Several media outlets described "An Elephant Makes Love to a Pig" as one of the most popular early "South Park" episodes. Tom Carson of "Newsday" said it was the most outrageous "South Park" episode until "Mr. Hankey, the Christmas Poo" aired three months later. Many reviewers said the mere title demonstrated the crudeness and originality of "South Park", then still a relatively new show. Chris Vognar of "The Dallas Morning News" said, "With episode titles such as, 'An Elephant Makes Love to a Pig,' suffice it to say there ain't much on the air like it."