Uploaded July 2017 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
The Sri Lankan navy released dramatic footage of the moment it rescued a drowning elephant when the mammal was dragged out to sea by the current.
Troops completed the dramatic rescue Tuesday after they spotted the Elephant in the sea about 8 nautical miles (15KM) off the coast of Kokkuthuduwai, Kokilai according to the country's Navy.
First spotted by a Fast Attack Craft warship, it took some 12 hours to complete the rescue, which involved several boats and a team of Navy divers and officials with Sri Lanka's Department of Wildlife. The combined team of ‘Jumbo’ saviours gently guided the distressed animal to the shore using ropes.
The rescue operation took 12 hours in total, according to naval spokesperson Chaminda Walakuluge, but they were able to loop a rope around the Elephant and escort it back to shallow waters. It took place under the close watch of wildlife officials and, after the mammal was safely landed ashore, Sri Lanka's Wildlife Authority took over handling its welfare.
The Sri Lankan navy released dramatic footage of the moment it rescued a drowning elephant when the mammal was dragged out to sea by the current.
Troops completed the dramatic rescue Tuesday after they spotted the Elephant in the sea about 8 nautical miles (15KM) off the coast of Kokkuthuduwai, Kokilai according to the country's Navy.
First spotted by a Fast Attack Craft warship, it took some 12 hours to complete the rescue, which involved several boats and a team of Navy divers and officials with Sri Lanka's Department of Wildlife. The combined team of ‘Jumbo’ saviours gently guided the distressed animal to the shore using ropes.
The rescue operation took 12 hours in total, according to naval spokesperson Chaminda Walakuluge, but they were able to loop a rope around the Elephant and escort it back to shallow waters. It took place under the close watch of wildlife officials and, after the mammal was safely landed ashore, Sri Lanka's Wildlife Authority took over handling its welfare.
