This Baby Elephant Had Been On The Brink Of Death When The Unexpected Happened

The Elephant Procession

Urulanthanni River is a body of water in southern India. There are lush forests surrounding it, and this area is known to house a herd of elephants. They can roam there to their heart’s content. The workers have become familiar with these animals. They feel both fear and fascination whenever they see the beasts. However, they make sure to leave the elephants alone whenever they pass by. They can tell when the animals are nearby because the ground shakes under their feet! The noise sounds like a freight train.

The Elephant Procession

Baby Fell Down

This procession of sorts was nothing unusual… at least not until the day the unexpected happened. It had been a lovely day as the herd made their way to the nearby forest. To cross the river, they needed to walk through the holding. While it is routine for the adult elephants, the babies had a hard time crossing the river. There was a baby in the group, and it was the youngest member of the herd. It was only a sixth of the size of its adult companions! As the herd crossed, the calf fell into a hollow area between the river and the land. It was only a couple of feet away, but the calf was now covered in mud and unable to escape the area! The others had no idea how to retrieve this baby.

Baby Fell Down

Down The Hole

It took the others a couple of seconds to realize just how much danger the baby was in. It could not get back on its feet because it was so cramped in there. It was tiring to stay in such a small size that did not have enough space for the calf to move upward. There was a thick layer of bud at the bottom as well, which basically made the ground feel like wet concrete. The baby started to bray loudly to show its pain.

Down The Hole

Their Next Move

The other members of the herd could not do much but look at the calf as it struggled to find footing. They were clearly shocked by the turn of events but knew they needed to do something. The little elephant was now fighting for its life, so they tried to figure out what to do. Of course, they would not achieve anything by simply watching the baby! Could they find some way to lift the calf up instead?

Their Next Move

Feeling Anxious

They began to make noises, although it did not help. The calf was now displaying signs of hopelessness and fatigue, which was too much for its adult companions. As the realization that it was very serious started to dawn on everyone, they started to feel desperate to help the baby. The elephants began to pace back and forth.

Feeling Anxious

Minutes Then Hours

They inspected the small cavity from where they were. There was no way they could go there to fetch the baby. These are smart creatures, so they figured out that doing that will only make things worse. Time went on, but they still had no idea how to help. Minutes became hours, and the danger only grew bigger as the young elephant got more tired. It was devastating to think that their baby was in danger.

Minutes Then Hours

Staying Together

These animals are known to be compassionate to each other. They often stay in groups for the sake of survival. Even though they have the size advantage, they still try to avoid predators in the wild. We daresay that humans can learn a lot from elephants! Every member of the herd is valued. They always make sure that no one is left behind. This is the reason they did not abandon the calf.

Staying Together

Dried Up Mud

The situation was bad enough as it were, although the heat did not make things any better. They did not want to leave without helping the calf, which is why they started making noises. They did not only do this to ask for help but also to express their anguish. The mud down there made it hard for the baby to keep moving. With the sun beating down on them, the mud started to dry and cake up. Uh-oh.

Dried Up Mud

Out Of Hope

After a couple of hours, the baby elephant was starting to fade quickly. The heat did not make the situation better whatsoever. It looked like the calf was doomed. The adults continued to circle the hole. Even though they could not stand what was happening, they still refused to leave. The baby elephant closed its eyes when they heard what sounded like a scream of anguish.

Out Of Hope

Like A Trumpet

This gave them the glimmer of hope they needed. The adult elephants let out warning signals, and it is an incredibly heartbreaking sound. If you were near the area, it was hard to ignore such a noise. The elephants were distraught and made the trumpet-like sound together. As they saw the youngest member of the herd succumb to death, the noise only grew louder and louder.

Like A Trumpet

What It Meant

Even though we humans cannot understand what animals want to say, it is easy enough to understand what was going on. The adult elephants could not retrieve the baby because there was no room to do that. They used their voices to ask for help instead. Were they counting on a guardian angel to help them out in such a trying time? What is clear is that they were not planning to give up on the baby.

