When a tiny elephant found herself in the treacherous waters of a flood-engulfed river in Kenya, quick-thinking vacationers and resort staff did not hesitate to dive into the danger to save her life.

According to Elephant Bedroom Camp (EBC), located in the Samburu National Reserve, the heart-stopping rescue happened earlier this month.

When the baby elephant was spotted being carried away by the rampaging Ewaso Nyiro River, it sparked a daring rescue operation involving both guests and staff.

Thanks to a keen observer, the breathtaking moment was captured on film. The footage shows the brave rescuers swimming determinedly towards the riverbank, cradling the tiny elephant in their grasp.

Onlookers quickly sprang into action as they neared the shore, lending a hand to haul the little one to safety.

In a post-rescue update, EBC shared, “The baby elephant, separated from her mother, was transferred to the Reteti Elephant Orphanage in Namunyak Conservancy Samburu.

This was made possible with the assistance of the Save the Elephants organization and rangers from the Samburu National Reserve.”

Miraculously, the young elephant, named Ewaso after the river she was rescued from, was a feisty little girl.

Although initial concerns about her health were raised due to the water, she swallowed during her struggle, a few days of rest, comfort, and care at the sanctuary saw her rebounding beautifully. Ewaso quickly found her footing, even finding the energy to befriend fellow residents.

Katie Rowe, one of the sanctuary’s founders, told The Dodo, “Recently, Ewaso was spotted enjoying a mud bath alongside Lemorijo, another two-month-old rescue. The mud serves dual purposes: natural sunscreen and a bug deterrent.”

Rowe spoke fondly of the spirited Ewaso, describing her as “very lively and charming.” She recounted an instance where Ewaso, keen to continue her outdoor playtime despite the onset of rain, protested her return to the stall with a series of trumpeting sounds. Once released, she dashed joyously back into the grassy outdoors with her keeper.

Ewaso’s dedicated caretakers, Mike and Leado, are experienced in nurturing rescued baby elephants into strong juveniles ready to return to the wild. Rowe assured, “Ewaso is truly in the best of hands. Someone is always present with her, and Leado stays with her overnight to ensure she is safe and comfortable.”