Have you been following the action at the 2024 Paris Olympics? Well, we imagined what our own version would look like with our resident elephants as the athletes. Presenting the 2024 El-ympics!
Wildlife SOS Elephants Go for Gold(en) Watermelons
Our resident pachyderms joined in on the fun and celebrated with the rest of the world to bring awareness to the plight of elephants
Move over, Usain Bolt—there’s a new group of athletes ready to take the world by storm! But these aren’t your typical competitors. Welcome to the most uproarious sporting event of the year: the Wildlife SOS El-ympics!
Event #1: Trunk Wrestling
In our first event, two teams of elephants face off in the ultimate test of trunk strength: Trunk Wrestling! The athletes are ready, the tension is high. The stakes? Well, they’re sky-high—because the winners get first dibs on the juiciest watermelons!
The whistle blows, but wait—what’s this? Lakshmi seems to have spotted a butterfly and has completely forgotten about the game! Oh well, on to our next event. We declare everyone a winner and celebrate with a watermelon feast.
Event #2: Synchronized Mud Bathing
Next up, it’s time for some synchronized splashing in the ever-popular Mud Bathing event. Here, the elephants show off their coordination, grace, and flair as they roll, spray, and slide through the mud.
The judges—comprised of some very discerning peacocks—are looking for style, technique, and, of course, the biggest splash. The Munchkin Herd consisting of Chanchal, Bijli, and Laxmi faces off against the Musketeers – Phoolkali, Maya, and Emma. The Munchkins are up first, and they start strong with a synchronized trunk-spray that creates a perfect arc of mud. But it’s the Musketeers that steal the show with a dramatic epic belly flop that sends mud flying in all directions. The crowd (and the judges) are covered in mud, but they love it. Gold medals all around!
Event #3: Watermelon Eating Contest
In this event, it’s all about who can eat the largest, juiciest watermelons. The competitors line up, eyeing the pile of gigantic, ripe watermelons—some even starting early as we all know elephants can’t resist watermelons.
First up is Bhola, known for his love of snacks. He wraps his trunk around a big green watermelon and lifts it effortlessly—then takes a giant bite out of it, and the watermelon explodes in his face! The crowd roars with laughter, and Bhola, now covered in watermelon juice, waves happily to his fans.
Maya is up next with a different take on the contest, she takes an enormous watermelon, places it on the ground, and in one smooth motion, places her large front foot on the watermelon, crushing it in an instant. Much to the excitement of the other elephants, watermelon sprays everywhere creating a joyful frenzy. Who’s the clear winner, well everyone of course. Both competitors take home the gold (and the watermelon, of course).
The Closing Ceremony: A Feast Fit for Champions
After a day of laughs, mud baths, and a sticky show of talent, it’s time for the closing ceremony. The elephants gather for a grand feast of their favorite treats: watermelons, bananas, sugarcane, and, of course, lots and lots of leafy greens.
It’s been a day of fun, freedom, and pure joy—a true celebration of everything Wildlife SOS stands for.
While the Wildlife SOS Elephant El-ympics might be an enjoyable fictional tale, our work saving India’s wildlife is no laughing matter. These elephants, who once faced hardship and cruelty, are now living their best lives. Thanks for tuning in to the El-ympics and thanks for your ongoing support of our work. We’ll see you in 2026!
