Mary the Elephant Masterfully Uses a Hose for Self-Cleaning
- Researchers observed an Asian elephant named Mary using a hose to wash herself at the Berlin Zoo.
- Another elephant, Anchali, attempted to disrupt Mary’s shower by manipulating the hose.
- The behavior exhibited by both elephants highlights their intelligence and capability to use tools for self-care.
In a remarkable display of intelligence, an Asian elephant named Mary was filmed washing herself with a hose at the Berlin Zoo. This event occurred recently and drew the attention of researchers who noted her methodical approach in utilizing the hose to clean her body thoroughly. Mary lifted her limbs to ensure no area was neglected while engaging in this self-hygiene practice. Meanwhile, another elephant named Anchali attempted to interfere with Mary's shower by manipulating the hose to disrupt the water flow. This surprising behavior was interpreted by scientists as a deliberate act to sabotage Mary's enjoyment, showcasing an unexpected level of tool use and social interaction among the elephants. The researchers from Humboldt University of Berlin were fascinated by this spectacle, which raises questions about the social behaviors and intelligence of elephants in both captivity and the wild.