A quick-thinking mother elephant saved her calf from drowning in a South African river, calling upon the herd for help in a remarkable team effort.
Photographs captured the young calf exploring the river’s edge, attempting to drink when it suddenly slipped into the deep water.
With only its head visible above the surface, the frantic mother tried to pull her calf out with her trunk but struggled to lift him to safety.
In distress, the mother called for assistance, and within moments, at least five herd members rushed to her aid.
Working together, they managed to push the calf towards the riverbank, allowing it to step onto solid ground.
The dramatic rescue was documented by photographer Wesley Wolmarans, 33, from Gauteng, South Africa.
Wolmarans recounted, “We spotted the small herd and noticed a tiny calf moving to the river for a drink. The calf was still too young to use his trunk, so he tried to drink with his mouth.”
Wolmarans described the tense moments following the calf’s fall: “The mother panicked as the little one struggled to keep his head above the water. She made several frantic attempts to save him, and after a loud trumpet, the entire herd plunged into the water.”
The herd used their trunks and feet to search for the calf, guiding him to safety against the riverbank.
Photos show the soaked calf reunited with his family, who huddled protectively around him. “The mother kept him away from the water after that,” Wolmarans added.
Reflecting on the experience, Wolmarans said, “I felt helpless watching the calf struggle, but pure joy when the herd finally pulled him out safely.”
While drowning incidents among young elephants in deep water are not rare, such coordinated rescue efforts by herd members are a testament to the strong bonds and protective nature within elephant families.
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