An Asian elephant named Mary at the Berlin Zoo has become the star of some remarkable research, showcasing her skillful use of a water hose to give herself showers. This surprising behavior has caught the attention of researchers from the Brecht Lab at the Humboldt University of Berlin, who have been studying the complex interactions among elephants.
The study, which was published on November 8, 2024, examined the behaviors of three female elephants: Mary, Pang Pha, and Anchali. Mary, the focus of this investigation, showed exceptional capacities not only by using her trunk to shower but also by employing the hose as if it were a sophisticated tool. She would grasp the hose behind its tip, utilizing it like a showerhead to wash various parts of her body.
Researchers observed Mary’s techniques as she adjusted her grip and stance, demonstrating what they described as multiple distinct and purposeful ways to use the hose. To effectively reach her back, Mary developed what was termed as the “lasso strategy,” creatively swinging the hose over her body and taking full advantage of its flexibility. Interestingly, when using the hose, she preferred to wash the left side of her body, whereas her trunk showering showed no preference.
According to Mary’s study co-author Lena Kaufmann, these behaviors indicate more than just mimicry; Mary might possess an intuitive grasp of how hoses function, drawing parallels to the dexterity of her trunk. "Mary usually grasped the hose behind the tip, using it as a stiff shower head. To reach her back, she grasped the hose farther from the tip and swung it on her back, using hose flexibility and ballistics," Kaufmann noted, highlighting how the elephants utilize tools and their own adaptability.
But the intrigue didn't stop there. The research revealed another layer of complexity when the younger elephant, Anchali, began to exhibit what appeared to be sabotaging behavior by attempting to kink and clamp Mary’s hose during her shower. This playful yet seemingly deliberate disruption raised questions about the social dynamics among the elephants.
Brecht, one of the primary researchers, initially doubted whether Anchali had the intelligence to target Mary’s hose purposefully. Yet, as weeks passed, it became evident she was not only capable of such behavior but was honing her skills. The researchers noted, "She began to kink the hose more frequently and got proficient at it, which indicated she was practicing. She even stood on the hose—an action they had trained the elephants not to do." This growing evidence led the researchers to speculate on Anchali's motives, particularly as Mary had been occasionally aggressive toward her younger counterpart.
While the observations suggested potential sabotage, they were careful to note they could not definitively confirm it. This shrewd water hose manipulation could simply be playful behavior or related to learned responses to being excluded during showering. Regardless of her intentions, this playful disregard for the rules has opened up dialogue on elephants' cognitive abilities.
Mary and Anchali’s interactions not only highlight the dexterity and intelligence of elephants but also shine light on their rich social dynamics and behaviors. The researchers suggest this adds to the documentation of elephants as thinking animals capable of pondering their actions and consequences.
Mary’s innovative showering habits and Anchali’s antics serve as both entertainment and enlightenment, showcasing just how complex and intelligent these magnificent creatures are. It also brings to life the notion of elephants as not just larger-than-life animals but also as social, cunning entities with personalities and motivations akin to our own.
With the help of such studies, not only are we witnessing stunning animal behaviors, but we are also beginning to scratch the surface of the advanced cognitive abilities of elephants, amplifying our appreciation of these giants of the animal kingdom.
