Elephants can wash with a hose – and sabotage shower time, scientists say

Mary, left, demonstrates her ability to shower with a hose, while Anchali, right, uses her trunk to sabotage the supply of water. Photograph: Urban et al/PA

If you get frustrated by the shower hog in your house you’re not alone: research suggests such behaviour might even irritate elephants.

Scientists say they have not only discovered an elephant with an astonishing ability to shower with a hose, but spotted another cutting off the flow of water – possibly in a deliberate act of sabotage.