What It Meant

One More Try

Although the baby elephant has lost a lot of energy, it started to gain hope after hearing the noises. The calf knew that it was their way of displaying concern and love. The baby mustered all the strength it could and then tried to kick some more. However, there was no way it could get out of there on its own. With one final attempt, this elephant only slumped back down. It must be heartbreaking to see this.

One More Try

The Strange Noises

The members of the community heard the noise and wondered what it meant. They initially had no idea where it was even coming from. They thought it was only a traffic jam or a new type of music. However, the strange noises went on, so they knew they were not right. There was something strange happening.

The Strange Noises

Looking For Answers

Even though they initially felt quite scared, they decided the only thing to do was to find out where it was coming from. They eventually traced it to the forest, which lay one mile away. The residents banded together and went to the woods. As the noise got louder, they tried to guess what the noises meant.

Looking For Answers

No Clue

At last, they reached the part of the river where the elephants were. They were close enough that it became hard to tolerate the noise. Still, the residents did not want to back out. They guessed that the elephants were the ones making the noise, although they could not understand what it actually meant.

No Clue

Coming Closer

Even though the residents knew that animals can kill humans easily, they could not leave there without an answer to their question. What made the elephants make such a noise? Their curiosity was piqued. More people started to go to the forest to find out. The brave ones approached the creatures even though they knew it was possible that they would get hurt.

Coming Closer

Not The Usual

In most cases, the locals steered clear of these animals. They knew that wild elephants are territorial creatures that could harm human beings when necessary. At that moment, however, they saw that the elephants did not look angry or bewildered whatsoever. They even looked somewhat hopeful now.

Not The Usual

Calling The Authorities

Even though humans are smarter than elephants, the locals still felt stunned by what they saw. They simply looked at the baby elephant in the whole and watched the grieving adult elephants. Of course, they could tell that it was impossible to get the calf out of there using bare hands. The elephant was probably going to die there, so they decided to let the authorities know instead.

When Night Came

When Night Came

Many of the locals returned to town to look for help. The evening wore off, and they noticed that the calf stopped moving. It was quiet at the bottom of the ditch as if it were simply waiting for the end to come. It was dark by then, but the other elephants and some locals stuck around. Everyone wanted to ensure that the baby could get out of there without a problem.

Calling The Authorities

Caravan Of Cars

The locals jumped in joy when they saw cars from afar. Even the adult elephants seemed to figure out that help was coming. After what felt like an eternity, a rescue team arrived at last. The locals gave way, but the other elephants seemed agitated. They did not show violent behavior, however. It felt like both animals and humans reached an understanding in the end.

Caravan Of Cars

The First Team

The first rescue team that arrived there said they were forest and wildlife officers. In order to help out this poor elephant, they needed to survey the scene. A few of the residents needed to move. The rescue team eventually reached the conclusion that they needed bigger equipment for the rescue. Mind you, it was not easy as you might have thought. The officers then went into town to ask for extra help.

The First Team

The Waiting Game

The situation was unheard of in that part of the country. The backup needed to first organize in town before going to the forest. This calf needed to wait a little more. When nightfall came, the other locals decided it was better to stay in the tent with the elephants instead. If wild beasts like these animals could wait patiently for the results, they could probably do the same thing.

The Waiting Game

The Reinforcements

Everyone was exhausted and patient, so they welcomed the rumbling sound of vehicles approaching. The wildlife officer who went to down came back with more rescuers. They brought a huge excavator with them this time. Even though they could use other tools, this was the safest way to do it.

The Reinforcements

No Matter What

By then, the calf had been down there for over a day already. It was around 7 AM that the rescue team started working during the second day. Based on the actions of the adult elephants, they wanted to retrieve the baby as soon a possible. The rescuers were more determined to do it right after seeing how close the wild beats were. It was their mission to rescue the calf no matter what.

