During droughts, a desperate search for water leads elephants to drying dams—unaware of the danger that awaits. A single misstep can spiral into a life-threatening ordeal as they sink into the thick, unforgiving mud. Trapped and unable to regain their footing on the slick, treacherous surface, escape becomes impossible. Without intervention, what began as a quest for survival turns into a tragic death trap.
A Perilous Plight: Rescuing Two Elephants from the Grip of Mud
On September 3rd, a dramatic rescue mission unfolded in the arid landscapes of southern Kenya, near the Tanzania border. Wildlife Works received distressing footage—two elephants, hopelessly stuck in the thick, unforgiving mud of a drying dam. The footage was two days old, and their fate was uncertain. Had they survived the brutal heat, exhaustion, and dehydration?
Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) rushed to the scene, and against all odds, the elephants were still alive—weak but holding on. With time slipping away, we sprang into action.
Mobilizing for a High-Stakes Rescue
A helicopter was swiftly deployed to pick up Dr. Limo from the SWT/KWS Tsavo Mobile Vet Unit, along with Wildlife Works senior management. Meanwhile, ground teams prepared rescue vehicles—critical for pulling the trapped elephants to safety. But the challenge ahead was daunting.
Though not fully grown adults, both elephants were large and deeply entrenched in the mud. Worse still, they were trapped within yards of each other, wedged against the steep wall of the dam. Even the toughest rescue vehicles would struggle to gain traction in such unforgiving terrain.
The First Battle: Freeing the Larger Elephant
The team turned their attention to the bigger elephant first—a female in her late teens. Her body was almost entirely encased in mud, making it nearly impossible to secure the rescue straps. Fortunately, our Kaluku welders had crafted specialized long, hooked poles for exactly this kind of situation. With a combination of ingenuity, patience, and relentless digging, the team managed to weave the straps beneath her belly.
The vehicle revved, pulling with all its might. But the elephant’s awkward position made it difficult to gain enough force. After several determined attempts, the team finally succeeded. With one last powerful pull, she was freed from the mud’s clutches and hauled onto solid ground. Though unsteady from nearly three days of entrapment, she stood—alive, resilient, and ready to fight another day. Dr. Limo was confident she would make a full recovery.
The Second Rescue: A Challenge Greater Than Expected
With renewed hope, the team moved to the second elephant—a younger female, about eight years old. Given her smaller size, the rescue was expected to be smoother. But nature had other plans.
Midway through the operation, one of the vehicles broke down, forcing the team to rely on a tractor that lacked the ideal horsepower for the job. The thick, glue-like mud also made it nearly impossible to maneuver the straps beneath her.
But giving up was never an option. As daylight faded, the team’s relentless determination paid off. The straps were finally secured, and the tractor roared into action. With an almighty effort, the young elephant was yanked from her muddy prison. Wasting no time, she sprang to her feet and bolted into the wilderness—free at last.
Both elephants had survived. And, we hope, they left with a newfound caution about the dangers of drying mud.
You Make These Rescues Possible
These life-saving missions are only possible because of you. As the drought tightens its grip, more elephants will find themselves in perilous situations like this. In fact, just days later, our team was called back to rescue another special pair from the same treacherous trap—a story we will share with you soon.
Your support is a beacon of hope, giving these gentle giants a fighting chance in an increasingly challenging world. Together, we are turning the tide, one rescue at a time.
