What does it take to save a mother and baby who are stuck shoulder-deep in a drying dam? More importantly, what does it take to ensure more elephants don’t meet the same fate? This rescue unfolded just a few days after a massive operation to save two female elephants from the same location. During the drought, the quest for water becomes increasingly fraught. At first glance, the dam must have looked like a safe bet for a drink. The mother elephant wasn’t to know that its shallow shoreline was actually a mire of thick, sticky mud — or that one little slip would turn into a life-or-death situation. We had to anaesthetise the mother and baby, as they were fiercely protective of each other. It took a potent mix digging, determination, manpower, and horsepower, but we were able to free both from their muddy prison. To read about the full operation — and watch the rescue video in landscape — tap our link in bio/stories or visit: sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/news/updates/trapped-mum-baby — AN IMPORTANT EPILOGUE: While both rescue operations had happy outcomes, this dam was clearly a danger zone for elephants. We feared that its next victim might not be so lucky. Working with the local chief, KWS corporal, and county government, we funded a long-term solution: An excavator came and scooped out the dam, resealing its floor and removing the perilous layer of mud. Not only does this benefit the local elephant population, but also the community who relies on the dam. With luck, this will be the last rescue operation that unfolds here. Your support makes these missions possible. Because of you, we are able to help elephants in their hour of need, evening the scales as they navigate this challenging period. —— Video © Sheldrick Wildlife Trust / Francisco Grimaldi #SheldrickTrust #SWT @kenyawildlifeservice @wildlifeworks #rescue #elephant #kenya #drought