An elephant calf, barely visible in thick deep mud, has been saved by a conservation group in South Luangwa. This story has a very happy ending.
Conservation South Luangwa came across a tiny baby elephant stuck in a muddy hole. The group worked hard, needing seven people to help hoist the stuck little baby out of the mud.
When the young one was spotted, it was nearly impossible to see him as he was so covered up in mud, he camouflaged into the surrounding hole.
Dr. Lengwe called Conservation South Luangwa’s Dr. Mwamba to come and facilitate the rescue of the elephant from the mud. At that point Dr. Lengwe wasn’t sure if he’d survive, he could not move anything but his little trunk and he was exhausted.
“When we arrived half an hour later, I couldn’t even see him in the mud, he was so small and the same colour. A herd of elephants including his mum knew they couldn’t get him out and had moved away to feed and bathe. It’s not the first time we have done these rescues so we came prepared with ropes, shovels, strong men and after pulling and tugging we got the little guy out.”
Once they got the calf free, they worked on helping get him to his feet. The blood in his legs needed to be circulated so they helped walk him to the shade near the area where his herd was.
“He couldn’t stand so we had to help him to his feet, get him moving and get the blood circulating again. Mum still did not come back even after all his screaming while we were pulling him. We herded him in to the shade and towards the elephants nearby and mum and family eventually came towards him, where he started suckling immediately.
There are so many terrible wildlife and poaching stories everyday so we take great pleasure and satisfaction being able to help. Thanks to a great team effort.”
Take a look at the rescue below. It is so good to see another life saved.
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