjo, causing her to lose her balance a little bit. She then uses her nose and a little boop on a rock to steady herself and continue splishing and splashing!
Related: Young Elephant Dives Headfirst Into the Water Trough and the Herd’s Reaction is Priceless
Let’s check in with the fans to see what they have to say about this elephant water party!
“The little nose bonk towards the end is kind of adorable!”
“I love their elephant ear swim caps!”
“The photobomber: Look, I’m eating salad!”
An interesting fact about Muridjo: She was rescued during a drought. The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust rescue team nearly missed her as she was hiding under a pile of brush, trying to stay cool. They suspect she was left behind by her mom because she couldn’t keep up as the herd was seeking water during the severe drought in 2022.
Many followers wonder if she remembers the drought and if that is why she loves the water so much. It seems like a likely possibility given her early life experiences.