Maternal Courage: Fearless Elephant Mother Thwarts Crocodile Attack to Shield Calf in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park

In a heart-stopping encounter captured in Zambia, a brave mother elephant showcased incredible resilience as she defended her calf from a formidable crocodile along the Luangwa River in the South Luangwa National Park.

A sudden attack abruptly disrupted the serene moment of the female elephant and her baby peacefully drinking from the river.


Emerging from the murky depths, a ruthless crocodile lunged at the elephant mother, clamping onto her trunk.

Despite the assault, the young elephant sought refuge behind its mother, who forced to her knees, displayed remarkable strength in the face of the crocodile’s thrashing.

Despite being brought down onto her hind legs, the determined elephant turned away from the water, managing to shake off the persistent crocodile after moving away from the river’s edge.

Both mother and baby survived the attack, though there was a tense moment when the calf tripped as they fled.

With strategic maneuvers, the mother elephant skillfully redirected away from the water, safeguarding her baby on the far side while the crocodile remained firmly clamped onto her trunk.

Impressively, the formidable elephant hoisted the crocodile entirely out of the water as she walked away.

Later in the day, the resilient duo was spotted peacefully feeding near the river, underscoring the indomitable spirit of wildlife in the South Luangwa National Park.

Known for its impressive elephant herds, comprising up to 70 individuals, the park spans 9,000 square kilometers.


It is home to diverse wildlife, including baboons, buffalo, zebras, giraffes, leopards, lions, and hippopotamuses.