Heidi Haas arrived on the scene shortly after an elephant calf was struck by a vehicle. She sent her disturbing video and story to Latest Sightings in the hope that it would serve as a warning about the dangers of speed in wildlife habitats.
The tragedy unfolded when she was visiting Hwange National Park in western Zimbabwe.
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“I Was In Complete And Utter Shock!”
Heidi was understandably shocked when she came upon the tragic sight of an elephant calf recently knocked down by a passing vehicle.
Realising this was a sensitive and potentially dangerous situation, Heidi stopped some distance away.
At first, only a handful of elephants gathered around the stricken calf, while its mother tried to nudge it to its feet.
The Herd Gathers
However, as news of the incident rippled through the close-knit herd, they soon crowded the area to protect their injured kin.
In the chaos, they were trumpeting and jostling, which is not ideal when an animal is injured.
Highly social and exceptionally intelligent, the herd banded together in an effort to help the calf to its feet.
But try as they might, the youngster repeatedly fell.
Making Space
Soon after, it seems the herd’s matriarch ordered the herd to make space. Soon, only the matriarch, the mother, and their respective offspring remained near the fallen calf.
In the image above, note the streaming secretion on the matriarch’s cheek. This is a clear sign of distress in elephants.
A Mother’s Pain
Equally distressed, the calf’s mother never left its side. Her disbelief and frustration in not being able to help her calf were evident as she shook her mighty head.
Bravely, as if not wanting to disappoint its Mom, the calf tried to get up…
However, according to Heidi, both its back and hind legs were broken and it soon collapsed once more.
Time and again, the matriarch and the mother elephant tried to lift the calf. And, time and again, it fell back to the ground.
Mounting Frustration
While we don’t know what the elephants were thinking, their frustration and helplessness were mounting. At times, it looked like the two adults were at odds with one another.
Surprisingly, at one point, the matriarch even stood on the calf with both front legs.
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A Tragic Outcome
As Heidi’s video draws to a close, we see the mother and matriarch once again trying to lift the calf.
Sadly, as the calf grew weaker, it became evident that there was nothing they could do.
Tricky Situation
By this time, the park rangers had been notified and arrived to investigate.
However, it was a very tricky situation. While the calf was alive, there was little chance that the rest of the herd would move off on their own accord.
The only option was to put the calf out of its misery, drawing a line under what was an incredibly traumatic experience, both for the elephants and poor Heidi Haas.
Heidi ended her telling of the incident with this heartfelt plea, “It was emotionally draining to watch, and I never want to have to experience such a moment again. My last words to everyone who visits these magnificent Parks all over the world, please take care and don’t overspeed, as the loss of such a beautiful life as in this case is absolutely unnecessary!”