A remarkable event occurred at Kruger National Park recently, which is one of the largest game reserves in Africa. The 7,500 square-mile South African reserve is home to an estimated 150 different species of animals. One of the animals at the reserve is the elephant.
The elephant population at the reserve can range from 7,000 to 11,000, so it is likely that guests of the reserve will encounter an elephant from time to time. However, what was recently captured on video is a rare occurrence. An elephant calf was crossing the road when it began to sway and collapse. The baby elephant gave in to its own weight and lay helpless on the asphalt road, but what occurred next is truly amazing.
An elephant calf in trouble is not amusing. In fact, when elephants make their way into the world they can weigh an average of 200 pounds, which makes it difficult to move them if needed. A herd of elephants saw the baby elephant in distress and immediately came to the rescue. The herd began to surround the elephant as a form of protection against vehicles, humans, or a predator that may want to attack the helpless elephant calf.
As a team, the herd worked together to help lift the baby elephant to its feet. The herd used their trunks to lift the calf off the road. Although it was a bit of a struggle, the calf was eventually lifted to its feet and moved along with the rest of the herd.