While drought-stricken Africa welcomes rain, it can also bring unexpected challenges. One determined elephant mother with a newborn faced the possibility of being separated from her baby forever due to a sudden downpour that trapped her baby in a well. However, thanks to the efforts of rescuers, the mother and baby were reunited and the grateful mother expressed her appreciation.
The baby had s.l.i.p.p.e.d into a drinking trough in Kenya’s Tsavo National Park, and the mud made it impossible for the newborn’s little legs to climb out.Luckily, people were watching. Some visitors reported the scene to the park authorities who arranged for a rescue team.
The mother elephant was doing everything in her power to protect her baby and help her out of the trough, but she couldn’t get a good grip on the calf. “Upon arriving at the scene with heavy rain still falling, our teams guided the mother to a safe distance so they could lift the days-old calf out,” DSWT wrote on Facebook. “Throughout the rescue, the mother circled in the distance, anxiously watching what was happening.”
It took three men to lift the newborn out of the trough. They were gentle and tried to keep the baby calm while she was separated from her worried mom.Finally freed, the baby was led back within view of her mom, who was visibly relieved her baby was out of danger.“The minute she saw her baby free and heard her calf’s cries, she raced over to her side,” DSWT wrote.
As the small family departed, the mother elephant appeared to express gratitude to the men who saved her offspring. “The mother walked in a circle with her head and tail held high, gazing in the direction of the vehicles and people, understanding that she and her calf had received assistance from humans,” DSWT reported.
