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ZURICH, Switzerland — Nothing can stop a mama elephant from protecting a calf in its herd in the wild, and the same goes for elephants in zoos.
Patrons at Zoo Zurich are excitedly watching a new baby elephant navigating its environment when things get a little more exciting.
The video shows a calf trying valiantly to make its way up a step that is almost as tall he is. You think he's going to make it with just one leg to pull over the lip, but he's still developing coordination and balance gets the better of him. The baby topples backward and lodges in a nook that props it upright on his haunches. He thrashes his feet to try and get out of the jam to no avail. But he only struggles for a moment before two elephants come charging to his rescue, grumbling and trumpeting along the way.
The two mamas — with backup arriving closely on their heels — have baby quickly upended. But instead of helping the calf up the step, they stay close and protectively guide it up an incline to where the step disappears and baby can be on its way.
It’s an impressive and tender sight.
The video is two months old, but is currently gaining traction online.