No Matter What

Control Over The Area

There were now officials and heavy artillery there, which only made the locals more curious. However, it was important to stop people from coming too close to such a dangerous situation. In general, the animals tend to weigh a lot. While they had to rescue this elephant, the officials estimated 400 to 600 pounds a day. Two-strong people would not be able to deal with this! They needed to do it carefully, however.

Control Over The Area

Doing Their Jobs

The wildlife officers then used the excavator. The mud had rooted the calf in place. Aside from that, the rescuers know how these things work and removed the mud without endangering the animal’s life. They started to dig, remove the mud and dirt, and then widen the space to make the rescue possible. It took them hours to do all of these things.

Doing Their Jobs

Getting There

The locals could not see why the rescue team did not simply lift up the baby with the heavy artillery. It was a good thing the officers knew what they were up against. The gave way for the machine as well. Like the howls, it was also noisy and made the ground shake. Can they get the calf out of there now?

Getting There

Slowly But Surely

It became pretty complicated because they had to dig through a lot of dirt and mud for a path the calf could use. They needed to ensure that the dirt and mud would not just go into the hole either. Otherwise, they would need to abandon the first plan. They decided to do this very slowly.

Slowly But Surely

Helping Hand

They saw that the excavator made enough space for the calf to go through, so the locals joined in on the fun. The strong residents volunteered to mark where the spots where they had to dig. Everyone worked together to ensure that the calf was going to see another day. Since the baby elephant fought hard for its life, the herd of elephants started to pace back and forth again to show support.

Helping Hand

Lots Of Patience

The officers might have been using heavy equipment, but they were still happy to get an extra hand the locals. One officer was tasked to give the people organized orders. All it would take was a single wrong move for their efforts to go to waste. The locals needed to be careful in the name of their own safety. Some gave the rescue officers food, although it was clear that they would not be able to finish it.

Lots Of Patience

Thanks To The Excavator

Even though the noise of the machines was annoying, these wild elephants only stared in wonder. By then, it was the second day and the herd stayed intact. The locals and rescuers were inspired by the way they patiently waited for the baby. The excavator had been their saving grace. If it were not for the heavy equipment, the only choice the locals had would be to dig it out using their shovels and hands.

Thanks To The Excavator

By Complete Surprise

Everyone worked on the task assigned to them when they heard a loud noise. Was it the excavator? Did something go wrong? It sure feels that way. The machine operator restarted its engine, but it did not seem like anything happened. The worst nightmare was becoming a reality. How did it even happen?!

By Complete Surprise

Engine Failure

After looking at the excavator some more, the officials realized the engine overheated. There was even smoke coming from the excavator! They were using it for hours on end, which is why it has since given up. Luckily, some of the locals knew how to fix this problem! It was a good thing they were there.

Engine Failure

Taking A Break

The volunteers now had the tools they needed, so they went on with the repair work. The other volunteers and rescuers took a break since they were getting tired. Other locals gave them drinks and snacks. For now, the baby elephant had no choice but to wait. However, the adult elephants started screaming again! They tried to calm them down by getting closer to the calf to ensure it was all okay.

Taking A Break

Rushing The Mechanics

The volunteer mechanics went on with the job. However, they figured out that it was better to do it slowly since the engine problem needed a lot of work. An hour later, they were not done yet. A different volunteer made various suggestions, and the elephants made noises again. Others eventually stopped screaming, but the rest of the elephants paced back and forth too.

Rushing The Mechanics

Repair Was Done

Thanks to their teamwork, the mechanics got the engines up and running again soon enough. The other people cheered them on. The rescue mission was back to normal at long last! It was now time to continue now that everyone got some rest. They returned to their positions and followed instructions. There was still lots of work to do, but they wanted to do this properly. They had to be very careful, after all.

Repair Was Done

Do Not Waste Time

They decided to make a trench instead of going with their original plans. They knew it was going to be better if they pushed the calf towards the ground instead! It was clear that the calf no longer had any energy left whatsoever. Officials told locals to stay vigilant and wary no matter what happened. No one expected how long the rescue mission was taking, but the elephants clearly just wanted to get it over with. They continued to make the loud noise to pressure the humans. It only made the enthusiasm and energy go up!

