This elephant gives herself nice showers with a hose. But another elephant keeps ruining them

Elephant Self-Shower Study Sparks Controversy at Berlin Zoo

At the Berlin Zoo, one elephant stands out from the rest when it comes to bath time. Mary, a clever pachyderm, has taken matters into her own trunk and prefers to shower herself with a hose. Her skillful technique has caught the attention of researchers, who have published a study on her unique behavior in the journal Current Biology.

According to the study’s co-author, Michael Brecht, Mary’s self-showering routine is nothing short of impressive. She meticulously washes her entire body, from trunk to toes, adjusting her grip and movements as needed. Her ability to adapt to different hose sizes and techniques further showcases her intelligence and problem-solving skills.

However, Mary’s peaceful shower time is often disrupted by another elephant, Anchali, who has been observed kinking the hose and cutting off Mary’s water supply. Brecht suspects that Anchali’s actions may be motivated by jealousy, as Mary was given extra shower time for the study. While some believe Anchali’s behavior is intentional sabotage, others, like co-author Lena Kaufmann, are less convinced.

Despite the conflict between Mary and Anchali, the study sheds light on the cognitive complexity of elephants and their ability to use tools. Chase LaDue, an elephant ecologist, points out that similar behaviors have been observed in elephants in the wild, highlighting their intelligence and adaptability.

However, some experts caution against drawing broad conclusions based on Mary’s behavior alone. Mickey Pardo, a behavioral ecologist, emphasizes the importance of considering the impact of captivity on elephant behavior. He believes that keeping elephants in zoos is inhumane and calls for an end to the practice.

While the study of Mary’s self-showering abilities is fascinating, it also raises ethical questions about the treatment of elephants in captivity. As researchers continue to unravel the mysteries of animal cognition, the debate over the welfare of zoo elephants remains a contentious issue.