Jumbo problem of ‘leaking’ pool
May 25th, 2010 | By mervi | Category: Featured articles26.5.2010 – Posted by Patricia Roberts
A mystery “leak” draining a jacuzzi in South Africa has been explained after tourists caught an elephant drinking from the pool.
Affectionately nicknamed ‘Troublesome’, the animal is well-known to rangers at the reserve for her inquisitive nature. But no one imagined any connection with a problematic jacuzzi outside one of the £400-a-night lodges.
After weeks spent trying to solve the mystery Troublesome was finally caught in the act when a guest staying at the lodge heard her outside.
Susan Potgieter, owner of Etali Safari Lodge, said elephants could drink more than 200 litres of water a day so drinking a whole jacuzzi was no problem.She said: “When I first saw the photograph of her drinking I couldn’t believe it. And then it dawned on me of course an elephant was drinking it. It was something of a relief because we had been trying to work out why the pool had been draining so quickly for weeks but couldn’t find a leak anywhere. When it was empty in the morning we first called a plumber, but they could not work out why it was draining either.
Troublesome was caught in the act by a guest at the lodge who just came outside to have some tea on the decking. They were quite surprised to see an elephant taking a drink of her own too, and quickly grabbed a camera.
“We’ve seen this elephant a lot before and by the lodge, the rangers call her ‘Troublesome’ not because she causes trouble but because she comes so close to their vehicles.”
Susan said Troublesome probably preferred the water of the jacuzzi because it was clean.
She said: “Now that we know what was going on we have tried to provide her an alternative source of water. But sometimes it’s hard to get an elephant to change her ways.
“She is a very welcome visitor for us and our guests, except it’s probably best to check if she is around before taking a dip in the jacuzzi.”
Dear Patricia,
This is too funny to be true
but of course, it is – we have a photo evidence! I’m glad to hear the people love and understand him. I guess it’s quite difficult to make him change his manners. As they say – old habits die hard!
Hugs from Mervi
Dear Patricia – Thanks for this funny and most interesting article. From the photo I see that the fence is made of wood, that’s not too difficult for the elephant to not only drink the water but also to get in and have a bath if he wants to (?)
Hugs from caren
Dear Patricia
thank you for the funny story. I try to imagine how it must be to sit in the pool while a elephant arrives for a drink.
Many Hugs
Bea
Dear Patricia!
It is a funny story. Thank you.
Very funny….you go Troublesome. It beats buying clean bottled water anyday at thoe inflated prices. Thanks for sharing Patricia.
Dear Patricia
Very funny… I think you will like to open the door and to be face to face with lollyphant…
Dear Patricia,
Oh, you have found a really hilarious story here! Thank you!! Isn’t she sweet–and isn’t it wonderful that the owner of the Lodge is willing to share with her by trying to provide an alternate source of water. I think they could have picked a better name for her though–perhaps “Ms. Inquisitive” or “Opportunistic”
) It would be interesting to know whether she is the matriarch of a herd–she looks to be quite mature.
Hugs, Sarsam
Wonderful episode! Thanks PATRICIA ROBERTS for sharing this article. I can so well imagine how Troublesome takes just a sib in all modesty – and the pool is empty. Giggle…
Dear Patricia,
What a smart elephant….wouldn’t that we something to see her up close like that….
and for only 400 euros per night…..cheap at twice the cost (haha) …. xo k-j