Do Not Waste Time

All’s Well That Ends Well

They got it wrong when they thought the situation was going to be an easy job. Think about it. They got an excavator, took on some help from locals, and acquired various tools to carry out the job! However, the team needed to do a lot of things to get the elephant out of there. At long last, they could finally do what they set out to accomplish. The elephant herd only watched in awe as they saw the poor baby get pulled up to the ground! It now had the determination and energy it used to have before the accident.

All’s Well That Ends Well

A Wonderful Reunion

This was the first time that the locals got so close to the animals. However, their heart still filled with joy as they saw the baby elephant make its way over to its herd. The parents probably went over to show their affections in the same way many human parents do. You could feel the excited emotion in the area, which was a beautiful thing to witness. The crowd cheered them on, but the herd of the elephants started showing their delight and appreciation for the little elephant calf as well. How cute is that?!

A Wonderful Reunion

Learned From This

As the mature elephants went around the youngest member of the family, the locals looked on with amazement and relief. Everyone there went on to realize just how much emotions anime have a lot for me as well. As the elephants got together across the body of water, the older creatures tried to prevent another accident from happening by guiding the poor little calf to prevent it from falling down again.

Learned From This

Very Happy

It is amazing to see how happy the calf had been. The entire herd was happy it returned. However, the herds were just happy to get the baby back. However, the locals watched them walk away and return to the forest. Some of the volunteers were even moved to tears! The other volunteers were amazed to see the way the animals acted so differently.

Very Happy

Time To Go

The elephant calf had clearly liked the attention it received from its family members. However, we are sure it did not have an easy time down there. We are glad that its family stuck by the baby the entire time. Elephants showed us just how much they value their loved ones! Sadly, it was now time for them to leave the area since they did not eat nor drink the entire time. It was time to live their life now.

Time To Go

Walking Carefully

Even though they had previously crossed the same river many times in the past, they were extra careful this time. They did not want a repeat of what just happened. It showed that animals do learn from the past as well. The calf walked between its adult companions as well. The parents kept an eye on the little one the whole time. The village locals could not help but watch in amazement. How amazing was that?!

Walking Carefully

Thanks And Bye

The locals spent more than one day with the animals. Even though they were also excited by then, they were glad they saw what they did. They hoped to watch until the elephants all disappeared from view. When the herd reached the other end of the river, something amazing happened. They all turned their heads as if to say goodbye. The locals could tell that the beasts wanted to show their gratitude.

Thanks And Bye

One More Surprise

They thought that the whole thing was now over at last, but they were surprised to see something else. The elephants formed one line! In the beginning, the volunteers thought they just wanted to rest. However, the beasts started to raise their trunks as well. What did this mean?

One More Surprise

A Trunk Salute

Even though some animals are capable of showing humans their appreciation without a problem, this was the first time they saw anything like this. The locals thought the beasts would just walk away and forget about everything. However, the elephants raised their trunks and made the trumpet sound. It sounded happy to them, and they had never seen the animals do this before. It felt like a salute!

A Trunk Salute

Never Forgetting This

The onlookers started to laugh and congratulated everyone for a job well done. They were glad that they pitched in to save the creature. The salute they received from the huge animals made their efforts worth the trouble. While the elephants went on their own way, they knew that they would never forget this incredible experience. They only wrapped everything up when they could no longer see any of their elephant friends. Everyone’s heart felt full no matter how tired they were.

Never Forgetting This

Elephants Are Well-Loved Creatures in India

Over half of the elephants in Asia reside in India. The massive animals are important creatures to the Indians. They also roam all over the subcontinent. Can you just imagine how many elephants there are in this country? While there are domesticated ones, there are more wild elephants out there. Some of these creatures are even used in local businesses to this day! Elephants are very dear to the Indian people and culture. Perhaps this is the reason the locals chose not to ignore the screams they heard. When the whole fiasco was over, the wildlife officials thanked everyone who helped out the animals. Aww!

