Zimbabwean farmer Francois Borman, who photographed the incident in October, said the thirsty calf had run up to the water for a drink as the rest of his herd trailed behind him.
… and quickly found himself in the mouth of a hungry crocodile.
“The little calf let out a blood-curdling scream and started a tug of war for his life with the crocodile,” Borman said.
The adult elephants rushed to the calf’s side, trumpeting and snorting, while the panicked calf nearly pulled the crocodile out of the water.
Perhaps seeing the charging elephants, the croc decided to let go of the struggling baby’s trunk and set off to find an easier meal.
The world can be a scary place for little elephants, so it’s little wonder elephant moms are so protective. Fortunately for the elephants – though unfortunately for the crocodile – this little guy got a second chance.