Rescuers Race Against The Clock To Save Baby Elephant From Drowning

For decades, Sheldrick Wildlife Trust has protected and rescued elephants throughout Africa. Recently, they had to race to save a baby elephant from drowning in what they called a “high-stakes rescue mission set against a ticking clock.”

The elephant calf had fallen into a trough filled with water and could not pull herself out. Her mom was frantic and stood by her baby’s side, “helpless and absolutely distraught.”

The rescuers were not only worried about the baby’s safety but also that the mother would soon give up and leave. The wrote in the rescue video’s description:

“As we have seen too many times in these situations, a mother elephant will only wait around for so long before abandoning a hopeless situation. The window was closing to extract the baby and reunite the pair.”

There wasn’t much the rescuers could do but dive right in to the pool. But how would they draw the agitated and protective mother away? Watch the rescue mission in action below.

The experienced elephant handlers cleverly used their vehicle as a barrier between themselves and the mother but they also they knew they would need time to lift the 200 pounds / 90 kilograms calf out of the water!

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust wrote:

“We honked and revved the engine to give ourselves time and distance, then raced into the trough. As soon as the mother clocked our movement, she came racing back with a vengeance. The vehicle was on the receiving end of several charges, while our team managed to dive out of reach.”

“It took multiple attempts, but we finally pulled the baby to safety. Once he was on solid ground, it was time to step back and wait. Mum swooped in, inspected her calf, and satisfied he was unharmed, ushered him back into the wilderness.”

The mother elephant still looked so upset but also relieved when she reunited with her baby. But these men who saved her baby deserve all the applause for the risky and challenging rescue!

To support Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and the elephants they save visit their website.