Elephants In India

Hearing stories about animals being saved always warms our hearts, which is why we would be bringing you another story of an animal being saved. Meet the lioness named Sheila! She is a stunning lioness who has spent the majority of her life as a show animal at private parties. In any case, her health began to deteriorate. Her owner was unable to administer her routine veterinarian medications; fortunately, animal rights advocates intervened and saved her life. Unfortunately, Sheila appeared to be beyond help at that moment. Her new owners were concerned that she might have to be put down. Until something extraordinary occurred…

Saving Sheila

Sheila the lioness was rescued by the US Department of Agriculture in July 2009. Almost the entire lion pride was ripped apart during that year, but Sheila’s ordeal was particularly harrowing. She was frail, frail-looking, and powerless. Despite the fact that the people who rescued her believed she had little chance of surviving, they took on the challenge and encouraged her in any case. They hoped to see her condition improve at the very least.

Saving Sheila

The Suffering Lion

Sheila was from a Texas amusement park. Prior to being rescued, her job was to make a lot of money for her manager by appearing at important events and gatherings. Sheila wasn’t the most prominent lion in this amusement park, but she was the most well-known and resilient. The lions in Sheila’s care were treated particularly badly by her guardian. “When their value is no longer substantial, he’ll discard them and ignore them completely,” said Keahey, the Founder of In-Sync Organization.

The Suffering Lion

Held As Prisoner

Sadly, Sheila had spent the majority of her life in cages in Texas. Since she was a small cub, she had been a working lioness. Her role as a cub began in the media and included photoshoots. While Sheila was born in the wild, she lived a domestic life that prioritized labor, negatively impacting her health and well-being.

Held As Prisoner

Out Of Harm

Sheila struggled with coordination and couldn’t properly stand on her feet. Her muscles were weak, making walking difficult for the people who rescued her. She couldn’t even raise her head to eat or drink water. She had completely lost her appetite, as well as her desire to live.

Out Of Harm

Not Extinct

Blackfish is a documentary about commercial fishermen who take baby whales from the ocean and sell them to places like Sea World. Sheila’s experience is harrowing, but it’s not uncommon. Because animals are routinely abused for entertainment, the vast majority of these species are neglected, resulting in a short and unhappy life. Sheila’s rescuers are optimistic that she will not face similar difficulties.

Not Extinct

Handing Over To Experts

The US Department of Agriculture has chosen to hand her over to the In-Sync Exotics Wildlife Rescue and Education Center, an animal government assistance organization. Sheila was in terrible shape. It’s a charity that helps stranded animals get back on their feet and heal. The news was not encouraging. If Sheila’s condition did not improve, In Sync stated that they would consider euthanizing her. She won’t be able to live for long…

Handing Over To Experts

No Appetite

Sheila was taken care of by In-Sync. At first, the lioness did not respond well to treatment. Her rescuers, in any case, were eager to save her life. Because Sheila is unable to eat on her own, the group took the time to feed her by hand. “I need to go to Sheila for about fourteen days to take care of her by hand,” she stated, “I’ll convey meatballs, stuff them down her throat.” In-Sync’s author said.

No Appetite

No Development

Despite the fact that In-team Sync’s put forth a valiant effort to assist Sheila, she did not appear to be improving. Her health appeared to be about the same as it had been before she arrived. According to a representative from In-Sync, “She had next to no muscle strength; thus, as she strolled, her knees would tumble from beneath.”

No Development

A Stressful Situation

In-rescue Sync’s team worked with animals in dreadful conditions, but they never encountered anything particularly distressing. They were unable to assist Sheila in her efforts to improve. They also believed she was completely surrendering to her doomsday fate. Sheila stopped moving after a long period of exhaustion and lack of energy. Her condition appeared to be deteriorating; she was throwing up everything she had eaten. This made the rescuers’ job extremely difficult.

