Greedy wild elephant stops passing trucks to steal sugarcane

A greedy wild elephant shunned jungle leaves and instead stopped passing trucks to steal sugarcane.

The 35-year-old jumbo nicknamed 'Fatty' by locals emerged from the forest on a road in Chachoengsao province, Thailand, on December 29.

He walked in front of the vehicles forcing them to slow down, then reached up to the sweet-smelling cargo in their trailers.

Footage shows the bull gorging on the sweet snacks freshly harvested from nearby fields before they arrive at factories to make sugar.

Some truck drivers even had to swerve into the opposite lane to avoid being raided by the powerful beast.

Onlooker Au Wanapin said: 'This elephant is called 'Fatty' because of how much food he eats. He is about 35, male, and does not have tusks.

'He's a wild elephant but he comes out of the woods every year in this area to wait for sugarcane trucks. There are many of them, he's not the only elephant that does this.'

Thailand has an estimated 2,000 Asian elephants living in the wild where they wander freely among protected forests. Male Asian elephants, unlike African elephants, roam alone once they are over 10 years old while females remain with the herd.

Wildlife officials believe that smart wild elephants have honed the habit of stealing fresh food from vehicles, which provide a plentiful source of food.

However, it is not because they are hungry. Officials believe elephants simply target homes and trucks because they prefer the tastier food over what they can forage for in the jungle.

Elephants are protected animals in Thailand and killing them carries a maximum prison term of up to three years and a fine of 1,000 baht (25GBP).

Clip ID: 537027

[srichter]

That's so nice the trucks stop for them. The elephant only takes a little bit off and does not damage anything. That's wonderful! ❤

[arturoamistad]

This elephant is very intelligent. He put his own checkpoint.😂😂😂

[NaWildAnimals]

*As we invade their territory, the clever elephant helps itself to our sugarcane. Brilliant creature - you deserve better. Wishing you safety and a long, fulfilling life, my friend! 🐘*

[lesly]

Thanks to the driver for kindness to give some to elephant to eat 👍👍👍🥰

[samtan]

The elephant is know by the sugarcanes truck drivers as " Police Sergeant Chubby " or " Jar Ouan " (in Thai). He is a wild elephant and loves to set up check point at this location. He doesn't ask for much, just a lttle from the top will be fine. Words on the stree is that, he is now busy training another young wild elephant to do the same.

[lioness]

The elephant is not greedy. He is helping himself to a treat.😊

[voyaristika]

This elephant knows the sugar trucks. It's so endearing, like a child knows the ice cream truck. But the elephant doesn't need music. So smart. Lovely truck drivers! ❤❤

[Joe-yymj]

This elephant runs a toll booth to collect only a few sugarcanes from each truck...very smart!! Not greedy at all.

[antontomylko]

This elephant works as sugarcane quality control worker.

[blooomerang]

I’m European and this is mind boggling to see. Such gentle, beautiful creatures. This one could most likely topple these trucks but just wanted a sweet and juicy snack. We have a saying here: “Having an elephant’s memory.” Which is someone who never forgets anything.

[rmd]

Why do you say stealing?! Or greedy?! We should all be very happy to give the elephants whatever they want! 😊❤

[echofoxtrot.]

This is the best thing ever! Elephants are amazing! So intelligent but also emotional and social creatures. They are beautiful and gentle for their size.

[racheltravelTheworld]

Thank you drivers for patiently and graciously giving food to the elephant❤❤

[Korvintage]

Elephant doesn't steal, the trucks park up to let him feed. I think in a greed obsessed world it's a lovely gesture.

[kerriarickards]

Truly magnificent and what an honour, to share some sweets with the Elephant!
Love how those truck drivers stopped and allowed the HAPPY PICKINGS!
Cute elephant! ❤❤❤

[neelymahapatra]

We encroach on their habitat and he steals our sugarcane. Smart elephant -you deserve much more. I want you to be safe and have a long life my friend!

[SosSos]

Good friendship between animal and human in Thailand 🇹🇭 ❤🥰

[ashishvashist]

Every one loves u when u r very strong and yet very humble, Elephants ❤

[max]

Thai elephant is so smart.❤ and Thai people love and respect them .

[saintsinner]

I absolutely love how the driver waits for the elephant to get its share 😂