Guille and the Water Dispenser

When they’re drinking, most elephants tend to like clean, fresh water. That’s why we clean and fill our water troughs often and why there are stainless steel self-filling water dispensers in the habitat. Sometimes, when elephants take their first drink of water, they pull water up into their noses and release the water without drinking; by doing so, they clean their trunks, ensuring their next sip is mostly dirt free.

Guillermina seems to want a pristine drink and she wants it without a lot of work or waiting. When drinking from the metal water dispenser, instead of just sucking the water up repeatedly to get rid of all of the water already in there, she puts her trunk into the dispenser and blows big bubbles to get all of the water out at once. The water then goes absolutely everywhere – but now the dispenser is completely empty and fills itself with untouched water. While she’s the only elephant we’ve seen use this technique, we have known a couple who use the ‘one trunkful at a time’ emptying technique. It’s always interesting to see how quickly elephants from very different backgrounds develop a preference for the finer things in life once they realize what is available to them at sanctuary.

Photo of Guillermina

Comments(11)

Patricia says
October 2, 2023 at 2:25 pm
Well, you go, precious Guille! What a clever baby girl. I am SO grateful you now have the finer things in life! 🥰🥰🥰
Kenneth B. Newman says
October 2, 2023 at 3:07 pm
When will Tamy be able to have the finer things in life????
Carol says
October 2, 2023 at 3:07 pm
Very cool!🐘🐘🐘
Barb says
October 2, 2023 at 3:18 pm
What a great technique! She’s looking somewhere specifically in this pic.
Julie says
October 2, 2023 at 3:40 pm
So smart Guille. Pocha Mama taught you well. The sky looks nice and soft in this pic. How’s the weather at ESB these days?
- REPLY
  Sara says
  October 2, 2023 at 3:41 pm
  It’s still very hot, but there are chances of rain on the way. Here’s hoping!
Carey says
October 2, 2023 at 3:44 pm
I think I would be a big bubble blower too! Fascinating information, they are so dam smart, of course they would make sure their water is sparkling clean if they can!
Sheila says
October 2, 2023 at 4:12 pm
WELL U MZ GUILLIE, UR A SMART COOKIE…WELL I GUESS THEY DO OCCASIONALLY DRINK FROM THE PONDS AS THEY WOULD IF LIVED IN JUNGLE/WILD AS BABIES BUT THESE LADIES NE ER HAS MUMMAS VERY LONG SO THEY ADAPTED WATER HANITS TO ENVIRONMENT. DONT KNOW HOW GUILLE OPERATED IN THE CAVE HOME WHERE SHE WAS BORN BUT SHE KNOWS NOW SHE CAN DO WHAT SUITS HER WELL. SHES STILL A SWEET
YOUNG GIRL MENTALLY LIKELY. U NEVER KNOW. WHICH LADY 🐘🐘WILL ADAPT HER 🌊TROUGH DRINKING😍
Terry says
October 2, 2023 at 11:40 pm
Guille is one smart cookie!!! There seems to be a LOT that goes on between those gorgeous ears of hers! She has such a light hearted spirit. I’m certain Pocha is trumpeting with pride!
Lliliana says
October 2, 2023 at 11:47 pm
Gracias por hacernos conocer estos avances de la hermosa Guillermina! Seguimos su adaptación con muchísimo amor desde Mendoza, donde nació y vivió presa en un recinto de cemento hasta que tuvo la dicha de viajar a la LIBERTAD y la DIGNIDAD!
Jillyp says
October 4, 2023 at 12:59 pm
She is wonderful, very clever girl 🐘💜
Great technique Guille and fun too 🥰

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