Elephants of all ages love a good wallow in the mud, especially after a heavy rain. But for a young calf, getting back up from a slippery mud bath can be a real challenge.
Captured in a delightful set of photos, a baby elephant in Kenya’s Maasai Mara Reserve struggles to get back on his feet after a muddy fall.
The calf, estimated to be between six months and a year old, tried repeatedly to stand on his own, only to end up back on his backside, covered in even more mud. When his own efforts failed, he knew just what to do: call on mom for some extra support.
Taken during the region’s rainy season, the photos show the little one sounding a trumpet for help. His mother quickly stepped in, positioning herself nearby so he could seek shelter under her large frame.
She then offered her legs as a sturdy support, allowing him to push himself upright in the slick conditions.
Once he managed to stand, the pair continued on their way—at least until mom decided it was her turn to relax in the mud.
Wildlife photographer Andy Rouse, who documented the scene, was in the Maasai Mara tracking migrating wildebeest when he spotted the elephants.
“We saw a group of elephants moving fast, clearly knowing where to find good spots for mud-wallowing in the rain,” Rouse shared.
“They slid right into a waterlogged area and were clearly enjoying themselves, splashing around for about 30 minutes. Mud is fun for them, but it’s also protective, keeping their skin safe from the sun and insects.”
For young elephants, however, getting up in the mud can be quite a task. Rouse noted that this little one needed nearly five minutes to finally stand up, using his mother’s legs as a stable support.
“It was comical to watch, but also very touching—a special experience for everyone,” he added.
African elephants, the world’s largest land animals, live up to 70 years in the wild and are slightly larger than their Asian relatives.
Raising a baby is no small task, with females typically giving birth every two to four years after a lengthy 22-month pregnancy—the longest of any mammal.
So, when it comes to helping her calf out of a sticky situation, it’s no surprise that mom is more than willing to lend a hand.
Read more Elephant News.