A Rescue Operation Like No Other

18 Oct

A few weeks ago, we were involved in one of the toughest and most intricate rescues.

Late on a Friday evening, we received word from a community herder in Milgis area that not one, but four elephants are stuck in a community well.

A mother with her three calves, a 5-year old, a 2-year old and a one-week old. All females. Tragically, the 5-year old calf had already died. When we received the news, the Reteti team was in the middle of another rescue in Kalepo; where we were able to reunite the calf with its mother. Immediately after the reunion - the team left for Milgis.

Watch the video of the rescue below

Upon arrival, we found out that they had been stuck in the well for two days already. On the video you can see the mud had dried around them. This area is also known to have numerous lions - so it was a miracle that the mother and two of her calves were still alive.

The mother was visibly depressed.

It was clear that she had given up hope - having already lost one of her calves, and the smallest one being out of reach, behind her.   When we started the rescue operation, she was violent and aggressive. But, after the first and second calf were removed safely, she became more comfortable, started drinking water from the well and even helped ‘push’ the tractor scoop.

Surprisingly, after the mother got out, she completely refused to accept the youngest calf.

Despite various attempts to reunite them, she ran off into the bush with the other. It’s not known why she rejected the calf. Perhaps trauma or confusion… there’s so much we are yet to learn. The baby is now safe and sound at Reteti, where she will receive the very best care. In some regards we had success, and in some not.

One thing is certain, that if it had not been for the community’s action and the incredible team work on this rescue, it is most likely all of the elephants would have died.