The Sri Lankan Navy was carrying out a routine patrol in the summer when it spotted an elephant trying to stay afloat in the sea. The huge animal had somehow moved away from the shore for tens of kilometers. Officials said the animal had lost orientation due to a strong current while trying to cross a small body of water at a nearby nature reserve.
“They usually cross small rivers or even swim through them,” the officer explained. The currents turned out to be too strong for this elephant, which was swept away. Given the inability of the elephant to save itself in such conditions, the valiant naval officers took matters into their own hands.
The elephant desperately tried to stay afloat and continued to breathe through the proboscis. Officials donned scuba gear and dived into the water. When they reached the unfortunate giant, they tried to grab him by tying him with ropes. Even as he squirmed in the water, he seemed to realize he had been saved.
As a result, she remained mounted and allowed the experts to carry out the rescue work. A Navy officer climbed onto the elephant’s back to help calm the animal. Using ropes, they gradually brought him back to shore.
Wildlife experts waited for them to shore and examined the wound. They had to make sure the animal was healthy and unharmed before they could return it to nature.
Thus, the difficult rescue operation ended successfully.
