In a last-light operation this evening, the best kind of elephant rescue unfolded — one that ended with a little life saved and a wild family kept together.
A young calf was found flailing inside a septic tank, trapped and unable to free herself. The Keepers from our nearby Voi Reintegration Unit raced to the scene, alongside the SWT/KWS Tsavo Mobile Vet Unit. Together, the team made a plan: they used a bowser to fill the tank with water, which floated the calf to a manageable level from which she could be pulled to solid ground.
It was the moment her mother had been waiting for. The herd had remained in the area, panicky but clearly not yet giving up hope. The reunion at the end speaks for itself — sound up to hear the trumpets of joy!
It’s not always possible to return a trapped calf to its family — often, the herd has given up and left the area by the time it is discovered — which makes this reunion all the more wonderful. But whether it’s a rescue or a reunion, our team will be there to help. We will also ensure this particular tank is covered to prevent a repeat incident.