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S44E7: Freshwater | Parenthood | Clip

Elephant Mom Saves Baby From Flood

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Trapped on the wrong side of a flooded river, an elephant matriarch tests the current and faces a critical decision: do the risks outweigh the need for fresh grazing?

TRANSCRIPT

The elephant family has also been caught out, trapped on the wrong side of the river.

To follow the rain to fresh grazing, the matriarch must find a way to cross while keeping the youngest safe.

She tests the current with her trunk, assessing whether or not the youngest can manage the crossing.

The flow seems gentle enough on this side, but the current runs swifter near the opposite bank.

(water sploshes) As the current gets faster, the adults use their bodies to shield the calves.

As the family enters the swiftest part of the river, a calf loses its footing.

(elephant rumbles) So far, the matriarch has kept her family together, but now she has a decision to make, press on towards fresh grazing or turn back to keep her calves safe.

(elephant rumbles) She has decided.

The risks of crossing have become greater than the pangs of hunger.

The matriarch has protected her youngest from this flood.