The viral video may be something you never thought about but after discovering how elephants scratch their bellies, you will surely never forget. So did you know this before?
The world of social media can be a beautiful place that supplies endless information which is free and easy to access.
However, sometimes your algorithm forces you to learn something you wish you never ever stumbled upon. People were left horrified after discovering how elephants scratch their bellies – and it’s not what you think.
Kenyan-based photographer and videographer Jack Swynnerton posted to his Instagram to share an elephant’s “creative solution to an itchy problem”.
Capturing the majestic animal in its natural habitat, the video shows the elephant strolling comfortably in the dry yellow grass surrounded by little white birds. It appears to be innocent at first until a long appendage shows up to scratch the elephant’s belly.
At first glance, you believe it is the tail until the 30-second clip automatically replays and your entire innocence leaves your body once you realise that it is indeed not the tail… but rather the elephant’s genitals.
In disbelief and utter shock, people ran straight to react to the video.
One user wrote: “I miss the person I was 15 seconds ago.” Another agreed and said: “I was like awww a baby elephant is helping its mamma out and then my jaw dropped after reveal.”
A third put: “I wish I could erase this from my brain, I’m uncomfortable now.” A fourth quipped: “Same,” while another said: “How did y’all get this footage of me?”
Some curious users expressed their follow-up questions as one asked: “Do you think his trunk can hold his other trunk like a loop.” Somebody else questioned: “So girl elephants don’t get to scratch their tummies?” To which a person replied and said: “No men are here to scratch your tummies using their rocket.”
According to African Safaris LTD, elephants use stumps, rocks, trees and termite mounds, if they need to scratch someone where their trunk, tusks or legs cannot reach. However, in light of this video, I’m sure no one will truly forget the creative way male elephants can solve their itchy problem.
