Samburu National Reserve
This African Elephant found a shirt and had a lot of fun shaking it up and down. For African elephants (Loxodonta africana), play isn't just something reserved for their younger years; both male and female elephants partake in good ole fashioned fun well into their 40s and 50s (the species typically lives up to around 70 years). However, scientists have little understanding as to how this behavior benefits their long-term survival.
Elephant mothers carry their babies for nearly two years before giving birth. Then they ensure their babies get the best food, teach their children the most useful skills and show their children how to lead the herd during hard times. Elephants recognize that their mothers know best — the herds are matriarchal.
