Jokes and puzzles often go hand in hand, with some being more than just a source of laughter.
They can be cleverly designed to test a person’s creativity and problem-solving abilities.
These delightful brain teasers challenge our minds, offering an enjoyable way to discover the unique and imaginative ways we approach challenges.
One common joke or puzzle you may encounter is this seemingly absurd question: How do you put an elephant in the refrigerator?
What is the correct answer?
Solution
First things first, it’s important to note that this question, on its own, doesn’t make a lot of sense.
So, don’t fret trying to find the right answer.
The question is often presented in a series alongside other puzzle queries about large African animals and a refrigerator.
The puzzle goes like this:
- How do you put a giraffe into a refrigerator?
2. How do you put an elephant into a refrigerator?
3. The Lion King is hosting an animal conference, all the animals attend except one. Which animal does not attend?
4. There is a river you must cross. But it is inhabited by crocodiles. How do you manage it?
The Correct Answer
Let’s explore common responses to this puzzle, both incorrect and correct answers, along with detailed explanations for each.
1. How do you put a giraffe into a refrigerator?
Wrong Answers:
- It is not possible to put a giraffe into a refrigerator
- chop the giraffe into pieces then put it in the refrigerator
Correct answer: Just open the refrigerator door, put the giraffe, and then close the refrigerator.
Explanation: You don’t need to complicate things to find solutions; this is how you test if you make a mountain out of an ant hill. You don’t need to be logical in all challenges.
2. How do you put an elephant into a refrigerator?
Wrong answer: open the fridge door, put on the elephant, and close the door.
Correct answer: Open the refrigerator door, remove the giraffe, put the elephant and close the door.
Explanation: Most people tend to give this answer because they mostly cannot forget about the consequences of a mistake. This is especially true whenever they are faced with another challenge. This particular question basically tests your ability to remember the consequences of your actions.
3. The Lion King is hosting an animal conference, all the animals attend except one. Which animal does not attend?
Correct answer: The elephant. Stating any other animal will be incorrect.
Explanation: The animal that won’t attend is Mr. Elephant because he’s still inside the refrigerator. Remember, we removed Mr. Giraffe and put Elephant instead and closed the refrigerator in the second question!
The question basically tests your memory. Most solutions require you to have a quick memory. If you have a poor memory, you may forget that the elephant is in the refrigerator.
4. There is a river you must cross. But it is inhabited by crocodiles. How do you manage it?
Correct answer: You just swim across the river. Stating different tricks that one can use will be a wrong answer.
Explanation: The crocodiles went to the animal conference. It is the right answer because when the Lion King summoned all animals, the crocodiles also attended the conference.
This one is used to test how fast you learn from your mistakes. You are supposed to remember that all animals are at the conference. You should not focus on the problem at hand.
Summary
Hopefully, now you have a clear understanding of the puzzle’s solution.
Generally, the puzzle is designed to test your creative problem-solving skills.
The first puzzle challenges you not to complicate solutions, while the second reminds you that actions have consequences.
Puzzle number 3 tests your memory, and the fourth puzzle determines how quickly you learn from your mistakes.
Most preschoolers would pass the puzzle because they still utilize their creativity.
In contrast, many adults would fail because they tend to think logically in situations where simple creativity is required.
