Jane Burton / African Clawed Toad (Xenopus laevis) emerging from mud, Africa.

Gerry Ellis / African Elephant (Loxodonta africana) orphan called Isholta, five weeks old, playing in mud bath, David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Tsavo East National Park, Kenya

Richard Du Toit / African elephant sprays itself with mud {Loxodonta africana} Linyanti, Botswana, Southern Africa. The mud-pack, when dry, forms a hard crust that deters insect attacks.

John Cancalosi / African elephants bathing {Loxodonta africana} South Africa

Gerry Ellis / African Elephant (Loxodonta africana) orphan called Natumi, charging and playing in mud bath, David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Tsavo East National Park, Kenya

Gerry Ellis / African Elephant (Loxodonta africana) orphans, Nyiro and Lewa in mud bath, David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Tsavo East National Park, Kenya

Yashpal Rathore / African elephant (Loxodonta africana) newborn calf and mother within herd, mud bathing. Chobe River, Chobe National Park, Botswana.

Karine Aigner / African wild dog (Lycaon pictus) covered in mud after bathing in it. Zimbabwe.

Karine Aigner / African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) watching an African elephant (Loxodonta africana) bathe in mud. Zimbabwe.

Will Burrard-Lucas / Black and white image of African elephant (Loxodonta africana) herd mud bathing, some with extremely long tusks, Tsavo Conservation Area, Kenya. Editorial use only.

Sean Viljoen / Slow motion clip of an African elephant (Loxodonta africana) mud bathing at waterhole, Mababe, Botswana.

Sean Viljoen / Slow motion clip of an African elephant (Loxodonta africana) mud bathing at waterhole, Mababe, Botswana.