When an Elephant Decides Mangoes Are Worth Climbing for…
Elephants are some of the most intelligent creatures on Earth. But let’s be honest—they can be hilariously clumsy, too. Despite their massive size, they sometimes act like they forget just how big they are. Don’t believe us? Wait until you hear this story.
Picture this: tourists at Mfuwe Lodge, nestled in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia, were treated to an unforgettable sight. An adventurous elephant decided it wasn’t going to let a 5ft wall stand between it and a juicy mango feast. Yes, you read that right—this elephant climbed a wall!
“He just chose the most direct route and made himself right at home,” said Ian Salisbury, the general manager of Mfuwe Lodge. “The guests couldn’t believe it. They were amazed—and very amused—that an elephant would even bother to climb such a high wall!”
Apparently, this unexpected visitor wasn’t a regular at the lodge. But he clearly had a mission: get to the lodge’s central area, where a big mango tree grows. And nothing—not even a high wall—was going to stop him.
Here’s the kicker: mango season usually runs from October to December, and elephants are known to roam around the lodge during that time, snacking on fallen fruit. But this particular elephant? It showed up off-season, adding a hilarious twist to the tale.
Ian shared more about the scene, saying, “He came, stretched over the wall, looked around, and even had a bite of grass. Then, oddly enough, he climbed back out the same way he came. It’s incredibly unusual behavior for an elephant to climb so high, but it made for a truly entertaining moment.”
Luckily, Andy Hogg, the managing director of The Bushcamp Company, was quick with his camera and captured this rare and funny spectacle.
Now, we have to ask—if an elephant is willing to scale a wall for mangoes, what’s the most determined thing you’ve ever done for your favorite snack? Share this wild story with your friends and let us know in the comments!
