A clever elephant found a perfect scratching stick for her itchy tummy.

The female jumbo named Lotus, 45, was splashing on the muddy pool and climbed up the banks to retrieve a small branch at an animal sanctuary in Phitsanulok province, Thailand on March 15.

Footage shows the rescued elephant Lotus holding the object with her trunk to reach spots under her body.

Lotus then explored other parts of the pool carrying the stick with her at the Boon Lott's Elephant Sanctuary.

The sanctuary's owner, Katherine Connor, said: ‘Lotus often uses a stick to itch those hard-to-reach places.'

Thailand is home to both domestic and wild elephant populations. Sanctuaries play an important role in conservation efforts by raising awareness about the threats elephants face, such as habitat loss, poaching, and mistreatment. They also contribute to research and breeding programs aimed at protecting elephant populations.