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A mother elephant helps her baby escape from sinking into a mud hole.

There's nothing quite like a mother's love. And elephants are no different than humans in this case, as seen in this breathtaking photo series.

According to the Rex USA photo caption, the shots were taken in Spain's Cabarceno Wildlife Park in Cantabria, when a family herd came across a watering hole that the whole group had to cross over.

Captured by photographer Marina Caro, the shots show a determined elephant mother rescuing her month-old calf trapped in the mud, notes MSNBC.

Cano comments on Rex USA, "The younger one started to slither because of the mud. His mum saw it in seconds and helped him before he fell deeper into the water and what would have been a much more difficult situation. She crouched in the mud and picked him up with her trunk ... It was magical to see what seemed like human behaviour - a mother helping her baby. It was breathtaking and I felt honoured."

Although this baby elephant was rescued, other elephants face an uncertain future due to habitat loss and degradation. Another major threat to the species, poaching linked to the illegal ivory trade, was highlighted in a recent Discovery Channel documentary.

The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species currently lists Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) as "endangered," while African elephants (Loxodonta africana) are presently listed as "vulnerable." (Source)


An elephant and her month-old calf were marching with their family herd in Cabarceno Wildlife Park in Cantabria, Spain, when they came across a watering hole that the whole herd had to cross. (Via http://animaltracks.today.msnbc.msn.com )

"I saw the older baby elephant and the mother cross the watering hole with no problems. But the younger one started to slither because of the mud," Cano told Rex USA. The male baby elephant was unable to climb up the slippery bank and started to slide down. That's when mom sprang into action.

Cano said it was amazing to see the mother elephant crouch in the mud and pick her baby up with her trunk. "His mum saw it in seconds and helped him before he fell deeper into the water and what would have been a much more difficult situation," said Cano.

The baby's mom hoisted him up the side as he struggled to climb. According to Cano, once the baby was safe, the herd paused for a while before continuing on their way.

"It was magical to see what seemed like human behavior — a mother helping her baby," Cano said. "It was breathtaking and I felt honored." Photos Credit: Marina Cano / Solent News via Rex USA

Responses to "A mother's determination: Elephant rescues baby trapped in mud"

  1. Anonymous says:

    Such a beautiful sight...and all who say that animals don't love, or understand or have compassion only say such because THEY have no idea HOW to exhibit ANY of those emotions!!!!

  2. Ajax69 says:

    I've seen a similar scene in Tanzania years ago, when a baby elephant couldn't get up a river bench the herd passed. And all (!) the other female elephants helped to push the baby up finally.

  3. Love This Thank you

  4. Anonymous says:

    quel amour! merveilleux!

  5. mira1961 says:

    superbe j'aime les éléphants si beaux et majestueux j'en tellement vu dans le parc des Virungas toute mon enfance

  6. Anonymous says:

    There are many such happenings. It shows that animals have feelings when many people do not.

  7. Unknown says:

    trop beau!! que de leçons que nous recevons des animaux! et nous, l'animal "soi disant le plus évolué" nous ne sommes même pas capables d'actes aussi beaux!

  8. Moumine says:

    Tellement magnifique, l'amour des animaux est inconditionnelle... c'est splendide, merci pour le partage !!!!

  9. wolfmom says:

    Only "surprising" thing is why we so arrogantly continue to refer to such actions as "human"behavior when they SO obviously cross SO many species!

  10. Anonymous says:

    That is so touching.

  11. Anonymous says:

    il vaut avoir à faire aux annimaux plutot qu' a certains humain ! ! !

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