A Sly Lady Keeps Us On Our Toes

Elephants have ways of teaching us lessons, both small and large. Even the most seasoned of elephant caregivers get reminders that you must be on top of your game with every interaction, unless you want to be outsmarted. Lady gave us a small refresher on this a few days ago.

Lady has been increasingly receptive and is learning to embrace treatments from Mateus and Trish more willingly. This is a welcome sight, since Lady hasn’t always been quite so open to new people. Before a recent treatment, we let Lady into the barn through a different patio than normal. From that angle, Lady has a bit more access to where her foot soak treat buckets are. As we looked over, we noticed that Lady hadn’t come into the stall yet – we soon discovered that the delay was caused by Lady stretching as far as she could to reach one of the buckets. So, Lady helped herself to an entire bucket of produce before heading into the barn (and, really, wouldn’t you?). It’s a simple lesson in remembering that when you think something is out of reach of an elephant, it’s good to move it even further back. Something that Lady was happy to remind us of.

Photo of Lady, the sneaky elephant

Comments(13)

Lisa Sisson says
August 21, 2021 at 2:11 pm
Ha! I love this! Smart Lady🥰
Rand Cooley says
August 21, 2021 at 2:21 pm
Sounds like my horses if you think they can’t get something trust me they will my Holsteiner taught himself how to open any door which sounds like Lady 🙂
Julie says
August 21, 2021 at 2:22 pm
Hehe! Funny, Lady Bug, darling! I’m thrilled to hear this, actually. Correct me if I’m wrong, but it seems to show how comfortable, secure, and present Lady is feeling. Wonderful!
Bill says
August 21, 2021 at 3:25 pm
When you are getting a “foot massage” so to speak, you can certainly check out your surroundings. And, oh yeah, that’s where they keep the snacks. Not being sneaky, just doing what anyone would do. Good for you Lady.
Katie Howard says
August 21, 2021 at 3:48 pm
Too funny! I just have this hunch that Lady is either ultra-intelligent or uber-observant — or BOTH! 😁 I love this sweet, sassy “I’ll do it my way” oliphant! ❤️🐘❤️
Carey says
August 21, 2021 at 4:19 pm
Lady has changed so much it’s amazing. Funnily enough Kaavan did something similar recently when he found a hidden pot of supplementary treats that Pedro had placed behind a post while feeding him his cooked sweet potato breakfast, in his case the pot also got crushed!
Rachel says
August 21, 2021 at 4:30 pm
I wish I could have seen that maneuver! Way to go Lady – keep them on their toes….😂👏❤️
Gayle says
August 21, 2021 at 7:04 pm
Sneaky smart! WTG, Lady, keep those humans on their toes!
Andrea says
August 21, 2021 at 7:14 pm
I imagine her doing a double-take, saying to herself ‘silly humans’, and quickly plucking up the goodies. Clever girl!
John says
August 21, 2021 at 7:37 pm
Lady, you make me smile. I love learning what you are all about, and I can just about picture that loooooong stretch for the produce bucket.
Debbie Sides says
August 21, 2021 at 7:40 pm
I just love her she’s cute as a button and smart of course💚
JoAnn Merriman-Eaton says
August 23, 2021 at 2:20 pm
You go Lady!! A girl has to have her sweet treats! Makes me smile to visualize her reaching and reaching for the sweet bucket!!
Wim says
August 23, 2021 at 3:55 pm
A smart Lady knows all the tricks. Eye of the master can’t be fooled. Good work precious Lady. 👏🐘😊

How To Help

Adopt an Elephant

Donate Today

GSE Merchandise

Elephant Wishlists

Blog