Apparently "slow and steady wins the race" isn't part of the baby elephant curriculum. This playful trio was far too busy racing to a watering hole in South Africa's Madikwe Game Reserve to remember that mud is ... well, muddy. While their mothers had no trouble traversing the sticky pit, the little ellies got a bit stuck. Thankfully, all three were able to get out without injury (save for their bruised egos).

Some aren't so lucky – just ask this youngster:

Elephant Rescue Related Content 2014 09 11

Top header image: roger smith/Flickr