The Newest, Cutest Baby Animals from the World's Zoos & Aquariums

Baby Elephant Plays in Sand at Toledo Zoo

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Photo Credits: Toledo Zoo/Andi Norman

You may have first heard of Lucas, the African elephant born at the Toledo Zoo in June 2011 in our ZooBorns article HERE.  Baby Lucas and his mom Renee got a chance to check out the sand stall in the Zoo's brand new elephant facility,which will open in May.

Watch as Little Lucas has fun, like most kids do, in the big pile of sand. This video was captured by interim elephant manager, Ben Whitebred.

African elephants are listed as endangered due to poaching – their long ivory tusks are the lure. Since Asian Elephant tusks are not as big, they are not hunted as much. Both African and Asian elephants numbers have declined due to habitat loss and fragmentation.

10 responses to “Baby Elephant Plays in Sand at Toledo Zoo”

  1. D Avatar
    D

    Very cute, but not sure why the article suddenly starts talking about Asian elephants since this is an African elephant…

    Reply
  2. Trilby Avatar
    Trilby

    I’m a baby elephant!

    Reply
  3. lisadh Avatar
    lisadh

    I love how even Mama was getting into the fun of the sand. Very cute video!

    Reply
  4. Andrew Bleiman Avatar
    Andrew Bleiman

    We caught it and corrected but just after you. Thanks!

    Reply
  5. Gram Avatar
    Gram

    Elephants are amazing! Hope to visit Toledo one day just to see its zoo…

    Reply
  6. Chris Avatar
    Chris

    May I ask from an African resident perspective whether these baby elephants will get an opportunity to play with other baby elephants?
    In the wild young elephants play by splashing and spraying each other with water and mud.
    They also build skills by wrestling with their trunks and practice fighting in pushing competitions.
    How will this baby elephant acquire these skills?
    http://www.africa-wildlife-detective.com/elephant-facts.html

    Reply
  7. Rosie Avatar
    Rosie

    They’re not just playing, it’s inbred behaviour, they cover themselves with sand or mud to protect their skin from the sun and from biting insects, they either roll in it, as the baby is doing, or they pick it up with their trunks and throw it over their backs as the mother is doing.

    Reply
  8. K Avatar
    K

    Not sure if the sand is for fun or if there’s a health benefit (like keeping flies off)

    Reply
  9. marlon Avatar
    marlon

    In the wild young elephants play by splashing and spraying each other with water and mud.

    Reply
  10. Moon Avatar
    Moon

    I just love animals! And another news… I just found out that Manila Zoo has a cute elephant named Mali, and she is the only elephant in the Philippines! She has lived there for almost all of her lives, for more than 30 years. The zoo should feel like her sweet and cozy home now. But then, I read some articles in PETAAsiaPacific.com, and I noticed that Mali is in fact sad and lonely! Look at her here: https://www.facebook.com/FreeMali. She is like a prisoner, who cannot spend her days with her friends, roam in vast territories, and have delicious adequate food! She even suffers from foot problems. Why does she deserve this? 🙁 Please Help Her!

    Reply

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