Man Rescues Baby Elephant from Drowning, Grateful Herd ‘Thanks’ Him
July 12, 2023
source: Youtube/Animal Soul
Elephants are truly remarkable creatures. They are known for their immense size, thick skin, and impressive trunks. In fact, they are so big that they are often compared to another giant of the animal kingdom—the whale.
When elephants become protective, there are very few animals brave enough to challenge them. This became evident in a heartwarming story that unfolded at Addo Elephant National Park. In this park, home to numerous African elephants, a baby elephant found itself in a perilous situation and desperately needed help.
Before we delve into the rescue, let’s learn a bit about African elephants. There are two species: the smaller forest elephant, scientifically known as Loxodonta cyclotis, and the larger bush elephant, also called Loxodonta africana. The baby elephant in our story belongs to the bush elephant species, which can weigh up to a staggering 8 tons.
Now, back to the rescue. The baby elephant had unwittingly wandered into a small pit of dirt and mud. It soon realized that climbing out was far more challenging than expected. The rest of the herd gathered around, attempting to assist the little one. They sprayed water around the edges of the pit, hoping to make it easier for the baby to climb out. Unfortunately, their efforts proved futile.
The park staff faced a dilemma. There were no fences or barriers separating the elephants from humans, which meant any attempt at intervention carried great risk. Nevertheless, they decided to give it a shot. Driving up to the spot where the herd was, they began digging out enough of the pit for the baby to escape. However, their efforts backfired, and the panicked herd unintentionally pushed the baby elephant further into the water. A new plan was urgently needed.
The situation had become more dire. The baby was now in even deeper water, and time was running out. The staff devised a risky plan—to chase off the adult elephants using their park vehicles. This was no easy task, as adult bush elephants can weigh over 6 metric tons. It was a gamble that could have ended in disaster for the rangers and their vehicles.
Fortunately, luck was on their side. The elephants ran off, providing the rangers with a precious opportunity to rescue the stranded calf. Although it weighed over 200 pounds, the determined park staff managed to heave and pull the baby elephant out of the water. The worst part was finally over—the baby was safe and free.
But the story doesn’t end there. Surprisingly, the baby elephant refused to leave the rangers’ side. It seemed that the rescue had forged a deep bond between them. It wasn’t until the mother elephant called out for her baby that it reluctantly ran back to her. A happy ending, indeed!
And there’s more. In a truly awe-inspiring moment, the grateful elephant trumpeted its appreciation to the rangers. It may sound like something out of a movie, but elephants are known for their intelligence and emotional capacity. Perhaps such extraordinary behavior shouldn’t come as a surprise from these incredible animals.
This heartwarming tale shows the importance of protecting and preserving these magnificent creatures. Elephants, with their intelligence and emotional depth, deserve our utmost care and respect. By working together to safeguard their habitats, we ensure that future generations can also marvel at these extraordinary beings.
