Braving the Floodwaters, Strangers Risk Everything to Save a Helpless Baby Elephant Struggling to Survive

Guests and staff at a vacation spot in Kenya acted fast when they spotted a baby elephant being swept away in a flooding river — and it meant the difference between life and death for the little animal.

People saving baby elephant from flooding river

“Our staff and guests were involved in the dramatic rescue of a baby elephant from the flooded Ewaso Nyiro river,” Elephant Bedroom Camp (EBC), on the Samburu National Reserve, wrote earlier this month.

Baby elephant pulled from flooding river

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A bystander managed to catch the moment on camera. A group of staffers can be seen swimming in a group in the middle of the river. As they approach the bank, they tiny elephant they’re holding becomes visible. Men on shore rush to help them.

Baby elephant saved from flooding river in Kenya

Even though people were worried for Ewaso’s health after all the water she swallowed while fighting to stay afloat, after just a few solid days of rest and comfort at the sanctuary, Ewaso was already doing better. She was even ready to meet some new friends.

Baby elephants at sanctuary in Kenya getting mud bath

Ewaso is turning out to be quite a character, “very spunky and charismatic,” according to Rowe. “The other day, when it started raining, we had her go inside to her stall. She started trumpeting at everyone to let them know she wanted to keep playing outside. Then, when we let her out, she went barreling into the grass with her keeper.”