African elephant calf with large tusks stands near a white cattle egret in an open grassy savanna, bright daylight illuminates the lush greenery and brown earth tones. 1:54
Nat Geo Animals channel icon Nat Geo AnimalsOriginal creator 392K views Save

Baby elephant stuck in mud till grandma steps in

A baby elephant has fallen into a mud pit and is crying. His mother is at his side at once, and that's when things get worse. more

She works at him with her trunk, trying to lift him out. Instead, each push sends him further into the mud. She means well. She's also making it worse.

Then comes a louder rumble, and the grandmother is on the scene. She wastes no time getting the mother out of the way. Anyone who has seen a grandmother take a crying baby from a worried parent will know the move.

She stays right beside the calf, and he starts to climb. Soon he is up and out of the hole.

African elephant calf with large tusks stands near a white cattle egret in an open grassy savanna, bright daylight illuminates the lush greenery and brown earth tones. The headline runs in white letters across the lower third.Save
A baby elephant has fallen into a mud pit and is crying.

Elephant families lean on their oldest females, because they have lived through this kind of trouble before. The mother wanted to help. The grandmother knew how.

The calf walks on with the herd as if nothing happened. If an elephant can look embarrassed, this is the moment.

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