A baby elephant had an unfortunate experience while following its mother in South Africa’s Kruger National Park, and it may think twice about sticking so close in the future.
The young calf ended up with a messy surprise when its mother unknowingly relieved herself right on the baby’s head.
Photographer Ivan Glaser, 57, was visiting Kruger Park when he noticed a small herd of elephants crossing the road.
As he snapped photos of the adorable sight, the unexpected happened—just as the baby was trailing its mother, she began to defecate.
What made the moment even funnier was that the calf didn’t move out of the way, even after the first “surprise” landed.
Glaser shared his thoughts on the scene, saying, “I saw the mother lift her tail, and I had a feeling what was coming. Sure enough, it happened! It was hilarious to watch, especially since the baby didn’t seem to react.”
Glaser later learned that this is a common behavior for elephants. Baby elephants often consume the dung of adults, as it contains important bacteria that help their developing digestive systems.
Reflecting on his experience, Glaser added, “I love observing elephants; they’re truly remarkable creatures. It’s always exciting to come across a herd in the wild, especially when little ones are with them.”
This amusing moment highlights the humor and fascinating behaviors in the animal kingdom.
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