A Stressful Situation

Painful Life

The In-Sync group had a lot of trouble. They tried everything they could to help Sheila, but nothing seemed to work. Following a half-month of arduous work, they decided to euthanize this massive feline. Sheila’s life has become agonizing and difficult. The group needed to figure out how to make killing Sheila the kindest thing they could do.

Painful Life

Sheila Was Exceptional

Sheila’s death was unnecessary for the group. She was a perfect creature who had spent her entire life confined. They gave her permission to go on with her life. Sheila was not fond of most lions. Her hide was blonde, which distinguished her from other colossal felines. Her previous owner held her light hair in high regard. Timbavati and South Africa are home to lionesses of this tone. When In-Sync received new data, it was ready to euthanize Sheila…

Sheila Was Exceptional

Her Illness Is Lethal

Sheila had been diagnosed with toxoplasmosis, as well as nutrient A deficiency. It implied that Sheila’s blood was contaminated with parasites. The illness is fatal for members of the catlike family. She needed to take her prescription right now because they knew exactly what was wrong with her.

Her Illness Is Lethal

Insufficient Treatment

Toxoplasmosis is a disease that affects cats frequently. This occurs when the body’s immune system is unable to combat the disease. Sheila’s immune system has been weakened for a long time as the infection has progressed due to a lack of treatment. Reduced coordination, confusion, anorexia, dormancy, breathing problems, swollen lymph nodes, and possibly visual impairment are all symptoms of toxoplasmosis. This infection can be deadly if not immediately tended to.

Insufficient Treatment

Terrible Disease

Toxoplasmosis can affect both humans and cats. The disease can spread throughout the body, which includes parts such as the lungs, eye, and cerebrum. As the disease is inside one’s body, the person with the disease would show symptoms of the flu, muscle pain, as well as swollen lymph nodes. For humans like us, it is quite tolerable, but for someone like Sheila the lioness, things are a bit difficult.

Terrible Disease

She Is So Stubborn

The people taking care of Sheila quickly began her anti-toxin treatment. It needed some investment to get all of the medication that the poor lioness needs. And as difficult as it may be, this was Sheila’s only hope of surviving. It’s difficult to get a lion like Sheila to make her intake her medicine. In fact, the In-Sync team would take almost an hour just to give her the medicine she needs.

She Is So Stubborn

Feeling Good

As soon as she took her medicine, Sheila immediately started to get better. Her legs healed, letting her walk on her own, and eventually, she started to eat without any need of assistance. The people in charge of Sheila believed that the lioness started to get better because of her medication, however, what they didn’t realize is that Sheila healed because of a completely different reason.

Feeling Good

Remarkable Change

The In-Sync team shared in a Facebook post, “Sheila has made a momentous improvement and has reestablished muscle strength, gulping easily, and runs and bounces a ton.” The vets and the volunteers who took care of Sheila while she was fragile quickly realized how the once-ill lioness was quickly able to gain her strength back. They were able to realize that Sheila gained her strength back not just because of the medicine that they gave her.

Remarkable Change

Cold Cats

Although felines seem to be emotionally distant, and with lions being always out on the hunt, you might expect that they’re quite a solitary creature, right? Nope, they’re actually very social animals! Wild lions usually lay together the whole day. They eat, play, and hunt with each other, which is why isolating them in a cage by just themselves is a bad idea! Thankfully, the crew from In-Sync quickly realized this.

Cold Cats

Helpful Neighbor

In-Sync had another place nearby Sheila’s area. In fact, someone from the fenced area helped Sheila to be jovial and find her will to live! As the staff realized what was happening between Sheila and her neighbor, they couldn’t believe it! Just who exactly was the reason for Sheila’s recovery?

Helpful Neighbor

Meeting Kahn

It was another lion! An attractive, male lion, to be precise.  And with the way things are going, it seemed like Sheila loved her neighbor! Apparently, the two lions formed a bond with each other, a bond so strong in fact, that Sheila managed to recover her strength quickly! Because of her relationship with Kahn, her will to live was back and she couldn’t be happier!

Meeting Kahn