In a recent incident at a waterhole in South Africa’s Madikwe Game Reserve, a young elephant calf faced a mishap in the mud, leading to a somewhat disorganized rescue effort by its herd. Nico Verster, the general manager of a nearby game lodge, captured the incident on camera.

While observing a breeding herd of elephants drinking at the waterhole, Verster witnessed the small calf toppling over and landing in the water. Despite having seen other elephant herds execute successful rescues, he noted a lack of coordination and expertise in this particular group.

The mother elephant, seemingly inexperienced, attempted to lift the baby out, holding him by his trunk and flipping him by his back leg. However, she struggled and became frantic, unable to get a proper hold.

Most other members of the herd remained passive, offering little assistance. Verster, who witnessed the incident, noted that they were inexperienced and didn’t provide help as breeding herds typically would.

Wildlife rehabilitator Karen Trendler attributes the lack of assistance to the elephants’ inexperience, emphasizing the surprising absence of distress calls from the mother that would normally alert other females for assistance.

The herd adopted a strategy of back-and-forth retreat and aimlessly milling around, putting the calf’s fate at risk. Struggling in the slippery mud, the calf grew agitated and exhausted, impacting the behavior of the other elephants, especially the distress shown by the other calves.

Verster, though moved by the unfolding events, refrained from interfering, recognizing the importance of letting nature take its course in such situations.

Eventually, the mother elephant and another member of the herd nudged the youngster up the bank after a prolonged and disorderly interaction at the waterhole’s edge.

After struggling for an extended period, the baby managed to scramble up on shaky feet, bringing immense relief to everyone involved.

The incident ended positively, providing a touching moment as the calf was finally safe. Verster expressed his relief, emphasizing the lesson learned by both the herd and the young calf.