Great things happen when people work together for a common cause! This was demonstrated when an elephant stuck in thick mud recently was rescued by the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.
The rescue was a joint effort with the whole community pitching in to help. It involved one hundred liters of water, three cars and a lot of elbow grease. Rescuers worked hard to dig the huge creature out of the mud and they were rewarded when it walked away unscathed.
A video of the rescue shows the animal in obvious distress with its trunk outstretched as a man hand-feeds it water to prevent dehydration. The video is a poignant reminder of the bond between humans and animals and the power of community organization.
The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy thanked all those who helped with the rescue, stating that “Community ownership of wildlife works.”
The Conservancy is a non-profit organization which was founded in 1983. It is based in Isiolo, Kenya, and its mission is the protection of wildlife and the natural habitat. The organization aims to provide a model for other community groups and to educate people about the importance of conservation.
Going by the time and effort that went into the rescue of this elephant trapped in mud, it is obvious that the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy takes its mission very seriously. I know of at least one elephant that is very grateful for this dedication!
